A Getaway to Glencairn is perfect with Kids

Hidden in a lush protected valley on the False Bay Coast in Cape Town, between Simonstown and Fish Hoek, lies the quaint suburb of Glencairn. With a nature reserve and vlei sanctuary running in the middle of the greenbelt towards the sea, this area has been beautifully preserved, allowing the construction of houses on the sloping hills that wind up through to dramatic mountain landscapes. Possibly the best kept secret of the South Peninsula, the area is a quiet study in natural beauty. A river running through the middle offers a welcome reprieve in the summer months, when locals can sometimes be spotted under the small waterfalls. The small beach is pretty and clean, pet and family friendly and offers close encounters of whale watching in the spring months. A small tidal pool is perfect for children and treasure hunters, searching for lost coins and perfectly formed shells.

Glencairn residents are a mixed bunch of down-to-earth types, most of whom grew up in the area although, young families and former city dwellers have also been attracted to the town due to the well priced properties and the relaxed lifestyle. All of the natural attractions can be reached by foot, with a myriad of hikes through the vast kilometres of the undisturbed mountain range that reaches all the way to Kommetjie and Scarborough.

A suburb of Simonstown, the quaint residential areas are named Glencairn Heights, Glencairn and the newest area, Welcome Glen, which was a dairy farm not too long ago. Relics of the broken down original stone out buildings can still be seen dotted along the river and the original farmstead takes pride of place in the middle of the small enclave of homes. A strong navy influence is always present, with training facilities and sporting grounds set into the valley and residential homes for the navy built just around the corner. The old navy stables are still in operation as a private facility, with expanses of grounds kept available for the 30 horses stabled there.

Riders can experience the freedom of the mountain all the way to the dam on Redhill, which can also be reached on foot from the parking lot below. Former state presidents once kept their mounts there and one can still find evidence of the pride of place their steeds held as an integral part of the armed forces. Now children fill the peaceful meadows with laughter as they trot and canter around the fields, enjoying the simplicity of nature and the love of riding.

Old Glencairn is close to the sea and stretches round to the road leading into Simonstown, boasting a beautifully renovated hotel and restaurant, a dance club, a jolly pub and Mineral World which has a ‘Scratch Patch,’ especially for the kids.

The upmarket restaurant called ‘Flukes’ based at the Southern Right Hotel, brings locals and tourists together to appreciate the ocean views, frolicking whales, excellent winelist and delicious food. (Also worth a visit for the best breakfast in town is La Vallee Deli and for an endless view over the ocean, unpretentious yet delicious food visit Dixies Pub & Restaurant).

Glencairn Heights overlooks the sea, from its mountainside position, with most of the homes offering spectacular views. A purely residential area, it is also a safe haven for families and holidaymakers who have invested in the area to return, like swallows, in time for season.

The relaxed lifestyle in Glencairn can be attributed to the beauty of the landscape, the tranquility of the sea and its state of relative obscurity. Children play in the street and visit each other during the day and families spend quality time with their children, going for walks and picnics on the beach. Without a main road of shops, malls or businesses, it remains a residential suburb, with all the beauty of its neighbouring seaside tourist towns, but without the trappings. Be sure to add Glencairn to your tour of the peninsula and appreciate the quiet beauty of this little seaside town.

Related pages:
Glencairn Accommodation
Glencairn Attractions
Things to Do in Glencairn
False Bay Coast Attractions

For Lovers and Loafers ... Langebaan

Located on the Cape West Coast and once a whaling station, Langebaan has evolved and firmly established itself as a tourist attraction to be reckoned with. While the town was officially founded in the early 1900’s, its history dates back hundreds years as an area once inhabited by the Khoi San people long before even the earliest Dutch and English explorers passed through.

Located as it is on the shores of a tranquil lagoon the town of course offers a wide variety of water sports and activities, including kayaking, windsurfing, and its newer cousin, kite surfing, boat trips and fishing, as well as paddling in the shallows or simply enjoying the white sandy beaches. The lagoon itself forms a part of the West Coast National Park, a wildlife sanctuary and home to many indigenous and migratory bird species as well as small mammals, making it ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.

