Rock Climbing in the Western Cape

I have to admit, I'm not a very good rock climber. I'm the guy that experienced climbers take along in order to show off their skills and soon regret it. Invariably I'm the guy that gets stuck or injures myself and has to be helped and/or rescued. But one doesn't have to be Stallone in Cliffhanger to recognize the goldmine of rock climbing opportunities that Cape Town offers.

Those coming from abroad will find rock climbing in the Western Cape extremely inexpensive as well as very accessible. Having entire crags and routes to themselves also often pleasantly surprises climbers visiting the Cape. Absent from queues and strangers, allowing them to experience all its worth and beauty. Characterized by majestic mountain ranges and vast cliff faces, scattered with thousands of climbing routes, all within a few hours drive from each other, you don't need many more reasons to understand why the Western Cape has become the rock climbing hub of Southern Africa.

What is important to note for foreign climbers is that here routes are graded according to the Ewbank system, the same system used by Australia and New Zealand. The system grades routes by giving each route a figure between 1 and 34. This figure represents the difficulty of the hardest individual move required by that specific route. So get to know the system before you go biting off more than you can chew.

There are spans of artificial walls to climb within Cape Town itself. The most significant of these being CityROCK, situated in Observatory. Boasting over 450 square meters of climbing area, a bouldering cave, a large top rope and lead climbing area, as well as Cape Towns premiere gear shop, CityROCK is an excellent starting point within the city.

It would also be advisable to join the Cape Town section of the MCSA (Mountain Club of South Africa). With over 1200 members, this is a useful way to chat with climbers who have experienced the cape conditions, and the MCSA will also be able to provide guides and any other necessary information regarding climbing in the Western Cape.

But only minutes from the city there are loads of easy to challenging climbs. After all, Cape Towns' most famous landmark just so happens to be a 1086-meter tall mountain, littered with stunning cliff faces. Your chance to feel like that kid in the candy store. Table Mountain is a world heritage sight and therefore bolting is prohibited, limiting the mountain to trad routes only. However the high quality sandstone provides some great positive edges and makes for an exhilarating climb, with the city bowl beneath you and the cable car for a easy and pleasurable decent.

Cederberg is another great location for trad enthusiasts. Located two and a half hours north of Cape Town, Cederberg offers an exciting bouldering area and arguably the best trad routes in the country.

Those in search of a the best sport climbing spots in the Western Cape will be far from disappointed with Montagu and Oudtshoorn. Montagu is a fantastic tourist destination. Surrounded by vineyards, orchids, and natural springs, the unique rock formations make it one of the most desirable climbing destinations in the Cape region. With over three hundred bolted routes at all grades, Montagu offers endless excitement for both trad and sport climbers. And no more than a month has passed since the 2008 Montagu Rock Rally, meaning freshly chalked routes and flattened trails.

Oudtshoorn is the only limestone climb in the country. Home to some of the most notorious climbs in the Cape, Oudtshoorn requires big moves between holds. Some of the most famed climbs to look out for are Phallic Mechanic (graded 24) and Sid Vicious (graded 27). And if you feel you have skill beyond any other, then chalk up and take on the countries hardest sport climb. Known as Street Fighter and graded at 34, we salute any man to successful complete this challenge.

With literally thousands of routes in the Western Cape, it’s really just a question of finding the route that suits you. Speak to the people at the MCSA (Mountain Club South Africa); they are extremely helpful in all aspects of climbing. Websites such as www.climbing.co.za and www.ventureforth.co.za are also extremely helpful in providing information on routes, grading and guides. (For your accommodation requirements, we recommend you try www.SA-Venues.com to find the perfect place to stay!)

As long as you as you stick to the true spirit of climbing and leave no trace, preserving our mountains in their natural beauty, then we can’t wait to have you experience what can only be experienced on the rocks of the Western Cape.

Recommended contacts:
Mountain Club of South Africa:
Telephone:
+27 21 465 3412 (Cape Town)
+27 11 807 1310 (Johannesburg)

Venture Forth International (Based in Cape Town)
Telephone:
086 110 6548 (South African callers)
+27 21 510 6707 (International callers)

Featured Family-friendly Game Lodges

The first in our feature on "Family-friendly Game Lodges" is the 5-Star RiverBend Lodge in the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. Children of all ages are welcome at River Bend. Various activities are on offer including a playroom where hours of fun can be had.

