Selene Brophy

Capetonians love a cold plunge. Whether it’s a morning dip at Dalebrook, a Wim Hof-style session in a backyard pool, or a bracing Atlantic splash that doubles as bragging rights, we’ve made icy immersion our unofficial sport. But this June, there’s more than just endorphins and Insta-glory on the line.   The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is calling on all cold-water warriors to take the plunge for a purpose this winter solstice - Saturday, 21 June. Whether you dive into a tidal pool, dunk in a dam, or take the ice bucket route, your frosty feat will help raise vital funds for the heroes who keep our coastlines safe come rain, shine, or full-blown southeaster.  These are the steps to plan your wintery support gathering:  Set a Date: Choose a date, a place and a time for your plunge. Create a Campaign: Visit GivenGain, search for the NSRI ‘Winter Solstice swim 2025’ page or click here Select ‘Start Fundraising,’ and follow the easy steps.  Share the Message: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to get involved or make a donation. We’ve rounded up some of the most scenic, splash-worthy tidal pools around Cape Town to help you find your perfect plunge spot. Sure it's icy out there but remember, it's all for raising awareness around beach safety (and a great selfie).  

If there was any doubt that winter has arrived in Cape Town, the icy air snaps you into reality that we have a blustery few months ahead of us. Parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have seen considerable snowfall in the past few days and could easily be confused for a wintery European countryside right now. And while Cape Town’s winter is mild by Northern Hemisphere standards, flurries of snow along the surrounding mountains have become something to look forward to, despite the chilliness. Even Table Mountain has been known to surprise Capetonians with a rare dusting of snow - usually after an icy cold front and only if you're up early enough to catch it before it melts.  Recorded snowfall on the mountain dates back to the early 1900s, and when it does happen it’s a truly magical (and fleeting) winter moment.  However, for those who live for these brrrracing winter weather moments, there are a few spots that offer you a good chance of chasing snowflakes without having to leave the Western Cape. Pack your boots, grab a flask, and let’s go snow hunting. RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best day hikes in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town

Winter’s creeping in, but the cold doesn’t stand a chance against these new bursts of flavour set to warm your belly at Time Out Market Cape Town. However, swapping out a seasonal menu isn’t just about keeping things fresh. It’s about dialling into what tastes right when the temperature drops. From soul-warming soups and slow-cooked comfort curries, the city’s best chefs are certainly turning up the heat. Think hearty, bold and satisfying. No fluff, just food that hits where it counts. The Time Out team pulled up a seat, grabbed a few forks and miso spoons, and tasted our way through the Market’s winter switch-up. Here’s what’s hot right now...

  South Africans have long struggled with sky-high airfares when travelling between major cities. The situation worsened with the collapse of several airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Comair, which had long been one of the country’s most successful and reliable carriers.  Over the years, domestic prices have remained steep, and flight options have been scarce. However, change appears to be looming as Mango signals its potential return.  A quick fare check for return flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg, for example highlights the current cost landscape.  FlySafair comes in cheapest at about R2,824, while SAA averages R3,233. Lift is priced at approximately R3,665. Airlink and CemAir are the most expensive, with both pricing return tickets at over R4,000. (The flight searches were conducted for travel between 9–16 July, with similar departure and arrival times and with none to limited luggage ancillary options chosen.)  This makes the ongoing battle in South Africa’s domestic skies promising as it would bring more choice and potentially lower prices for travellers.  South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier, is expanding its fleet and route network.  The news follows the national carrier distancing itself from its former low-cost subsidiary, Mango Airlines, which is in the final stages of business rescue.  Mango was grounded in July 2021 and subsequently placed under business rescue. Though still technically a subsidiary of SAA, the two entities h

There’s something magical about this corner of False Bay. Maybe it’s the brooding beauty of the ocean, the slow rumbling of the train hugging the coastline as it passes by, or the fact that Boulders Beach is home to one of the most charming penguin colonies on Earth.  This is the Deep South, where heritage runs thick and salt clings to the air. And come December 2025, a small part of it will enter a chic new era of transformation.   What was previously the old Southern Right Hotel, once a grand landmark rich in local lore, is now set for a return to its former glory. Summer House, the soon-to-open boutique hotel - is being brought to life by the team behind the beloved Tintswalo Boulders and Tintswalo Atlantic.  TintswaloThe Glencairn Southern Right Hotel dates back to 1904. Tintswalo has had its eye on this makeover project for a while, acquiring the property in 2014. They initially operated a restaurant while conducting extensive research for the restoration.   The Tintswalo Summer House will debut, complete with 12 individually styled guest suites. Its Summer House Eatery will offer both hotel guests and visitors a range of options, from High Tea to sunset dinners. Summer House is expected to bring the same stylish infusion of timeless heritage charm with modern design found at Tintswalo's other high-end properties, adding an inviting stay option to this laid-back seaside town.    RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best day hikes in Cape