Also for those who wish to view the raw, untamed natural beauty of the Cape West coast region and planning a visit during the spring, it is worth bearing in mind that the area like much of the surrounding countryside is carpeted with wildflowers in the months of July to September. A recent addition to the Langebaan landscape is the Langebaan Country Estate development, both a residential estate, and an old style country club, with a golf course, braai area, pro shop and other facilities, this genteel location will appeal to those who seek an upper class outlet for their energy.

Boasting fossil sites, fynbos and wildlife, the Elandsfontein Private Reserve offers as exclusive a getaway with a decidedly wilder theme. View the recently reintroduced antelope, zebra and Cape Buffalo on a game drive, and watch the sunset from the luxurious lodge.

A famed local mountain biking company, Live2Ride, who offer mountain bike tours of some of the most beautiful parts of the country, have chosen Langebaan to be a part of their West Coast experience and they are well worth contacting for those energetic enough to explore by pedal power. For a similarly close to nature opportunity to explore, albeit on a very different mode of transportation, Windstone offers horseback tours of the area, as well as various activates for families and children.

But Langebaan is not entirely devoted to the outdoors. For culture lovers, the Bay Gallery in Bree street showcases the work of local artists, in various media, including paintings, sculpture and textiles. If you crave the bright lights of the city, this town has something for you too, in the form of the Club Mykonos hotel complex, which boasts several entertainment options, including a casino for those who are feeling lucky.

With all of this activity, one is bound to work up an appetite, and Langebaan is glad to oblige. There are several fine restaurants, coffee shops and other eateries in town, but surely the most famous, and unique must be the Strandloper Restaurant. This legendary local restaurant is located on the beach at Langebaan lagoon, and serves exquisitely prepared seafood and other dishes .Patrons can take off their shoes and feel the sand and sea between their toes whilewatching the kids play on the beach.

So, it seems, for anyone who would like to visit the West Coast, but does not know where to start, Langebaan offers an obvious first choice, and will surely captivate even the most seasoned traveller.

Related Pages:
Langebaan Attractions
Langebaan Accommodation
Langebaan Guest Houses
Cape West Coast Accommodation

Make Merry in Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay was the stopping place of Bartholomew Diaz on his historic voyage from Portugal, around the Cape of Good Hope, en route to the east, and still bears many indelible reminders of that epic voyage, including the museum, which houses a replica of his vessel, and the name of one of the most popular beaches.

Located on the N2 highway, halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay is a popular seaside destination. Another piece of history is preserved in this small town, in the form of the Post Office tree, the first organized postal service in the country, used by subsequent sea travelers passing by to send and receive messages to loved ones in Europe on the next passing ship. Other historical attractions worth a visit are the St Blaize lighthouse, a manned lighthouse built in 1864 and the Great Trek museum which chronicles the epic journey by early settlers at Hartenbos. But what about the present? Visitors to Mossel Bay will find there is lots to do besides exploring historical sites ...

Enjoying one of the mildest climates in South Africa, as well as pristine white beaches and clear blue water, the opportunities to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy one of the many water sports on offer are limitless. The tidal pool at the Point offers another way to cool down, or take a short drive to nearby Klein Brakrivier to swim in the river, take a riverboat trip, or just have a picnic on the banks, at one of the many resorts located here. Anglers too are spoilt for choice, with sections of the coast being too rocky for sunbathers, but perfect for fishing. The area also boasts a recently completed casino at Pinnacle Point, for those visitors who are feeling lucky, or perhaps a game of golf at the 18 hole Mossel Bay golf course, or the 9 hole Boggomsbaai course.

For adrenaline junkies, the fun starts even before you reach town, with the 65m high Gouritz Bridge bungee jumping experience located just outside town on the N2 highway from Cape Town. If that still does not satisfy the need for adventure, there are quad bike trails at Zingela Indlela Game farm, shark cage diving, parasailing and deep sea fishing, or abseiling and kayaking at the famous Diaz Beach resort.

For nature lovers there is hiking at Schaapplaas with a chance to view Khoi San rock art, preserved on the rocky outcrops from centuries ago, as well as 4 x 4 trails in the Outeniqua Mountains and mountain biking on the Bonniedale nature farm. For something a little out of the ordinary, and a real taste of indigenous culture, there are township tours on offer in the local Kwanaonqaba township, where visits to a sangoma and shebeen and the sampling traditional cuisine are all available.

