Wacky & Wonderful Robertson!

Located in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, on Route 62 between Worcester and Swellendam, is the small town of Robertson.

With a history spanning more than 150 years, having been founded in 1853, the town has plenty to offer, despite only having a population in the region of 17 000 people. Many of the original Victorian houses still line the streets, along with the Jacarandas that have earned the town the nickname of “Jacaranda capital of the Western Cape.”

The Robertson valley is also one of the key wine producers in the Western Cape, and the valley boasts no fewer than 31 wine cellars, many of which have won awards for their wines. Wine and food are so important in this little town that the region hosts two events dedicated to them: the annual Food and Wine Festival, and the Wacky Wine Weekend, the latter being held every June. Accommodation in Robertson ranges from relaxed self catering to quaint bed and breakfasts and more up market hotels, so most tastes are catered for.

Given the history of the town, a must see is the Robertson Museum, housed in the mysteriously named Druids' Lodge, or take one of the guided walking tours offered by the local tourism authorities to learn more about the village.

Because of its proximity to the Breede River, many activities on and around the water are offered, from cuisine and cruising combinations, such as the Nerina Guest Farms Kolgans River Restaurant, offering local specialties, to the Viljoensdrift Wines and Cruises, which offers picnics and wine tasting on the water.

Canoeing, fishing and river rafting are also on offer, of for those who prefer terra firma, hiking trails at Arangieskop and Dassieskop, or the Vroulikheid Reserve, with its excellent bird watching, or visit the Klaas Voogds Game Reserve, or the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve for game viewing, either on horse back or in open four wheel drive vehicles.

Other outdoor activities in the area include 4 x 4 trails, quad biking at Tradouw Quad Biking and several horse riding trails, as well as a well appointed golf course, being developed to a full 18 holes.

Some more unique options are a visit to Birds Paradise, where 260 enclosures house exotic birds, primates, llamas and other exotic animals, where the facilities include a dam stocked with water fowl, and a coffee shop, or perhaps take a trip to the cactus and succulent nursery. Another animal related experience popular with visitors to the area is a visit to one of the stud farms in the area, where one can admire and learn about the top racehorses that the area has become famed for producing.

The Soekershof Hedge Maze, regarded by some as the largest hedge maze in the world is also located here, and offers yet another unique experience for visitors. With food, wine, water sports and other unique activities on offer, it almost seems that this small town has it all, and any tourist passing through would be well advised to stop and explore this lovely old world village.

Links to related pages:
Robertson Attractions
Robertson Accommodation

The Cederberg

Many people remember being a teenager with a fond, misty, sentimental look on their face. I for one am lucky to crack a grimace at some of the downright outrageous things I got up to during those years. Like the time my friends and I decided to go camping in the Cederberg.

At the end of high-school, instead of heading to Plettenberg Bay, the age-old venue for school-leaving parties, we thought beat the commercial crowds and head straight to the heart of the wilderness to live rough, drink hard and come back laughing at the herds who had frittered away their first taste of post-school freedom in a lame little holiday town.

As it turns out, the joke was kinda on us. Certain things are high on the list of priorities. Making sure that all your tent poles are packed is not one of them.Tell this to a teenager and they'll scoff. As it turns out you can't pitch a tent with two poles missing, as we found out that weekend. Which left us sleeping out in the open. This was great the first night, but when it started raining on the second, tempers started to flair. After much swearing and moaning, we miraculously found a cave for shelter. In fact, my most beautiful memory of the Cederberg is falling asleep in that cave, listening to a waterfall cascading nearby and waking up with nature in all her awesome splendour, where the silence is so pure you can hear it, feel it and see it. Which didn't prevent me from getting a nasty bout of flu from sleeping the rain.

The Cederberg area lies some 200km north west of Cape Town, and consists of the mountains from which the area takes its name, the wilderness it hides, and several small towns. To reach the first of these towns, Citrusdal, one passes over the beautiful Piekinierskloof Pass, where farmers share the land with resorts and tourist accommodation.

As you continue through the pass, you see the small town of Citrusdal, laid out in the valley, and looking for all the world like a picture postcard. This area is famous for it’s citrus growing, which is exactly where Citrusdal got it’s name, but also for that uniquely South African tea, Rooibos. In the heart of the Cederberg range, you find the farms that are world famous for growing the best Rooibos Tea on the planet. The unique climate of the mountain range is the secret to this health tea that have created a prosperous farming community.

While a visit to this town, and the other small towns in the area will provide many attractions, and tourists will be charmed by the friendly locals and old world feel, most who visit this area do so for the wilderness itself, as well as the outdoor activities and sports that are on offer.

