30 January 2020

Cape Point - Cape Town, South Africa

Destination: Cape Point

Where is it and how do you access it?

Located 69km from the Cape Town Waterfront, it is a road journey of roughly one hour 45 minutes, out of season. However, in peak season (May to October), it is recommended that tours take into account the up to an hour-long queues at the entrance gate to the Cape Point National Park.

What makes it a tourist destination?

Despite the wide-held belief, Cape Point is not actually the southernmost tip of Africa. It is however an extremely significant Cape Town attraction. Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese seafarer, is recognised as the first to sail around the Cape (in 1488). On his return voyage, Dias actually stopped at the south-western tip of South Africa, and named it Cabo Tormentoso, or Cape of Storms.

A steep funicular railway takes guests on a scenic trip to the view site near the old Cape Point lighthouse. The more energetic can take the steep stairs to the top.

Walks are also available to the Cape Point beaches below, while the Two Oceans Restaurant offers sweeping views of False Bay far below, looking back towards Simon’s Town. Tip: if there’s a tour bus around, get your order in fast.

What is unique about the destination?

The wilderness aspect of this national park – baboon, eland, ostriches, bontebok and zebra are common, with jackals a little less so, and excellent birdlife. In the waters below are Cape fur seals, whales in season, while on the beaches and inland are over 300 years of San, Khoi and pioneering history.

The Cape Point lighthouse is the most powerful on the South African coast, beaming out three flashes with a range of 63 kilometres every 30 seconds. The Cape Argus Cycle Tour – the largest timed road-race in the world – wheels its way down the main road alongside the Park every February.

What are the top activities for tourists?

· Walk the shipwreck trail at Cape Point.

· Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias monuments at Cape Point.

· The tidal pools at Cape Point.

The Wildlife

· Barbecueing and picnicking at Cape Point.

· Sunbathing on the beach.

· The spring flowers are a beautiful sight, especially for photography enthusiasts.

Seasonality?

Hot in peak summer, especially vulnerable to the pumping south-easter in the months from January to March. Wet and cold in the winter months, which can last from May to October.

Travellers’ Tips

Suntan lotion and a wide-brimmed hat with a chin-strap are essential as the wind can be wicked. A good alternative is to visit mid to late afternoon during peak season, when the crowds have thinned out.

Text Courtesy Tourism Update

29 January 2020

Cape Town - Just Nuisance - Simonstown

Just Nuisance - an amazing story about an incredible dog!

Just Nuisance Simonstown Cape Town South Africa

Published by Kirsten Jacobs on January 28, 2020

A visit to Simon’s Town is not complete without marveling at a statue of one of the area’s most famous residents, Just Nuisance. From travelling all across the Cape to becoming a member of the Royal Navy, this is the story of an extraordinary hound.

The Great Dane was born on April 1, 1937 in Rondebosch. As a pup, he was sold to owner Benjamin Chaney, who moved to Simon’s Town to run the United Services Institute (USI). Many Royal Navy sailors frequented the USI as they headed the Simon’s Town Naval Base at the time. Just Nuisance became very popular among these sailors, who would often feed him treats and take him for walks.

Just Nuisance could reportedly spot a sailor by his uniform and would often follow them around. His interest in the sailors would take him far, as he would follow them aboard their ships. The HMS Neptune was his preferred vessel. According to legend, he would lie on the deck on the brow at the top of the gangplank, essentially blocking anyone’s path. This caused sailors to curse the dog, saying, “You’re just a nuisance, why do you have to lie here of all places?!” And thus, his name was born.

No longer satisfied with his familiar streets, Just Nuisance began travelling far and wide. He would often follow sailors onto trains when they went for a “run-ashore” to Cape Town. He became a regular, traversing the trains like an expert. Even when ticket conductors forced him out, Just Nuisance would simply hop from one train station to the next to return home.

His travels angered ticket conductors, who sent demands to owner Chaney to either keep Just Nuisance of the trains, pay his fares or get rid of the dog. The conductors threatened to put him down if he persisted with his antics. Of course, Just Nuisance’s friends and fans objected. Many wrote letters in to the Royal Navy Commander-in-chief to urge them to take action. The solution? He enrolled Just Nuisance in the Navy!

On August 25, 1939, Just Nuisance became an official member of the Royal Navy, making him the only dog to ever do so. As with any other member, he had a host of benefits that came with the title. He slept on the sailors’ beds, attended parades and had a free train pass. He was soon promoted from ‘Ordinary Seaman’ to ‘Able Seaman’ for his valiant efforts.

His presence acted as a great morale boost for the sailors during WWII.

He was quite the brave dog, often breaking up fights between sailors by standing up on his hind legs and pushing his huge paws against their chests. He would also chaperone drunk sailors on the train to make sure they made their way home safely.

Just Nuisance became a married man when he said ‘I do’ to Adinda, another great dane. The pretty pair had five pups together, two of which were auctioned off in Cape Town to raise funds for the war effort.

Living up to his name, Just Nuisance had quite the wrap sheet. He incurred infractions for sleeping in a Petty Officer’s bed, losing his collar, and refusing to leave a pub at closing time.

In 1944, Just Nuisance was discharged from the Navy after a motor accident left him with thrombosis which was slowly paralysing him. His condition worsened, and he was put down on April 1, 1944, to end his pain.

On his last day, which was also his seventh birthday, Just Nuisance went on his last ride to the Simon’s Town Naval Hospital. His body was draped with the Royal Naval White Ensign and he was buried with full military honours at Klaver Camp on top of Red Hill where the South African Navy Signal School now sits. His final farewell included a firing party of Royal Marines and a bugler. A granite gravestone on Red Hill was erected in his honour.

Today, Just Nuisance’s legacy lives on. Locals and tourists often visit Simon’s Town to learn about his story. A statue stands proud in Jubilee Square, and the Simon’s Town Museum has a dedicated exhibition in his memory that feature his official papers, his collar and various images.

Since 2000, there has been an annual “Just Nuisance Commemoration Day Parade” in Simon’s Town main road. During the parade, Great Danes show off in the hopes of being crowned Just Nuisance’s lookalike.

View over the harbour Simonstown Cape Town

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography/

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

Travel Snippets

Travel is my passion, Hospitality is my industry, Photography is my creative outlet. Meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the globe, keeps me on my toes and itching to travel more!

27 January 2020

Zanzibar - A Photographic Journey

Zanzibar is a beautiful island with a rich history, amazing beaches, colourful people, wildlife, exotic spices and much more! Absorb the culture, the way of life, the warm waters, the diving, the spice plantations, colobus monkeys and beautiful skies. The Dhows are ever present, especially in the North where the beaches are glorious!

And the sunsets are incredible!

Goodbye Zanzibar

For More info, see link below

http://www.travelsnippets.co.za/2016/05/zanzibar-island-bliss.html