Hermanus - The Riviera of the South

My first memories of Hermanus are from high school holidays, my school friends and I taking the bus up the East coast for a week of getting ejected unceremoniously from bars for being underage, scorned by the local girls for not being cool enough and raiding the liquor cabinets of parents that were gullible and unfortunate to allow us to stay in their Hermanus holiday homes. At around 115kms South East of Cape Town, or around an hours drive from the city centre, Hermanus, also known as the Riviera of the South, can be found. Once a sleepy little fishing village, this bustling town is now a popular holiday destination, with high school students still making that self-same pilgrimage every year.

Originally named Hermanuspietersfontein, after Hermanus Pieters, who made this idyllic seafront spot his summer camping area in the early 1800’s, the town only sprung up in the late 1800’s. The development boom, however, is a much more recent development. With several well-known luxury hotels, guesthouses, self catering houses and cottages, and camping grounds, Hermanus has become one of the primary holiday destinations for Capetonians, and an attractive option for for tourists wanting to see a little more of the Western Cape.

Hermanus is often referred to with reference to its most famous community activity - whale watching. With the annual Hermanus whale festival dedicated to this yearly breeding pilgrimage by the gentle giants of the deep, and the sporting the only whale crier in the world; a man dedicated to alerting watchers to the whereabouts of whales, Hermanus is synonymous with this unique activity.

For the more adventurous, who seek a close encounter with that other denizen of the deep, the Great White shark, cage diving tours are another popular activity. A visit to the old harbour and museum should satisfy history buffs, while boating enthusiasts can take advantage of the yacht club’s facilities. For nature lovers, there are a wide variety of choices, from the simplicity of the unspoiled beaches, to hikes or walks through the Fernkloof nature reserve, or along the unique cliff path that circumnavigates the town offers an opportunity to enjoy the Fynbos typical of and particular to the area.

The town also has a magnificent golf course, located on the slopes of the surrounding mountains, and encircled by the nature reserve, or for a unique educational experience, a visit to the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, part of the network of similar observatories dotted around the globe can be arranged. The town has a variety of shopping options, from small craft shops, and several outlets selling goods crafted from shells harvested off local beaches, to a bustling market selling handicrafts, overlooking the ocean.

Although there are many dining options in the town, from top class restaurants to family oriented eateries, a good choice may be to visit one of the restaurants located in the new harbour, where one can enjoy traditional fish and chips (or the not so traditional sushi) while watching the fishing trawlers in the harbour and around the Walker bay area.

With good food goes good wine, and the region is fast developing a reputation as a wine producer to watch. The Hermanus wine route includes the Hemel en Aarde Valley, where wine producers nestle alongside upmarket residential developments. If fishing, and not wine, is a passion, the visitor will find the surrounding waters well stocked with local fish, including galjoen and steenbras.

All in all, Hermanus is a small town that packs in a multitude of attractions, whether for the family, outdoor adventurer (or high school student) and is well worth a visit.

Links to related Pages:
Hermanus Accommodation
Hermanus Hotels
Hermanus Attractions
Hermanus Map
Hermanus Whale Crier
Hermanus Whale Festival
Hermanus Golf Course

Public Transport in Cape Town

Every day, thousands of Capetonian commuters use public transport to get where they need to be. Squeezing into minibus taxis and train carriages, it’s a long haul to and from work for many of the Mother City’s citizens. Public transport offers a cost-effective way of travelling in our fair city and also allows one to immerse oneself in its day-to-day culture

The bedrock of transport on Cape Town's roads is the minibus taxi. From dawn until well past midnight, these rugged little 12- to 15-seaters shuttle back and forth along the city's main roads and highways. Although the driver often takes a creative approach to traffic regulations, weaving through traffic and slipping into by-roads in their bid to get all passengers where they're going as quickly as possible, the taxi can be an interesting, if somewhat exhilarating experience. For a fare of as little as R4, you can hop onboard and become part of the community. The conductor or “kaartjie”, as he is colloquially known, normally acts as something of a maitre d' to the whole experience, welcoming you onboard, finding a seat for you, collecting your fare and inducting you into the communal conversation. Though these taxis operate on a set route, the conductor or driver can give you a run-down of the criss-crossing routes of all the taxi ranks. If you know how the system works, they can take you right into the heart of the city, or into the distant suburbs.

