Richard Holmes

Welcome to Mother Sippy, where we shine a light on the talented winemakers, brewers, distillers and mixologists that make sure the Mother City never goes thirsty! From new wine releases to taprooms pouring perfect pints, Mother Sippy is your guide to all that’s good and great in Cape Town’s world of drinks. We all know that the Western Cape winelands produce some of the world’s finest wines, available at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for similar quality in the Rhône, Rhine, or Russian River.  But did you know that, with an easy drive out of Cape Town, you can also tap into the world’s finest brandy? And that’s no empty superlative either. At the 2025 International Spirits Challenge in London, Paarl-based KWV was named Brandy Producer of the Year for – wait for it – the seventh time. Perhaps even more impressive, the KWV XXO 20-year-old took home the Trophy for Best Potstill Brandy (11 years and over) in the world! But that wasn’t the only silverware returning to the Paarl winelands. KWV VSOP claimed the Trophy for Best Potstill up to five years, while Double Gold awards were awarded to KWV 15 and the KWV XO, along with Gold across the rest of the range (KWV 3, 5, VS, 10, 12).  In a nutshell?  It means some of the world’s very best brandy is made less than an hour from the Mother City. What’s the secret? For KWV’s Master Distiller Pieter de Bod, it all begins with a firm sense of what’s needed when the bottle is uncorked and the amber spirit swirls into the glass. Photogr

Here at Time Out Cape Town, we sure do love a burger. It’s why our expert guide to the Best burgers in Cape Town is at 25 of the city’s best burger joints… and counting! But what’s better than a burger? A Wagyu burger! All the things we love about a great patty are dialled up to 11 when you use Wagyu mince.   What is Wagyu? Wagyu refers to a group of Japanese-origin cattle breeds (Kobe is the poster child) prized for their intense fat marbling. As the meat cooks, the fat melts, basting it from the inside out. It’s heaven in a steak, but in burger form, that means more flavour, more tenderness and more crispy caramelisation on the edges. But using Wagyu isn’t a free pass to going OTT. It’s about balance and technique. The best spots choose the right grind and fat ratio, season just right, and bring toppings that turn up the volume further. Bring me the piquant pickles, proper cheese and a bun that has the chops to hold it all together, and we can talk. Sound good? We think so, which is why we’ve done the hard yards to eat our way across the city to bring you the Cape Town kitchens doing Wagyu burgers the right way. Bring an appetite. Grab extra napkins. This one’s going to be delicious. DON'T MISS: Only in Cape Town will you see such... burgers RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Tow🛏 The best places to stay in Cape Town

Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City. Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is arguably South Africa’s most famous culinary export: an Mpumalanga-born chef who turned a 20-seat restaurant in the French coastal city of Nice into a Michelin-starred stage for South African flavour and heritage. At JAN, his inventive tasting menus refract South African cookery through a Côte d’Azur lens –  with no shortage of nostalgic nods – earning him a star in the Michelin guide and cementing his reputation for intimate yet carefully imagined hospitality. While France is his home base, his compass still points firmly south. In 2021, he opened KleinJAN at Tswalu Kalahari, serving up a subterranean sense-of-place restaurant shaped by the Northern Cape’s farmers, makers and landscapes. It’s a celebration of regional heritage, pantry traditions and provenance. Beyond the pass, Jan Hendrik is a prolific storyteller. His biannual book-magazine, JAN the Journal, blends recipes, reportage and design across lavishly produced issues, mapping the team’s creative process with the same sense of intuitive style you’ll find in his varied dining spaces. He also brings things closer to Cape Town. JAN Franschhoek offers a seasonal tasting-menu residency on select dates at La Motte’s pretty Veepos cottage, while December 2025 sees t

Welcome to Mother Sippy, where we shine a light on the talented winemakers, brewers, distillers and mixologists that make sure the Mother City never goes thirsty! From new wine releases to taprooms pouring perfect pints, Mother Sippy is your guide to all that’s good and great in Cape Town’s world of drinks. Inzuzo – ‘reward’ in isiZulu and isiXhosa – is a worker-owned wine company rooted in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village (SLPV) in the Helderberg winelands. It’s the product of a partnership between the workers and owners of Journey’s End estate. Following a soft launch into export markets earlier this year, the brand made its South African debut at the CapeWine 2025 trade show. Inzuzo launched in 2024, shifting Journey’s End’s long-running outreach in the nearby village from a place of outreach work via their own foundation and ad-hoc donations towards an ownership-and-profits model.  Inzuzo is majority-owned (51%) by previously disadvantaged ‘BEE’ employees of Journey’s End and is positioned to create a long-term pipeline for funding arts and education in the village. Labels feature artwork created by local youth, and at CapeWine, the team replicated that process with a live mural installation to underscore the connection between the bottle and the community. Winemaking for Inzuzo is led by Kaylin Willscott, who grew up in SLPV and rose through the ranks of the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme, working harvests at Spier, Warwick and Keermont before being named Protégé of the