With all these Things to Do in Mossel Bay and more available, combined with excellent restaurant choices, Mossel Bay accommodation options to suit any taste and budget, and a relaxed, friendly, small town atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Mossel Bay is such a popular choice.

Related Pages:
Mossel Bay Attractions
Things to Do in Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay Accommodation
Mossel Bay Self Catering
Mossel Bay Guest Houses

Raw. Untamed. Magnificent. The Kruger National Park

Possibly one of the most famous attractions in South Africa, for locals and tourists alike, the Kruger National Park offers world class facilities as well as endless opportunities to view and interact with African wildlife, particularly the famous Big Five.

Wildlife has Right of Way in the Kruger National Park

The park itself was established in 1898, following a twelve year crusade to conserve the Lowveld wildlife by Paul Kruger, from whom the park takes its name. The Kruger park spans an impressive 2 million hectares of unspoiled bushveld, archeological and historical sites where early settlers as well as Khoi San peoples camped, their faint traces still evident today.

Activities within the Park centre around providing the visitor with as up close and personal an experience of the African bushveld as possible with biking, hiking, walking or 4x4 safaris available, all accompanied by armed and trained guides to ensure your safety while you marvel at the diversity of species.

One of the better known trails within the Kruger National Park is the Lebombo Overland Eco Trail, which is a 5 day, 4 night guided vehicle journey spanning the length of the park. Or perhaps take advantage of one of the three night Wilderness Trails on offer. For the more energetic, a four day three night walking trail, the Olifants River Backpack Trail is also on offer, and offers a truly interactive experience, guided by experts, and teaching good conservation principles at the same time.

Accommodation in the Kruger National park ranges from well-appointed and state run SANparks rest camps to pure, unadulterated luxury at one of the many five star game lodges. While SANparks, the government organization responsible for this and most other parks in South Africa offers all these and more superb options to the visitor, there are a multitude of privately owned and operated resorts and lodges within the park.

With facilities ranging from luxury tented camps, to timber cabins on stilts overlooking the lowveld, and unique experiences such as outdoor showers, where from the privacy of your secluded shower, you can experience the African wild; these game lodges truly offer world class accommodation and luxury.And what could be better, after a long, hot day viewing the majesty of the kruger park, than relaxing on the deck of your cabin with a cocktail, and watching the African sun sink below the horizon?

SANparks also offers a bush braai experience, where visitors have the option of combining their African safari experience, sampling the local cuisine under the stars in an open area lit by lanterns, much as early explorers of the area would have experienced it. Or visit one of the day camp areas to enjoy a leisurely picnic instead.

Even in this remote location, golfers are catered for, with the 9 hole Skukuza golf course, located just outside the Skukuza Rest Camp offering a chance to tee off in some of the one of the most unique golfing environments in the world.

With all of this and more, the Kruger National Park, without a doubt, offers an incomparable opportunity to view and interact with Africa at it’s finest. Raw, Untamed and Magnificent.

Related Pages and Links:
Kruger Park Accommodation
Kruger National Park Information
SAN Parks Official Website

Ceres - it's not just about the Fruit

Ceres, in the Western Cape, is named for the Roman goddess of the harvest and plenty. Living up to this name, the town has a reputation as one of the best fruit growing areas in South Africa, and accounts for a large amount of the production of deciduous and other fruit in the Cape. The fruit industry here so permeates the every day life of the town that the fruit growers have developed a tour through their factories to allow a peek into what makes the fruit from this area better than most, as well as tours of the farms, where the precious harvest is grown and dried for local use and export. For an even more interactive (not to mention delicious) experience, the Klondyke Cherry Farm just outside town offers visitors the chance to pick and sample this sweet, tart fruit.

For something guaranteed to appeal to kids of all ages, an incongruous partnership, yet worth a visit none the less is the toy car collection at Valley Funerals, which currently bears the honour of being the largest privately owned collection of this type in South Africa.

Within easy reach of the town are several equestrian centres, which offer trails and other horse riding experiences to everyone from children, to complete novices, and the more accomplished rider. For the very adventurous, the town is also home to the Western Province Sport parachute club, offering sky diving training and regular jumps.