The team at RiverBend are geared towards every need and children will be taken on walks with their guide, baking biscuits with the chef or doing mini treatments with the Beauty Therapist. There is also a dedicated channel on their television network on which children are able to choose from a selection of videos to be played.

When you need some time to yourselves and your children will not be joining you on a game drive or for dinner, RiverBend have trained child minders to take care of your precious ones whilst you relax and enjoy the beauty of the Addo Elephant Park.

For full details about RiverBend Lodge please see:
RiverBend Lodge Information and Photographs
Current Rates and Special Offers (They have a fabulous special on now valid to end September 2008).

Related Pages:
Eastern Cape Accommodation
Eastern Cape Family-friendly Venues
Eastern Cape Game Reserves

Live Music in Cape Town

Crammed inside a smoky Cape Town club watching a floppy-haired, skinny jean-wearing indie band prance around on stage, it can be difficult to put your current musical appreciation into its proper historical context. And considering that last round of tequilas at the bar, probably unwise. That said, it can be an interesting trip looking at just how much musical history is concealed beneath the surface of Cape Town's nightlife.

Music has always been part of Cape Town's legacy, from the earliest music of the Cape indigenous peoples to the folk music brought by European settlers to the area. During apartheid music played an important role, with African jazz maestros and Afro-pop queens like Brenda Fassi providing the soundtrack for revolution. Anti-apartheid bands such as Bright Blue also provided musical sustenance for many of the student population with songs like “Weeping”, an allegory for the ignorance and brutality of the apartheid system, becoming a rallying cry for white students who stood against the apartheid government.

Like the country, the post-1994 music scene has blossomed. The recent My Coke Fest and the International Jazz Festival, both featuring the cream of local and international talent, are testament to just how far the country has progressed both socially and musically. Unfortunately visits from top international acts are still few and far between, but what we lack in overseas patronage we make up for with a fervently passionate local scene.

The first place that anybody looking for a good live show should visit is Mercury Live., Mercury hosts the best in local rock artists almost every weekend. The likes of Lark, Van Coke Kartel, and Max Normal have all torn the place apart and will no doubt do it again. On the first Saturday of every month Mercury reaches its maximum capacity as Cape Towns best drum and bass DJs take to the stage, for its regular Homegrown paty. The Assembly is a new venue which is fast becoming popular. Equipped for both international and local artists, Assembly only invites the biggest names in all genres of music to grace its stage. Look out for local electro bands such as Sweat X and the Real Estate Agents. Guaranteed to impress.

And continuing with the electronic music breakdown, if you like things a little crazier then you cannot pass on one of Cape Town’s legendary trance parties. Already a renowned destination on the worldwide trance map, Cape Town trance is one of the fastest growing scenes in the country. The New Year’s Prism party successfully blended live and electronic and attracted over 7000 party-goers. These parties take place just about every weekend during the summer. Local producers such Nano records and Timecode have carved themselves a niche on the international scene but still give it their all when playing for a home crowd. However it’s the venue which really makes these parties. Whether they’re in a secluded spot on a wine farm, an apple orchard, or some unusual outdoor location, trance parties are a great way to blend partying and the great outdoors.

But if you’re looking to enjoy some music in a slightly more subdued manner, then perhaps visit Zula Bar. Here there is plenty of seating, you can order food, sip on something and watch some of our best jazz artists, acoustic performers and even some of the big up and coming rock acts such as. The Armchair Theatre, is also cosy and slightly more relaxed venue as the name suggests, and has built a name for itself as one of the top live venues in Cape Town.

During summer the Kirstenbosch concerts are a big attraction. Set in the botanical gardens, where you can enjoy a picnic before you enjoy the music, these concerts are incredibly popular so make sure you get your tickets in advance.

But if you’re looking for something truly different, Balkanology is a unique annual musical event featuring music from the Balkans. A combination of performance art and gypsy music this event encourages people to dress up and participate in a strange and surreal gypsy world. It's even crazier than it sounds!

Music forms a huge part of the Cape Town culture so more than likely you are going to have to choose between events. The best way to go about it is just to keep your ear to the ground, choose the scene that suites you and let the rhythm of the Mother City get you up and moving!

