Gabi Zietsman

Paddling out into the deep blue, catching some barrels, is not just good for physical health, but also builds a sense of community with fellow surfers.   For UCT film/sciences third-year student Seb Lanz, it is very much a family affair. “All my cousins surf, so all family holidays were always surfing-related. If I wanted to hang out with my cousins, I had to surf.” The former surf coach had a board in his hand since he was young, but started taking it more seriously when he moved from Stellenbosch to Cape Town at 16, and hasn’t left the water since. For Seb, Cape Town is one of the most underestimated surf destinations in the world. “A lot of publications will put out like ‘the top cities to surf in’ but no one mentions Cape Town. "Because of the shape of the peninsula and the whole city’s coastline, it's blowing wind offshore somewhere pretty much every single day of the year and we are nicely far south, so we get a lot of consistent swell. “Most places will have like a solid surf season and you either surf during these months or these months. But in Cape Town, you can pretty much surf somewhere in the city 365 days of the year – if you know where to go.” Like most hardened surfers, Seb didn’t want to spill all his secret spots, but gave the lowdown on some of his favourite Cape Town waves from Melkbosstrand to False Bay, for beginners and saltier seadogs. Time Out Tip: Picking the right spot on the right day means checking forecasts and scouting locations. Seb’s top r

Thinking of diving Cape Town’s icy waters, but don’t know where to start? We chatted to local and wildlife filmmaker Jeandre Gerding, a lover of nature - so much so that his entire career revolves around it. As a cinematographer and filmmaker, Jeandre has filmed various wildlife and impact projects for the likes of National Geographic, BBC, Apple TV and Disney+, as well as local shows. A merman in spirit, he’s an avid diver and advocate for Cape Town’s marine world. “There are casual scuba divers who live in Cape Town and have never dived its shores,” laments Jeandre, noting that the cold water tends to scare people off, missing out on some of the best dive spots in the world. Cape Town has a “ridiculous amount of biodiversity”- new species are discovered almost every year. We also have one of the most pristine kelp forests in the world, vitally important not just for protecting our coastline from waves but also providing food and shelter to thousands of animals. For diving, what makes our shores even more special, according to Jeandre, is that you don’t need a boat for some of the best diving spots - easily accessible from the shore. However, you will still need boats for some spots that are hard to hike to with heavy scuba gear, or wrecks and pinnacles that are a little further out to sea. Much of the city’s shoreline forms part of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), which contributes to the pristine biodiversity of the region. Time Out Tip: As of May 2024, scuba divers no longe

Many might think that gamers prefer to stay indoors, snuggled up with their consoles, staying up through the night, glued to their screens and hiss at anything to do with the outside world. However, you would be hard-pressed to find a more social group that loves to get together with other players and immerse themselves in real-life gaming.  And how much better is life with a little bit of magic? Add a sprinkle of adventure and puzzles to your next Cape Town exploit - both physically and mentally stimulating. Just make sure you bring along people who are just as pumped up for challenge as you!    RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best indoor activities for kids in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town

Looking for easier Cape Town hikes through green forests and past rivers that are easier on the knees than tackling Table Mountain? You’ve come to the right place. Table Mountain has always hogged the spotlight when it comes to hikes and trails in Cape Town - rugged terrain, gorgeous views and the smell of fynbos that really makes you feel like you’re out in the urban wild.  But along with its high altitudes come sore knees, heaving lungs and the necessary free time to make the most out of the hike. If you’re looking for easier access to an afternoon walk that’s flat and even enough for kids and dogs to enjoy, head through the parks and greenbelts of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs for that hit of nature - without having to dust off the hiking boots. Here are the top picks from a local with a bad knee and a love for greenery - and within suburbia, it’s easy to grab an Uber from the end-point of your walk back to where your car is parked, perfect for any lazy hiker.  Just to note: Most of the routes are also popular with horses, and cyclists are only allowed on the designated routes. Also be wary of muddy walks during the rainy season.