Cape Town is awash with swanky restaurants and fine dining options. This winter, however, The Pot Luck Club Cape Town - the one with the panoramic views and cult-like fan base, is serving up generous prix fixe menus, showing that fine food doesn’t have to mean out of reach.  With two options to choose from, either the Prix Fixe Lite (six plates) or the Prix Fixe Loaded (eight plates), it serves up beautifully bold small plates designed to be shared- or not, we’re not judging. The flavour intensity and flair are also exactly what you’d expect from a Luke Dale Roberts kitchen.   Selene Brophy Pot Luck Club’s winter prix fixe lineup makes room for all the firm favourites - from those plump fish sliders that come with that miso mayo–mojo dressing combo through to the rich, fall-apart situation of the pork Penang belly. And don’t sleep on the chickpea, goat’s cheese, and parmesan fries, basically a cheesy, crunchy miracle with truffle aioli on the side. But the real headline? That Café au Lait sauce that haunts our food dreams. Honestly, it’s the whole deal, whether over mushrooms or a beef fillet.   Selene Brophy Cape Town’s lunch-only Lite” version is R550pp; the “Loaded” experience - eight decadent plates of culinary magic—is R795pp.  This is bite-sized luxury worth braving the cold for. Savour it with someone who deserves a proper treat, like dad, this coming Father's Day. 📍The Pot Luck Club 📅 Prix fixe menus available from until 30 Sept 2025 📲 Booking essential: The

SANParks has confirmed that several trails closed due to the April 2025 wildfire in Table Mountain National Park will reopen on 1 July. However, some restrictions remain in place to ensure public safety and allow for ecological recovery.  Trails in Tokai and Silvermine East - including routes around Kalk Bay, St James, Muizenberg mountains, and the Steenberg Plateau - will be accessible again from the beginning of July. However, areas hardest hit by the blaze will stay off-limits. The Silvermine West picnic site, boardwalk around the dam, and riverwalk, along with nearby trails, will remain closed. Much of the infrastructure was destroyed in the fire, including boardwalks and ablution facilities. SANParks noted that these areas cannot reopen until essential repairs are completed. The wildfire burned approximately 2,800 hectares, severely damaging trail infrastructure and exposing hazardous debris, including nails and metal. Post-fire hazard removal, clean-up, and trail rehabilitation are ongoing, supported by volunteer groups, including Tokai MTB and SANParks Honorary Rangers. While some trails might look untouched, SANParks is completing a full safety assessment, as it can’t open routes to some user groups like mountain bikers and not others. Beyond safety issues, the closures also give fragile fynbos a chance to bounce back after the fire, especially since fresh growth is easily damaged by feet, paws and wheels. SANParks will keep an eye on regrowth over winter and adjus

Travellers between New York and the Mother City will soon be able to tune into their favourite podcasts at 35,000 feet - mahala, for free!   Spotify is jet-setting with United Airlines, thanks to a first-of-its-kind collab allowing travellers to binge podcasts, audiobooks, and curated playlists straight from their seatback screens, completely free.  Think Amy Poehler's Good Hang, your favourite true-crime deep dives, or that lo-fi playlist you never admit you love, now in full 4K with Bluetooth.   Spotify content will be available on more than 680 United aircraft and appear as a new content category "Spotify" - replacing "audio" under the home menu in the existing entertainment system. Your options will include 'Podcast', 'Video Podcasts', 'Audiobooks', and 'Playlists' channels.  And yes, Cape Town’s in on the action.  United flies direct to the Mother City thrice a week, making it even easier for global travellers to arrive tuned in and ready to explore. Whether you're flying out or welcoming travellers in, this is set to be top of the travel charts inflight entertainment.   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 farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town Follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!    

