SIX things to do in Cape Town for under R50

If you’re planning to visit Cape Town this festive season, here are six things you and your family can do without breaking the bank.

If you're planning to visit Cape Town this festive season, here are six things you and your family can do without breaking the bank. Image: The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) NRF|SAAO

Cape Town is fast becoming South Africa’s most loved destination by locals and international tourists.

The Mother City has much to offer as it caters to both the young and old.

Here are six things you can enjoy in the city for R50 – or under – this festive season.

Take a tour of the South African Astronomical Observatory

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) offers Open Nights to the public every second and fourth Saturday of each month at R50 per person.

Open nights run from 20:00 to 22:00. The first hour is a talk/lecture on astronomy and other related science fields, which lasts for about 45 minutes, with a 15 minute questions and answer session that follows.

This is then followed by a site historical tour, a tour of the museum and, if weather permits, star gazing through telescopes which includes the over 120 years old McClean telescope.

Tickets are published on the 30th of each month on the SAAO website.

SAAO also offers private day and night tours on scheduled days at the same amount.

The difference between a private night tour and an open night is that there is no lecture/talk during a night tour, but we offer a visit to our phase 1 visitors centre on site and star gazing.

There is just one last open night and private tours for the year remaining (as below) and are up on the website for bookings.

Remaining scheduled tours for December 2024:

Private night tour: 19 December 2024 – 20:00

Private day tour: 20 December 2024 – 11:30

Open night: 21 December 2024 – 20:00

For bookings and more information, visit the SAAO website HERE

Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach

Home to the famous colony of African Penguins, Boulders Beach makes the perfect day out. You can dip in the False Bay Ocean, find a spot on the sand for a picnic, or relax and watch the penguins roam in their natural habitat.

Price: R45 per adult; R25 per child (SA citizens)

Cape Town — ***The African Penguins at Boulders Beach. Image: Wikimedia Commons***

The Magic Company at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World

The Magic Company at GrandWest has all the fun for kids and teens or adults looking to free their inner child to enjoy. You can race a superbike, shoot some hoops, hit a strike in ten-pin bowling, immerse yourself in a virtual reality experience in the X Rider, try out the Lazer Zone, or compete in a friendly ice hockey game.

Prices: Bowling (Mon-Thurs): R55 per person, R75 per game Friday – Sunday (including public and school holidays)

Lazer Tag: R60 per person

X-Rider: R40 per person

Arcade Games: R2 per token

The Castle of Good Hope

Locally known as “The Castle”, the City of Cape Town says this bastion fort is considered the best-preserved example of a 17th-century architectural structure in the world.

A bell tower over the main entrance was built in 1684. The original bell, also known as the oldest in South Africa, was cast in Amsterdam in 1697 and weighs just over 300kg.

The Castle also acted as the local headquarters for the South African Army in the Western Cape and today houses the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for the traditional Cape Regiments.

Price: R2 – R50

Strawberry picking at Polkadraai

The beautiful Polkadraai Strawberry Farm is in Stellenbosch. Strawberry picking takes place between September and January.

One can walk through rows of fruit beds and pick strawberries with family or friends. Activities for kids include face painting, pony rides, and a playground.

Prices:

Tractor Ride: R25 per person
Mini Golf: R25 per person
Pony Rides: R25 per child
Face Painting: R25 per child
Arts and Crafts: R40 per craft
Strawberry Picking: From R55 per person