Cape Town holidays typically conjure images of bright sunshine, stretching beaches and clear skies. And the Cape’s natural beauty is its central attraction. But what do you do if it rains one day on your holiday? While you may not be able to lounge on the beach, there is plenty to do in this buzzing city even when the sun’s not out. Here are a few ways to make the most of the rainy days...
The Two Oceans Aquarium
The rain doesn’t need to stop you from appreciating Cape Town’s marine life. Situated in the V& A Waterfront, the superb aquarium is just minutes from the city centre. The aquarium has an excellent array of glass tanks with a wide range of fish – from colourful little ones to great white sharks. You can enjoy shows and talks, or just stroll around in awe at what South Africa’s oceans have to offer.
And once you’ve seen all the fish there are to see, you can have lunch at one of the many restaurants you’ll find nearby.
Scratch Patch
If you’re on a family holiday, Scratch Patch at the V& A Waterfront will make for hours of indoor fun in poor weather. Rooms with carpets of semi precious stones are available for you to scratch through. Children and adults alike can delight in crawling around the masses of stones, in search of the perfect gems. And your collection at the end will make for a fine memento of your Cape Town holiday.
Kalk Bay from Indoors
Kalk Bay is a beautiful little seaside fishing village, where exceptional views of the ocean and superb fresh seafood can be enjoyed. Right on the water are a number of restaurants where you can gaze out over the misty ocean from a warm spot behind huge glass windows. Rain or shine, you won’t find a better place to enjoy your favourite seafood dish on your Cape Town holiday. You’ll find yourself wanting to sit for hours gazing out the window as you order course after course of the most delicious food.
The District Six Museum
Cape Town, like everywhere else in the world, has been moulded by its history. One of the most well known suburbs to have been affected by apartheid is District Six. Today, a museum situated there is dedicated to documenting the people who lived there. The museum provides an excellent source for learning about the history of South Africa, and is both fascinating and moving. It is well worth a visit, and will take up a good few hours on a rainy day on a Cape Town holiday.
The National Art Gallery
Many people visit South Africa for its natural beauty rather than its art – but there is in fact a rich artistic scene, particularly in Cape Town. And the National Art Gallery offers the very best that the country has to offer. The work on display provides interesting perspectives on the country, and it is an eye opener to both the history and culture of the nation.
Cape Town holidays can be about more than just the scenery. And the odd rainy day here or there might just give you the opportunity to experience parts of Cape Town you would never consider doing in warm weather.
Author Resource:
Rachel Hill is a specialist consultant with Southern Africa Travel, a company offering Cape Town holidays (http://www.southernafricatravel.co.uk/destination.jsp?destination_id=2024 ), as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.