Another attraction synonymous with Ceres must be the winter snowfalls. This area is one of the few in the largely Mediterranean Cape where snow falls in the winter, and local tourists flock to the area in season to interact with the magical winter wonderland this creates. If you are interested in history, then visit the Toll House monument at Mitchell’s Pass, or the transport riders’ museum which chronicles the town’s time as the main transport route for diamonds to the Cape, and boasts an impressive collection of vehicles from the period.

A bit further afield, but also of interest to culture and history buffs are several locations where well preserved rock paintings from the areas more primitive inhabitants are on display. Other options include the Matroosburg 4 x 4 truck drives, where visitors are treated to a unique trip up the Matroosburg in a 5 ton, all terrain truck or try a trip to Koelfontein Estate, Ceres’s only, but award- winning, wine estate, or the Kaap Agri Co-Op to sample local wines.

Golf lovers need not fret, as the Ceres Golf Club offers 4891m of well maintained course, with a comfortable club house. Bird watching, biking, fishing, hiking and nature reserves are all on offer in the surrounding countryside and mountains, and the friendly local tourism office will be more than happy to advise on these options, as well as provide details of accommodation to suit almost every budget and taste.

For a small town, almost hidden in the Cape Fold mountains, Ceres certainly packs a large variety of attractions, and will almost certainly have something that will appeal to anyone.

Klondyke Cherry Farm: 023 312-1521
Toy car collection: 082 575-3181
Western Cape Parachute Club: 021 462-5666

Related pages and useful links:
Ceres Accommodation
Breede River Valley Accommodation
Breede River Valley Attractions

The KwaZulu Natal South Coast

It is easy, when driving through most of the South Coast area of KwaZulu Natal, to imagine that you have been transported to a tropical island. Roads are edged with lush green vegetation, or the ubiquitous sugar cane and banana plantations. Towns such as Umkomaas, renowned for its angling, as well as a top class golf course, Shelly Beach, named for the prevalence of shells found on beaches in the area, and Margate enjoy the year round bustle of tourists, as does Port Edward.

In fact, the climate of this area is very much like a tropical island, and even in the middle of winter, it is not uncommon to see tourists on the beach, dressed not much more warmly than they would be in the summer months. These beaches are often the first draw card for any visitor. The warm waters are enticing, and there are excellent waves in many places, making it ideal for surfers, bodyboarders and other water sport enthusiasts.

When you do manage to tear yourself away from the mocha-coloured sands, and seek other attractions, one of the first could well be the wealth of excellent game reserves and nature conservation areas. With names such as Empisini, Mpenjati and Nyamazane, there can be no doubt as to the firmly entrenched Zulu culture in the area.

Possibly one of the most breathtaking and famous reserves however must be the Oribi Gorge Reserve, managed by KZN Wildlife. This natural gorge, formed over thousands of years of erosion by wind and water, is home to many animal species, including leopards, baboons and various antelope, as well as many bird species, including kingfishers. Ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Back at the beach, one can find many pristine reefs to be explored, including Arena Reef, Bo Boyi reef and Eel Skin reef. Experienced and novice divers alike can experience many of these reefs, and there are a host of diving schools, where one can take lessons and hire equipment, in the area.

The area also boasts several sanctuaries, including the Uvongo Bird park, and two crocodile parks – Crocworld and Riverbend Crocodile farm, where these prehistoric creatures can be viewed up close and personal. Another attraction for reptile enthusiasts, or simply curious visitors, is Pure Venom Snake Park.

If hiking is on the agenda, there are several in the area, offering trails through forests, for example the Ngele, Oribi and Skyline trails, or along the beach front, and these all vary in length (some a few hours, others several days), facilities on offer, and requirements.

If you are looking for a cultural, rather than athletic experience, the area is dotted with battle sites, Victorian era churches and graves, all of which can be visited by the public, or perhaps plan a visit to the Art Museum in Margate, which showcases local talent, or the Port Shepstone maritime museum, which chronicles the areas shipping history. There are also lighthouses in the area, some of which are natural monuments,. At the craft markets, a visitor is spoilt for choice, and can find many local items to take home as souvenir a of their visit to this beautiful section of the South African coast.