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay and relax in Johannesburg, visitors are spoiled for choice. However, it can be a tricky decision. To make your life a little easier, we've highlighted the best hotels in Johannesburg in this convenient list. From high-end luxury stays to spending a night surrounded by nature, here are Johannesburg's best places to rest your head and set up base to explore the wonders of the City of Gold. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to finding a bed in Cape Town, and that perfect trinity of comfort, charm and location can be dialled up or down according to the depth of your pockets. If you’re watching your budget, you’ll want to start with our guide to the Best Affordable Hotels in Cape Town, which is filled with pocket-friendly picks. But if you’re splurging a little? Well then, you’ve come to the right place. From glorious urban hideaways that could have been plucked from the streets of Paris or Amsterdam, to seaside escapes with the most unforgettable views, you’ll be spoilt for choice for luxury hotels in Cape Town. There are historic charmers and contemporary creations, and if you’ve been dreaming of a room with a view, you’ve come to the right city. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏄‍♀️ The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best markets in Cape Town🖼 The best museums and galleries in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts. Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Cape Town is – let’s not be coy – the culinary capital of Africa. Whether you’re throwing on a jacket for an evening of world-class fine dining in landmark settings, or hanging with the locals in a neighbourhood mezcaleria where the queue is out the door, the Mother City is one place where you’re always spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. What makes the city so special? Diversity. You’ll find menus that celebrate Cape ingredients and heritage, others that riff on global trends, and plenty that do both at the same time. It’s a city where casual ramen bars share the spotlight with world-class fine-dining destinations that crack global awards lists. And all at a fraction of what you’d pay overseas But with a city jam-packed with fine food, where do you start? Right here, of course, with the Time Out guide to the best restaurants in Cape Town. And no, it’s not all about expensive multi-course menus and tweezered micro-herbs. On this list you’ll find the best pizza joints, unforgettable sushi bars and – of course – the creative chefs that make Cape Town one of the world’s gourmet heavyweights. It’s a list that evolves as quickly as the city’s restaurant scene, so check back often to see what’s hot this month. Come hungry, explore widely and – our advice? – always leave space for dessert. RECOMMENDED:  🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best

With the Atlantic Ocean on the doorstep and Table Mountain National Park as the ‘back garden’, it’s little wonder Cape Town is hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. But beneath the visual spectacle there’s a rich cultural and historical tapestry to be discovered. Centuries of history as a trading port have given Cape Town a cosmopolitan multiculturalism that fuses warm African hospitality with Mediterranean charm. It’s a city where you’ll spend your days outdoors and your nights enjoying the city’s legendary culinary scene. Not sure where to start? Don’t miss these must-do experiences handpicked by a local writer.  RECOMMENDED: 🛏 A guide to where to stay in Cape Town🍴 The best restaurants in Cape Town🐧 The best beaches in Cape Town🏡 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

​​With the ocean on three sides, the sea makes its presence felt just about everywhere in Cape Town, whether you’re relishing the rush of icy Atlantic waters over sun-burnt feet on Clifton 3rd, or wallowing in the warm(ish) waters of False Bay. It’s a wild coastline this, and the pounding swell that makes it a haven for surfers also keeps many on terra firma. Ah, but there’s a Goldilocks option too, that combines the safety of the hotel pool with the bracing tang of salty sea. Say hello to the tidal pools of the Mother City: from the Atlantic Seaboard to the deep south, there are 19 tidal pools to discover and dip into across the city. Here’s the definitive Time Out pick of the 11 best tidal pools in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City. Classically trained in Cape Town, guitarist Derek Gripper built his early reputation on a repertoire that spanned from Bach to the contemporary. But it was when his ear and imagination were piqued by West Africa’s ‘kora’ that Gripper shot to fame. Intrigued by the notion of layering the music of a 21-string instrument onto a six-string guitar, his journey resulted in the landmark recording ‘One Night on Earth: Music from the Strings of Mali’ – laid down in a single overnight session – featuring kora standards and works by Toumani Diabaté. It has since become a calling card for his kora-on-guitar approach. The kora project opened a pathway to long-term collaborations. Gripper now performs and records regularly with Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko; the duo’s first self-titled release was cut swiftly in London and praised for its conversational interplay between kora and guitar. That innovative approach has made him one of just a handful of South African artists to be featured in America's NPR Music Tiny Desk concert series.  But Gripper’s partnerships are not limited only to West Africa. A long-standing interest in Indian classical music has led to sessions with California-based sarod virtuoso Alam Khan (son of Ali Akbar Khan), extending Grip