Related Pages:
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Accommodation

Visit Langebaan

Mention Langebaan to Capetonians and they smile; only 100 kilometres from Cape Town this hugely popular holiday town offers the ultimate in easy getaways. Weekends away in Langebaan are an excellent opportunity to get some time out and indulge in the holiday mood without arduous planning or a long drive.

But it's not only convenience that this West Coast town has in its favour. The Langebaan lagoon is simply stunning; crystal clear water surrounded by snow-white beaches attracts water sports enthusiasts from all over South Africa. Windsurfing, kite-surfing, angling and yachting are some of the favourite local pastimes.

The lagoon is also an amazing family spot, where Moms and Dads can take time to indulge in the time-honoured traditions of sand-castle building, stone-skimming and shell-collecting with their kids, making it an ideal Family-friendly holiday destination. The lagoon itself is protected from the wildness of the Atlantic Ocean making this a safe little haven for paddling and the water is also much warmer than at the ocean itself.

Langebaan sports ultra modern holiday accommodation such as the upmarket Club Mykonos, with a casino, as well as bed-and-breakfasts, guest houses, holiday apartments and suites and two caravan parks for the more outdoor-orientated. Many of the original homes in Langebaan have been kept in their original rustic state with no electricity or mains water. Declared historic, these houses may not be sold to outsiders and can only be passed on within the family. This sense of community is part of what makes the atmosphere relaxed, people wander around the town in bathing costumes and sarongs and bare feet are considered part of the dress code, so feel free to go shopping and visit cafés and restaurants just as you are.

The town also has a golf course, tennis courts, a bowling green and the yacht club for those who want to enjoy a lazy sunset and cocktails from the deck. Retail shops supply all your needs from groceries, food, holiday equipment and hardware, all in typical small town ambience. The town has good restaurants that serve outstanding seafood and boasts all the regional dishes as well as traditional ‘boerekos’ (farmer's food) and continental dishes.

In addition to its water sports, Langebaan is also known for its land-based adventure activities. Mountain biking is big here and outrides include eco-rides, fossil rides, night rides and beach rides that cater to both beginners and to experienced riders. The natural surrounds are truly something worth admiring, with World Heritage Wetlands and the West Coast National Park right on the doorstep. These fragile eco-systems are protected areas and visitors are encouraged to “Leave only footprints and take only memories” within their bounds. You can explore by mountain bike or on horseback and it is well organised to give least disturbance yet maximum enjoyment to visitors. Langebaan is also known as the ornithological capital of South Africa and has the largest recorded oyster shell deposits in the world.

Whatever your needs and tastes are, whether lazy at the poolside, exhilarated on horseback or windsurfer or just sitting quietly and angling, Langebaan is a cornucopia of holiday pastimes. The town is vibrant, the people warm and friendly and its proximity to Cape Town make it well worth a visit.

Related Pages:
Langebaan Information
Langebaan Accommodation
Western Cape

Cape Town Craft Markets

Shopping is one of those small joys in life. Although there's a lot to be said for the simple things in life that don't require money, sometimes nothing makes you feel quite as good as buying some new stuff. That said, big shopping centres offer the same thing all over the world and finding something unique to an area is becoming more and more difficult. Craft markets have long been a part of Cape Town's way of offering alternatives to mainstream shopping. Several markets exists, each completely different to one another, and each offering a special little piece of Capetonian lifestyle.

Photos: Right - Drums & baskets typically found at craft markets, Left - The famous Greenmarket Square

Greenmarket Square is arguably the most well-known of Cape Town's markets. Filled with African curios, handcrafted fashion and jewellery, this bustling hub of informal trading is in the middle of the Central Business District in Cape Town. Going to Greenmarket Square is an experience in itself.

Don't be surprised to find drummers, dancers and traders of all kinds in the cobbled square that houses the market. Be warned, however, the traders are vociferously friendly and learning a few of the golden rules will stand you in good stead.

1. Always look through the whole market before buying anything as prices vary greatly amongst traders.
2. Never look particularly interested in anything. A glimmer of interest is like the kiss of death to a potential bargain.
3. Always say you have very little money on you. Flashing cash around only serves to remind a trader just how special and unique his wares are.

With that in mind, soak in the market experience, and see what treasures you can find.