Hikers and climbers flock to the area every year, to visit such famous natural landmarks as the Wolfsberg Arch, Wolfberg Cracks and Maltese Cross. Natural rock formation, born from eons of erosion by wind and rain. There are not many places in the world where you can see rock formations that date back between 500 and 345 million years. The Bokkevled Group boats rich marine fossil deposits with brachiopods, trilobites and crinoids that are all protected by law and may not be disturbed or removed. Some of the famous rock formations are the Wolfberg Cracks and Arch, the Stadsaal Caves and the Maltese Cross.

Within the wilderness area, a nationally protected park, one can view indigenous San rock art, left by the earliest human inhabitants of the area, or experience the famous rock climbing sites at Krakadouw and Tafelberg peaks, to name a few. The animal life is varied with rock rabbits, klipspringers, baboons, porcupines, badgers, lynx, Wild Cat and Cape fox. The leopard is a protected species here; you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this elusive big cat.

While the area is run by Cape Nature conservation, there are several campsites in the area, the main one being Algeria, but others, such as Krom River and Jamaka, the latter of which are two of the privately run options.

Also on offer is the local amateur astronomical observatory, 4 x 4 trails or a visit to Heuningvlei, a village run by the Moravian Church, which owns a large portion of the area, and where one can purchase locally made leather shoes and boots, visit the herb garden or stay in the backpackers. Another attraction at Heuningvlei is a donkey cart ride through the mountains, on a purpose built track, largely inaccessible by more modern means.

Many lodges and resorts have also sprung up in the area, for example the four star Mount Ceder Lodge, for those who wish to visit the area, without roughing it.A visit to the area in the spring time offers another natural attraction – the blooming of the wild flowers in August and September, a sight which carpets the normally green area with colour.

As with most areas in the Western Cape, wine tasting at the award winning estate in the Olifants river valley is on offer, albeit in a spectacular natural setting. All in all the area has much to offer the eco tourist, as well as those looking for a restful, relaxing getaway, far from the hustle of bustle of cities and towns, where time seems slower, and there’s nothing more stressful than deciding what adventure to explore each day. Just check you’ve packed everything before you leave.

Links to Related Pages & Sites
Cape Nature Conservation
Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show
Clanwilliam Accommodation
Citrusdal Accommodation

The Cango Caves

The KhoiSan used the Cango Caves thousands of years ago as shelter but nobody else realized the beauty under the limestone ledge until the curiosity of a farmer in 1780 made him lower himself into the caves to investigate. For the first time his dim torch showed an awesome splendour that still takes the breath away today as countless people make the pilgrimage to the caves each year.

The Cango Caves can be found about 26 kilometres north of the town of Oudtshoorn, which lies in the heart of the Little Karoo. In the last century the caves have become world renowned not only with South Africans but with international tourists as well, who visit the Cango Caves in droves. Giggling groups of school children visit the caves as part of their curriculum and dare each other to go through the Devil’s Chimney, a rather tight passage in the caves and to be posted down the Devil’s Post box that is only 27 centimetres wide.

For me, simply standing in Van Zyl’s chamber staring at the stalagmites, stalactites and helictites takes my breath away. There is so much to see, whether you choose the standard tour or the adventure tour, you are in for an experience that leaves you feeling humble. You will wander through chambers with whimsical names such as Rainbow Chamber, Bridal Chamber and Fairy Chamber and stand in silent awe as you look upon the translucent formations in the Drum Room.

For those of intrepid spirit the adventure tour starts in the Grand Hall, then through the aptly named Lumbago Alley and King Solomon’s Mines. From there you squeeze through the Devil’s Chimney, go through the Coffin, down to the Devil’s Kitchen and finally holding your breath, you post yourself through the Devil’s Post box amidst shrieks of laughter and often lots of groaning and puffing.

The Cango Caves complex is well run with an Interpretive Centre and Auditorium that explains the how and the why of the splendid formations of the caves to visitors. Continuous movies and exhibitions give a well-prepared overview and you can watch a short movie that gives you glimpses of the wonders of Cango 2 that is not open to the public to preserve the formations and have even more glorious sights than Cango 1. The Cango Caves restaurant offers great food in the true Klein Karoo tradition for tired visitors after their grand experience through the caves.

Links to related pages:
Cango Caves Information
Cango Caves Tours
Overnight at Oudtshoorn Accommodation
Cango Caves Telephone Number: +27 (0)44 272-7410

Hermanus Whale Crier

Until fairly recently it was unknown to all but locals, but mention the small South Africa coastal town of Hermanus anywhere in the world today and someone will have heard about the village, and no doubt, the whales. Whales are one of the most popular and well known attractions on offer in this small town, located nearby Cape Town on the eastern coast of the Cape and have been instrumental in transforming a now booming tourist industry.

