Route 62 - The longest wine route in the world

Route 62 is modeled after the iconic US Route 66, made famous by the late, great Nat King Cole in the eponymous song of the mid 20th century. Travelers headed for the fabulous Garden Route will find that Route 62 offers a better alternative to the dull N2 motorway between Cape Town and George, being much more scenic and slightly shorter. This well-maintained blacktop highway meanders from Worcester, by way of the Breede River valley, through Robertson, Ashton and Montagu, then the Klein Karoo landmark towns and thence on to George and the Garden Route.

The road follows winding and spectacular mountain passes that slowly unfold before your excited eyes, leading to lush green valleys hosting crystal streams and framed by the distorted geological shapes and startling colours of rock faces dating from hundreds of millions of years ago. Then there is the abundance of indigenous flora, with the succulent species making a particularly significant contribution to your enjoyment. No fewer than 500 different species of succulents are to be seen along the Route. Orchards and vineyards are there in abundance, too. Indeed, the main highway traversing this fascinating land, Route 62, is reputed to be the longest wine route in the world. And keep an eye on dams and wetlands for a chance to spot the Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird and an endangered species often visible along Route 62.

The Breede River valley.The Breede River rises somewhere near Ceres, up in the mountains across the N1, the main highway between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The heritage of the region is manifest in wineries (some 27 in Robertson alone) and deciduous fruit orchards. Gem of the towns along the way is Montagu, famed for its beautiful old houses and hostelries in Cape Dutch and other 18th and 19th century architectural styles.

Don’t be in too much of a hurry – a day or two researching the region with the help of the ubiquitous tourist information bureaus will be well rewarded by the beauty and fascination of the scenery, architecture and landscapes you will encounter. Robertson is a must for at least a couple of winery visits, Graham Beck Wineries being one of the best known.

Find time to make a couple of detours, one of which should be McGregor, up in the mountains south of Robertson. Founded in 1861 to benefit from expected passing trade, the mountain pass it was supposed to guard was never completed, with the result that time seems to have stood still in this quaint 19th century village. Approaching Montagu from the west, Bain’s tunnel, really a dramatic hole in a rock wall, provides a striking entrance to the town. Enjoy the old houses, most of them immaculately maintained, and consider visiting the hot springs on the far side of the town. The Centenary Nature Garden in Van Riebeeck Street is worth visiting in spring.

The Klein Karoo is an important sub-region of the World Heritage Site known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. Klein Karoo means ‘little desert’, an arid region that is interrupted every forty or fifty kilometers by fertile valleys bisected by streams that enable orchards and vineyards to flourish. The region begins with Barrydale and extends to De Rust, by way of Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn. And the little town of Calitzdorp is its heart. Indeed, you would do well to make this charming village your headquarters for a two- to five-night stay to enjoy all the region has to offer.

The Klein Karoo has a spectacular landscape fashioned hundreds of millions ago of years ago by water and geological upheaval. Its flora ranges from lush greenery in the river valleys to ground-hugging, hardy Karoo plants in the open veldt, including the largest number of succulents on earth. The region’s astonishing geological shapes and formations are home to the famed Cango Caves, a series of spectacular caverns fashioned over millennia by the seepage of water through porous limestone rock. At night, the Klein Karoo skies provide a stunning display of light virtually unknown to dwellers in the Big Smoke, including the Southern Cross, Orion and the awesome Milky Way in its infinite magnificence. Indeed, the Klein Karoo credibly challenges Montana as ‘big sky’ country.

The magnificent Swartberg pass and the hamlet of Prince Albert: ostrich show farms; hot air balloon rides over the parched landscape; the spectacular Redstone Hills, Meerkat Magic valley, where visitors can interact with an entire colony of meerkats almost within arms length; and fabulous Meiringspoort pass, where for ten glorious kilometers a river meanders alongside the road surrounded by towering cliffs with distorted and misshapen rock faces - these are just some of the ‘must see’ amenities and activities to be enjoyed within easy driving distance of Calitzdorp Country House, your five star accommodation in Calitzdorp, Heart of the Klein Karoo.

Here’s a sample itinerary for those traveling eastwards through the Klein Karoo:

Day one: take a tea-break at one of many good cafes on the R 62 in Barrydale, but don’t waste too much time in the village - not a lot to see, apart from the Heritage Garden with its collection of succulents so varied that practically every time you visit there will be different species in bloom, keeping your visit ever new.

Around 24 km outside Barrydale is one of the most famous pubs in the world – Ronnie’s Sex Shop – stop for coffee or a drink and hear the story of how Ronnie’s got its name. The pub has often been featured in local and foreign magazines and on TV in Germany and other EU countries.

