Cape TownOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt
Between iconic mountain and ocean, a cradle of vibrant history.
Cape Town, this vibrant metropolis at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain, is a constant invitation to adventure. Between its golden beaches, lush vineyards, and rich history, there's always something new to discover. For those seeking an unusual activity, an outdoor escape game plunges you into the heart of the city, transforming its streets into a giant playground. Imagine a real-life treasure hunt that leads you from the colorful Bo-Kaap district, with its brightly painted houses, to the lively shores of the V&A Waterfront, where seals bask in the sun. It's a fun and immersive way to embrace the spirit of Cape Town, solve puzzles, and uncover the secrets of iconic locations while enjoying the fresh air. Each scavenger hunt is a new story to explore, an open door to the exceptional culture and landscapes of this unique city.
Cape Town — The Forgotten Register
Uncover the Forgotten Register of the Cape, a secret ledger hidden by Dutch colonizers exposing corruption, slavery, and lost treasures. Decode clues across historic sites to reveal the truth before it's buried forever.
Company's Garden — Resistance Code
Decipher the secret code hidden by anti-apartheid resistance fighters in Cape Town's Company's Garden. Uncover encrypted messages at memorials and statues to expose their covert network before it's lost forever.
District Six — Uncover the Erased Community
Decipher the hidden stories of 60,000 forcibly removed residents. Uncover the truth buried beneath apartheid's erasure in this walkable memorial zone.
Cape Town — The Journal Conspiracy
Uncover the East India Company's darkest secrets hidden in a lost journal. Decipher clues across historic landmarks to expose a bitter legacy of smuggling, betrayal, and hidden treasure before it's lost forever.
Unusual things to do in Cape Town
For an unusual activity in Cape Town, step off the beaten path with an OddballTrip scavenger hunt. Far from classic guided tours, our routes invite you to explore hidden corners and unique perspectives. Imagine wandering through the historic alleyways of the city center, solving puzzles while discovering vibrant street art or the secrets of colonial buildings. It's an original outing that merges the adventure of a treasure hunt with cultural discovery, offering a deep immersion into the soul of Cape Town, well beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Things to do in Cape Town with kids
Cape Town is full of activities for a memorable family outing. Our outdoor escape games are perfectly suited for children and teens (from 8 years old, accompanied by an adult), offering a fun and educational experience. Imagine your children transformed into young detectives, solving puzzles while exploring the city. It's a fun way to stimulate their curiosity, work as a team, and create unforgettable memories together. The scavenger hunt aspect makes discovering Cape Town exciting for all ages, far from the boredom of traditional visits.
Cape Town for couples
Discover Cape Town as a couple in an intimate and memorable way. Away from the crowds, our scavenger hunts guide you through charming alleys and romantic spots, offering breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. Imagine sharing special moments solving puzzles, discovering the rich architectural heritage of the historic center or the secrets of the botanical gardens. It's an experience that strengthens bonds, blending adventure with romance, allowing you to create precious memories while exploring the beauty and soul of Cape Town at your own pace.
What to do in Cape Town when it rains
Even in rainy weather, Cape Town offers exploration opportunities. Our outdoor escape games are designed to adapt: approximately 80% of the route takes place under arcades, covered passages, or near shelters, allowing you to continue the adventure protected from the elements. It's an ingenious solution to enjoy the city without worrying about the sky. So, even if a few drops fall, your scavenger hunt can continue, inviting you to discover the charms of Cape Town from a different angle, without compromising the pleasure of exploration.
Where is Cape Town, and where do the routes start?
Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.
Route starting points
Places in Cape Town
- East Façade of the Castle of Good Hope
- Grand Parade (area near the Castle)
- Façade of the Slave Lodge
- Company's Garden (near the Slave Bell)
- Church Square
- Exterior of Auwal Mosque
- Façade of Tuynhuys (Presidential Residence)
- Greenmarket Square (near the Old Town House)
- Grand Parade
- Cape Town City Hall
- District Six Museum Exterior
- St. George's Cathedral
- South African Parliament (exterior)
- Company's Garden
- Castle of Good Hope (exterior)
- V&A Waterfront
- District Six Museum (exterior)
- Moravian Chapel (Salem Chapel)
The history of Cape Town
From a Refreshment Station to a Colony
Cape Town's history began in 1652 when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a refreshment station at the Cape of Good Hope. This was intended to resupply passing ships on their Asian trading routes. The VOC initially struggled to secure labor from the local Khoisan people, who resisted enslavement. As a result, the VOC began importing enslaved people from 1658, bringing in over 70,000 individuals over the next two centuries from places like the Malay Archipelago (India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia), Madagascar, and Mozambique.