Rondebosch market is a slightly different affair. Situated in a leafy park in the suburbs, this craft market is the antithesis of Greenmarket's market buzz. It's a sleepy family-orientated market with a mix of regular stalls, focusing mainly on pottery, craft and homemade baked good. It's relaxed and prices are reasonable. If eating pancakes on the grass while the kids play sounds like a great lazy Saturday afternoon then this one's for you.

The Holistic Fair is the place to go for everything New-Age. Taking place on the first Sunday of every month, here you can have a massage, consult a psychic and have a healthy lunch, all in the same place. There's plenty of interesting things happening too, including Tai Chi, Yoga and Capoeira demonstrations. It's a good place to go to find some of the more unusual of Cape Town's offerings. Uniquely South African essential oils or consultation with a traditional African medicine woman for instance.

The Neighbourhood Goods Market in Woodstock is the place to be if you like good food. Gourmet organic fare is the order of the day and there are some truly amazing products to be had. Wandering round the market while retro, jazzy classics play on the record player is a therapeutic experience. Taste a little wine, pesto or geranium infused chocolate from the many taste testers available. The market is situated in a complex of buildings known as The Old Biscuit Mill, which also house an interesting mix of galleries and decor shops so you can browse the whole day away. The only provision for this delightful market is to make sure you take enough money!

The Milnerton Market is a law unto itself. In fact, part of the attraction of going to the market are the traders themselves. From sun-bronzed old ladies in bright 80s inspired sportswear hawking bathroom accessories to large, beefy men with handlebar moustaches selling used electronic equipment, the mystical inhabitants of the market will always keep you entertained. At Milnerton market, you never know what you're going to get. You may end up with rare porcelain purchased for a song. Alternatively a trader may have convinced you that their little knick-knack is an antique of rare value when really it's a Chinese import. Whatever the case, more often than not the items have some kind of history. An ancient set of doctors saws used for amputation, a sword used by the hordes of Genghis Kahn? The the wild & entertaining storytelling of the traders makes this a bizarre bazaar worth checking out.

Related Links:
Cape Town Shopping
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Accommodation

Cape Town Theatre

When it comes to the dramatic arts, the Mother City is a real diva. Home to a number of theatres and performing arts groups as well as the world-class University of Cape Town arts and drama schools, you’ll never be at a loss for theatrical entertainment when visiting the city. Whether it be Shakespearean drama, dance, stand-up comedy, Theatresports, or experimental fringe theatre, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste.

For starters, as a theatre buff, you can hardly afford to miss out on the Maynardville experience. The Maynardville Open-Air theatre is situated in Wynberg and every year plays host to a professional production of a Shakespearean play. Consisting of a beautiful wooden stage set under a canopy of trees and flanked by a statue of the Bard himself, Maynardville is truly the African home of all things Shakespearean. Often giving fresh new takes on classic pieces these productions go a long way in breathing new life to these canonical plays. Be sure to watch out for some of South Africa’s veteran actors at work. Jeremy Crutchley, for instance, has given some spectacular performances – as Shylock in the Merchant of Venice in 2008 and Malvolio in Twelfth Night.

The Artscape theatre is Cape Town’s premier theatre. With a huge opera house seating over a thousand, a large theatre seating over five hundred and two smaller theatres seating over a hundred each, this mammoth theatre complex offers some of the best international and local shows available. Here, opera and ballet happily rubs shoulders with technology-inspired multimedia and experimental stagecraft, so whether it’s classical theatre or something more contemporary you’re looking for - the Artscape never fails to deliver.

The Baxter Theatre is another one of the stalwarts in the Capetonian theatre scene. Situated in Rondebosch, this playhouse hosts some of the best productions on the theatrical calendar. Already having presented shows as diverse as Kung-fu monks from The Shaolin Temple in China, American comedian Pauly Shore and plays by local playwriting phenomenon Laura Foot Newton, the Baxter looks set to continue the innovation this year, and is an essential stop on your exploration of the city’s performing arts.

For a more intimate theatre experience try the Theatre on the Bay. Residing in our very own “Little Miami”, Camps Bay, it offers a theatre-dinner experience worth investigating. The restaurant is open for meals before and after shows and has a versatile ever-changing menu, so if you’re a regular theatre-goer you won’t get bored.