Related Pages and Additional Info:
South Coast Attractions & Destinations
South Coast Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

Long Beach in Noordhoek

There is a beach that will always take my breath away, no matter how many times I’ve seen it. Long Beach, in Noordhoek, located on the Southern Peninsula of Cape Town, en route to Cape Point, is named as such for its great expanse and stretch, right through to Kommetjie. The beach is not only long, but is wide, giving way to wetlands, flora and fauna. Family, dog and horse friendly, it is always a hive of activity, for locals and tourists, horseriders, surfers, runners and toddlers, each enjoying their little piece of paradise out on the perfect white sands of this maginificent beach.

Riding on Noordhoek beach is something that everyone should do in their lifetime, many times over! Whether it be in the fresh morning mist, or for an evening sunset canter through the waves, it is an experience of nature and beast that is unrivalled. All ages and degees of experience are catered for with trained guides leading the rides on experienced horses. Rural Noordhoek is prime horse country, with many farms and small holdings dotted around the valley, housing stud farms, racing stables, show jumping yards and eventers. Race horses in training from Dune Stables can always be spotted on the beach in the mornings, going through their schooling routines, before galloping off down the seemingly endless expanse of land until they disappear from view.

After a few hours under the searing rays of the sun, a quiet respite is needed and a tiny hamlet of shops and restaurants is within walking distance of the beach. Named, ‘The Red Herring Village,’ after the ‘Red Herring’ restaurant loved by locals and Capetonians who have driven out for their famous pizza and refreshing draft beer for decades, the village holds the magical quality of Noordhoek in its whimsical landscaping, green foliage, statues and water features. The ‘Coco Bean’ serves breakfast, light meals and a mean cup of java. With a jungle gym tucked under the branches of weathered milkwood trees, it’s obvious that children are welcome to enjoy this fey part of the village.

Oshun Spa and Hair is a treat for all the senses, where you are always given personal attention by people who genuinely love what they do and where the love of nature, wholism and healing shines through. Oshun also has a shop and garden space filled with Buddha statues, garden benches, baliesque wooden creations, water features, linen, scarves, wooden jewellery and handcrafted gifts.

Ask any mother in Noordhoek and they’ll know all about ‘Chocolate Moose,’ the be all and end all of any birthday. These lovely ladies make cake creations that deserve their own celebration! Intricately crafted according to children’s wishes, ‘Chocolate Moose’ have created cakes with mermaids frolicking in the water, battle scenes from Star Wars, doll houses and lifelike scenes. They are also adept at adult treats of the most indulgent quality, all beautifully packaged and ready to devour.

‘Skabanga’s’ Restaurant and Pub, above the ‘Red Herring’ restaurant, is a favourite local watering hole and pizza devouring spot. Skabanga’s have just about the best bar snacks and light pub lunches in the area, with a wooden deck allowing distant sea views and a chance to be warmed by the sun.

With dramatic mountain landscapes, an 8km long beach, vineyards, farms and valleys, a place this unique is a rarity. So be sure to dedicate a meaningful chunk of your time to this exquisite part of the world and you may too, fall under its spell.

Red Herring: 021 789-1783
Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding: 021 789-2341
Oshun Hair and Spa: 021 789-1494
Chocolate Moose: 021 789-2891

Links to related pages:
Noordhoek Accommodation
Noordhoek Attractions & Info
Cape Town Accommodation

Glorious Gordon's Bay

The area known today as Gordon’s Bay was named after Captain Robert James Gordon, an officer in the Dutch East India Company, who explored the area in 1778, however, for many years before that, the area was known as Fish Hoek – the same name as another town on the opposite side of False Bay. This little known fact is evidenced by the name on the wall outside the local Post Office. Another common misconception about the town is that the initials GB (see photograph), inscribed large on the mountain above the town, stand for Gordon’s Bay, however, they commemorate the General Botha, a decommissioned warship that used to be anchored in the harbour, and was used for training of navy cadets, who still reside at the Naval College, located near the Old Harbour.

Long the home to a rather elite group of locals, who live in the palatial homes clustered around the Old Harbour, Marina and Bikini Beach area of the town, the Mediterranean climate and warm water enjoyed in the bay in summer makes it a popular destination for visitors too.