Another option is the Metro train system. At very reasonable rates (R5.50 for a deluxe "Metro Plus" ticket) the trains offer the scenic route between the city centre and the peninsular coast. The Southern Line runs through the suburbs, from Cape Town to Simonstown, and is a great way to take a day exploring the coastal towns and the many restaurants, bars and ice cream parlours therein. The trains are also a good opportunity to come face to face with different cross-sections of the vibrant Cape Town community (although for a "Metro Plus" ticket you can still have space to stretch your legs), and sometimes offer informal live theatre, music or soap-box sermons right there in the carriage.

There are also the Golden Arrow bus services which provide bus transport throughout the Cape Metropolitan area. This includes outlying areas such Mitchell’s Plain, Phillipi and Simonstown and hence are essential for people who need to get to places away from the Cape Town city centre. These ubiquitous vehicles can be recognised by their distinctive green orange and white branding and are a very useful resource to keep in mind when wanting to travel. A timetable can be found at http://www.gabs.co.za/timetables.aspx.

Finally, Cape Town's tourist scenes and night spots always have plenty of meter taxis on offer. Though these cost quite a bit more (always ask the driver his rate before getting in) they will take you direct to wherever you want to go at any time of day and night. The drivers always have a story to tell or a sympathetic ear, if you've got a story of your own.

Links to Related Pages about Cape Town:
Cape Town Travel
Cape Town Accommodation
Cape Town Hotels
Cape Town Attractions

Delightful Darling

Known to some as the perfect weekend getaway and to others as an artistic refuge, 75 kilometres from the heart of Cape Town lies the sleepy town of Darling. As Cape Town has expanded, more and more city folk have chosen to leave behind suburban living and build a new life in one of the Western Cape's outlying villages. Darling was one of the first such towns and remains one of the favourites for its thriving local community and attractive natural surrounds.

Photograph courtesy of Kalimera (Highly Recommended)

In less than an hour's drive you can remove yourself from all the cosmopolitan bustle of the city to a tranquillity and old-world charm that will steal your heart. The village lies amongst wheat fields and vineyards and invites the visitor with its warmth and friendliness to kick off your shoes and relax; to have a good meal at one of the restaurants or the bistro and drink some of the well-known wines that make the Darling wine route.

There is no doubt that Darling has an artist’s heart; many artists and crafters have moved their base to this town over the past few years to get inspiration in the country atmosphere. The entertainer Pieter Dirk Uys, a household name in South Africa, has made his home here and it is quite an experience to attend his dinner-theatre in the Old Darling station renamed Evita se Perron. He offers excellent ‘boerekos’ (farmer's food) while you are entertained by his often socially conscious comic tales.

Darling is only 23 kilometres from the coastal town of Yzerfontein, perfect for people who have to be near a beach when on holiday. The natural surrounds also hold huge attraction with their great variety of flora and famous wild flowers that draw many each year when the spring flowers go into full bloom. Taking a slow walk through the town gives you time to appreciate the local history of the town. The museum can give you a good historical sense of the town, especially with regard to the dairy industry, which once again thrives in the 21st century due to the town having its own successful creamery.

No holiday is complete without a little local shopping, so browse through the antique shops that have some beautiful items on offer. Rustic yellow wood and Oregon pine furniture is offer, as well as jewellery, writing instruments and other treasures from the past. You will also see works on display by well-known artist Jenni Jewels. The Monthly Market held on the first Saturday of each month will give the visitor a good idea of typical South African country life.

Darling is really the hub of the West coast, with all the basic amenities for everyday life - banks, supermarkets, ATMs, schools, churches and medical facilities such as doctors, a pharmacy and a clinic. Darling is a great blending of old and new; the town succeeds in preserving its old-world charm while making use of up to date amenities and the visitor who wants to stay for a few days is assured of real country style accommodation at reasonable prices.