Photograph: Whale-watching in Hermanus © South Africa Tourism

One of the most unique aspects of the Hermanus whale experience is the whale crier, the town’s own “GPS” for the Southern Right whales that frequent its coast in droves during the months of June to September.The only one in the world, the original whale crier, Pieter Claasen, an employee of the Old Harbour complex, took up his horn and began alerting tourists and locals alike to the whearabouts of whales in 1992 as a means to attract tourism to the then little known town.

The highlight of this whale watching season is the annual Hermanus Whale Festival, which sees the small town’s population swell with visitors. Wearing his sandwich board and whale tail shaped hat, Pieter attracted a lot of attention from the locals at first, simply because of the quirkiness of his garb and the sounding of his horn. The manner in which the crier achieves his objective is almost as unique as the concept itself. The crier blows his horn in a form of Morse code, which onlookers decode by following the directions written on his sandwich board.

As a publicity mechanism, the idea was a huge success – local media picked up on his antics, followed soon after by their international counterparts, and visitors began to stream into the town to see the crier and his whales.

Besides the commercial success, Pieter’s one-of-a-kind occupation also gained him the opportunity to visit the Town Criers competition in Topsham in the UK. He was the guest of honour at the event, and led the procession of criers through the streets. Pieter, and each of the criers since, have been tasked with alerting visitors to the location of whales in the waters surrounding the town.

In 1998, Pieter retired, and was replaced by Wilson Salakusana, and later still by Godleck Bulani, the current crier, who beat out numerous other applicants to win the now prestigious position. Sadly, Pieter has since died of diabetes, but the relatively new tradition of crier lives on in Godleck, as it no doubt will continue to in his sucessors, as new South African icons.

Related Pages about Hermanus:
Hermanus Hiking Trails
Hermanus Whale Crier
Hermanus Accommodation
Hermanus Hotels
Hermanus Attractions & Info

Hot Springs in the Western Cape

Hot springs have long been known to have beneficial effects on health, as well as a relaxing, rejuvenating way to while away time. High in natural minerals due to geothermal activities deep below the ground, which causes the water that bubbles up through the earth to be heated, their waters are thought to provide physical benefits to the skin. Whatever the scientific reason, there is no doubt that the warm, cocooning sensation of the water has a definite impact on one's overall feeling of wellbeing!

The Western Cape area is fortuitously dotted with these springs and in many cases resorts and spas have sprung up around these natural wonders.

Closest to Cape Town at around an hour’s drive is De Kelders hot spring. Located just outside the small fishing village of Gansbaai, these springs well up from directly below the coastal rocks. To reach the springs, one walks along the oceanfront, and you can actually hear the waves lapping the shore from inside the cavern.

A little further along the N2 highway at Caledon, another natural spring bubbles up from below the ground. While the spring has been used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years, it was first discovered by westerners when the Dutch explored the area in the late 17th century, although the town was only founded around a century after this initial discovery. Over the years, many, camping, resort and spa developments came and went from around these springs but they are now the site of the Caledon Hotel, Casino and Spa, a hotel development.

In the opposite direction, on the way to the small town of Montagu, lies another famous spring and resort complex, Goudini Spa. Located just before Worcester in the beautiful Breede River Valley, the resort offers accommodation, leisure activities,and, of course, the hot springs. The town has become world-famous for its hot springs, with as many as 20 springs concentrated in this area, some reaching temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius. And unlike some sulfur springs, the waters are soft and sweet smelling.Local lore has it that a settler of the area had injured his hand when an ox wagon wheel ran over it, but that after dipping his hand in the healing waters, it healed much more rapidly than expected. This, and certainly other such tales, has led to the areas reputation for healing waters. Several small hotel and resort facilities have developed in the area, and visitors to the area have a bouquet of options to choose from.

Another natural spring and resort complex in the picturesque town of Citrusdal, situated on the N7 around two hours drive from Cape Town is The Baths. Originally founded in 1739, and owned by the same family since 1903, the baths are complimented by 15 self catering chalets, caravan and camping facilities, and various activities such as tennis, hiking trails, mountain biking and birdwatching, along with a restaurant, this is another good choice for those wishing to get away from it all.

Links to Related Pages:
Western Cape Attractions
Western Cape Accommodation

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

Adventure Sports in Cape Town

Crouching behind a rock with a stinging wound on my back that was almost certainly going to bruise, I was having the most fun I’d had in a long time. I stood up and fired two rounds of high-velocity paintballs at the approaching weekend warriors. Shouts of pain and frustration told me that my projectiles had found their mark. Yes, despite Cape Town’s amazing range of wines and plethora of drinking spots, adrenalin is in fact the favoured intoxicant for many city-dwellers. The plentiful supply of rugged terrain and occasionally even more rugged locals means that Cape Town is one of the best adventure sports destinations in the world. Paintball is just one of the activities where you can get that special euphoric feeling that you only get when doing something slightly dangerous and maybe a little stupid.

