HintHunt: Escape Rooms + Real-Life Adventures at the V&A Waterfront

Many stories in popular culture, whether in books or on screen, present a thrilling narrative of an escape plan in one form or another. Now, you and your family and friends can be immersed in a similarly riveting adventure at HintHunt.

Not only exciting and entertaining, these experiences are intellectually stimulating too, as they require you to solve challenging riddles, crafty puzzles and interpret clues in order to escape the room – all within a specific time limit, which adds an extra adrenaline buzz.

HintHunt offers five different Escape Rooms (designed to reflect an imaginary location), plus a brand-new, fast-paced Mission Room (less conundrum and more challenge). All are open to groups of up to six people, and most last 60 minutes.

Inside a video game

The latest addition to HintHunt is a mission room called “Bomb Time”, which places you inside a retro 8-bit arcade game with the goal of defusing a bomb. But first you need to crack five levels, completing each in 10 minutes. Expect a fast-paced vibe, with neon, strobe and flashing lights, laser beams and retro electro sound effects.

Starting with an actual arcade game, you then physically move through “Echo”, “Lasers”, “Labyrinth” and “Pixel” – all presenting both a physical and mental workout – before the showdown with the baddie and the ending you won’t see coming. Instead of a time limit to escape, you have to build up time credits throughout the challenges that add time to take on the final boss all within an hour.

A first for Africa, “Bomb Time” took two years of research, a year of development and three months to build (drawing on the skills of film-production experts).

Like any good game, it’s totally replayable; certain tasks are randomised and play out differently. You can return, move faster, score higher and improve on your last result, perhaps earning a spot on the leaderboard. Up to 160 people can play per day, teams of four entering at 30-minute intervals, which makes it a great option for larger groups or even team-building.

Be the superhero

Put on your cape and boots and swoop in to save the day. “Marble” is HintHunt’s flagship Escape Room – on a grander scale, with an extended time frame, where you are immersed even deeper in the story. A vengeful villain has wreaked havoc on Cape Town, and you are recruited by the Marble agency to use the few powers left to save the city.

Breaking the conventional mould, “Marble” presents a larger-than-life universe not yet seen in the industry – a fantasy hi-tech realm created by acclaimed set designers and conceived by Cobus Bosch (the mind behind some of the most exciting escape rooms). From the thrilling storyline and exceptional visuals and lighting to the intricate puzzles and jaw-dropping reveal, this is one experience you won’t want to miss.

Step into the story

The other four Escape Rooms offer equally intriguing themes and plots:

• “Shipwrecked”: Board the lost ship of Captain Kalman to search for stolen royal jewels – before the storm hits and sinks the vessel.
• “The Old Hotel”: Find Mr. O, a mysterious, reclusive author, who has disappeared from his room in a spooky hotel that’s about to be demolished.
• “Escape Plan”: As inmates of a prison, you need to figure out the plan devised by former convicts in order to break out.
• “The Cursed Treasure”: On an Indiana Jones/Lara Croft-style quest to recover hidden treasures protected by an ancient spell, you need to break the curse and escape, or be trapped forever…

Don’t worry, if you don’t solve the mystery in time, the helpful staff will come along and let you out. Or will they…?

Out and about

To experience the V&A Waterfront in a new and exciting way, enter an Amazing Race game (as seen on TV). Teams compete against one another as they race around the precinct in search of clues to complete their route, while tackling tasks and challenges.

There are three races – one visits all the historic landmarks, one takes in more of the scenery and one goes off the beaten track to discover art and creativity. There are also two premium races that include all of the above, plus paddling on the canals, cocktail mixing and beer-pulling challenges.

It’s also possible to enjoy the thrill and challenge of an Escape Room game at a location of your choice, called “Rogue”. And even if your friends and family are far apart, there is an option to all join an online game, either “Cold Case” or “Detective Mystery”.

HintHunt Africa opened its first escape room in 2013, kicking off the craze, and it’s now a global leader in immersive games. New experiences are coming soon and we’ll keep you posted.

Good to know Children under 13 years must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Operating times Monday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm
Friday + Saturday, 10am – 8.30pm; Sunday, 10am – 5.30pm
Cost R370 (off-peak); R415 (peak)
Marble: R395 (off-peak); R445 (peak)
Bomb Time: R320
Amazing Race: R200–R295 (depending on number of players)
Note: Off-peak rates apply Monday – Thursday, outside of peak season
Contact 021 001 4215, [email protected]
Where to find it The Watershed, 17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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