Links to Related Pages & Sites:
Darling Accommodation
Darling Information
Voorkamerfest Darling (Annual Festival)
Darling Wild Flower Show
Evita Se Perron

Trendy Camps Bay

My friend Brian - tall, skinny and covered with tattoos, is a waiter in one of the trendiest restaurants in Camps Bay. I'm waiting for him to get off work in an hour so we can go down to the beach and to fill the time, he is giving me the low-down on the mating habits of the Greater Spotted Camps Bay Trendoid.“See the guy over there wearing the giant mirrored sunglasses?” he asks. I look over to where he is gesturing. “You're gonna have to be more specific than that, mate” I reply, “they're all wearing giant mirrored sunglasses.” He surreptitiously points to a guy inexplicably wearing a white suit on one of the hottest days of the year. “He's some kind of big-shot architect. “The model he's with is the new Guess girl,” he says, “and he just asked for a one of our most expensive whiskeys, with a Coke mixer.” Money, it seems, can't buy good taste.

But it can buy you an amazing house, a ridiculously flashy car and a white Chihuahua named Fritz, and most of Camps Bay's residents have all three. This little cove of affluence is undeniably Cape Town’s playground for the rich and famous. Likened to St Tropez, the area is home to many of the city’s rich and famous, and attracts tourists and locals alike who either are, or aspire to, live the high life. Reached from Cape Town via Seapoint, on Victoria Road, over the mountain at Kloof Nek, or from the Hout Bay side along the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay lies in a sheltered bay backed by Table Mountain.

The town's history is not nearly as glamorous but stretches back almost to the arrival of Jan Van Riebeeck in the Cape, when it was granted in 1700 to John Lodewyk Wernich, who built his farm, Ravensteyn on the land, then known as Roodekrantz, because of the red tint of the soil. When Wernich passed away, his wife remarried, and her new husband’s name, Fredrik Ernst Von Kamptz, leaves little doubt as to the origins of the modern name – Camps Bay.

The area has a colourful history, having been fortified by the French in the late 18th century, during their battles with the English, and when the farm was destroyed by these battles, the government bought the land back, and established two small batteries.Much later on, in 1855, Captain Glendinning, then the only permanent resident in the area, attempted to sell 40 plots in Camps Bay, however, even his announcement that there was gold to be found in Camps Bay could not generate interest. If only Captain Glendinning had known the attention his piece of real estate would generate in modern days! Property in Camps Bay is now some of the most expensive and sought after in the Western Cape.

As far as modern Camps Bay is concerned, most of the activities in the area are dedicated to pure hedonism and decadence. Lazing on the beach, taking in a show at the Theatre on the Bay, or visiting one of the many restaurants, bars and coffee shops that line the main road alongside the beach are some of the most strenuous activities that locals and tourists are likely to encounter.

There are a few hiking trails in the area, and a popular activity for locals is to hike up the mountain at Kloof Nek and watch the moon rise over the mother city. If you’re like most though, you will want to take advantage of the pristine beaches, lined with lush green shaded lawns, maybe take a swim in the cool water, and watch the pleasure crafts loaded with revelers pass by en route to neighboring Clifton.

This, followed up with a cocktail in one of the trendy bars overlooking the beaches, while you split your attention between celebrity spotting, and watching the sun set over the water, is just about what every day in Camps Bay is like.

Related Pages & Links:
Camps Bay Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation
Cape Town Attractions

The Story of the Cape Coast

To the first indigenous people of the Cape, the Khoisan, Table Mountain held a particular sacred significance. There are many stories about the great mountain, and in some of these, the moutain itself is a storyteller, overlooking the surrounding area and telling about what it sees. Looking down from the mountain one can see the Cape coastline weaving a jagged boundary between the land and the sea. Perhaps one of the stories that the mountain would tell would be about the thousands of people that come every year to visit those ephemeral patches of sand that line the coast. If Johannesburg is Egoli, (the city of gold in Sotho and is defined by its most precious resource), then surely Cape Town is no different? Perhaps then Cape Town is the city of silver, her most precious resource being the silver-sand beaches that seem to hold so many in thrall.