If you’re looking for a more community theatre environment, then The Masque Theatre in Muizenberg is a good choice. This theatre offers amateur dramatic performances by a number of local am-dram societies, giving the opportunity to see the work of lesser-known playwrights a chance to be seen. It also offers matinee performances for those who want theatre during the daylight hours, so it’s a great place for a family theatre experience.

To book tickets for shows at the larger theatres, contact Computicket at:
Telephone Bookings: 083 915-8000
Online Bookings: www.computicket.com.

Related Links:
Cape Town Events
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Accommodation

Diary of a Cape Town Wedding

“So you're sure you've spoken to the priest?” Catherine asked Georgia for the hundredth time over the phone. At least I think that's what she asked. All I could hear was my girlfriend Georgia dutifully repeating the information into the receiver; “Yes yes, I've spoken to the priest, going to meet him and his wife,the organist, tomorrow.” Georgia, Catherine's younger sister, lives in Cape Town. Catherine lives in London. Catherine had decided to have her wedding in Cape Town, which had swiftly catapulted Georgia into the unenviable position of wedding planner. All that stood between her and the perfect South African Wedding was Georgia's complete and utter obedience. And about 10 000 km.

Cape Town Wedding photographs by Joe

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. The church, the flowers, the cake, the magic; all essentials in creating the perfect wedding. The one ingredient nobody really tells you about? The stress. Just being involved in planning the wedding is enough to make you want to elope to Las Vegas and get married by an Elvis-impersonating priest. Well, almost.

Location is a good place to start. Knowing where you having it goes a long way to helping you decide how you're going to have it. One of the big attractions in Cape Town is its wonderful outdoor locations and the city offers many great wedding venue options. Catherine chose The Range in Tokai, a great choice for the more traditional wedding because it has a restaurant and a chapel on the same grounds. They offer a tented option for over 100 guests or a log cabin for 60 guests. The Range package included all the basic trimmings with a choice of optional extras like fairy lights, drapes, and seat covers. There are also plenty of places to stay nearby which makes it a great place for overseas wedding parties.

Another place that was looked into was Noordhoek beach, a perfect venue for those in love with the idea of having a beach wedding. It is also just below the Monkey Valley resort, which is nestled in a forest, overlooking the Atlantic ocean, so it is a real natural haven. Whichever location you choose, the best time is between January and March to get the best weather.

The next thing that you're going to be thinking about is the dress. The wedding dress is always a point of contention for the bride , and pre-wedding complaints from Catherine included “I look like a cream-puff,” to “I look too much like a...bride,” to which her bridesmaids replied “isn't that the point?” For a unique wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses, made to your style and fit, take a visit to Mystic Rose in Kalk Bay. The dresses are really something special and are surprisingly affordable.

Flowers and décor are another issue, particularly when the groom suddenly takes it upon himself to have an opinion about what exact shade of table clothes are appropriate! Weddings can be expensive and it's important that you budget for the things that you really want.

In Catherine's post-wedding opinion, the luxury wedding night chalet and money for a little extra time on the honeymoon in Zanzibar were far more important than those fancy décor options. Her wedding preparations included DIY workshop sessions for friends and family, making table cards and hand-beading napkin holders. Don't be afraid to get people involved! It’s a great way to get people into the spirit of your celebration and can save you some much needed cash. The groom even found refuge in the mechanical process of threading beads. “Therapeutic,” he said, looking at me meaningfully. I could only smile.

For flowers, Woolworths in Cavendish and Alison's Florist and coffee shop in upper Wynberg have a wonderful flower selection. If you want a personal touch, the Chart farm in Wynberg is a giant rose garden where you can go to pick dozens of roses for a fantastic price. It can be another great way to get people involved and can be combined with a lazy picnic to be a great day out. All you need to do is refrigerate the flowers for freshness, add some ribbon and you have a great arrangement.

Ideas for the tables vary greatly but the general consensus is that tables should be kept simple with a centrepiece not higher that peoples shoulders to ensure people can see each other. Glass bowls with small white-washed pebbles and a small arrangement of your flowers makes a nice understated centrepiece arrangement. These and more table decor items are available at Kenly's Warehouse in Woodstock. They have a large variety of decor at less than normal retail price. An overlay on each table in organza looks really great and can liven up a plain-looking table. To have your overlays personally made visit Fabric World on Wynberg Main Road. They have a huge variety of materials and they can make you the overlays exactly how you want them at fantastic prices. For a truly South African present for each guest try a beaded keyring, available from the local craftsmen at one of Cape Town's many craft markets.

