Insider's Guide to Cape Town: 9 Unique Things to do

One of the best things about Tintswalo Atlantic is the lodge’s unique position and proximity to all the fun, world-class activities that the Mother City has to offer.

Quite simply, if you draw a big ring around Atlantic—with all the attractions of Cape Town dotted around—the lodge would sit right in the middle.

Our guests often ask us for inside information on some of the interesting, romantic and outdoorsy things to do when staying at the lodge for around three nights. It’s true, everyone knows the big attractions: Table Mountain, Cape Point, and many others. We provide a unique set of set adventure tours that guests can book from the lodge, but you might be less aware of some of the local activities that one can enjoy on their own, or as a couple, while still experiencing those iconic Cape Town scenes that you read about in magazines.

Snorkel with the Seals

Feel like doing something adventurous? Just across the Bay from the lodge, you can jump on a rubber duck and head out to Duiker Island for the morning, where there’s a massive seal colony living on the rocks. Suit up in neoprene (the water is cold) and jump in the water with a pair of goggles, and it won’t be long before the seals are off the rocks and swimming with you, darting through the water like torpedoes, and investigating your every move. Seals are curious but lovable, and they truly are one of the most interesting animals to interact with under water.

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Noordhoek Beach Horse Riding

This is an experience not to be missed for any horse lovers. Long Beach in Noordhoek is exactly as the name suggests: long, flat and breathtaking. With the ocean waves lapping up on shore, you can join one of the rides that head out from the stables and gallop along the crisp sandy beach. It’s also just a stone’s throw over the mountains from Atlantic.

Chapman’s Peak Drive at Sunset

You don’t need to go far for this world-famous view. Tintswalo Atlantic is situated right below Chapman’s Peak, so all you need to do is pop out the gate and already you are on your way. Venture through the toll gate and drive onwards and upwards, marveling at the sweeping blue Atlantic Ocean below, the distant town of Hout Bay, and the Sentinel Mountain rising up in the distance. As you summit the mountain, you can stop at the magical view point, before heading down towards Noordhoek. The true sace of the drive reveals itself as the road hugs the mountainside, winding down towards the picturesque town of Noordhoek.

Walk up Kloof Corner

Lion’s Head is the first place most people head to if they want a perspective of Cape Town city and ocean. But we would rather recommend taking a trot up Kloof Corner. From here, you will get a fantastic view of the city and Camps Bay, and with a 10th of the number of tourists, you can settle and enjoy it more. It’s an easy walk, but still gets your breath up, and once you are at the top, drink in hand, you still feel like you have earned the view.

Romantic Picnic on Glen Beach

Looking for a beach around Camps Bay that’s not packed full of summer crowds? Glen Beach is hidden away in the Clifton Corner of Camps Bay. Glen Beach is usually enjoyed by locals who want to have a spot of privacy away from the tourists. Here’s the place to relax and enjoy the summer sun. And if you feel like heading over to the restaurant vibes of Camps Bay strip, it’s just a short walk away.

Constantia Vineyards Roaming

Many visitors to Cape Town think that you need to head out to Franschhoek or Stellenbosch to find amazing winelands, but there’s a fantastic route right on our doorstep at Tintswalo Atlantic - and that’s in the Constantia region. Just a short hop over the mountain, there are over six vineyards to explore, offering spectacular views, amazing wines and great food. Spend a day enjoying Eagle’s Nest, Constantia Glen, Buitenverwachting, and other lovely, historic farms.

Peruse the Bay Harbour Market

Just across the bay from Tintswalo Atlantic, you will find the renowned Bay Harbour Market. This lively market, with all sorts of artworks and foods, is held every Friday evening from 17h00 to 21h00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 09h30 to 16h00. Expect anything and everything from food to craft beer, live music, performances, kid’s activities, clothing, household goodies and plenty more besides.

Hike to the Highest Point on Table Mountain

If you feel like hiking up Table Mountain on a slightly different route to all the others, then one of the best ways is to approach it from the top of Camps Bay. If you park your car on Terese Avenue and take a hike up Kasteelspoort path, you get spectacular views of the ocean behind as you walk up. Once at the top, it’s still a few hours along to the Cape Car, but you get to enjoy the top of the mountain for much longer, and away from all the crowds as you enjoy the sweet-smelling fynbos and the spectacular panoramas of Cape Town.

Surf at Muizenberg Beach

The water on the Atlantic side of Cape Town can be a little chilly, so if you enjoy a bit of surfing, we recommend you head over to Muizenberg Beach for a little rolling fun in the waves. This particular break has very gradual waves, so it's ideal for those less advanced surfers. You can also hire a board and wetsuit at one of the many nearby surf shops. So paddle out, relax in the backline, watch the sun kiss the mountains in the distance, and enjoy this fantastic ocean.

Whatever you decide while staying with us, remember that you are coming back to a beautiful sunset deck at Tintswalo, a hearty meal, a bed by the waves; and the promise of a new day of fun - whether it be relaxing by our pool, or heading out for another day in sunny Cape Town.

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