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

As much as Cape Town is a hotspot for nightlife, it’s also a city that knows how to make mornings count. Step out in the city on a Saturday and you’ll see pelotons of cyclists powering south down the peninsula. Surfers strap boards to the roof in search of the best surf breaks in Cape Town, Park Run events are packed, and runners pound the pavement on the Sea Point Prom or tackle the endless trails of Table Mountain. All of which means that by the time the sun is up, half the city has earned their breakfast. And those sleeping in after the night before? Well, they deserve a good feed. Happily, Cape Town has no shortage of sublime spots for breakfast and brunch, whether you’re in the city or the suburbs. The city’s coffee culture is as complex as the artisan hand-roasted beans being ground by bearded baristas, and bakeries turn out pastries so good they’ll make a Parisian weep. And the melting pot of the city’s kitchens comes to the fore here too, whether it’s shakshuka from the Levant or a southern-style chicken waffle. Brunch might come with bubbles (local Cap Classique, of course) and plant-leaning cafés (Cape Town’s vegetarian restaurants are sublime) pile bowls with greens and grains. All of which means you’re spoilt for choice when deciding where to go for breakfast or brunch in Cape Town. Take a seat, and check out these local favourites. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town🍷 The best wine far

A sixth-generation family estate just outside Cape Town, Diemersdal produces cool-climate wines in the heart of the Durbanville winelands. Its charming tasting room offers curated flights and flexible options. Tasting options Standard and premium flights, plus build-your-own options. What else can I do? Visit during seasonal farm events or enjoy a casual meal at the Diemersdal Eatery.

Renowned for world-class Pinotage and Bordeaux-style blends, Kanonkop offers tastings in a modern facility enriched with heritage. Established by the Sauer family, this estate blends tradition with artistry. Tasting options Standard and premium flights featuring flagship wines; platters available. Private tastings on arrangement. What else can I do? Browse art and historical displays in the tasting space. Collect rare releases from their cellar shop.

This Simonsberg estate is celebrated for its hospitality, sustainability, and creative wine-and food experiences. Tasting options Reserve (R95), Premium, and Wine & Fynbos Cupcake pairing (daily). What else can I do? Enjoy cheese platters or seasonal culinary events. Browse the garden restaurant menu for lunch or casual meals. Stay overnight in charming vineyard cottages available on-site.

One of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, dating back to 1685, Groot Constantia blends rich history with wine tasting, heritage attractions, and a choice of dining experiences. Tasting options Standard tasting (5 wines + glass), Chocolate & Wine pairing; premium tastings occasionally available. What else can I do? Follow the Visitor’s Route through historic Manor, cellars, and museum. Lunch at Jonkershuis or Simon’s.

One of the oldest estates in the Stellenbosch winelands, established in 1692, Lanzerac blends winemaking with luxury hospitality in the gorgeous Jonkershoek Valley. Visitors can enjoy a modern tasting room, guided cellar tours, and a choice of restaurants. The estate also features a five-star hotel and full-service spa, perfect for guests seeking a genuinely immersive and comfortable Winelands experience. Tasting options Jonkershoek Tasting, Heritage Tasting, Wine & Chocolate pairing; daily guided cellar tours. What else can I do? Dine at Manor Kitchen, Taphuis or Craven Lounge. Unwind in the Lanzerac Spa. Stay the night in one of the elegant rooms or suites at the Lanzerac Hotel.

A family-run estate in Bottelary Hills since 1946, Kaapzicht is famous for Chenin Blanc and its Steytler Reserve range. The relaxed tasting room overlooks vineyards and hosts tastings with optional cheese or charcuterie platters. Tasting options Family Range (R100), Terroir Range (R160), Steytler Reserve (R350). What else can I do? Enjoy a platter while sipping on the serene terrace. Purchase wines, including limited vintages, at the cellar door. No on-site accommodation, but Stellenbosch offers a variety of charming options a short drive away.

