LIFESTYLE An unexpected time in Cape Town
3 min
We know Cape Town has a reputation for its dazzling sights and sounds, but South Africa’s oldest city (and one of its three capitals) has an eclectic soul waiting to be uncovered. Located at the crossroads of multiple cultures and histories, Cape Town is forged from a coherent chaos of cuisines, art forms and communities. It’s a place where traditions and innovation grow together. If you need just one example of this, the city is playing host to Formula E, an all-electric motorsport competition that fuses racing heritage with cutting-edge technology. So leave the planning to us, and allow Cape Town to immerse you in its unpretentious and vibrant scene.
Skylights of the Zeitz MOCAA - Museum of Contermporary Art Africa. Michael Rowe
Art from every part
What better way to understand a place than by immersing yourself in its art? Look beyond Cape Town, through the eyes of artists from all over the continent, and explore their experiences of belonging at Zeitz MOCAA, the largest museum of contemporary African art. The exhibitions take you on an intimate journey, exploring pan-African identities, experiences of the diaspora, and historical connections between Africa and Asia.
If you’re searching for a more raw and uncurated experience, head to Woodstock and discover vibrant urban murals that are closely tied to the city’s social and cultural issues: depicting the local community, endangered animals, and social protest.
The heart ‘bead’ of Cape Town
When you first step into Monkeybiz you might think you’ve wandered into yet another art museum. Beaded surrealist dolls take the form of animals and people on the busy shelves of this tiny Cape Town store. But behind this explosion of color, Monkeybiz has an even greater social mission: all objects are made in traditional beadwork by local women, allowing them to breathe life into an endangered practice, and take pride in their work while being financially independent.
P.S. you’re not wrong about Monkeybiz looking like a museum – some of the creations in the shop have been exhibited and sold in galleries around the world, including Sotheby’s.
Challenge your senses
Black kale latte, rooibos, cassava and plantain biscuit – these are just some of the ice cream flavors you could see displayed at Tapi Tapi, an educational initiative in the form of an ice-cream shop, nestled in the eclectic streets of Observatory district. Founded by microbiologist turned ice-cream maker, Tapiwa Guzha, the project is a way of celebrating his heritage and bringing African flavors to the wider public. Seasonal menus and small batches of production mean that the flavors you might encounter are always changing – so keep an open mind and let your senses be challenged.
Conquer the table top
Perhaps less likely to be overlooked, towering over Cape Town, is Table Mountain. Designated as one of the New Seven World Wonders in 2011 and home to thousands of endangered plants, the peak is accessible to everyone: you can hike and hope to meet the very rare rooikat (wild cat) or take the table car and soak in the breathtaking views.
If you happen to encounter the tablecloth, a rich layer of clouds that sometimes pours over the mountain, don’t be disappointed. According to the local legend, you’re participating in a smoking contest between the devil and a retired sea captain called Jan van Hunks.
Before you go
Why not swing by the TAG Heuer boutique at the V & A Waterfront Shopping Centre to collect another memory of your time in Cape Town?
TAG Heuer boutique – V & A Waterfront Shopping Centre Shop 6247
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