  Cape Town is packed with options for this upcoming weekend.   There’s also a stylish First Thursdays thrown into the mix to get you started early. This is when the CBD taps its creative energy and goals to be a cosmopolitan, pedestrian-friendly city - with all the kasi culture for extra flavour. For the rest of the weekend, from Friday, 6 June to Sunday, 8 June you’ll find a hum of live music, theatre, fashion, markets, and family-friendly experiences.  Weather-wise: When in Cape Town, the drill is always to expect four seasons in one day. This weekend's weather conditions will see showers on Saturday morning, and a chance of rain on Sunday.  So grab a jacket, maybe your umbrella and dive into the best Cape Town has to offer this weekend! Visiting our city at a later date? Bookmark this upcoming list of the Best events in Cape Town. Or if you have an interesting event to feature - get in touch with me: @selene.brophy  CITY CBD Khayelitsha Fashion Week Saturday, June 7 from 12 pm Artscape Theatre  Tickets from R150 Celebrating 10 years of this township's fashion entrepreneurs. Expect a showcase of emerging designers who are turning up the heat when it comes to homegrown creativity and redefining fashion norms.    Instagram: Khayelitsha Fashion Week Authentic Thai Day – A Celebration of Thai Culture Saturday, 7 June 2025 Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront Free Entry Experience the vibrant culture of Thailand at this cultural exchange event taking place at Makers La

Robben Island, the world-renowned heritage site and symbol of resilience, is pressing pause on public tours from June 16 to September 1.    Why? The island is getting spruced up in preparation for a rather distinguished guest list - G20 dignitaries from around the globe. Think presidents, prime ministers, and finance bigwigs swapping ideas (and handshakes) on global issues.       The Robben Island Museum (RIM) announced in a statement that it would be carrying out essential maintenance and renovations ahead of the G20 Summit, scheduled to take place in November. This year, South Africa gets to play host, shining an important spotlight on our country - and the chance to show off our best beaches, braais, and breathtaking landscapes.  "We look forward to welcoming visitors back... with renewed purpose, enhanced facilities and an enriched visitor experience," RIM states.       Booked a tour during the closure? They've promised a full refund.  Your card payment will be automatically reversed, and EFT refunds require your confirmation.    In the meantime, why not turn your attention to the rest of Cape Town’s treasure trove of things to do:  you can hop on a ferry to Seal Island or sip your way through the Constantia wine route.     We're all on board for a shinier and more immpressive version of Robben Island come September.   

On a quaint patch of land just outside the Western Cape dorpie of Piketberg, a bold agricultural experiment is blooming.   It’s not wine, olives or citrus - but saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, harvested delicately by hand from tiny purple crocus flowers.  At the helm of this fragrant venture is Saffricon, a family-run business that’s not just rewriting farming norms in the Western Cape but stitching social impact into every delicate petal. Founded by Bennie Engelbrecht, a former SuperSport backend producer turned saffron pioneer, Saffricon took root in 2013 after years of research and one big, hopeful question: “Why can’t we grow saffron here?”  At around R250,000 to R300,000 per kilogram of saffron, better known as “red gold” - it takes roughly 150,000 flowers to produce a single kilogram of dried saffron threads, all harvested by hand. Bennie’s son, Tiaan joined Time Out for an interview to share exactly how this fascinating business model has been taking off locally - this, as Bennie himself was deep into harvest season, sleeves rolled up and hands in the soil at the time.  “My dad grew up on a farm, and in his words, 'once the soil’s under your skin, it doesn’t leave you,” says the younger Engelbrecht with a shrug and a smile. “He always wanted to farm again.” Saffricon founder Bennie Engelbrecht Cultivating Community, Not Just Crocus Saffricon’s model is as rare as the spice they grow. Tiaan and his dad understand they’re not about to dethrone the tradition

