Take advantage of a special occasion and turn it into a memorable date. Whether you’re celebrating your birthday or planning something thoughtful for your partner’s, South Africa is full of experiences that feel indulgent without the hefty price tag. From a cableway ride up Table Mountain to silver-screen magic under the stars, these birthday-friendly treats are perfect for celebrating love without blowing the budget.
Free things to do on your birthday across South Africa:
1. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, ascending the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is always a delightful experience. While it may not be budget-friendly for locals at R420 per adult for a morning departure, there’s a silver lining – once a year, you get to enjoy the ride for free.
During the entire calendar month of your birthday, you can present your proof of ID and receive a complimentary return ticket to the summit. The beauty of this offer is that you can use the free birthday ticket on any day within that month, even if it precedes your actual birthdate. Unfortunately, this birthday perk is exclusive to South Africans. Additionally, it’s important to note that children must accompany an adult when redeeming their birthday tickets, and the complimentary ticket is valid solely for the individual celebrating their birthday.
Address: Tafelberg Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
2. Harties Cableway
Why not savour breathtaking views from exhilarating heights at Harties Cableway on your birthday? Simply bring your ID to confirm your special day, and you’ll receive a complimentary cable car ride! It’s a delightful way to start your birthday on a high note. Once you reach the summit, you’ll discover a host of other adventures and attractions to ensure your visit is truly memorable.
Address: Plot 3, Melodie Melodie Agricultural Holdings, Hartbeespoort, 0260
3. Two Oceans Aquarium
Residents can enjoy special perks at the Two Oceans Aquarium in the V&A Waterfront, receiving complimentary admission on their birthday and the subsequent six days. Regrettably, this offer is exclusive to South African residents and is not extended to tourists.
To claim the free ticket, the birthday celebrant needs to visit the Aquarium’s ticket office, presenting valid proof of identification. This offer is applicable to individuals aged four and above. It’s important to note that tickets cannot be obtained in advance and must be utilised on the same day they are collected.
Address: Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
4. Gold Reef City Theme Park
Celebrate your birthday at the always-popular and adventure-packed Gold Reef City Theme Park! Secure your group’s tickets online and bring proof of your birthday, such as your ID or driver’s license. Immerse yourself in the joy of over 50 thrilling rides and attractions on your special day.
In the event that your birthday coincides with a closed day for the theme park (currently Monday to Wednesday), take advantage of the free birthday entry offer by visiting on the closest Sunday to your birthdate. Please note that this offer is valid exclusively for the nearest Sunday. While no prior online booking is necessary for the birthday person, it is essential for family and friends accompanying you on the day.
Address: Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Johannesburg, 2159
5. The Cape Wheel
Perched in its new position with a scenic backdrop of Granger Bay, the Cape Wheel offers mesmerizing vistas of the Waterfront, city center, and Table Mountain. Complete the straightforward online form, and upon your birthday, receive a complimentary ride voucher valid for the next 30 days. Just print out the voucher and, along with proof of ID, present it at the Cape Wheel ticket booth.
In case you miss the advance sign-up, fret not. On your actual birthday, you can effortlessly show up with proof of ID to redeem your free ride.
Address: The Lawns, Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
6. Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
On your special day, Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve are offering you the present of adventure with a free Self-Drive experience at the reserve! The complimentary entry ticket is applicable solely on your birthday, so remember to bring your ID for ticket validation.
Address: 520 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp, 1739
7. Ster-Kinekor Movie
While there’s a bit of administrative work involved, if you’re a movie enthusiast, the effort is worthwhile to snag your complimentary movie ticket at Ster-Kinekor Theatres. To get started, you’ll need to apply (at no cost) and become a member of the SK Club, which you can do here.
After a few simple clicks, you can then login online or drop by your nearest Ster-Kinekor box office to claim a free 2D or 3D birthday movie ticket. Keep in mind that the ticket is only valid for movies released a week before and up to seven days after your birthday.
