Diamond Tours – for anyone who loves a bit of bling, or even those curious as to how diamonds are cut so perfectly, a Shimansky tour is not to be missed. Situated in the Clock Tower section of the V&A Waterfront, this fine jeweller offers tours of their workshop. Here you will learn about the fine art of diamond cutting and jewellery making, with the chance to see a huge range of sparkling gems in all of their various phases.

Chocolate Tasting – why settle for wine when you can have wine and chocolate? Chocolate tasting in Cape Town is sure to satisfy any chocoholic’s craving for the good stuff, with a range of options to choose from. Waterford Wine Estate in Stellenbosch offers chocolate pairing with their fine wines, while KWV offers brandy and chocolate pairing. On Kloof Nek Road in the City Bowl, Torino Chocolate is also well worth a visit.

Magic School – The School of Magic in Kenilworth may not exactly be Hogwarts, but it is the next best thing. Adult classes and kids classes are offered over a six week course, where magic pupils will learn all sorts of cool card, coin and rab­bit out of hat tricks. We think Harry Potter may just approve, even without the potions and spells!

Shark Diving – you’ve heard all about the famous Great white sharks of Cape Town, but what about the Blue and Mako sharks of the pelagic waters? Or even the ancient-looking Cow sharks? Whether you have a scuba qualification or you are prepared to do a dive on snorkel, diving with these sharks without a cage is without a doubt one of the most adventurous activities to try in Cape Town! Shark Explorers offers a range of shark encounters and expeditions throughout the year, with April being ideal for visibility and conditions.

Flying Trapeze – if you’re looking for more active pursuits in the city, flying trapeze with a real life circus is sure to be a good workout. The South African National Circus School is based in Observatory, and is every bit as thrilling as the Cirque du Soleil. It may take a while before you get the hang of things (no pun intended), but you are sure to love every minute you spend flying through the air.

Township Tours -  The vibrant and spirited lives of the South African people are something that cannot be missed if you are to fully experience your visit to the Cape Town area. Townships surrounding the city offer a first-hand look at this unique and diverse population.

Contact BokBus to organise any of the above adventures on:

082 320 1979

Expect plenty of hot, clear days during April, with cooler nights. Beaches are quieter during April, which means the chance to visit Clifton, Boulders, Llandudno and many other fine Cape Town beaches. Pack a few warm jackets too for cooler days, just in case!

With that in mind we have put together a little list for you on the local side of things:

The Fugard Theatre in District Six

The Fugard, which opened in early 2010 in the legendary District Six, is a valuable addition to the Cape Town theatre scene, and was named in honour of Athol Fugard, South Africa’s iconic playwright. The theatre is located within the historic Sacks Futeran building, with the renovated Congregational Church Hall in Caledon Street as its entrance. Shows can be enjoyed in the different theatres: a 280-seater, a 150-seater, and a bioscope. Expect a broad spectrum  of theatre performances, from plays music and, movies.

All seating is reserved and can be booked through Computicket or through the theatre’s box office.

Red Espresso

Red espresso is pure rooibos tea – it’s high quality tea ground to the perfect grind so that you can use it as you would an espresso in your coffee maker and make yourself a red espresso. And it’s even healthier for you with 10 times more antioxidants than in normal rooibos tea. Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes and cancer are all contributed by oxidative damage. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defence and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection. South Africa though is the home of rooibos and red espresso’s most important market (the product is proudly Capetonian). In 2010, the local market grew by 20%.

You can get Red Espresso (or cappuccino if that is what you hanker for) at most coffee shops around South Africa.

Cape Malay Foods:

Cape Malay cuisine is unique to Cape Town. It dates back to the 17th Century and has evolved to reflect the influences of the times. Originally a product of the early Indian and Malay settlers in the Cape, it has since been adapted by the creative cooks indigenous to this area.

The best braai spots in Cape Town

Spend a lazy afternoon doing what we South African’s do best!

Braais – like rugby, biltong, and sunny skies – are among the defining elements of the South African way of life. The braai holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans, and those who have visited our shores and been introduced to the braai have no doubt also grown to love this traditional pastime. Everyone has their favourite braai spot, a place they can go to spend a quiet afternoon with friends and family to just relax and unwind.

Tokai Forest

Entrance to the braai area is R10 per adult, R5 per child and R10 per car. Tokai Forest braai area can be found on the right-hand side of Tokai Road, just before the Tokai Manor House. The braai area is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm (if you’re already in the picnic area before 4pm you can stay until 5pm). For more information, contact the Tokai Forest Picnic area on             +27 (0)21 712 7471

Silvermine

Entrance to the braai area is R20 for adults and R10 for children. Wild Card and My Green Card holders get in free. The entrance to the Silvermine braai and picnic spots can be found on the Constantiaberg side of Ou Kaapseweg. The area is open Monday to Sunday from 8am – 5pm from April to August and 7am – 6pm from September to March.