The beaches, that seem to stretch for miles, are pristine white swathes alongside the calm, clear blue water of the ocean here, and can be quite crowded in the summer, although well maintained facilities mean that this is not a problem. Bikini Beach, probably the most famous beach in the area, has in fact been awarded Blue Flag status, and offers secluded and wind protected sun bathing and swimming.

Along the beach road are numerous café’s, restaurants and pubs, where locals and visitors alike gather during the summer, often still damp from swimming in the sea, to enjoy seafood, pizza or cocktails. In recent years, an informal market has also sprung up alongside the beach, on the boardwalk, and may be worth a visit.

Hiking in the Helderberg Nature Reserve is also a popular pasttime, as is a visit to the Steenbras Dam, located on top of the mountain, almost directly above the town, which supplies Cape Town with a large amount of its water. The Steenbras Gorge trail, a full day hike with stops along the way to swim in clear, cool mountain pools offers yet another hiking choice.

For less energetic visitors, a drive around the mountain towards Pringle Bay offers fantastic views, as well as picnic areas along the way. Fishing from the Old Harbour wall, or on a boat chartered in the Marina, are also popular activities, as are pleasure cruises.

Other choices within easy reach of the town itself are the Blue Rock Cable Waterski, a motorized water skiing adventure, Monkey Town, home to countless primates, and with fun family activities, the Helderberg Wine Route, and several golf courses. All in all, Gordon’s Bay offers the quintessential beachfront getaway.

To plan your holiday in Gordons Bay see:
Gordons Bay Accommodation
Gordons Bay Hotels
Cape Town Accommodation
Cape Town Hotels

The Neighbourgoods Market in Cape Town

The Neighbourgoods Market based at 'The Old Biscuit Mill' in Woodstock, is Cape Town’s answer to world renowned markets such as Portobello Market in the U.K. It has a dedicated following of fashionistas, families, chefs, singeltons, hippies, yuppies and just about any other person who appreciates great food and atmosphere and something truly unique to fill a Saturday morning. A busy hub of organic offerings including meat, cheese, beverages, chocolates, cakes and desserts, it offers even the most discerning palate a treat for the senses. With barely enough space to breathe on a Saturday morning, this thriving market place was the brain child of a local art gallery owner and has blossomed and flourished into one of Cape Town’s most wonderful attractions.

Artists and crafters who pledge solidarity to the handmade and home crafted revival sweeping the world, also display their wares and the market showcases top emerging designers as well as organic and handmade children's products.

A far cry from consumer driven busy malls, this space is eco friendly and encourages recycling and living organically. Radiant flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables are displayed at the entrance to the market space, pleasing to the eye and tempting to the appetite! The simple beauty of ripe red tomatoes and fragrant fresh herbs immediately tempt one into creating reasons to make these vegetables the star attraction of your next meal. With organic cheeses within reach you can almost taste the caprese salad you’re going to make, drizzled with the finest olive oil and washed down with an organic white wine. Fresh salmon sushi and zesty fresh tuna burgers make an unusual yet recommended start to the tasting journey around the market, whilst champage and oysters wait to excite your endorphins with their wicked wildness!

The gourmet ciabatta stall always boasts a long queue as does the Parisian influenced tart and patisserie stand. Prepare to be educated with tastings of dessert beers on offer, as well cured meats and a selection of unusual organic chocolates, sure to make its way into your handbag as a present for a loved one, such as yourself! The curries offered at the market are the best I have ever tasted, and I lived in London, so I know my curries! Butter chicken and frangrant jasmine rice is an absolute ‘must have,’ so please save yourself for this. Crispy thin based pizza’s topped with fresh rocket, parmesan shavings and proscuito are also not to be missed and should be accompanied by much swilling of beer and people watching. Nutella pancakes are another firm favourite and are a delightful treat for the young and old, so set yourself down on a hay bale and rest your feet before you plunder the craft section and the shops.

The Old Biscuit Mill is a massive renovated mill that once churned out family favourite biscuits, but fell into a state of decay. Investors saw the opportunity for upliftment and created working spaces where artists could be viewed at work, whilst also selling their creations. Exquisitely renovated in an industrial style with red brick facades, the Old Biscuit Mill stayed true to its vision and offers a string of specialist shops. Strolling from one to the next, one can experience some of the immense talent that this small town offers, with high end décor stores, to designer children’s stationery, clothing, photography, imported children’s books and a bead shop and gallery space, amongst others. Come back again in the evening for a swinging good time at the retro inspired night club, sure to have you on your toes getting on down to the sounds of the 80’s! A restaurant and coffee shop also provide a respite for the crowd weary.

