Who would say no to a sunny Christmas escape at Cape Town’s iconic Twelve Apostles Hotel? Wake up on Christmas morning to an energising hike up to Table Mountain, enjoy gourmet cuisine at the finest local restaurants, and round off your stay by catching the surf at one of the city’s famous beaches. Here are a few fun family activities that will make your Christmas in Cape Town an unforgettable festive break.
Table Mountain, Cape Town © sculpies/iStock/Thinkstock
Hike through Table Mountain National Park
Just fifteen minutes from Twelve Apostles Hotel is one of South Africa’s most impressive natural sites: Table Mountain. Take a leisurely summit stroll atop the 1,088-metre flat peak, or challenge yourself on an adventurous guided tour with Hike Table Mountain. Better yet, take a romantic ride on the aerial cableway and enjoy incredible views over Cape Town, minus all the hard physical work. The daring should also try the tough and rugged Hiddingh-Ascension trail, decorated with wild ravines and untamed vegetation.
Distance from hotel: 15 minutes by car. Table Mountain National Park
Yacht at Clifton Beach © sallywellbeloved/iStock/Thinkstock
Kick back and relax on the Clifton Beaches
The water may be a tad chilly, but that won’t detract from the pristine coastline and secluded coves that make up the four Clifton beaches. Known as Cape Town’s St. Tropez, the ocean here is speckled with yachts and provides the perfect spot for some well-deserved Christmas downtime. The varying nature of the locations cater to every mood, whether your competitive nature lures you to the volleyball courts at First Beach, or you seek the family-friendly holiday vibe of Fourth Beach, where the kids can build sandcastles in the sun.
Distance from hotel: 20 minute walk. Clifton Beaches
Watch a Christmas film at Galileo Open Air Cinema
Watch a festive cult classic or the latest Hollywood blockbuster under the stars at the Galileo Open Air Cinema. Based at four different locations across the city, take a short trip from the hotel to the heart of the Durbanville Wine Valley for a dramatic backdrop to your film of choice. Cosy up under a blanket at the historic Hillcrest Quarry and enjoy delicious barbeque treats and award-winning wines.
Distance from hotel: 35 minutes by car. Galileo Open Air Cinema
Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach © Neil Bradfield/iStock/Thinkstock
See the penguins at Boulders Beach
Far from your average beach experience, a trip to Boulders Beach means you can frolic with the local ‘Jackass’ penguins. Renowned for possessing a similar braying noise to that of donkeys, visiting the wildlife sanctuary and protected breeding ground of these endangered species is a must when in Cape Town, and an extra special Christmas activity for the kids.
Distance from hotel: 50 minutes by car. Penguins at Boulders Beach
Go Diving at False Bay
From coral-rich coves to historic shipwrecks, Pisces Divers offer eager visitors the chance to experience the fascinating marine life of South Africa first hand. Swim amongst the elusive Seven Gill Cow sharks, venture through the bowls of sunken ships, or plunge into the deep waters off Seal Island.
Distance from hotel: 40 minutes by car. Pisces Divers
Free diving © Paulbcowell/iStock/Thinkstock
Enjoy a special meal at The Roundhouse
End your festive Christmas in Cape Town with a luxurious meal at the Roundhouse, situated on Table Mountain. Dine al fresco on the ‘Rumbullion’, a pretty terrace with expansive views out across Camps Bay and the Atlantic, and nibble on an array of light tapas dishes or hearty braised Karoo lamb, all washed down with some fine South African wine.
Distance from hotel: 20 minute walk. The Roundhouse Restaurant
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