Take for instance mountain biking. There are hundreds of mountain bike trails around the Western Cape to choose from From the more placid eco-ride and fossil-ride tours to more adventurous cycle trails, there's something for all levels of biking expertise. Of course if you just want to ride really fast and possibly fall off your bike there’s plenty of opportunity for that too. Mountain biking is a great way to see the natural surrounds, test your navigation skills and get some exercise.

If hurtling down pristine white dunes in nature reserves sounds more like your thing then give sandboarding a try. You can organize day-trips out to the dunes and have sun-bronzed wild men instruct you in the fine art of staying upright on a glorified iron-board as it hurtles down a dune. It's almost as fun mastering standing up as it is seeing your friends fall off, but make sure you're feeling fit. Remember after every successful sandboard run there's the long walk back up again.

Not for those who were scared when watching Jaws, shark cage diving seems to appeal to the most adrenalin-addicted adventure people. It basically consists of plunging into cold water while prehistoric creatures evolved almost exclusively for killing swim around you. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? The truth is – it is! Seeing nature 'red in tooth and claw' so close up is an exhilarating and enlightening experience. You may even be seduced by the guide's insistence that sharks are shy and mysterious creatures who just want to be left alone. I, for one, was still glad that there was thick steel between me and those double rows of natural razors.

If even this adrenalin-soaked fun sounds a little passé to you, then perhaps you're one of those people who'll only be satisfied when playing with the big folks of X-treme sports. Skydiving is the ultimate rush, and if jumping from a plane at 11000ft doesn't do it for you, then you're either not human or you're totally crazy. In either case we can't help you. But if the thought of plummeting toward the earth at 120mph piques your interest, then welcome to Skydiving in Cape Town. You can start off with a tandem jump with an experienced instructor after which there are many great skydiving courses available to get you ready for that life-changing first solo-jump.

Adventure sports are a booming industry in Cape Town with hundreds of companies offering a myriad of activities for thrill-seekers to explore. Give each one of them a try and who knows maybe you'll find a worthwhile holiday diversion, a story worth telling to your friends at home, or perhaps even a lifelong passion. Let the adventures begin!

Links to Related Pages:
South Africa Outdoor Activities
Abseiling in South Africa
Bungee Jumping in South Africa
Canopy Tours (Tree-topping)
Mountain Biking in South Africa
Ostrich Rides (For the brave!)
Paragliding in South Africa

West Coast Wonders

When you wander up the R27 coastal road that winds up the West Coast of South Africa, you pass through towns and villages that make you think you have somehow stepped back in time. Towns and villages that are untouched by the frenetic energy of the city maintain the same steady pulse of living that has sustained them for decades. Here the clock ticks to the rhythm of nature with sea being main source of income for the fishing villages that dot the coast and the canning factories in Saldanha and Port Owen. For many the West Coast is a forgotten region as it is off the normal tourist track, but it rewards intrepid travellers with a unique perspective on South African life.

The sea too is the the main attraction for most of the visitors venturing up the coast. Yzerfontein is a hugely popular resort town and within easy reach from Cape Town that attract locals and tourists throughout the year. It is a favoured fishing spot and when the snoek runs, fisherman come from all over. Few experiences can beat the rustic bliss of sitting around a fire on the beach with fishsizzling on the coals and a black cast iron pot ready for the crayfish as the divers take it out of the water. Round off the meal with freshly baked bread and apricot jam and you have regional food at its best.

In September the land is transformed into a rainbow panorama of flowers. It’s difficult to walk for fear of crushing the delicate indigenous flowers with every step. The yearly flower spectacle is worth a special trip to see the usually dry plains metamorphis into a natural wonder. A special place to visit is Velddrift, a tranquil get-away from city life with beautiful wide open spaces. The people of this village will make you feel like you’re long-lost family and go out of their way to make you feel at home.

Dwarskersbos is another favorite place. This is a very popular holiday resort for locals and tourists alike. During season they have great entertainment programs, the accommodation caters to all and the restaurant will pack day-food packages for hikers to the Rocher pan, a favourite amongst bird watchers and photographers waiting for that perfect sunset shot. In season the West Coast National Park Reserve is another essential place to visit. With turquoise water and plenty of wildlife, this is one of the lesser-known jewels on the South African tourism treasure map. Take an umbrella and a picnic you'll find it difficult to believe that you're not on a tropical island for the day.