Newlands Forest

Entrance to the braai area is R30 for up to six people and R10 a head thereafter. There is a 50 percent discount for Wild Card Holders. A secure parking bay within the fenced in braai area will cost you R10. The entrance to Newlands Forest can be found along the M3 freeway near the University of Cape Town, watch out for a small sign on your right indicating directions to the forest. The braai area is open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm. For more information, contact Newlands Forest                  on +27 (0)21 422 1601/2.

Wynberg Park

Entrance to the park is free. Wynberg Park can be found on the corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg. The braai area is open Monday to Sunday from 8am – 6pm.

A Midsummer Night`s Dream is undoubtedly one of Shakespeare`s most popular and accessible plays and is the perfect introduction for young theatre-goers to the Bard.

Abrahamse & Meyer Productions have achieved international recognition for their innovative Shakespeare productions and their’ A Midsummer Night`s Dream’ with its spectacular sets, sumptuous costumes, magical lighting effects and laugh-a-minute comedy promises to be one of the must-see highlights of the 2012 theatrical calendar.

Show times:

10 – 21 April 2012
Tuesday: 10am
Wednesday: 10am
Thursday & Friday: 10am & 8:15pm
Saturday: 8:15pm
Sunday: 3pm

Cost: R40 per person

Contact the Artscape on:

t     021 410 9838
e     az.oc.epacstranull@epacstra
w     www.artscape.co.za
a     DF Malan Street, Foreshore

This award-winning market features over 100 specialty traders every Saturday, creating a weekly platform for local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs, and micro enterprises.

Enjoy live musical performances or bring a vinyl record to play at their Bring and Play station. Sit at the big tables and enjoy your eats and drinks.

Kindergoods is a specially focused area in the market for the little ones, featuring 10 hand-selected traders offering bespoke items for children (incl. kinder fashions & accessories, vintage toys, etc.)

The market is on every Saturday, come rain or shine, 9am – 2pm.

Cost: Free entrance

Address: 373 – 375 Albert Road, Woodstock

The Mother City’s culinary event of the year, Taste of Cape Town, returns to the beautiful surrounds of Green Point Cricket Club from 19 – 22 April, 2012.

Over four days, this unique festival will once again bring together the city’s most acclaimed restaurants and carefully selected exhibitors to attract Cape Town’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies. Taste of Cape Town brings together the city’s finest restaurants, award- winning wineries, premium drink brands, artisan producers, boutique exhibitors and fantastic entertainment.

Date: 19 – 22 April 2012

Venue: Greenpoint Cricket Club

Website: http://tasteofcapetown.com/

Ticket Prices

80 Standard
Entrance to the festival and includes a tasting glass

R200 Premium
Entrance to the festival and includes a tasting glass and R120 worth of Crowns (The official currency of Taste of Cape Town)

R685 Taste Clubhouse Experience presented by DStv
Entrance to the festival including a tasting glass, 3 premium drinks, R180 worth of Crowns, private clubhouse with a cash bar

Setting the table for an abundance of trends and décor adventures, Decorex Cape Town returns to the Mother City with a vibrant boutique interior design exhibition reflecting the creative spirit of its host town.

This year’s Decorex show brings a unique combination of originality, adventurous ideas, product launches, big brands rubbing shoulders with artisanal collectables and unique lifestyle spaces to the CTICC.

Widely regarded as the most prestigious interior and exterior design exhibition in Africa Decorex is not to be missed!

Tickets for Decorex  Cape Town2012:  Adults | R65p/p | Pensioners & Students R55p/p | Children under 12 R10p/p.

Exhibition times: 10:00 – 19:00 Thursday 26 April 2012 – Saturday 28 April 2012 |10:00 – 18:00 on Sunday 29 April 2012.

Date:     26 Apr 2012 – 29 Apr 2012
Time:     10:00 – 19:00
Venue:     Cape Town International Convention Centre
Location:     Convention Square | 1 Lower Long Street | Cape Town
Price:     R60p/p –R10p/p
Phone:   +27 (0)11 549 8300
Email:    az.oc.gpetnull@nais
Website:     www.decorex.co.za

Paintball
Struggling to drag your kids away from their computer games? This might be a good way to go about it. Replace their first person shooters with real life combat – well, sort of. Teamwork, stealth and strategy are all part of what makes it so exciting. Hiding behind trees, belly crawling through the grass or strategising with their team will soon make them forget about their computers. Not for the easily bruised, this is ideal for older children (they need to be older than 11 years to play). All the necessary equipment is included, such as the gun, protective gear, bush jacket and first 100 paintballs. Extra paintballs cost R35 per 100 paintballs (an average player uses about 200-300). Younger children can play laser tag which is also on offer there.
Price: paintball: R120 per person, laser tag: R95 per person.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 9:15am-12:45pm, 1:15pm – 4:45pm
Area 51 | Imhoff Farm | Kommetjie | Cape Town |             27 (0)21 790 7603