Back inside the market, Cape Town’s savviest crafters, collectors and designers sell their individual and unique pieces such as soft furnishings, retro furniture, jewellery, crockery and edgy baby wear. The Neighbourgoods Market is open every Saturday between 09h00 and 14h00. Be sure to make this a part of your Cape Town experience and return with an arm full of fresh flowers, breads, wine and gourmet cravings satiated.

Related Pages:
Woodstock Accommodation
Woodstock Attractions
Cape Town Accommodation

“Heads we take the N1, Tails the N2”.

One sunny morning, two national highways that lead you to Franschhoek and three reasons to visit; in order of appearance scenery, wine and food. Be warned though what starts as a happy breakfast in a little town whose name translates to “French Corner” will evolve into an even happier lunch and a borderline ecstatic dinner. All accompanied by the continuous reappearance of the very same three reasons you decided to visit; the view of the Gods, the juice of the Gods and the food... oh my God!

Franschhoek is known as the gourmet capital of the Cape and even has its own three sources of natural spring water that is bottled in the valley. It is not unusual when dining at any of Franschhoek’s world class restaurants to see framed accolades and reviews taking residence on the walls as a mark of international recognition of cuisine excellence. Four courses in and phrases like ‘I couldn’t possibly fit another bite in’ morph themselves alongside a bottle of delicious local vintage into ‘well you only live once’. Savour local game dishes glazed with a French signature from eight of South Africa’s Top 100 restaurants (some located on wine farms and some on the Main Street).

Do not blame yourself when you wake up unplanned in the quaintest little B&B the following lavender filled morning, blame the French. They are after all the masters of seduction, in fact the French Huguenots that settled in this particular valley over three centuries ago were banned from France they were so seductive. There are beautiful museums that serve as monuments to the said French Heritage that crossed the deep blue with vintage and twine. The architecture they left behind stands as proud as the mountain ranges that halo their valley of vines.

Only an hour’s drive outside Cape Town city and tourists and locals alike flirt with the idea that this is Europe’s claim on African soil. Of course for those that prefer to descend into the landscape by helicopter there are landing pads available at select venues and you’ll save on having to tip the car guard.

This valley shares mountain ranges with Stellenbosch and Paarl and memories with many newlyweds who chose this landscape to celebrate their wedding day. Should the romance of this valley encourage the spontaneous... there are exclusive Franschhoek diamond dealers and jewellery designers at your disposal.

Over 25 wine farms engulf the region of Franschhoek most offering wine tasting and tours. Local wine-makers passions have collected coveted Gold and Double Gold National and International awards. Gourmet picnics baskets are also available at select wine farms to be enjoyed with a purchase from their cellar on a piece of their lawn. The friendly local tourist bureau will gladly provide you with a map and assist you with contact information and the relevant hours of trade.

The main street, Huguenot Road, hosts deli’s, art galleries, boutique clothing stores, general grocers, African curio crafters, decor shops, coffee shops, an oyster and Champagne bar, many fine restaurants, liquor stores ripe with local wine splendour; a Belgian chocolaterie and even a local post office to send off a ‘wish you were here’ or two. You will use all of the above to strengthen the sudden need you have to invest in a wine farm (or at least a cottage) you saw in an estate agents window while strolling through the town.

For those needing pampering there are Spa facilities. For those needing to stretch their legs; a few holes on the Jack Nieklaus signature golf course or the option of playing boules at Le Cochonnet. For the Historians; Drakenstein Prison, the site of Nelson Mandela’s release. For the equestrian; wine tasting tours on horseback. For the angler; fly-fishing. For the outdoor adventurer; hikes and mountain biking trails. For the brave; paragliding. For the artists; inspiration. For the lonely; a second serving of Créme Brûlée. For those who need to return home elsewhere... may I recommend at least one case of the favourite for good measure.

Related Pages & Links:
Franschhoek Accommodation
Franschhoek Hotels
Franschhoek Attractions