Two oceans converge at Cape Point and the landmass acts as a separator for the two basic types of beaches. The warmer Indian Ocean and the False Bay coast are the family beaches that offer swimming, surfing, fishing, paddling, walking and all round family orientated entertainment. Most of these beaches are manned by lifeguards and relatively safe for swimming. The False Bay Coast hosts the well-known Boulders Beach where tourists go penguin watching. Muizenberg beach is popular with locals and has facilities that are a favourite with the kiddies, including a putt-putt course and waterslides. The stretch between Strandfontein beach and The Strand holds treacherous waters and is mostly the hang out of fishermen. There are more than a few “old men of the sea” in the Cape, and the stories of the coastline that first enticed settlers to build a way-station on her shores are many. The Cape coast has a whole mythology surrounding her, filled with violent storms, valiant heroes and even reputedly mermaids. But those are other stories for other times.

Beaches on the Atlantic coast are almost the opposite, with trendy beaches lined by cocktail bars. Definitely geared up for the sophisticated crowd; the beaches stretch from the V&A Waterfront and meander around Table Mountain to the beautiful “Republic” of Hout Bay. Although the mountain gives welcome shelter from the infamous south-east wind, these beaches are 'cool' in more than one way. The Atlantic Ocean can at best be described as “refreshing” and has surprised more than one tourist who thought that African water can't really be that cold. The four beaches of Clifton and Llandudno (often mispronounced by Gaelic visitors, the correct way to say it is Lun-dud-no) are world-famous, during season the beaches are crowded; definitely the place to be seen, great for sunbathing, volley-ball and sundowners. Beaches along this stretch have numerous restaurants and coffee shops that cater to all tastes.

The North Atlantic Seaboard (Blaauwberg) includes Bloubergstrand and Milnerton. Beautiful long beaches where the locals go to enjoy the less crowded spaces; excellent for walks, surfing and kite-surfing. The view of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand has been immortalised on postcards often sent to loved ones from Cape Town's shores, each one sending a small piece of Table Mountain's story to people around the world.\

Related Pages & Links:
Cape Town Beaches
Cape Town Accommodation
Cape Town Attractions

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

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

Surfing in Cape Town

With around forty-nine established surf spots all within an hour’s drive and the choice of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is somewhat of a haven for surfers from around the world. Cape Town has a very active surfing community and the variety of surfspots means that everybody can be accomodated.

If you’re looking for a beginner’s wave, one of the best beaches to start off is Muizenberg beach. Muizenberg offers gentle waves, but they are fun and just keep on coming all day long. Not really the right kind of beach if you’re looking to carve your name or ride barrels. But if you’re into the soulride of longboarding then Muizenberg is pure magic. This is the beach to take someone who has never surfed before. It’s easily accessible and there are boards available to rent on the beach.

If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, then Long Beach near Kommetjie is a good bet. It offers a decent-sized shorebreak and is perfect for showing off a little. Travel a little further round and you come to Boneyards, a wave that’s perfect when it’s glassy. It’s quite a paddle, so make sure you’ve got the fitness and stamina before you try this one. Outer Kom is a point break that can get really big and an epic spot for paddling out and getting some bigger wave action.

Llandudno is one of the most beautiful beaches to surf here in Cape Town. The water is clear and the pure white sand is laced with some of our most beautiful natural heritage lying tanning, soaking up the sun and watching the surf. The best time to hit this spot is in spring and summer, because during this time the banks create a hollow beach break with some mad barrels. If you follow the locals you’ll see the best spot is to the right, near the rocks.