The impressions of the West Coast that remain after returning to the bustle of the city are those of freedom and wide open spaces where you can breathe. The West Coast offers many revitalizing getaway opportunities and is definitely worth considering when visiting Cape Town.

Links to Related Pages:
Cape West Coast
West Coast National Park
West Coast Accommodation

Popular Towns on the Cape West Coast include:
• Britannia Bay
• Lamberts Bay
• Langebaan
• Darling
• Jacobsbaai
• Saldanha
• Shelley Point
• St Helena Bay
• Strandfontein
• Paternoster
• Vredendal
• Yzerfontein

Spectacular Swartland

There's a stretch of beach up the West Coast where I always go when I need to think. It may be when I need a little goal-directed thinking – like the time I decided that I desperately needed to see the world a little and impulsively packed my bags and set the gears in motion for some overseas backpacking. Or even just for some philosophical time-out, when the day to day grind becomes a little overwhelming and the sand and sea seem like the only logical things left in the world. Whatever the need, it's this little unnamed stretch of beach that I go to to think it out.

Recently, however, I've started to explore a little, and have gradually progressed further and further up the coast. This region is actually huge and includes the Swartland and Sandveld as well as the Olifant’s River valley. If you restrict yourself to the coastal towns you are doing yourself a huge disservice and you miss out on beauty, interesting places and of course the great food.

The towns and villages of the West Coast often remind me of a spider’s web; everything is linked somehow, either through industry, farming or historic bonds and everybody shares the wonderful traits of warmth, friendliness, utterly wicked sense of humour and their legendary hospitality to guests and visitors.

Travelling upwards from Cape Town along the N7 you find the Sandveld that separates the coastal towns of the West Coast from the Swartland towns of the West Coast. This area is sparsely populated but an important part of the eco-system. Here you find Verlorenvlei (the lost marshes of the Sandveld) and a paradise for bird enthusiasts and I, for one, have developed a deep appreciation for the bird-life of this region. The multitude of bird species that breed here is amazing and the activity of thousands of birds remind you of a very busy international airport as they stack up on their flight paths into the marshes.

Moorreesburg and Piketberg owe their existence to wheat; as far as the eye can see you will know exactly in which season you are from the colour of the surrounding landscape; the green of winter to the gold of summer-ripe wheat. Here, you can feast on the smells of wheat and the hundreds of apple, orange, pear and peach orchards that is the mainstay of this agricultural world. The farmers encourage visitors to spend time on their farms; to come and experience their world form the planting of the wheat to the enjoyment of freshly baked bread.

Moorreesburg is a popular weekend get-away for many Capetonians who enjoy the tranquillity, the unspoilt beauty of the countryside and the warm hospitality of the people. Piketberg on the other hand is growing as people opt out of the rat race to live in the area for it’s an hours drive from central Cape Town and your laptop makes living here very appealing. The region is prosperous and eco-tourism and agri-tourism bring many visitors every year.

Sleepy Porterville nestles below the Olifant’s River Mountains and goes about its daily business with regular disruptions when para-glider and hang-glider enthusiasts from around the world descend upon the village, for the area boasts powerful thermals that make conditions perfect for cross country flying. The town’s people welcome the bustling and often loud glider enthusiasts with good food, typical country accommodation and excellent service.

The hub of the Swartland is Malmesbury, a vibrant blend of rural atmosphere and modern day living. Situated only 40 minutes drive from Cape Town this town is within commuting distance; an opportunity that more and more people are taking to get the best of both worlds as they consider a 40-minute drive to work as child’s play. Malmesbury is known for the excellent wines it produces and its no wonder they host the yearly Swartland Food and Wine Festival.

Related Pages & Links:
Swartland Attractions & Destinations
Swartland Accommodation
Swartland Wine Route
Swartland Agricultural Show
Malmesbury Accommodation
MOL - Musiek Oppie Lande Festival

Whispering Whale - A Gem of a find on the Cape West Coast

Situated in the tiny beach village of Jacobsbaai on the popular Cape West Coast between Saldanha Bay and Vredenburg, Whispering Whale is three luxury, self-catering or bed and breakfast apartments set amidst some of the country’s most unspoilt natural beauty and rugged coastline.

Whispering Whale is one of those truly idyllic escapes that go beyond the call of duty to fulfil their every promise. Breathtaking coastline and virgin beach, evident from each of the apartments, does indeed lull you into a sense of languor where strolling beaches and enjoying endless meals of incredible seafood easily becomes a way of life to which you become accustomed, if not addicted, and life is interrupted only by the odd venture to a nature reserve, on a hike or to partake of the array of endless water sports in the area.

