Expert Info

Posted by
on 12 Jun 2012
My husband and I are coming to Cape Town for a month in August, which I gather is basically the middle of winter. Some friends have told me Cape Town basical;ly shuts down in winter, is that true? Looking for a couple good days out for the kids. They are 7 and 9.
Anonymous (not verified) on 12 Jun 2012 - 08:33
Hi Sally

Firstly - it depends where you're from. If you're used to weather in the UK, you'll be surprised by how warm it is in winter, despite the way the locals complain.

Still, although Cape Town's blessed with sporadic mild, sunny stretches in winter, it's not called The Cape of Storms for nothing. There'll be more rainy days than in summer, which rules out trips to the beach. The view from Table Mountain is still gorgeous, but pick a sunny day to go up on the cable car and take heavy coats for the top. It's still possible to visit Robben Island, Seal Island and Boulder's Beach to see the seals and pengins, as long as you dress warm! If you pick a sunny, windless day, you could also play miniture golf in Green Point or in Muizenburg.

Ratanga Junction, the city's only theme park, is closed in winter.

Then there's loads of indoor stuff you can do with the kids. The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront is open year round, as is the World of Birds and Monkey Park (Hout Bay) and the Scratch Patch (Kalk Bay).

Then there's the usual stuff like cinemas, bookstores and toyshops in malls (at Canal Walk they can ride on a train around the mall).

Grand West Casino and Entertainment World has ice-skating, ten-pin bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, a Lego World and a Barbie World, amoung other attractions, and lots of kid-friendly eateries.
Anonymous (not verified) on 26 Jun 2013 - 11:52
Hi, I came in to Cape town around 2months ago and still waiting for my spousal visa which I applied just when I arrived. I suppose to get it soon and it will be valid for 2 years. What's the next step after this? -if I don't get married.. do I need to apply for 1 every 2 years? -if I get married...what will the situation be? If I have a baby in SA with my South african boyfriend (who has British passport as well) and i am Spanish.. what kind of passport-nacionality he will be? Thanks.