Founded in 1988 by Pinotage pioneer Beyers Truter, Beyerskloof highlights the versatility of Pinotage through expressive tastings. The estate features a tasting room and Red Leaf Bistro for relaxed wine pairing. Tasting options Classic (R70), Superior (R100), Grand (R160) What else can I do? Dine at Red Leaf Bistro with vineyard views. Shop for a wide selection of Pinotage styles at the cellar door. While there’s no on-site lodging, nearby Stellenbosch has plenty of options to stay longer.

This compact space on Bree Street packs a flavour-punch across a menu of South Cantonese street-food with a kick. The setting may be minimalist, but the food is front and centre. Owner-chef Andrew Kai delivers punchy plates rooted in childhood memories, without much fuss. It’s the kind of place that rewards lingering at the counter, diving into bold flavours plate by plate. What’s on the menu? TOMSON brings South Cantonese favourites with bold flavours: think wonton noodle soup, sliced Sichuan pork with kimchi kick, sticky roast Cantonese duck, soft‑steamed white fish, salt‑and‑pepper prawns, Hainanese chicken rice, and simple, punchy sides like smacked cucumber and Chinese stem cabbage Is there outdoor seating? Yes. TOMSON is tiny, but it offers pavement‑bench seating that’s a winner in good weather. Inside, a few counter‑seats look directly into the open kitchen, offering a feast for the senses. How do you get there? Head to the buzz of Bree Street from St George’s Mall, Long Street, or buses stopping near Wale Street. Walk‑ins are welcome, but bookings via Dineplan are highly recommended Why go? TOMSON stands small but mighty. It’s a culinary underdog with serious flavour and personality. Few frills, all flavour, in the heart of Bree Street’s vibrant dining scene.

One of the most exciting openings in 2025 reinvents the dining experience at Ellerman House. Set in the hotel’s striking Wine Gallery, Curate is a deeply contemporary space where South Africa’s culinary heritage is reimagined through a multi-course menu from Executive Chef Kieran Whyte. What’s on the menu? Expect a refined reinterpretation of South African staples. Amagwinya (steamed bread) is paired with smoked snoek and caviar; Afrikaans melktert appears as an earthy mushroom course; bobotie is reinvented in shape and texture; and pap is transformed into a fermented dessert. Each dish celebrates the food South Africans know and love, elevated to the standard of world-class fine dining. Carefully considered wine pairings showcase rare wines and single-vineyard selections from the Ellerman cellar. Is there outdoor seating? No. Curate is set within the atmospheric Wine Gallery. How do you get there? Ride-hailing is the most convenient option, as street parking is limited. Guests not staying at the hotel should book ahead via Dineplan. Why go? Curate offers a singular fine-dining experience in Cape Town: a storytelling menu that elevates everyday South African dishes into unforgettable culinary art. Textured stone, moody lighting, and architectural drama create an immersive setting that feels both intimate and artistic.

This buzzy little spot on Sea Point’s Main Road has put premium agave spirits firmly on Cape Town’s map. Opened by brothers Gavin and Sean Binder, it’s equal parts mezcalería and Mexican-inspired eatery, drawing locals and visitors alike for vibrant plates and seriously good cocktails. By the time Friday night rolls around, the queue at the door says it all. What’s on the menu? The kitchen, led by Head Chef Dian Botes, dishes up Mexican-inspired plates made for sharing. Start with guacamole and totopos or the tangy “street corn” ribs, then move on to masa corn tacos – the Jalisco-style beef birria is a must. Empanadas, ceviche and small plates round out the menu, making it easy to linger over a spread. Is there outdoor seating? A handful of pavement tables spill onto Regent Road. Inside, the space is warm, casual, and always buzzing. How do you get there? Una Más is on Regent Road in central Sea Point. Street parking is limited, so ride-hailing is your best bet. MyCiTi buses stop nearby. Why go? With more than 200 agave spirits alongside a food menu that’s as lively as the drinks, Una Más is both a neighbourhood hangout and a destination bar. Whether you’re there for sipping mezcal from clay copitas, a round of margaritas, or a taco-filled dinner, it’s one of Cape Town’s most vibey nights out. Did you know that Cape Town’s favourite Mexican eatery is now open at the Time Out Market Cape Town?

