What’s on in Cape Town in July, I hear you ask? Well, as you may know, it is winter here in sunny South Africa and although for most of the country it is the dry season, Cape Town tends to be rainy and windy.
Coined “The Cape of Storms” by the early mariners because of the wild winds that blow around the coast at this time of year, you will find that July can just as easily show you all four seasons in one day.
Generally the coldest month and the month with the highest rainfall, temperatures rarely get below 7 degrees C (45 degrees F) – perfect for discovering the multitude of museums, festivals and theatre on offer in this fascinating city at the foot of Africa.
Armed with a raincoat or anorak – I recommend leaving the umbrella at home due to the force of the winds that can turn it inside-out in a matter of seconds – you will be warmly welcomed in to cosy cafes and restaurants, many with open fires.
Best way to dress is in layers, so when the sun comes out, you can take advantage of it’s warming rays, whilst not getting caught out when the rain comes down.
So what’s to see?
If you like a good laugh, why not sample the extraordinary choice of world-famous acts on at the Vodacom Funny Festival. Acts from as far afield as New Zealand and Korea combine to ensure you have a rib-tickling time.
The Boy With Tape On His Face has been a sensation at recent Edinburgh Festival performances and has to be seen to be believed – enough to say that you will be discovering your inner child in an instance!
From magicians to stand-up comedy, hula-hoops to piano’s – yes, piano’s – you are guaranteed to enjoy this winter warmer.
- Celebrate Bastille Day in Style
A little further along the coast in Knysna, the Oyster Festival gets underway today for 10 days of fun and frolicking! With over 200,000 oysters being served, this year’s festivities are set to be the best yet. Make certain that you take your energy with you because the list of things to do is extensive and as diverse as adventure racing to bowling, live music to whiskey tasting.
As with many of these festivals, partying is the name of the game and to experience oysters every which way – au naturel, beer battered, pomegranate salsa, macadamia nut crusted, Mexican or Mozambican, sexy spiced or wood smoked – accompanied by chilled glasses of champagne or draught beer, I can’t think of a more lovely place to taste these exquisite seafood delicacies.
From oysters in Knysna to history in Franschhoek …
Celebration of Bastille Day takes place in the Franschhoek valley over the weekend of the 16th & 17th July. The centuries old French Huguenot heritage is on display through its award-winning wines, mouth-watering food and world-class shops and boutiques. Fun and games are plentiful in this pretty valley where classy wine estates abound.
Back in Cape Town, the Artscape Theatre hosts Noddy and his friends – a real treat for school aged children on their holidays, whilst The Nutcracker ballet, Danscape and Indigenous Orchestra Ensemble satisfy their parent’s quest for quality musical and dance entertainment.
For something a little different, why not take a look at the Mandela Trilogy, a musical tribute to the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela? Due to start a nationwide tour, you can catch this captivating performance at the Artscape Opera House on 21st and 22nd July.
If you would like help arranging your Cape Town tours in July, let us ensure you enjoy Cape Town to its fullest. From accommodation in Cape Town, to wine tours or spear fishing, party tours to horseback safaris, we will take care of it all.