Address: Branches across South Africa
8. SKY-HI Ride
Conquer a 35-meter tall tower! Experience a free-fall at nearly 100 km/h. Endure 4Gs of force on your body. If these numbers don’t deter you from the exhilarating SKY-HI Ride atop the Hotel Sky in downtown Cape Town, then seize the opportunity to claim your complimentary birthday ticket for this unique ride, the only one of its kind in Africa.
To secure your free ticket, make an online reservation using this link. Fortunately, the ticket is valid for any day throughout the month of your birthday.
Address: 28th Floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
9. Galileo Open-Air Cinema
This outdoor cinematic experience, widely embraced throughout Cape Town, features screenings at selected venues in the city and across the Cape Winelands.
During the Galileo summer season, spanning from November to April, you can avail yourself of the Galileo Birthday Special within your birthday week, commencing on a Monday and concluding on a Sunday. Simply present proof of ID or birth during your Birthday Week at the entrance to enjoy complimentary entry, a backrest, and a blanket.
Even if a show is sold out, Galileo ensures accommodation for the birthday person. However, individuals accompanying the celebrant are advised to pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment, as no on-site sales are permitted when a show is sold out.
Check out their venues here.
ALSO SEE: A romantic Valentine’s Day at Brookdale Estate
Written by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs for Food&Home.
Feature image: Jonathan Borba/Unsplash
Singer, businesswoman and media personality Amor Vittone is engaged. The star shared the happy news on social media on 28 January, posting a photo of her elegant engagement…
Calling the family and posting on the Gram? Duh! But what else should you do after he’s popped the question?
1 CELEBRATE!
This doesn’t have to be a full-on engagement party just yet. In the days after you announce your impending nuptials, your phone will be buzzing off the hook with well-wishers hoping to see you as soon as possible and hear all about how he got down on one knee. So plan a little get-together to pop bottles with your nearest and dearest and tell them everything. Or, if you are a more low-key kind of couple, simply have a special night for two to revel in all the butterflies you’re feeling at the moment. Being engaged is a wonderful time. Enjoy it to the fullest.
2 GET YOUR RING INSURED (AND SIZED!)
The months leading up to your wedding are going to be split between days of pure joy and days of pure admin… So. Much. Admin. First up: You now have a small fortune on your finger, so be sure to protect your new asset and get it insured. Your guy should’ve been supplied with a valuation certificate upon purchase, but if not, take it to any reputable jeweller to get a value estimate. Send this to your insurance company to get it covered in case it gets lost or stolen. And while you’re at it, have it sized perfectly for your finger to make losing it less likely.
3 SET A (VAGUE) DATE
After “Let me see the ring!” and “How did he propose?”, the next most asked question you’ll get at this stage is “When’s the wedding?”. Unless you know exactly how it’s going to go down to the very last detail on a sunny day in February, you probably haven’t even thought about a date. Chat to your hubby-to-be and come up with a ‘thereabouts’ answer. Whether it’s “next summer” or “in three years’ time”, giving people some sort of timeline will ease the bombardment while also letting your guests mentally save the date.
4 DETERMINE THE TYPE OF WEDDING
Small getaway wedding or the do of the year at an exclusive wine farm? Figuring this out with your man is the best starting point of the planning to come, as it will help you determine everything from what venues to look at, to your all-important budget and guest list size.
5 GATHER INSPIRATION
Real talk time. Everyone from Chatty Cathy at the office to your mom and well-meaning-but-pushy friends are going to start pressuring you to begin planning. There’s so much to do, after all. Yes, Cathy, there is… but there’s no need to jump into contacting vendors and venues now if you don’t have the basics decided yet. You’ll cut down on a lot of wasted time if you know what you want before getting stuck in. Get on Pinterest and flip through wedding magazines. This is the fun part! Make a mood board with the images you love and you’ll soon start to see your dream day to come to life. Once you know what you want, seeking out the right vendors for you will be that much easier.
BOOK AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT
Photographers get snapped up way in advance, so if this is a route you want to go down – book it now! Otherwise, call on your creative friends to help set up a photoshoot of the two of you on the beach, in a forest, or even at home just being yourselves. Smartphone cameras are more than enough to get some amazing shots (don’t forget the dreamy filters!).