For the cake, if you want something more edible than the traditional marzipan, look no further than The Queen of Tarts in Lower Main Rd, Observatory. A massive, multi-layered chocolate cake was appreciated by the guests and looked great in the photos.

Last but not least, it's important to unwind before the big day. For an extra special evening before the wedding why not hire a private yacht at the Waterfront for a sunset cruise a round to Camps Bay and back. It a magical way to see the sunset and ease those wedding nerves with those you love.

Finish it off by getting in the celebratory mood with at a trendy bar like The Planet Bar, at the Mount Nelson in Cape Town. It's pretty, relaxing and a great way for the wedding guests to get to know each other.

Most importantly, enjoy every moment even the hard ones. The whole process goes really quickly, so make sure you appreciate it. Despite a few hiccups, the wedding went smoothly and our wedding couple are back and bronzed from their honeymoon in Zanzibar and more in love than ever. May yours be equally blessed with love, good weather and supportive friends and family ...

Wedding Links:
Cape Town Weddings
Cape Town Wedding Planners
Cape Town Wedding Photographers

South African Wine

The South African wine industry has grown in leaps and bounds since the dawn of democracy in 1994. Many producers have won prestigious international awards for their creations, and South Africa is fast gaining acclaim as a wine producer to watch. Like the culture itself, dubbed the Rainbow Nation for the diversity, wines from South Africa range from crisp, clear whites to robust reds, and everything in between. We have even developed our very own grape varietal, Pinotage, a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Hermitage, which is slowly gaining popularity and acclaim worldwide.

Photograph: Dieu Donne Estate, Franschhoek

While there have been successes from many estates around the country, for example, the new producers in the KwaZulu Natal region, the heart of South African wine making remains in the Western Cape. This area is criss crossed with wine routes, stretching from the oceanfront to the Cape Fold mountains and beyond.

Originally brought to the country by early French settlers, South Africa’s wine industry has grown around these diverse climatic conditions, the various cultural influences, and the experimental nature of the wine makers. Options when visiting one of the many wine routes are vast, both in terms of the region chosen, and the purpose of the visit. Simply put, whether the visitor is a serious wine connoisseur, a leisure seeker, or looking for some family fun, there will be an activity to suit your tastes.

Photograph: Bergkelder Estate, Stellenbosch

Within the greater Cape Town area itself, lies the Grande dame of wine farms – Groot Constantia which one can visit, to enjoy wine tasting, lunch or shopping, without ever leaving the city. The Durbanville Wine Route, the closest to the Mother City, at about 20 minutes from Cape Town itself offers wine tasting tours, many excellent restaurants, and family oriented farm experiences. For those wishing to venture further afield, Stellenbosch and Drakenstein offer a wide variety of estates, both new and historical, including the world famous Boschendal, where it is possible to arrange a pre packed gourmet picnic, and enjoy it under the trees, on their lush green lawns.

Other attractions available at Boschendal estate, like many others, include a restaurant, local arts, crafts and curios, a historical tour of the original manor house, built in the eighteenth century, and of course, the wine tasting experience.

Further still, you will reach the picturesque village of Franschhoek, where those early French settlers first decided to set up home. Also the site of many famous wine producing estates, the town has in fact combined the love of viticulture with another ancient craft – cheese producing, and annually host the Bien Donne cheese and wine festival. With wine making such a big industry in the country, there are many excellent wine routes to visit: Paarl, Wellington, Worcester and Rawsonville being just a few.

Any visitor would be well advised, given the sheer number of wine routes, estates and activities on offer, not to mention the actual wines, to research and plan their experience before hand, either via the internet, or through one of the tourist bureaus in any of the wine producing areas.

Related Links:
Cape Winelands
Cape Wine Routes
Cape Winelands Hotels

The South African Golfing Experience

South Africa has a rich golfing heritage, having produced such golfing greats as Gary Player, Bobby Locke and Ernie Els. These great golfers, however, would not have had the opportunity to become champions had it not been for the outstanding golf courses that South Africa has to offer. The Western Cape, in particular, boasts many world class golf courses and estates and with its moderate Mediterranean climate and spectacular scenery, it has become one of the world's premier golfing destinations.