Now on to Ladismith, another stunning mountain pass, Huisrivierpas, then check in at Calitzdorp Country House and savor that candlelit dinner they specialize in.

Day two: two of South Africa’s most spectacular passes in a single day! Drive out of your Karoo guesthouse, turn left and continue past the Nels river dam and into the Groenfontein valley, traveling through the Swartberg foothills. Take a break for tea at the Ou Meule just past the Kruisrivier road on the left. You can see fine examples of the regional architecture along the way. Now take the sky-topping Swartberg pass (another Thomas Bains triumph of 19th century construction), and make those you left behind envious by taking your time, making plenty of stops and clicking lots of photos before you descend into quaint Prince Albert. There is much of historical interest at Price Albert, including weavers and the museum. Lunch there in leisurely fashion, then back to Calitzdorp the long way round – via Klaarstroom, Meiringspoort, De Rust and Oudtshoorn.

Meiringspoort is the second of your ‘double whammy’ of passes for today. Equally spectacular - but this time low level - Meiringspoort pass, where for ten kms and more the road goes courting a meandering stream through towering cliffs, distorted with the fractured evidence of prehistoric upheavals. Drive carefully, and you will be amazed at the curious baboons that follow your journey with seeming great interest: but it’s just cupboard love, so don’t feed them, please! Allow yourself time to look at the pretty village of De Rust and perhaps take tea or coffee there.

On towards Oudtshoorn, but look out for the wondrous ‘Ostrich palace’ on your left on a rise after a bridge over a little stream. It has been beautifully restored and is also worth a pic or two. No time to sightsee Oudtshoorn today, we’ll go there tomorrow.

A brief 30 minutes the other side (look out for tortoises crossing the road) and you’re home at Calitzdorp Country House, ready for a swim and beer, a G & T, or even a bottle of French champagne beside the pool, watching yet another Karoo sunset so beautiful it’s almost a cliché.

Day Three: It’s day three, so take the R 62 again, then set the tone for the day by turning left after 14 km at the Kruisrivier sign. This puts you on a good dirt road to see the beautiful and unique rock formations known as the Redstone Hills. These Enon Conglomerate deposits were dumped up against the mountains by the sea some 125 million years ago. Turn right at the sign for Prince Albert and the Cango Caves. Guided tours enter the caverns at regular intervals to display electrifying visions of stalactites and stalagmites.

Now return to Oudtshoorn and lunch at Jemima’s or Kalinka, virtually opposite each other on the main drag, Baron van Reede Street. Great range of curios and craftwork at Bushman’s Curios also in the main street. Get a map from the local tourist office and visit the CP Nel museum, then Langenhoven’s home, Arbeitsgenot, and stroll among the lovely old sandstone buildings.

On your way back to Calitzdorp, note the sign left of the highway indicating Highgate and Safari ostrich farms. Both do tours for visitors. Ten to fifteen km out, be sure to look out on the right for the ‘Greylands’ house, a copy of the old ‘Volstruis Paleise’ (ostrich palaces) built from the bounty of the belle époque years around 1900, when Oudtshoorn feathers and skin were fashion essentials in London and Paris.

For the other three days of this itinerary, consult your hosts, Lyn or Allan Fabig, at Calitzdorp Country House.

With thanks to Allan Fabig, Calitzdorp Country House.

Related Pages:
Breede River Valley
Klein Karoo
Western Cape Accommodation

A Visit to "Birds of Eden" in Plettenberg Bay

Birds of Eden is a unique and enormous 2 hectare dome which spans over a gorge of lush indigenous forest. It is, in fact, the World’s largest free flight bird sanctuary dome. The nets are placed rather high in the air to allow the birds to fly around freely. They are protected from any unwanted predators.

The decision to develop Birds of Eden stemmed from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds and miniature monkeys. This gorgeous dome is home to over 100 species of vibrant birds including a few endangered species. More than 2000 birds habitate this dome.

When we entered the dome, it is as if you have literally entered paradise. It is absolutely exquisite! We were welcomed by 2 African Grey Parrots. These gorgeous birds seemed to be keenly interested in us! These birds have become so accustomed to humans that they like to amuse themselves with them. It felt rather wonderful having birds fly on your shoulder and arms. Yet, while there were some that were friendly and leisurely sitting on our arms, there was another African Grey Parrot trying to bite our feet and following us wherever we went!