Chef Ryan Cole – the culinary force behind award-winning Salsify at The Roundhouse – serves up a more relaxed take on fine dining at this spot on the water’s edge at the V&A Waterfront. Expect an ocean-inspired menu blended with moody, design-led interiors and postcard views of the marina and Table Mountain. What’s on the menu? The main event is COY’s seven-course ‘COY Experience’ tasting menu, which changes with the seasons and leans heavily into seafood, drawing on local ingredients and techniques. Vegetarian/vegan menus are available on request. Think tuna tartare with caramelised coconut and sugarcane, seared linefish with mussels, peri-peri and askoek [ash bread], and chargrilled squid with pearl barley and rum sauce – plus considered meat courses. The wine pairings and list are as carefully curated as the food. Also look out for their SunDAZE concept menu available in winter. Is there outdoor seating? Yes. A small waterside terrace with a handful of tables, perfect for sundowners and harbour-watching when the weather cooperates. How do you get there? Park at the V&A’s Portswood garage and walk towards the Bascule Bridge from Time Out Market. MyCiTi’s Waterfront/Breakwater stops are nearby. Why go? For a polished but unpretentious take on fine dining with a proud focus on the ‘African pantry’. COY delivers a sense of occasion without any stuffiness and offers some of the best food in Cape Town with views to match.

A firm favourite with locals looking for authentic Asian flavour. Bao Down serves up a pan-Asian collection of plates, from inventive bao buns to small plates perfect for sharing. What’s on the menu? Bao Down specialises in Asian-fusion small plates designed for sharing. Expect to order four to six plates per couple, allowing you to fully explore the menu. Signature baos – perfectly soft and pillowy –  include Korean Fried Chicken, Pork Belly, and Sweet Potato with Gochujang, all served with vibrant dressings and pickles. Beyond the baos, small plates range from beef tataki and Thai-style mussels with milk loaf buns to tuna sashimi with spicy tamarind and coconut cream. There’s a great selection of Cape wines to accompany.  Is there outdoor seating? Yes. The restaurant features a large, airy balcony that overlooks the lively Green Point strip. How do you get there? Bao Down is in Green Point’s Exhibition Building on Main Road: easy to reach by car, ride‑hail or MyCiti. The central location also makes it walkable from nearby suburbs and the V&A Waterfront. Why go? Bao Down delivers small‑plates with big flavour, served in an intimate yet stylish space. The baos are consistently good, and the small plates ever-inventive.

Whether it’s hiking trails, tidal pools or trail running, we’re always up for getting outdoors in Cape Town. So we couldn't be more excited at the return of the Cape Town Adventure Film Festival, which brings no shortage of guts, grit and adventure to the big screen.   This year’s outing – presented by Cape Town’s favourite camera store, ORMS – is the biggest yet. From 17 October to 1 November 2025, Mother City cinemas will host 15 adrenaline-charged nights featuring 50+ films, 20 guest speakers and a stash of prize giveaways, all celebrating world-class adventure storytelling with strong local flavour. What began as a niche gathering has grown into a cornerstone of South Africa’s film landscape, a creative hub for athletes, filmmakers, brands and fans to connect. This year’s edition spreads out across the city to offer screenings at four unique venues: ORMS Cape Town School of Photography, The Labia Theatre, Jack Black Taproom, and Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront, backed by sponsors including DJI, Thule, Patagonia, First Ascent, The North Face and Jack Black Brewery. On the roster is a remarkable line-up of films, covering everything from the aerial fire-fighters of the Cape in ‘Fire Pilots’ to the flat-out adrenaline-charged antics of cyclist Justinas Leveika in ‘King of Chaos’. Unlike previous outdoor-themed film festivals, what you’ll love about the CTAFF is the schedule of themed community nights, with a roster of movies and shorts focused on specific topics: Bike, Climb, Co

With October marked around the globe as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local breast cancer charity ILoveBoobies is making waves with the return of its hugely popular Secret Swim. Now in its eighth year, the Secret Swim has grown from a small gathering in Cape Town into a nationwide movement. The 2025 edition will take place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, at 18 secret swim venues across South Africa. The Secret Swim is not a race, but rather an intentional gathering of women coming together for connection, courage, and community. At each event, women of all ages gather at sunrise to celebrate breast cancer survivors, remember those lost, and support those still fighting the disease. This year’s event spans locations from Upington to East London, with swims hosted in oceans, dams, and pools. It is a unique moment of unity, designed to shine a light on breast cancer awareness while raising critical funds for women in need. Photograph: Redmund Nel In addition to being a moment of unity, the Secret Swim is also a crucial fundraiser.  Proceeds from the Swims, which have an entry fee of R200, directly support ILoveBoobies’ mission: to create awareness, educate women on how to self-examine, and provide free breast cancer screenings to women from underserved communities across South Africa. “Our vision is to take the Secret Swim global and create a Guinness World Record for the largest breast cancer awareness event held simultaneously across multiple venues worldwide,” says Nicky Web

