The V&A Waterfront is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist hot-spots in Cape Town, and it is not difficult to understand why with such a diverse offering of experiences to tantalise even the pickiest of tastes. For wheelchair users, there are a number of options when spending a day or two with the ocean beside you and our majestic mountain keeping watch.
1. Go Shopping
The V&A Waterfront boast over 450 retail outlets with products ranging from fashion wear, jewellery, homeware to audiovisial equipment and leather goods. Offering a diverse range of both local and international brands, there is guaranteed to be something to suit every pocket or whim.
2. Visit the Zeitz Mocaa Museum
Featuring more than 100 galleries, spread over 9 floors, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art is a public non-profit art museum exhibiting twenty-first century art from AFrica and its Diaspora. The museum also hosts international exhibitions, encourages intercultural understanding, and develops supporting educational and enrichment programmes.
Wednesday to Monday (including public holidays):
10 am – 6 pm. Last entry: 5:30 pm.
Closed Tuesdays.
Contact Information:
+27 (0)87 350 4777
Email: info@zeitzmocaa.museum
Website: www.zeitzmocaa.museum
3. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is ideally positioned to showcase the diverse marine life found in the Indian and Atlantic oceans, which meet at the southern most tip of Africa. Home to more than 300 species of living marine animals, some interesting creatures can be viewed such as sharks, fish, turtles and penguins. Opening in 1995, the aquarium as established itself as a key player in environmental awareness education.
Contact Information:
Phone: +27 (0)21 418 3823 | +27 (0)21 418 3952
Email: aquarium@aquarium.co.za
Website: www.aquarium.co.za
4. Watch a show at the Cape Town Comedy Club
The dinner theatre hosts shows five nights per week from Wednesday to Sunday, with the festive season heralding shows seven nights per week. Dinner starts from 6pm with the show beginning at 20h30, ending at 22h30 with a 15 minute interval in between.
The venue is wheelchair accessible with no stairs throughout the venue, with disabled parking available in the Portswood parking area, and accessible toilets inside the club. Please let the venue know in advance to allocate adequate seating space for wheelchair users.
Contact Information:
Phone: +27 (0)21 418 8880 / +27 (0)79 495 3989
Email: info@capetowncomedy.com
Website: www.capetowncomedy.com/whats-on/
5. Take a ride on the Cape Wheel
This giant observation wheel offers a 360 degree panoramic view of Cape Town, with birds-eye glimpses of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Cape Town Stadium and the city skyline. Two of the 30, fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabins are wheelchair accessible and will take you 40 metres above the ground on a four revolution ride.
Contact Information:
Phone: +27 (0)21 418 2502
Email: info@capewheel.co.za
Website: www.capewheel.co.za
6. Hop on board the City Sightseeing Bus
The City Sightseeing Bus is definitely a popular activity for both tourists and locals alike. What better way to be a tourist in your own city that hopping on board the “big red bus”, plugging in your earphones and listening the the rich history of the places we often whizz by on our daily routes, or the parts of our city we don’t often venture to.
The City Sightseeing Bus experience offers more than 30 stops with visits to over 50 of Cape Town’s top attractions, such as the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Groot Constantia, and now Cape Point and Franschhoek on the two new routes as well.
Contact Information:
Phone: 021 511 6000 (8am–5pm)
Email: info@citysightseeing.co.za
Website: www.citysightseeing.co.za
7. Helicopter flight with Cape Town Helicopters
Cape Town Helicopters offers guests a variety of tours to choose from, ranging from winelands tours to adventure excursions. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula for an unforgettable and exhilirating experience.
Phone: 021 418 9462
Whatsapp: +27(84)7667777
Website: www.helicopterscapetown.co.za
8. Chavonne’s Battery Museum
The achaelogical ruins of a Dutch East India Company Fort, buried for 140 years, can be explored at The Chavonnes Battery Museum. This interesting space, below sea-level, is also host to a variety of international photographic exhibitions.
Contact Information:
+27 82 417 5166 Emergency Number
9. Boat Trip to Robben Island
Robben Island Museum hosts tours daily at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00. Depart at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront by ferry for a 3.5 hour tour (including the return ferry trip).
Once at the island, your tour guide will meet you on boarding the busses for an integrated tour. Guides are knowledgeable of the island’s 500 year old history. The tour includes visits to the graveyard, the Lime Quarry, Bluestone quarry, the maximum security prison, Robert Sobukwe’s house, and ends with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.
Contact Information:
Phone: +27 (0)21 413 4200 | F +27 (0)21 419 1057
Email: infow@robben-island.org.za
Website: http://www.robben-island.org.za/
[We at Accessible South Africa, haven’t personally experienced this trip yet, but were informed that the ferry is accessible via a ramp for wheelchair users – please make enquiries with regards to your personal requirements before booking]
10. Dine at one of many restaurants
Featuring flavours from across the world with more than 80 restaurants to choose from, there is something for every budget and taste. Choose your views of the sea or the mountain, grab a quick bite at one of the takeaway vendors, or enjoy a relaxed evening of fine dining – the choice is yours! View all of the listings on the V&A Waterfront website.
11. Browse the craft market
The Watershed is home to over 150 tenants representing more than 365 brands with a diverse product range from jewellery to ceramics. Including the Jubilee Exhibition Hall, world famous exhibitions, workshops and live entertainment are hosted at the Watershed. This craft market is open dailly from 10h00 – 19h00. Just a note on wheelchair access – while it is flat throughoute, the main thoroughfare is cobbled, so just to bear in mind it can be a bit bumpy for some wheelchair users.
12. Watch a movie
You’ll be spoilt for choice with both Nu Metro and Cinema Nouveau movies to choose from when spending time at the V&A Waterfront.
Contact Information:
NuMetro
Tel: +2786 124-6362
https://numetro.co.za
Cinema Nouveau
Tel: +27 82 16789
https://www.sterkinekor.com