In Birds of Eden, prepare to be completely swept away. You could spend anywhere between 4-7 hours in this spectacular place. The wooden walkways lead you through the lush forest, over a river, under a waterfall and eventually to a dam where the geese and ducks are prolific.

Just like Monkeyland, there are numerous wooden platters of food which the birds are attracted to. They are rather difficult to photgraph as they are incredibly fast. When we sat on the benches, the birds came near us to cure their curiosity. It is truly spectacular to be in a paradisiacal environment where hundreds of birds are prolific in the area and are not bothered about a human’s presence. Some decide to introduce themselves whereas others follow you and watch from a short distance.

After a few hours, we arrived at a dam and pond where hundreds of gorgeous ducks and their little ones, flamingo’s and many other tall birds roam around. There is a restaurant on the waters where we enjoyed refreshing drinks. You can also buy special food and feed the ducks and geese.

When in Birds of Eden, do not hurriedly walk through it. Take your time and leisurely walk through this exquisite dome. Take in the beauty and admire the abundance of magnificent birds. Just sit and watch. You will be truly amazed and completely appreciate the earth so much more!

Stately "Lehututu" may not be around for much longer

Article by: By Fred Katerere, BUA News
Bela Bela - The stately Southern Ground Hornbill or "Lehututu" as it is locally called, may not be around for much longer. These huge black birds with their distinctive beaks and bright red wattles are part of the hornbill family that occurs naturally only in Africa and Asia. However, hornbill numbers are declining due to loss of habitat.

"Many species will not survive without human intervention," says chief executive officer of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board, Benny Boshielo. "For any successful conservation effort, the active involvement of provincial authorities, conservation agencies and communities is needed," said Boshielo.

The world's 60 species of hornbills are rapidly declining in numbers worldwide. There are less than 1 500 Southern Ground Hornbills left in South Africa. Their numbers have dropped by more than 10 percent in the past three decades. The province has made the Lehututu its avian flagship in the same way it has made the mighty baobab its provincial symbol and flagship of the savannah biome.

Mabula Game Reserve is also the base for the The Ground Hornbill Research and Conservation Project started in 1999.

Article from BUA News
Related Links: South Africa Birds
Visit Limpopo

Seabird Viewing off Simon's Town and Cape Point

Article by Patrick Cardwell of Avian Leisure.

Simon's Town has long been internationally acclaimed for its unique African Penguin colony and its 'fynbos' bird specials such as the charismatic Cape Sugarbird and the striking Orange-breasted Sunbird. Now it enjoys worldwide recognition as a base for international birdwatchers in search of seabirds or 'pelagic' species as they are known in birding circles.

Throughout the year 'birders' set off to sea from the old quay on a variety of offshore craft of which Harry Dilley's converted motor torpedo boat 'Zest' is the best known. A typical outing for a group of some 12 highly enthusiastic birders starts with a safety briefing and cast off at around 07:00 am. At this time of day the run to Cape Point offers spectacular views of the sunrise over the magnificent Hottentots Holland Mountains to the east.

The full geological detail of the stratified sandstone cliffs of Cape Point is deeply etched in finite detail by the rays of the rising sun. The air is crisp and clean and the atmosphere is laden with anticipation. The first seabirds encountered before even casting off are invariably the ubiquitous Kelp and Silver Gulls, along with a line up of cormorants and terns roosting on the pipeline beyond the False Bay Yacht Club. Soon thereafter the group sees the first flotillas of African Penguins making their way out to sea for a day's fishing.

Fast moving Swift Terns with their dipping flight and skeins of Cape Cormorants living up to their Dutch name of 'Trek Duikers', stream off Ark Rock for the offshore fishing grounds. Striking white Cape Gannets put on spectacular aerial displays as they plunge-dive for baitfish in the wake of the boat. It is a marvelous spectacle of feeding activity. And there is the very real possibility of catching sight of a pod of Southern Right Whales loafing in the bay during the months of May to November.

Past Cape Point the vessel bears South West, careful to bypass the surge-active granite dome, infamous Bellows Rock, responsible for more than a few shipwrecks over time, including the luxury liner 'Lusitania' in 1911. From this point on the first true pelagic seabirds are encountered. White-chinned Petrels careen across white-tipped wave crests and Sooty Shearwaters streak low across the bows in widely scattered groups.

As the sight of land recedes into the distance, the last of the scavenging Kelp Gulls heads back to the shore. Excitement mounts amongst the birders on board, all now on full alert and scanning the horizon for the ultimate prize - their first sighting of an albatross off the Cape of Good Hope.