But if it’s the huge waves that give you butterflies in your stomach that you’re in search of then two spots stand out; Dungeons and the Crayfish Factory. Just the name ‘Dungeons’ says it all. Forming part of the international big wave circuit, this right hander starts breaking at about eight feet and you need to know what you are doing. If eight foot not big enough for you then give your mother one last kiss and make your way to the Crayfish Factory. Named because it breaks just off a reef near a local crayfish factory, this spot is reserved for those surfers who are willing to risk everything for the ultimate ride and rush. Although the conditions are not always good, when the time is right you’ll find yourself at the top of a massive twelve foot wave. Good luck my friend.

Useful Contacts:
If you’re not to sure what the conditions may be like at the beach you’re heading to, there are a number of ways to get the scoop. Local radio station 5FM offers a surf report at various times throughout the day, but for the most comprehensive report that is updated regularly, call Tich Paul on 082 2346 340 and find out exactly what you’re in for.

Related Pages:
Cape Town Beaches
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Accommodation
Surfing in South Africa

Wine Tasting & Gourmet Dinner at The Vineyard

An experience not to be missed only on Friday 20 July 2007: Meet winemaker Clinton le Sueur, of the well established and widely acclaimed Longridge Cellar. Taste his award winning wines, followed by a delicious 4 course gourmet meal in "the Square" Restaurant at the vineyard hotel & spa.

The Time: Wine tasting from 18h00, dinner to follow at 19h30
The Place: Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Colinton Road (off Protea Road), Newlands
The Price: Dinner only R165 per person (including wine tasting)
Booking is essential: Telephone: 021 657-4500.

Related Links:
The Vineyard Hotel & Spa
Cape Town Hotels
Cape Town Restaurants

Another Good Reason to Visit Cape Town

Another good reason to visit Cape Town ... Cape Town’s icon, Table Mountain, stands with her base firmly within the Table Mountain National Park, 1 086 metres above Table Bay. The imposing table top, more often than not draped in rich cloud that seems never to quite tumble from its sides, is a national monument and her shape has been adopted as a ubiquitous scribble for many a company logo of those working within her shadow.

The mountain is sculpted from sandstone and her summit measures nearly 3km from end to end. Views from up here are remarkable and the panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay around the mountain to Hout Bay and Kommetjie.

When skies are clear, one can see right across the Cape Flats to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. No surprise then, that the cable way is the most popular tourist destination in Cape Town or that well over 16 million people have visited her summit since its opening in 1929.

The cable way, which, weather permitting, allows one to reach the top of Table Mountain in minutes, rivals some of the best in the world. Recently upgraded in 1997, the new cars, or Rotairs, have revolving floors that give passengers a 360-degree view over Cape Town and Table Mountain as they ascend and descend.

There are about 350 paths to the summit that range from undemanding to extremely difficult and a network of over 550 walks on Table Mountain. The Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail is a luxury 3-day, guided and portered, fully catered hike launched in December 2005. It incorporates some of Cape Town’s major attractions, such as the District Six Museum, Table Mountain’s summit, two nights in the Table Mountain National Park and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Nowhere else in the world does an area of such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within one metropolitan area as the Table Mountain National Park. It stretches from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south and includes the seas and coastline of the peninsula. Infact, Table Mountain National Park has more plant species than the British Isles.

Table Mountain is covered with a wide variety of wild flowers and is the natural home of the Silver Tree. She is floodlit during specific times of the year, including Christmas and New Year, and her imposing strength then looms over the city both night and day.

Related Pages:
Table Mountain Photographs
Robben Island
South Africa Attractions

The Waterfront and Two Oceans Aquarium

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town’s magnificent harbour. Set against a backdrop of stunning sea and mountain views, it has become South Africa's most visited destination.

With more than 400 shops and 80 eateries there is something here for everyone! Whatever you are looking for, the V&A Waterfront has it! What is more, it boasts extended shopping hours making it an extremely popular mall especially for the ladies. The restaurants here are some of the finest restaurants in South Africa where all types of cuisine can be enjoyed and at Cinema Nouveau numerous art films can be viewed.