Camel Riding
If the paintball sounds a bit too hectic then why not take your kids for a camel ride at Imhoff Farm next door to the paintball. There are three camels available for rides, gentle enough for your kids to enjoy and the jerky two metre ascent will keep things exciting. You are welcome to join them for the ride too.  There are many other things to do at Imhoff so book a slot at the hut by the entrance when you arrive and then have a look around their farmyard or the shops while you wait your turn.
Price: Short rides: R50 for adults, R30 for children, scenic ride (30 minutes): R150
Opening times: Tuesdays – Sundays and public holidays: 12pm – 4pm
Imhoff Farm | Kommetjie | Cape Town |             +27 (0)21 789 1711

Ratanga Junction
With over 23 rides as well as other attractions like train and boat rides this is a great place to take the whole family. Little ones will enjoy the more sedate rides while older children (and parents) can brave the legendary Cobra and other thrill rides. There are also rides the whole family can go on, like Crocodile Gorge where each group gets their own round boat to go down the water in (prepare to get soaked). There’s also mini-golf and a variety of fun fair style games where you can win prizes.
Price: Adventure Rider ticket (those taller than 1.3m): R142, Mini Adventure Rider (those under 1.3m): R70, Fun Pass (for non-riders): R45
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 10am-5pm (reopening September 30th)
Century City | Milnerton | Cape Town |             +27 (0)21 550 8504

Scratch Patch
Mineral World in  Simon’s Town was opened in 1970 and was the first scratch patch ever. There are a multitude of stones and you pay for the container size that you want to fill. It’s a great place for children to spend some time sifting through the tumble-polished gemstones and choosing their favorites to bring home. They’ll be able to sit on the multi-coloured carpet of stones while choosing from Southern African stones such as Tiger’s Eye, Rose Quartz and Amethyst. Finding their favorite colours and shapes will keep them entertained as they try to decide which treasures to bring home.
Price: small bag: R15, large container: R90.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4:45pm, Saturday– Sunday: 9am – 6pm
Dido Valley | Simon’s Town | Cape Town |             +27 (0)21 786-2020

Zip line
Your kids will love channeling their inner Tarzan on the ‘foefieslides’ while you enjoy the picturesque backdrop of the Skurweberg Mountains. The Ceres zip slide tour has eight slides which cover 1.4km in total, making this the longest zip slide tour on the continent. The highest point of the slide is 40m. The full body harnesses with state of the art equipment make the slides safe. This adrenaline filled tour can be enjoyed by children of all ages as well as adults.
Price: R400 per person
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 8am – 4pm (it stays open later in the summer time)
1 Voortrekker Street | Ceres | Western Cape |             +27 (0)72 14 11 804

Pirate Boat
Craving adventure on the high seas? Set sail aboard the Jolly Roger and enjoy the live pirate show out at sea. There are three daily cruises to choose from as well as a variety of kids’ parties and school group options on offer. Children will love the authentic looking pirate ship and the sense of adventure that the crew helps to create. Start practicing your ‘arrrrghhs’ beforehand and teach your kids some pirate lingo so they can get into character for the trip.
Price: Daily cruises: adults: R100, children: R50, sunset cruise: children: R100, adults: R200.
Opening times: Subject to weather conditions
V&A Waterfront Harbour | Cape Town |             +27 (0)21 421 0909

Cool Runnings Tobogganing Park
We’ve swapped sunshine and beaches for the lure of snow here in Cape Town but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the winter sports they get to enjoy elsewhere. This tobogganing may not be down a slope of snow but it is certainly exciting. The 1.25km steel tracks allow for speeds of up to 40km per hour as you race down the hill and there’s no chance of falling into icy snow banks either. There’s also no trudging back up to the top dragging your toboggan behind you as the steel cables do that for you.
Price: adults (over 14 years): R25 for one ride, R240 for unlimited rides, children (under 14 years): R20 for one ride, R220 for unlimited rides.
Opening Times: Tuesday – Friday: 12pm -6pm, Saturday-Sunday: 9am-6pm
Off Carl Cronje Drive opposite the Bellville Velodrome | Bellville | Western Cape |             +27 (0)21 949 4439

Sandboarding
Who needs snow when you have sand? Gary’s Surf School offers sand-boarding lessons for beginners. Once they’ve mastered the art of standing on the board as they fly down the dunes they can attempt some of the more advanced moves and tricks. This is a great way for kids to burn off excess energy while having fun.
Price: R300 per person
Opening times: On appointment
Fish Hoek Sports Club | Fish Hoek | Cape Town | Matthew:             +27 (0)83 274 3549       / Gary:             +27 (0)83 324 5110

The Book Lounge
For younger children (3-8 years) there’s adventure of a different kind every Saturday at 11am at the Book Lounge. The exciting stories will take them along for a different journey each week. It’s a great way to get them excited about reading and exploring the wonderful world of books.
Price: Free
Opening times: Saturdays: 11am
71 Roeland Street | Zonnebloem | Cape Town |             +27 (0)21 462 2425

STREET ADDRESS:
Baxter Theatre Centre
Main Road
Rondebosch
Cape Town

TELEPHONE: 021 685 7880 (International +27 21 685 7880)