Photograph: Steenberg Golf Estate, Cape Town

Royal Cape is the oldest recognised golf course in the city and it was here that golf was first played in South Africa. It was founded by British Settlers in 1885, first at Wynberg Military Camp and then on the site that is now the Rondebosch common, but later moved to its current site in Wynberg, a 15 – 20 minute drive from the city centre and Cape Town International Airport. Royal Cape is a club steeped in tradition and is the most exclusive in the peninsula. It is a flat parklands course with pristine fairways and views of the mountain, but is a stiff challenge of a golfer’s repertoire of shots, especially when the South-Easter is blowing. The fairways are narrow and lined by trees and there are numerous bunkers and plenty of water to penalise wayward shot-making. This course rewards accuracy and imagination rather than power, and the yardages often are misleading in the gusting breeze. The course has recently benefited from a complete renovation of all eighteen greens in line with regulations set forth by the U.S. golf association, which have made them arguably the best in the province. The course is maintained in excellent condition throughout the year and is a pleasure to play on.

Atlantic Beach Golf Estate is one of the few links-type courses in the city. It offers a unique golfing experience, which combines the natural beauty of the area with a stern examination of golfing prowess. Each hole is bordered by the rich flora indigenous to the Cape region, which brings with it spectacular bird and animal life that are a fundamental part of the course’s distinctive beauty. This environment is protected by demarcated boundaries which are placed close to many of the fairways and greens, thus creating treacherous surroundings for risky shot making and real possibilities of disaster, especially with a stiff ocean breeze. Like the surroundings, the facilities around the estate are second-to-none, with a state of the art clubhouse forming part of the course’s blend of natural and man-made splendour.

One of the more recent golf developments in the Cape is Steenberg, a golfing estate built onto the stunning backdrop of the Tokai forest. Designed and built by Peter Matkovich, a leading South African golf course architect, Steenberg is the foremost estate of its kind in the city, and many of the Cape’s wealthy elite reside and play in this golfing paradise. The condition of the course is unparalleled and the greens are as good as can be found anywhere in the Western Cape. The course winds its way through the housing estate, the architecture harmoniously blending in with the water features, vineyards and oak trees lining the fairways. It is a modern course in an exquisite farmland setting and is on par with international golf estates of its kind.

If you're looking to get away from the city, then the Arabella golfing estate is the first choice for a golfing enthusiast. Situated just outside of the Overberg Coastal town of Hermanus, the Arabella estate offers a luxury golfing experience to satisfy even the most seasoned golf course conisseuer. Also designed by the legendary Peter Matkovich, all the holes at the Arabella were constructed with both the player and the beautiful natural environment in mind. The 5 star Western Cape Hotel and Spa will also convince non-golfing partners that perhaps golfing holidays are not so bad after all.

Related Pages:
South Africa Golf Courses
South Africa Golf Tours
South Africa Golf Lodges & Golfing Estates

Arum Lily Reed Frog at Afton Grove Country Retreat

Chris Spengler, owner of Afton Grove Country Retreat in Noordhoek - Cape Town, reports having recently found an Arum Lily Reed Frog (Hyperolius horstocki) on the glass pane of a dining door at the lodge recently.

"It is a long time since I have been this excited about finding a small 35mm long beastie like this" reports Chris. "I often hear their call & have searched amongst the Arum Lilies during winter in the nearby wetland on a number of occasions to find this species, but without success. To think that this little beauty actually came looking for us!"

The Red Data listed species - Western Leopard Toad (Bufo Pantherinus) is resident for most of the year on the lodge grounds at Afton Grove Country Retreat. Other species that also occur at Afton Grove are: Clicking Stream Frog (Strongylopus grayii), Cape Sand Frog (Tomopterna delalandii) and Clawed Frog / Common Platana (Xenopus laevis).

Frogs are very good indicators of the health of an ecosystem as they have the ability to absorb oxygen through their skin! If the local eco system becomes polluted, no more frogs!

Following their tremendous success in the eco-tourism sector, Chris now plans to develop a Frogging list and route for the area.

For more detail contact Chris at:
Telephone: +27 (0)21 785-2992
To send an E-Mail visit: Afton Grove Country Retreat