For an unforgettable experience head over to the Two Oceans Aquarium. This aquarium is the largest aquarium in South Africa housing over 300 marine species in impressive displays. It is a spectacular experience! As you enter, you enter a new world. Long paths lead to all variations of marine species in colourful and informative displays. Some of the scariest species can be viewed up close without them being able to harm you. Admire the playfulness of the seals as they swim in and out of the water. The glass display also shows the underwater playground of the seal area in order to reveal what they get up to under the water.

There are hundreds of exhibits that will keep you occupied for hours! A favourite with many is the kelp forest exhibit. Another favourite is the shark exhibit where you are able to view these fearsome creatures up close and you are able to enter an underwater tunnel to see them even more closely. This exhibit is very informative and will change your perspective on sharks. The exhibit provides interesting facts aimed at changing negative perceptions ie. More people die from a toaster than from a shark. That is rather an eye-opening fact! Every exhibit in this spectacular aquarium is truly magnificent and well worth a visit.

The Aquarium presents South Africa’s rich ocean and aquatic life in six galleries:
Oceans of Contrast - Indian Ocean Gallery
Oceans of Contrast - Atlantic Ocean Gallery
Holcim Activity Centre and Cape Fur Seal Exhibit
Sappi River Meander Exhibit - The Story of a River
Kelp Forest Exhibit - An Enchanted Forest
I&J Predator Exhibit - A Feast of Ocean Predators

Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium at: http://www.aquarium.co.za/ or Tel: + 27-21-418-3823.

Related Links:
Cape Town Accommodation
South Africa Accommodation
South Africa Travel

Featured - Cape Wine Routes

Featured this Week - The Cape Winelands and Cape Wine Routes:

Traditionally, when referring to the Cape Winelands, one called to mind the cellars around Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek. However, South African wine has undergone a whole new momentum. An emerging ethos has taken the local wine industry into the global arena. South African wine has come of age and is now competing on the world wine stage. A whole new generation of winemakers has appeared and there has been a shift from grape farming to wine growing.

The Cape’s winelands stretch from the coast to the plains of the Little Karoo, where grapes are also grown in the riverine valleys. There are currently some 560 wineries and 4 400 primary producers of vineyards in the Cape, divided by the Wine of Origin Scheme into 4 main regions namely the Breede River Valley, Little Karoo, Coastal and Olifants River.

Photos: Left: Bovlei Vineyards in Welllington.
Right: Entrance to Blaauwklippen in Stellenbosch.

Amongst the most popular Wine Routes are Breedekloof, Paarl, Cape Agulhas (Elim), Robertson, Cape Point, the Stellenbosch Routes (Bottlelary Hills, Devon Valley, Helderberg and Simonsberg), the Constantia Valley, Darling, Durbanville, Elgin (Overberg), Franschhoek, Swartland, Tulbagh, Little Karoo, Walker Bay (Hemel en Aarde), Olifants River, Wellington, Orange River and Worcester. For detailed information on these popular Wine routes please visit our Cape Wine Routes pages at:
http://www.sa-venues.com/west_cape_winelands.htm.

If you are intesrested in taking a day trip out to the Winelands of the Cape there are a number of excellent Tours available. You can either join a tour group or do a tour of the Winelands as a private trip - either in a luxury vehicle (great for honeymooners!) or if your group is larger you can charter your own customised Wine Route Tour. If you have hired a car it is also a lovely day trip to do on your own.

A few Cape Winelands Tour examples: (Contact the tour operators if you want a private tour or if you want to visit other Vineyards etc - they are flexible and will assist you in planning your Winelands Experience).

» For those who really want to get away from it all and go "off the beaten track" to explore the lesser known wine regions and their inhabitants, we take you through some of the most scenic and beautiful countryside our land has to offer ...
(View this Tour)

» This full day outing is spent tasting our delightful wines whilst absorbing the stunning scenery. We normally start the day by doing a cellar tour after which we visit various wine estates stopping off at some of the picturesque villages along the way. Lunch is normally at one of the beautiful wineries en route ...
(View this Tour)

See more Cape Winelands Tours at:
http://www.sa-venues.com/travel/cape-winelands-tours.htm

Happy Wine-tasting! (and please drive carefully).