Orpheus McAdoo, David Kramer’s stirring musical about the African-American Virginia Jubilee Singers who dazzled the Cape in the 1890s, returns to Artscape this spring. Fresh from its acclaimed 2024 premiere, the revival runs from Tuesday 21 October to Sunday 2 November 2025. Expect spine-tingling choral power as Cape Town Opera House soloist Conroy Scott again leads the cast as Orpheus. Together with fellow CTO soloist Brittany Smith as Mattie Allen they anchor a company that blends operatic voices with stage presence for a richly theatrical sound. Kramer is one of South Africa’s best-loved stage icons, best known for his evocative musicals, and in Orpheus McAdoo he threads traditional spirituals through ragtime, early American folk and South African influences in telling the true story of Orpheus McAdoo and his Virginia Jubilee Singers, a choir of African-American performers who toured South Africa in the 1890s and took the Cape by storm. The story charts how McAdoo and his troupe navigated fame, prejudice and the pressure of respectability in colonial-era South Africa; a history lesson told through harmony and song. This latest outing for Kramer's captivating musical assembles an all-star theatre cast behind the scenes too: Kurt Haupt (Musical Director) brings fresh choral polish, with arrangements by Dawid Boverhoff, movement by Fiona du Plooy, sets and costumes by Julian David and Maritha Visagie, and lighting by Kieran Cattel. The ensemble reprises fan-favourite turns

Since opening on Bree Street in 2021, fable has fast established itself as a pioneer in the world of Mother City mixology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible behind the bar. Now, just in time for summer, it’s taking the flavour journey further with a new dinner menu courtesy of head chef Mongezi ‘MG’ Mzoneli. “I’m cooking the kind of food I love to eat,” says MG. “It’s bold, creative, and full of heart. It’s about serving up dishes that are fun, familiar, and just a little unexpected.” The new menu turns fable from a place for pre-dinner drinks or late-night revelry into an all-evening hotspot, catering from after work until the early hours.  And while we haven’t yet had a chance to taste what’s coming out of MG’s kitchen, the menu definitely sounds enticing: think small plates ranging from beef kofta flatbreads with Cape Malay sauce to rooibos-kombucha glazed pork belly with miso custard and chilli-pickled apple, as well as lighter, herb-forward bowls centred on Brussels sprouts, charred corn, barley, and buckwheat. Hearty main courses draw inspiration from brasserie or café-style dishes with a touch more refinement: dry-aged chicken breast with sweet potato fondant and pesto, sirloin with béarnaise, and an umami-rich king oyster mushroom with black garlic. Dessert? A burnt white chocolate sponge with lime mousse and spiced pineapple… best enjoyed with one of Fable’s signature cocktails.  “We wanted to bring something fresh to Bree Street - a menu that, like our cock

Some of the Cape Winelands’ most famous residents are stealing the show again, as Fairview’s Saanen goats show why they are the GOAT when it comes to family-friendly outings. Fairview’s two-storey Goat Tower has been the home base for the farm's famous herd since 1981, and is a bona fide local landmark. With the arrival of spring comes the newborn kids, and visitors can get to meet them in a dedicated paddock beside the farm’s iconic Goat Tower on weekend mornings this spring.   When to go The little ones are out (weather permitting) on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am – 12pm  throughout September and October. But, because the little guys don’t like bad weather (and may need a nap) it’s best to call ahead (021 863 2450) to confirm that the goats are ‘on duty’.  Make a day of it While your kids will love the goaty kids, why not pair a paddock visit with a cheese-and-wine tasting in the Tasting Room, or linger over a country-style lunch at The Goatshed. Yes, there’s a (human) kids’ menu too.   Need to know Where: Fairview Wine Farm, Suid-Agter Paarl Rd, Paarl When: Sat & Sun, 9am-12pm(Sep–Oct), weather dependent Contact: 021 863 2450 Tip: If the paddock’s closed due to weather, the adult goats are often visible around the tower anyway, so go and take a look!   Have you heard about Fairview's Regional Revival series?     TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine far