If Netflix’s The Bear offers any insight into the high-stakes world of hospitality, it’s that a head chef sets the tone for the entire kitchen. At Cape Town’s Cape Grace Hotel - recognised as one of the city’s best by Time Out - a new chapter begins under Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs, who brings a fresh vision to its five-star dining experience. We were introduced to Chef Jacob's culinary creativity during a lunch hosted in Heirloom’s private dining room alongside celebrated former World's Best sommelier, Philippe Faure-Brac.  Jacobs rose to the challenge, plating a menu set to stand beside wines open to critique by Faure-Brac (no pressure). Faure-Brac, whose attendance was a masterstroke - aligned perfectly with the hosting of the ASI General Assembly in Cape Town for the first time in its 55-year run, a landmark for the African continent as a whole.  Selene Brophy   The collaboration of this Fairmont property, under Accor's ownership, has led to significant refurbishments and enhancements at the Cape Grace, including the introduction of Heirloom Restaurant - first, under the leadership of acclaimed chef Gregory Czarnecki in 2023. Chef Asher Abramowitz later took over the reins in 2024, bringing added focus to South Africa’s rich culinary heritage.   Now, Jacobs and his team, including sommelier Alvezo Abrahams, showcased exactly what guests can expect in the months ahead. Think elegant dishes rooted in South African traditions of Cape Malay cooking with touches of finess

The City Hall clock, in the heart of the CBD, hasn’t worked properly for nearly 15 years. But thanks to the dedication of a local engineer and one self-taught horologist, this grand old clock is ticking and set to be chiming again soon.   Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has just dropped a behind-the-scenes look at the painstaking restoration of the iconic clock tower, once the tallest building in the city about 120 years ago when it was first built.  Earlier in 2022, horologist Alexios Vicatos successfully repaired the time-keeping mechanism. Now, under the guidance of local engineer Marius Schoemant, the restoration of the chime mechanism is set to be fully complete between June and July.   Watch the Mayor’s video to get a rare peek inside the clock tower: Cape Town’s heritage tourism is alive and ticking This iconic clock is ticking time-traveller proof that Cape Town knows how to fix the past without necessarily losing the plot. The City Hall’s balcony is also where former president Nelson Mandela delivered his first speech as a free man to a throng of supporters looking on from the Grand Parade.  Don’t miss the chance to grab a snap with the life-size statue of the great Nobel Peace Prize winner on the City Hall balcony. There is also an exhibition inside City Hall dedicated to Madiba and his long walk to freedom. You’ll also find the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Experience Centre located on the ground floor. They’re packed with local advice and a few gift id

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in Cape Town will close its doors on Thursday to honour the life and legacy of its Executive Director and Chief Curator, Koyo Kouoh, who passed away unexpectedly on 10 May in Switzerland.  Kouoh was a towering figure in contemporary art and known as a visionary, cultural leader and a fierce advocate for African and Afro-diasporic artistic expression.  Appointed in 2019, she led Zeitz MOCAA through a transformative period, redefining the museum’s curatorial voice and positioning it as a globally recognised platform for contemporary African art. Her sudden passing came just months after she made history as the first African Artistic Director of the Venice Biennale, where she was curating the 61st edition titled “In Minor Keys”, scheduled to open in May 2026. The Biennale has confirmed that Kouoh’s vision will still shape the exhibition, to be realised by her core team.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeitz MOCAA (@zeitzmocaa) In a tribute shared via LinkedIn, David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront and Trustee of Zeitz MOCAA said, “It has been with shock and a profound sadness that I received news of the sudden passing of Koyo… In getting to know Koyo over the years since her acceptance of the job to lead Zeitz MOCAA, I, in the role of Trustee and Co-Chair of the museum, had come to appreciate a true sense of her love for what art and artists bring to the world. “She held an intense conviction t

UPDATE: Wandering elephant seal safely rescued An elephant seal found more than a kilometre inland on the streets of Gordon's Bay has been safely rescued and returned to the ocean.  The Cape of Good Hope SPCA received the alert earlier this morning, as viral clips of the stranded animal began circulating on social media.  Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, confirmed that it took nine hours to rescue and safely release the animal back into the ocean. Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), the largest seal species on Earth, are typically found in sub-Antarctic regions. While young males occasionally haul out along the South African coast during moulting or rest periods, an appearance in a residential area is extremely unusual.  SPCA Wandering elephant seal brings traffic to a standstill Gordon's Bay The harbour town of Gordon’s Bay is well-loved for its quaint beaches and decent seaside fish and chips offerings - and certainly not rogue elephant seals wandering the street in the early morning traffic.  SPCA officials confirmed the rather unexpected visitor had made its way on Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, causing quite a commotion in the residential area. Calls have been made to avoid the area as attempts to relocate the wandering seal were underway. “We’re actively working on a safe and stress-free plan to relocate this magnificent marine mammal,” the organisation said in a statement shared on its Instagram page. “Please avoid the area to help us gi