And they are not to be disappointed as a loud 'Albatross!' is soon shouted by one of the vigilant bird guides accompanying the group. Usually a Shy or White-capped Albatross as it is also known, it comes sweeping in barely above wave height on fixed wings, two metres from wingtip to wingtip, half circles the boat in idle curiosity and then disappears into the blue beyond. This stunning introduction is usually followed by good views of Indian and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross. With each nautical mile south into the Agulhas current, both temperature and depth of the water increase and seabird numbers build up in quality and quantity. There are now sightings to delight in every direction.

Diminutive Storm Petrels dance daintily across the wake and then disappear from sight beyond the next wave. Great Shearwaters are common in winter and Cory and Manx Shearwaters are seen regularly in summer. In windy conditions and a dash of luck you could see Great-winged and Soft-plumaged Petrels, and if exceptionally lucky, an Atlantic Petrel…

Yet it is the sight of the deep sea fishing trawler ahead that triggers the adrenalin rush amongst the onboard birders. In a seemingly endless orbit around the trawler are hundreds if not thousands of wheeling seabirds, and in its wake even more seabirds squabble with Cape Fur Seals over whatever is lost to the net in the final retrieve.

Photo opportunities at near point blank range abound and the group is treated to scintillating views of several species of albatross, petrels, including Pintado (or Cape Pigeon), both Northern and Southern Giant Petrels, shearwaters, skuas, and gannets along with a chance of an extremely rare sighting of a vagrant species such as Antarctic Fulmar or a 'stonking' great Royal Albatross.

Finally after the frenetic excitement dies down, the boat leaves the company of the trawler and heads back to Simon's Town, its complement of birders and crew weary but elated. Out come the refreshments and welcome trays of sandwiches to round off a memorable experience. And it's not all over yet. There is still the chance of a sunfish or whale or graceful school of dolphins on the long run home. Tally for the day could be in excess of 20 new pelagic sightings for some and for most the trip will include a sought after 'special' of rarity worth, that could be a Wandering Albatross or even a new species for the South African bird list.

A final round of thanks goes out to skipper and crew for a day to remember before disembarking at the Simon's Town quay at around 15h00. What better now than to retire to a nearby 'refreshment station' to regain one's land legs and enjoy the very special ambience that Simon's Town has to offer the visitor to the Fairest Cape in all the World.

To book a Pelagic trip, please contact:
Patrick or Marie-Louise at Avian Leisure
Telephone: +27 (0)21 7861414
Mobile: +27 (0)83 272 2455 or +27 (0)83 560 5510.
Email: avianleisure@netpoint.co.za
Website: http://www.avianleisure.com

Marie-Louise and Patrick also offer self catering accommodation in Simon's Town. Avian Leisure has a magnificent situation at the top of Froggy Farm, Simon’s Town, overlooking False Bay and is set amidst pristine Cape Fynbos - this means you can see whales, penguins and a host of other birds right from your bedroom.
Click to view: Avian Leisure - Self Catering in Simon's Town

A Birder's delight in Simon's Town

AVIAN LEISURE - Simon's Town, Cape Peninsula, South Africa: For nature lovers and other discerning tourists who want luxurious yet affordable self-catering accommodation in natural surroundings, Avian Leisure has a magnificent situation at the top of Froggy Farm, Simon’s Town, overlooking False Bay. Set amidst pristine Cape Fynbos means you can see whales, penguins and a host of other birds right from your bedroom.

SOUTH AFRICA BIRDING AND WILDLIFE TOURS: We would be delighted to assist you in planning your trip to the Western Cape and South Africa, whether it be guided or self-drive. In particular we specialise in compiling complete birding and wildlife tour itineraries tailored to your specific requirements, through our network of personally selected safari operators.
» Additional Information and Photographs

South Africa Birds

South Africa for Birders: South Africa ranks as one of the top birding destinations in the world. An incomparable combination of variety of birds, first class hotels and accommodation facilities, an excellent network of internal airline routes and a multitude of car hire companies (including the large internationals) and a supportive avi-tourism industry makes South Africa one of the most desirable birding destinations in the world.

Birders from around the world come to experience both the great variety of typically African birds, migrants, and endemic birds. These birders enjoy excellent birding, whether they are with an organised commercial birding tour or are touring independently. Of the +/- 850 bird species recorded in South Africa, about 725 are resident or annual visitors, and 50 of these are endemic or near-endemic to South Africa, and can only be seen in South Africa. Apart from the resident birds, South Africa hosts a number of intra-African migrants such as cuckoos and kingfishers, as well as birds from the Arctic, Europe, Central Asia, China and Antarctica during the year.

Source » South African Birdlife