The Legacy of Slavery and Apartheid
Many of these enslaved people were sold to colonial homes and farms, while others were housed in the Slave Lodge, built in 1679. This building, one of Cape Town's oldest, initially housed up to 500 enslaved individuals in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The Slave Lodge was later repurposed several times, serving as government offices, the Old Supreme Court, and eventually becoming a museum. The city's development was intertwined with the labor of enslaved people, who built much of its early infrastructure and cultivated the Company's Garden. The legacy of this period, and later apartheid, continues to shape Cape Town, with places like District Six serving as a reminder of forced removals and racial segregation in the 20th century. Church Square, for instance, was once a slave market. On March 18, 1992, F.W. de Klerk announced the end of apartheid from the steps of Tuynhuys, a significant moment in the nation's history.
What to see in Cape Town
- Castle of Good Hope — This star-shaped fort, completed in 1679, is the oldest colonial building in South Africa. Visitors can explore its ramparts, visit the museums inside, and learn about its military history.
- Slave Lodge — This building, constructed in 1679, is one of Cape Town's oldest. It now functions as a museum, with exhibits detailing the history of slavery in South Africa.
- Company's Garden — Established in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck for the Dutch East India Company to resupply ships, this green space is now a public park. Visitors can walk among the trees, see the aviary, and visit the South African Museum and Planetarium within its grounds.
- Auwal Mosque, Bo-Kaap — Completed in 1794, this is the first mosque established in South Africa. It is a site for the Cape Muslim community, where Arabic-Afrikaans was first taught and a Quran written from memory by Tuan Guru is on display.
- Old Town House, Greenmarket Square — Built in 1755, this building has served as a Burgher Watch House, a police station, and the city hall. Today, it houses the Michaelis Collection, featuring 16th to 18th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings.
- Cape Town City Hall — This Edwardian building, completed in 1905, is made from honey-colored oolitic limestone imported from Bath, England. Its clock tower and bells were modeled on London's Big Ben. Nelson Mandela addressed the public from here after his release from prison in 1990.
When to visit Cape Town
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers and cooler, wetter winters.
December to February (summer) offers warm, sunny days and festivals. This is peak tourist season, with larger crowds and higher prices.
March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) offer a balance. Temperatures are mild, crowds are thinner, and prices for accommodation and flights are more reasonable. Spring has wildflowers in bloom, and autumn is suitable for exploring the Cape Winelands.
Winter, from June to August, is the off-peak season. It is cooler, rainy, and windy, but suitable for whale watching and visiting museums without crowds, often at a lower cost. July is typically the wettest month.
Getting around Cape Town
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main airport, 20 kilometers from the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available for transport into the city, with an Uber ride costing around $5-8 for a 20-minute journey.
Within the city, walking is suitable for central areas like the City Bowl. For longer distances, the MyCiTi bus system is a reliable option, with a day pass costing around $1.50 per ride or R80 for a day pass. Taxis and Uber are also used and generally affordable.
Parking in central Cape Town can be challenging, but various parking garages are available. Carrying some cash is advisable for markets, car guards, and tips, although card payments are widely accepted. Tipping 10-15% at restaurants is customary.
Things you probably do not know about Cape Town
Verified details most visitors walk straight past.
- Tuynhuys
- What was the original purpose of the grand Tuynhuys, now the office of the President of South Africa? The Tuynhuys began its life in 1674 as a simple tool shed for the Company's Garden. It was later converted into a guesthouse for governors in 1682 and underwent numerous renovations before becoming a summer residence.
- Slave Lodge
- The Slave Lodge is one of Cape Town's oldest buildings, but its current appearance is quite different from its original form. What did it look like when it was first built? When constructed in 1679, the Slave Lodge resembled a prison, with no windows and only a few barred openings. The interior was so dark that lamps were needed even during the day, and poor ventilation led to a permanent stench.
- Church Square
- What historical event, now commemorated by granite blocks, once took place on Church Square? Church Square was once a site for slave markets, and a 'slave tree' stood there where enslaved people waited while their owners attended church. Eleven granite blocks now serve as a memorial, engraved with names of former slaves.