Jacobsbaai is a secluded enclave with access to a number of little bays like Smalbaai, Moerie, Toothrock and Bamboesbaai, each with its own individual qualities that allow one to experience a setting rough with rocks, boulders and incredible wild, white sandy beaches under brilliant blue skies. There is also access to surfing, fishing, diving and crayfishing. Even out of wild flower season this beautiful and isolated bay is a joy, and there are few who can stay here without being affected by its beauty.

There is an element of luxury to each of the apartments that adds an aspect of pampering to your stay. Despite the traditional lime washed houses enforced by strict building restrictions in Jacobsbaai, this is not rural living in a basically equipped cottage. The stunning apartments have been beautifully furnished and elegantly decorated, each with its own private entrance and entertainment area and your every comfort in mind - 100% percale linen, down pillows and duvets, en-suite bathrooms with heated towel rails and beautiful linen. The apartment includes a dishwasher, DSTV, a mini Hi Fi and a large verandah with patio furniture and outdoor braai area. The only thing you need to bring along is your beach towel!

Each of the apartments has been aptly named after one of the three types of whales most typically sighted off the coast of Jacobsbaai during whale season, between the months of June and November. Bryde’s whale and Humpback Whale apartments both sleep four, whilst Southern Right Whale, the smaller of the apartments, sleeps two. There is a fully equipped laundry on the premises for those who succumb to staying a little longer, and why wouldn’t you? The central location of Whispering Whale is incredibly convenient for day trips along the West Coast – be it to visit other quaint fishing villages, wine estates or nature reserves - and the addictive quality of the spectacular sunsets quickly gets under your skin, and you wonder how you ever muddled through without this particular hideaway ...

For additional information about Whispering Whale visit the following pages:
Whispering Whale Guest House
Current Rates and Special Offers
Read reviews from other Travelers

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)

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

The Cape Town Wedding Festival

Celebration House, Cape Town’s unique wedding information centre, is proud to bring you the 11th Cape Town Wedding Festival, showcasing all you need to organise a successful wedding. Housed in an elegant Chattels marquee on Market Square and in the adjacent Forum, this is no dull, static exhibition! Renowned for its interactive nature, our Festival gives visitors the opportunity to:

• Meet professional service providers, including top photographers, videographers, dress designers, stationery experts, jewellers and more
• Have free makeovers and try on designer wedding dresses
• Watch fun fashion shows
• Find fabulous ideas for their own weddings in the exciting ‘Inspiration Zone’
• Take part in a competition with wonderful prizes, including a top prize of a R10 000 wedding dress by designer Robyn Roberts!

Last but not least, visitors will have the chance to listen to a variety of Cape Town’s best musicians – live. And when it’s all over, you can take home your free copy of the indispensable Festival Directory, filled with useful information on wedding planning, and featuring all the exhibitors’ contact details.

So whatever you do this Spring, make sure you join us at the V & A Waterfront for The Cape Town Wedding Festival.

Where: Market Square & The Forum, V & A Waterfront
When: Friday 7 September to Sunday 9 September
Times:
Friday: 13h00 – 18h00
Saturday: 10h00 – 18h00
Sunday: 10h00 – 17h00
Cost: R 35 per person (under 18 free)

Related Links:
Cape Town Weddings
South Africa Weddings
Wedding Venues (over 1200 weding venues to choose from).

New Wedding Venue in Simons Town

Roaring Forties Floating Functions Restaurant: For something completely different, dine or conference aboard the beautiful Museum Ship, CS Cable Restorer, which houses the unique Roaring Forties Floating Functions Restaurant and Conference Venue, permanently docked in historic, picturesque Simons Town, with her original maritime charm, brass fittings and teak decks, this is a charming and unique venue for any occasion.

Our décor is nautical but elegant, with navy blue table cloths and Long Island striped overlays. We also hire out our white linen and chair covers for functions but for weddings they are already included in the venue hire. We have a beautiful outside deck adjoining the functions/conferencing area, here we have benches and umbrellas for the hot summer days. This area is lovely for pre-dinner / arrival drinks as well as being a great spot to take photographs with Simons Town as your backdrop. Weather permitting this area also makes a great breakaway spot.
For additional information please visit: Roaring Forties Floating Functions Restaurant or contact Alana Dilley on Telephone: +27 (0)21 786 - 4808.

Related Links:
Simons Town Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation
Cape Town Attractions

FAB Bridal Expo in Cape Town

FAB Bridal Expo in Cape Town – From 14 to 15 April the Cape Town International Convention Centre will be hosting this years Fab Bridal Expo. All you Brides-to-be in the process of arranging your wedding can benefit greatly by taking a look at whats on offer. From Get ideas for your Invitations, floral displays, bridal gowns… all aspects pertaining to your wedding will be on show.

