Lifestyle/Community
Make the most of the Mother City
It’s easy to fall into old habits when visiting Cape Town, but don’t be fooled by its sleepy reputation – there’s much to do in the Mother City over summer.
CINDY MORITZ
Find your own Map to Jewish Cape Town when you arrive at the airport or get it at any Visitor Information Centre. It will give you a great overview of Jewish life in the city and includes useful contacts.
Use it to find details for Jewish Cape Town’s hidden culinary gem Coffee Time at Astra, which rolls out the most delicious kosher lunch buffet daily during season, except on Shabbat.
For entertainment, head straight to the Fugard Theatre in District Six, to see “Bad Jews” which ends its extended run on December 31. Superbly cast, with Lara Lipschitz as “religiously opinionated” cousin Daphna and Glen Biederman-Pam as her nemesis, secular cousin Liam, it’s a must-see.
Summer is time for outdoor movies and music, so check the Galileo Cinema schedule for screenings at Kirstenbosch, the V&A Waterfront and other venues.
Hire a chair and blanket for a relaxed viewing experience under the stars, and bring your own picnic if you like. Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts happen every Sunday evening. Go early to park nearby and bring your own blanket, cheese and wine. Book ahead for both.
If you’re a rugby fan, word is the world-class Springbok Experience at the V&A Waterfront is more than a museum.
If you’ve done Lion’s Head, there are some great walking tours of Cape Town – free historical tours leave every day from Greenmarket Square, or if you’re up for adventure, take an underground tunnel tour in the city’s unused canals and rivers.
While we all love Clifton 4th, there are other fabulous places to share your smoked turkey bagel.
Pack up early and drive to Boulders near Simon’s Town, where the African penguins entertain and you can enjoy a great swim. Check the tides before you go as the beach becomes a sliver at times and your may not find a spot.
Done the Winelands? Now follow the Nedbank Green Wine Route, an international first that acknowledges responsible environmental production. It includes Backsberg if you want to stock up on Kosher wine.
Not so slaapstad after all!
Where to find it
Map to Jewish Cape Town: www.mapmyway.co.za
Coffee Time at Astra: (021) 461-8414
Fugard Theatre: www.thefugard.com
Galileo Cinema: www.thegalileo.co.za
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts: www.webtickets.co.za
The Springbok Experience: www.sarugby.co.za or www.webtickets.co.za
Free Walking Tours: www.nielsentours.co.za
Tunnel Tours: www.goodhopeadventures.com
Boulders Visitor Centre: +27(0) 21 786 2329.
Green Wine Route: https://www.capetowngreenmap.co.za/GreenWineRoutemap