- Auwal Mosque, Bo-Kaap
- Who was the first Imam of the Auwal Mosque and what remarkable feat did he accomplish while imprisoned? The first Imam of Auwal Mosque was Qadi Abdussalam, known as Tuan Guru. While imprisoned on Robben Island, he wrote the entire Quran from memory, a copy of which is displayed in the mosque today.
- Old Town House, Greenmarket Square
- Before becoming an art museum, what surprising role did the Old Town House play in Cape Town's civic life? The Old Town House, built in 1755, was originally a Burgher Watch House, used by the citizen militia and councillors. It also served as a police station, magistrate's court, and even Cape Town's City Hall until 1905.
- Cape Town City Hall
- What famous landmark inspired the design of the Cape Town City Hall's clock tower and bells? The clock tower and bells of the Cape Town City Hall, completed in 1905, were modeled on London's well-known Big Ben. The honey-colored limestone for the building was also imported from Bath, England.
Questions about visiting Cape Town
How many days should I spend in Cape Town?
For a comprehensive visit, 5 to 7 days is ideal, allowing you to explore major attractions and venture beyond the city center. A shorter trip of 3 to 4 days can cover key highlights without feeling rushed.
What is the best way to get around Cape Town?
Uber is a convenient and affordable option for getting around, with a typical 20-minute ride costing $5-8. The MyCiTi bus system is also a safe and reliable choice, especially for the Waterfront-City Bowl corridor.
Is Cape Town suitable for families with children?
Yes, Cape Town is very family-friendly and malaria-free. Highlights for children include the Table Mountain cable car, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
What is the average daily budget for a trip to Cape Town?
A mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $193 (R3,111) per day, covering accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. Budget travelers can manage on about $102 (R1,639) daily.
Which neighborhoods are best for tourists to stay in Cape Town?
The V&A Waterfront is a popular choice due to its proximity to attractions, restaurants, and shops. Sea Point is another recommended area for families, offering a walkable, coastal, and central location.
What kind of weather can I expect in Cape Town?
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (December-February) are hot and dry, while winters (June-August) are cooler and wetter. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer mild temperatures and less rain.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor escape game cost in Cape Town?
An outdoor escape game with OddballTrip in Cape Town is offered at a single price of €12 per team. This rate is fixed, regardless of the number of players in your group (we recommend 2 to 6 people for an optimal experience). It's a very affordable option for an immersive and entertaining activity, much more economical than many other attractions. The price includes access to the game, puzzles, and the adventure, allowing you to discover the city in a fun way without breaking the bank.
Is it suitable for children / families?
Absolutely! Our escape games are designed to be accessible and fun for the whole family. Children from 8 years old can actively participate, especially if accompanied by an adult. It's an excellent activity to stimulate thinking, observation, and teamwork. The nature of the scavenger hunt transforms discovering the city into a true adventure, captivating the attention of young and old alike, and guaranteeing laughter and memorable moments for everyone.
How long does an escape game in Cape Town last?
An outdoor escape game in Cape Town typically lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on your pace and the complexity of the chosen route. This time includes walking between points of interest and the time spent solving puzzles. You are completely free to take your time, pause to admire the scenery, grab a coffee, or visit a site. The goal is to have fun and explore the city at your leisure, without any imposed time constraints.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, flexibility is one of our watchwords! With OddballTrip, there's no need to book in advance. You can purchase your outdoor escape game online whenever you want and start the game immediately or later. The access code is valid for life, giving you total freedom to decide the ideal moment for your adventure. This allows you to easily adapt to unforeseen circumstances and start your scavenger hunt whenever the mood strikes, without any constraints.
What to visit in Cape Town beyond the escape games?
Cape Town is full of treasures! After your scavenger hunt, be sure to ascend Table Mountain for panoramic views, explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront with its shops and restaurants, or immerse yourself in history at Robben Island. The beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton are perfect for relaxation, while the Bo-Kaap district enchants with its colors. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden offers a green oasis. Each neighborhood has its charm, inviting discovery.
What is the best season to visit Cape Town?
The best season to visit Cape Town is from November to February, during the austral summer. The weather is generally sunny and warm, ideal for enjoying beaches, hikes, and outdoor activities. However, spring (September-October) and autumn (March-April) also offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, with magnificent landscapes. Winter (May-August) is cooler and rainier but can reveal a different beauty, with more advantageous rates.
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Activities to discover nearby
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences to book in advance.
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