The organizers have arranged fantastic displays by designers, flower artists, wedding and event coordinators, photographers, venues, companies specialising in cakes, invitations, jewelery and more. Exhibiting representatives will be present on the stands in order to answer any questions you have, assist you with your ideas or with any information you need.

Date and Times:
Sat 14 April 2007 from 09h00 - 17h30
Sun 15 April 2007 from 09h00 - 17h00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC)
Entrance fee: R50 per person, children under 12 free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Related Links:
Cape Town Weddings
Cape Town Accommodation
South Africa Wedding Guide
Wedding Coordinators and Planners

New Accommodation in the Cape

THE CONSTANTIA STABLES - Constantia, Cape Town: On the Constantia Wine Route, a long winding driveway leads you to a stunning spot of shaded, indigenous gardens and beautifully renovated stable buildings. Lola and Rick have done a fantastic job of converting the original stables into bedrooms with historical green stable doors opening onto an ivy fringed courtyard ...
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TABLE MOUNTAIN LODGE - Tamboerskloof, City Bowl: Table Mountain Lodge is a gracious homestead nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill with breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Originally a farmhouse built in 1885, the Cape Dutch homestead has been restored to it’s former elegance with timeless charm ...
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LAVENDER MANOR GUEST LODGE - Hermanus, Cape Whale Coast: Lavender Manor is the ultimate luxury guest house which offers spectacular sea and mountain views and warm, relaxed hospitality. Overlooking popular Grotto Beach and the whale sanctuary of Walker Bay, you are within two minutes walk of the magnificent beaches and the ...
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BERLUDA FARM HOUSE & COTTAGES - Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo: Set on route to the Cango Caves, in the picturesque Schoemanshoek Valley (14 kilometres from Oudtshoorn), Berluda is an intimate guesthouse experience, offering 5 en-suite bedrooms in the original farmhouse and 2 self catering cottages ...
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40 NAPIER STREET - De Waterkant, City Bowl: 40 Napier Street is a luxurious two bedroom cottage ideally located at the centre of De Waterkant village with spectacular views of Table Mountain, the City and the Waterfront. Newly renovated, both bedrooms are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms with the rear bedroom opening out onto the private terrace with swimming pool ...
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LANARK LODGE - Pinelands, Southern Suburbs: We are situated in the leafy suburb of Pinelands and offer quality self catering accommodation in two separate and recently refurbished cottages, each with a separate entrance and off-street parking. Lanark Lodge is ideal for business or holiday accommodation. We are close to restaurants, major shopping ...
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STONE HOUSE - Gansbaai, Cape Whale Coast: Also known as the Big-2-Town, Gansbaai is well known for the Great White Sharks, that ensures you of an experience of a lifetime. It is not only the Great White that makes this any adventure seekers paradise, but fishing and whale watching is also very popular in this coastal town. The brand new Stone House is divided into 3 separate units ...
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ORCHARDS COOKING SCOOL & GUEST FARM - Tulbagh, Cape Winelands: Orchards is set on Odessa, a working fruit, olive and wine grape farm in the picturesque valley of Tulbagh with its majestic mountains (snow-capped in winter), enchanting vineyards, fruit orchards and olive groves. The farm is situated approx 6km from the historic town of Tulbagh with its many restaurants and art galleries ...
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RODWELL HOUSE - St James, False Bay Coast: Redefining elite seaside holidays in Cape Town is five-star Rodwell House in the sun-soaked village of St James. It nestles between the Kalk Bay Mountains and False Bay, world famous for whale-watching, warm sea bathing and a sheltered Mediterranean climate ...
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ARNISTON B&B & COFFEE SHOP: Arniston, Cape Overberg: Arniston B&B has a warm friendly home from home atmosphere. You will enjoy the comfort of crispy fresh accommodation with your own private patio where breath taking sunsets and stars meet the eye. Your hosts Christo and Ethel will assist you in all your needs as far as possible. Enjoy the fynbos and beautiful sunsets from your room, Coffee Shop or patio's ...
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ROOSBOOM GUEST APARTMENTS - Somerset West, Helderberg: Situated high up on the mountain in a tranquil up market suburb of Somerset West, Roosboom comprises of four exclusive self-catering apartments that offers you the convenience of a central location in a safe, up market environment, with panoramic sea and mountain views over False Bay. It is close to clean white beaches and 12 world-class golf courses ...
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WHALE WATCHERS SEASIDE APARTMENTS - Muizenberg, False Bay Coast: Located in the new Villa D’Algarve seaside development near Muizenberg’s Sunrise Beach, Whale Watcher’s Luxury Seaside Apartments look out to sea with spectacular views of Cape Point to the south and Table Mountain to the west ...