Cape Town will turn green and gold on Friday (26 September 2025) when the ICC World Test Champion Proteas bring their Mace Tour to the Mother City. In partnership with Cricket South Africa, the City is staging a victory parade through the CBD to celebrate South Africa’s first ICC title in more than two decades. Festivities will kick off on the Grand Parade  – right in front of City Hall – from 11am, with live entertainment and a fan meet-and-greet… that means you’ll have the chance to meet captain Temba Bavuma and the Test champions before the team boards the bus! The parade then departs at 1pm from Darling Street and rolls through the city via: Adderley Street Wale Street Long Street Buitensingel Loop Street Strand Street back onto Adderley Street (past Cape Town Station) “This is an opportunity for us to celebrate their success, especially the ICC World Test Champions victory… We urge those in the CBD to line the streets and give the Proteas the hero’s welcome they deserve,” said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. Proteas Victory Parade: Plan your day When: Friday 26 September 2025 Where to gather: Grand Parade from 11am. Parade bus leaves at 1pm Traffic: Expect temporary and rolling closures in the CBD from 11am-4pm along the route above Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and

While some of us may spend the day celebrating South Africa’s many cultures, and others will be lighting the braai fires (perhaps you’ll be doing both, even at the same time), there’s good news for Capetonians hoping to spot some spring blooms and soak up a little fresh air. On Heritage Day (Wednesday 24 September, 2025) the City of Cape Town is dropping entrance fees at selected nature reserves, inviting residents to hike, picnic and braai for mahala all across the Metro. “We want to showcase our natural heritage in Cape Town,” says Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews. “We are so privileged to be surrounded with the pristine natural beauty that exists in our city. This Heritage Day, we encourage residents to get outdoors and make the most of the public holiday by exploring their local nature reserve or better yet, take a drive to the other side of town to visit a reserve you have not visited before.” What’s free Gate fees are waived at reserves that usually charge for entry: Blaauwberg, Table Bay, Tygerberg and Helderberg. Remember that fees for specific permitted activities may still apply, but entry is gratis. Where to roam (Time Out’s top picks) Tygerberg: for big-sky views and spring flowers. Helderberg: family-friendly trails and fabulous fynbos above Somerset West. Table Bay (Rietvlei): birding galore near Table View. Blaauwberg: beach walks, Eerste Steen braai and postcard Table Mountain vistas. False Bay (Rondevlei & Zeekoevlei): lakeside paths and picnic lawns. More option

South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu will debut his first-ever hospitality collaboration at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel in Cape Town, this December. Marking the 10th anniversary of his brand and his first foray into interior design, the project comprises the Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House Cape Town, a concept store adjacent to the suite.  Positioned along the hotel’s iconic palm-lined avenue, the suite joins Belmond’s global portfolio of Signature Suites & Villas and is billed as the company’s first Designer Residence concept. It also marks Magugu’s first official presence in Cape Town. Designed with StudioLandt, the two-level space introduces what Magugu describes as an ‘Afro-English’ aesthetic: hand-sketched panoramic wallpaper reimagining Southern African landscapes; terrazzo floors in peat and green; and ceremonial, hand-carved furniture. Rotating art is presented in partnership with Southern Guild, launching with works by Mmangaliso Nzuza and featuring pieces by Lulama Wolf, Zandile Tshabalala, Banele Khoza, Lorenzo Plaatjies and Trevor Stuurman. “Together, the Mount Nelson and I have crafted a space rooted deeply in place and purpose, with a strong commitment to preserving the culture from which we draw inspiration,” says Magugu. “Textures in this space are stone and timber, to give the impression that designs are of 'the earth', and thus can be given back.” Design references include a pendant light inspired by the Basotho Mokorotlo hat and bespoke wooden

Rock legend Bryan Adams is adding South Africa to his globe-trotting Roll With The Punches world tour, with shows announced for Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban in April 2026. Adams is evidently a man who loves life on the road: this tour kicked off worldwide earlier in 2025 and follows his three-year ‘So Happy It Hurts’ concert series that took him across North America, Europe and Asia. And it’s with good reason that the world can’t get enough of Adams on stage. Four decades into his career, Adams is a Grammy-award winner with #1 hits in more than 40  countries, alongside 18 JUNO Awards and Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. His new South Africa dates – and the world tour – come on the back of his 16th studio album, Roll With The Punches, the first to be released on his own indie label, Bad Records. It’s an album packed with big-chorus arena-rockers and slow-burn ballads, and the record has already spun off radio-singles like ‘A Little More Understanding’, ‘Make Up Your Mind’ and ‘Never Ever Let You Go’.    Want tickets for Bryan Adams in South Africa in 2026? Here’s the info: South Africa tour dates (2026) Mon 21 April – Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town Fri 25 April – SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria Mon 28 April – Durban ICC, Durban   Tickets go on sale Big Concerts Fan Club pre-sale: Thursday 25 September 2025, 9am (check your inbox if you’re a member). General on-sale: Friday 26 September 2025, 9am via Ticketmaster.   Get ready to rock with Adam's hot single, 'A L