ALSO SEE: Locally loved flowers for your wedding bouquet
Written by Andrea Robertson for Summer 2019 print edition.
Feature image: Pexels
Since 2026 is basically 2016! If you been scrolling on social media, you heard this before and if the same applies for fashion and beauty, then 2026 is…
Everyone loves a rose, a hydrangea, stargazer lilies or orchids in their wedding bouquets. These exquisite flowers are staples in many a flower arrangement but dare we say, they’re outdated?
If you’re looking to bring some flair to your flowers, make your bouquet out of these gorgeous indigenous flowers:
The King Protea
Yes, yes this is not a revelation and has been popular in many a bouquet. It’s easy to see why, though. The National Flower of South Africa is a seriously beautiful plant that deserves a spot in your flower arrangements.
View this post on Instagram
Impala lily
St Joseph’s and stargazers are spectacular, we can’t deny it. The pollen, while fragrant, will leave a whole mess on your white dress. Switch it out for some beautiful impala lilies, which will bring the best of the white and pink to your bunch.
View this post on Instagram
Yellow arum lily
If you really want to make a statement, pop a few yellow arrum lilies into your bouquet. These beautiful plants look otherworldly and the colour is captivating.
Watsonia
If you want to splash some pink into the mix, the elegant and dainty watsonia is your plant. These flowers are subtle yet sophisticated and will tie your flower arrangement together.
Barberton daisy
These robust beauties come in many different colours, so the choice is yours. In the South African context though, this specific flower is bright red, giving your bouquet an edge.
View this post on Instagram
Agapanthus or lily of the Nile
While not only found in South Africa, the lily of the Nile is common in many gardens across the country. These flowers bloom in purple and white, so if you want to tone your bouquet up or down, this is your flower.
View this post on Instagram
Sunflowers
Cute and quirky, sunflowers are a marvellous plant. Again they are not endemic to South Africa (we know) but they beloved by us. A bouquet of sunflowers could be a simple yet bold move.
View this post on Instagram
Dried English lavender
Dried bouquets are a massive wedding trend. If you’re looking to keep things neutral and want to add a hint of colour to your flowers, opt for some dried English lavender. It still retains some of the deep purple but without being over the top.
Pampas grass
This versatile, South American plant can be used in so many ways throughout your wedding. They can be shaped, twisted and dyed to suit your wedding colour theme. They will also add an effortless elegance and feathery femininity to your bouquet.
Tip: Consult with your florist as to when these flowers are in season and what their availability is. Some may not bloom en masse, making it tricky to hero it for the entire flower ensemble.
ALSO SEE: Blooming Innovation: The Rise of Bridal Bag Bouquets & 2025 Bouquet Trends
Blooming Innovation: The Rise of Bridal Bag Bouquets & 2025 Bouquet Trends
Feature image: Instagram
The art of paper folding often associated with Japanese culture has long fascinated Westerners – and for good reason. The intricate designs that result look gorgeous and are…
The Golden Globes 2026 once again proved that red carpets and wedding aisles aren’t worlds apart. From sculptural couture gowns that could effortlessly double as modern wedding dresses to sharply tailored suiting offering fresh inspiration for grooms and groomsmen alike, this year’s looks were a masterclass in ceremony-worthy style. Add in fashion-forward moments perfect for bridesmaids and wedding party outfits, and it’s clear: Hollywood’s biggest night delivered no shortage of ideas for couples planning a celebration that feels both timeless and of-the-moment.
While many of these show-stopping dresses weren’t designed in traditional bridal shades, their silhouettes, textures and detailing translate beautifully into white, ivory and soft neutral palettes , making them perfect reference points for brides, bridesmaids and wedding parties seeking fashion-forward inspiration with lasting appeal.
ALSO SEE: Looking for wedding hairstyle inspo for all hair lengths? We’ve got you covered
Looking for wedding hairstyle inspo for all hair lengths? We’ve got you covered
Featured image: Golden Globes/Instagram