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MALHERBE GUEST HOUSE - Montagu, Breede River Valley: Malherbe Guesthouse is a National Monument and was built in 1859. The house has been lovingly restored and offers 6 en-suite rooms, 4 with private entrance and patio or verandah. The guesthouse also has a spacious guest lounge with honesty bar and overlooks the lovely secluded garden ...
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AMBIANCE SEASIDE - Bloubergstrand, Blaauwberg: Ambiance Seaside is a a luxurious 3 bedroom seaside apartment in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand, famous for kite surfing, surfing, wind surfing, sea kayaking, skydiving and sunset walks, with panoramic views of Table Mountain and Robben Island, located only 15 minutes from Cape Town ...
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3 PALL MALL - Sea Point, Cape Town: Within comfortable walking distance of world class restaurants, shopping centres and close to an exceptional choice of beaches, the Pavilion swimming pools the famous V&A Waterfront and Sunday Craft Market. Public transport to waterfront and city centre available from Main and Beach road ...
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NUMBER 9 ST GEORGE - Claremont, Cape Town: Number 9, St George is a spacious, top floor, 2 bedroom apartment situated in the suburb of Claremont which can sleep up to 4 people. It has a private balcony with exceptional mountain views, and is stylishly decorated, with all modern conveniences ...
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MOUNTAIN CLOSE APARTMENT, Vredehek, Cape Town: Mountain Close is a one bedroom, upmarket, top floor self-catering apartment - situated high on the slopes of Table Mountain in a quiet cul de sac - which comfortably sleeps 2 people. Sweeping views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, the City and Robben Island from the lounge, dining room and private balcony and Swimming pool in lovely ...
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ROMAN ROCK - Simonstown, False Bay Coast: Roman Rock offer luxury self catering apartments in the seaside village of Simon's Town. The apartments each consist of an en-suite bedroom, lounge, fully equipped kitchen and balcony or patio and offer uninterrupted sea ...
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MOUNTAIN VIEW SPA & GUEST HOUSE - Sea Point, Cape Town: A newly renovated four star guest house centrally located in Sea Point within strolling distance to the beach, shops, restaurants and bars. We are a few minutes drive away from the V&A Waterfront, the famous beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and the Citybowl (International Convention Centre), ideal for both tourists and the businessman ...
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JABULANI GUEST HOUSE - Durbanville, Cape Town North: At Jabulani Guest House we are committed to enhance your visit to our beautiful city by making your stay with us convenient, comfortable and friendly. We offer true South African hospitality and are sure you will take with you fond memories of the Cape and its people ...
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LE CAMPEMENT - Yzerfontein, Cape west Coast: Le Campement is a Cape Cod style house, built on higher grounds offering superb views over beach and the sea outreaching Table Mountain as well as Dassen Island. The house is set in front of a green belt, which for ecological purposes is fully protected, as it is part of the famous ...
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BELLABOSCH - Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands: At BellaBosch you can enjoy comfort with ease. We have two comfortably furnished double rooms, each with en-suite bathroom and a fully equipped garden cottage. BellaBosch offers visitors the perfect base to explore the historic Stellenbosch town center, the winelands and all that the Cape has ...
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Related Links:
Cape Town Hotels
Cape Town Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation

Videographers creatively capture your wedding

Selecting a sensitive and talented videographer should be one of the first tasks when planning a wedding – you’ll manage to secure your choice of videographer (today’s videographers are in high demand) and get some first class advice ahead of time.

Videographers creatively capture the details of your wedding day for you. Somehow, it’s always over before it’s fully realized, and your wedding – for which you’ve been in non-stop planning mode for the better part of a year, at least – is no longer an item on your "to do" list.

And the photographs are beautiful, but they don’t capture every wonderful instant, particularly those of which you were unaware, in the midst of the preparations - you’re in the thick of it, after all, while an unobtrusive and expert videographer has the distinct advantage of a bird’s eye view, and can capture those unknown seconds to create a treasure trove of moments, on film (video or DVD).

To guarantee that your wedding memories captured on film will exceed your expectations and last you a life time, all the South African wedding videographers represented on SA-Venues.com are accredited, professionals that are highly experienced in wedding videography. If you are in the planning stages of your wedding, why not get hold of these select professionals now to arrange a viewing of their work and to get a quote. Visit these select, talented professionals at: South Africa Wedding Videographers.

Related Pages:
Wedding Photographers
Wedding Venues
South Africa Weddings

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