Sea Point – one of Time Out's World's Coolest Neighbourhoods in 2023 – is set for a sizzling hot summer. Between OKU’s planned revival of The Ritz, a boujee new apartment development in Dear Jean, and plenty of restaurant action at street level, the latest goss is that the newest addition to the Kove Collection will be open in time for summer. The Cole is a five-star boutique hotel from the Kove Collection, which also runs The Marly in nearby Camps Bay, and is due to open in December 2025. At The Cole expect 60 light-filled suites where widescreen Atlantic and mountain views take centre stage. There’s a rooftop restaurant and pool, a spa with sauna and cold plunge, and on-site retail with 24 curated brands on offer at Boutique Marly. It’s pitched as modern luxury with an easy seaside rhythm, set just steps from the ever-popular Sea Point prom and just a few minutes’ drive from the Waterfront. “Designed for both the international traveller and the local connoisseur of luxury, this vibrant social hub will blend modern luxury with the distinctive character that defines every Kove Collection property,” says Paul Kovensky, Founder and Managing Director of Kove Collection. Food and drink are also dialled up. In the lobby, Script is set to be a showpiece cocktail bar built around “experiential mixology,” while Figo, the rooftop restaurant, leans into Mediterranean tradition and seasonal flavours. Think fresh semolina pasta, wood- and charcoal-fired dishes, and big-sky sunsets. “Figo

Summer in Cape Town gets a shake-up this year with the launch of the first-ever Cape Town Cocktail Week (CTCW), a seven-day city-wide festival. For one week only, more than 25 participating bars will pour specially created CTCW signature cocktails for just R50 (if you’re wearing a festival wristband, of course) with no shortage of extra entertainment on the side. Think guest shifts from talented mixologists, pop-ups, games, masterclasses and more. “Cape Town has an incredible cocktail scene, and CTCW encourages locals and holidaymakers to explore it when the city is at its finest,” says CTCW founder Leah van Deventer, a globally recognised voice in the drinks industry and the regional Academy Chair for the World’s 50 Best Bars – representing Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. “CTCW is not just about discounted drinks, it’s a city-wide celebration that spotlights bartenders and bars, and positions Cape Town as an international cocktail hotspot.” Unlike your typical fenced-off festival in one location, the magic of CTCW is that it takes punters to the places where Cape Town’s cocktail culture comes alive: in the bars themselves. Purchase a wristband, pick up the official map and chart your own route: from after-work sundowners to late-night nightcaps. Who is taking part in the inaugural Cape Town Cocktail Week? You can find a complete list on www.capetowncocktailweek.com, but expect a greatest-hits tour of Cape Town’s cocktail scene. On the current line-up: Cause Eff

Hot on the heels of BTS teasing a local tour, Coldplay looks set to bring their record-breaking Music of the Spheres tour to South Africa in 2027 The band’s spectacular Music of the Spheres tour launched in March 2022, and has since played 211 shows to more than 13 million fans, earning ticket sales in excess of R25-billion. Right now that makes it the second-highest-grossing tour ever. Behind, you know, Tay-Tay. And while this first ‘leg’ of the tour has wrapped up, during the final shows at London’s Wembley Stadium, Chris Martin announced an extension kicking off in 2027 that will add 138 concerts to the roster. Given that the shows earn around £5 million (R125-million) per performance, the extra dates could see Coldplay edge out Taylor Swift’s Eras tour for the record of the highest-grossing concert tour in history.  But that’s not the most exciting part. In the Wembley run Martin announced that the Music of the Spheres tour would resume “somewhere in southern Africa in about 18 months”. Given the scale of Coldplay’s stadium performances, it’s not a huge leap of logic to guess that South Africa will be the “somewhere” to welcome the band.  And it’ll be about time too! Africa is the only continent (except for Antarctica, obvs) that Coldplay didn’t visit on this latest tour, and Coldplay last performed in South Africa back in 2011, with a pair of concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg. If that Wembley whisper turns into a full-blown announcement, expect a stampede for tic