South Africa - Fynbos Guest Farm - an Escape to the Country!

 Fynbos Guest Farm, situated just 2km from the town of Wolseley, Western Cape, South Africa, is a hidden gem and a true "Escape to the Country" for us City Dwellers.

This 67 hectare farm took many years to reach it's current state of peace and beauty. 

The stories are numerous, both about all the animals and how they came to be on the farm, plus the stories of all the various projects that evolved over time. It is an incredible journey of love for animals and nature plus an abundance of perseverance.

The Greyish plants found on the Protea Walk (1.6km Circular Walk) are typical of this area and it is called the Renosterveld. This species will generally grow in an area where there is moderate winter rainfall. It can survive fairly frequent fires and offers good grazing.

The Renosterbos was apparently also used in 1918 to treat influenza!

There are numerous animals on the farm - most are "rescue's" who are now able to enjoy a peaceful existence.

There is an amazing harmony amongst the animals - the free range hens, turkeys, muscovy ducks, peahens and peacocks is wonderful to see.

But do take care - they can bite!

The informal gardens have been designed and created by the owners and are an absolute delight to wander through. You will find many inspirational sayings, artwork hanging from branches, a tiny Mushroom Village, a stunning glass Meditation Room, chickens running around, even a white bunny can be spotted at times. 

 There is also a Labyrinth near the Pine Forest walk - ideal for some reflection and time out. 

The Meditation Room has artwork by Susan Smuts and the floor was created out of glass. It is a beautiful place.

The animals range from an abused Cart Horse, to a Racing Horse, Donkeys, Llamas, Zebra, Ostrich, Pot Bellied Pigs, Alpacas, Nguni goats, sheep, many ducks, geese, hens and the 2 Great Danes who love everybody.

Watch the horses return to the stables at 16.20 every day or watch them go off every morning. No riding is allowed. When there are no guests, the horses have the run of the farm - a well deserved life! 

Another walk on the farm is the Pine Forest Walk - a circular walk of 1.2 km  

Over 80 Gum Trees were felled and an incredible number of over 300 indigenous trees have been planted all over the farm and gardens. All this has taken place since 2007 when the farmhouse was a shell and the farm had only 1 cottage and a basic camp site. 

This walk passes the Labyrinth and meanders through the pines. Spot the butterfly attached to a tree and look for other objects hanging from branches. 

Walks are never boring anywhere on this farm - take time to spot all the quirky things attached or hanging from the trees. 

The Farm has over 20 benches in various spots so that one can sit and watch the animals or just absorb the wonderful country air and views of the mountains.

The Zebras are from the Quagga Breeding program and have fewer stripes on their legs, back and hindquarters. 

We loved the donkeys and they loved our carrots!

The Cafe at the bottom of the farm is well worth a visit - delicious cakes, meals and the most amazing farmhouse breakfast!

This farm is truly a labour of love and this shows in every aspect of the property. 

Having met the owners, we can just imagine how they wandered the property, wine or beer in hand, to think up new schemes, projects, another paddock or how to rescue another animal without breaking the bank. Even "rescue" animals often have to be paid for - unbelievable.

The various aviaries  are home to approx. 43 species of birds, many of these are rescue birds as well.   

Our stay was one of the most relaxing during this long year of Covid - March 2020 to March 2021 and still ongoing. There is nothing better than listening to the crunch of a carrot being eaten by a donkey. a Llama or an Alpaca to realise that life is indeed an adventure and not a Package Tour!!

Contact www.fynbosfarm.co.za for further info/accommodation/day visitors 

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                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                  www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Cape St Francis

 St Francis Bay 

Cape St Francis is slightly off the beaten track off the N2 in the Eastern Cape.

However, it offers quaintness in the various areas of St Francis Bay, Port St Francis and Cape St Francis.

The canals are picturesque and make one want to move in and buy a boat for leisurely cruising!

Houses are white with thatch roofs and there have been a number of disastrous fires in years gone by. But the tranquillity of the canals is most appealing to those of us living in the city suburbs!

The canals are bordered by the Kromme River which is navigable for 9km. Cruises are available on the canals.

There are numerous walking trails in the town - some easy, some slightly more difficult.

Try just one or try them all, depending how long your stay is in this rather unique part of the Eastern Cape.

The Two Harbours walk starts near the Community Garden in Harbour Road (Granny's Pool) and goes all the way to Port St Francis. The distance is 2.5km one way. With many restaurants in the harbour area, refreshments are available should you wish to walk back to your car!

"The Harbour 

Port St Francis, one of a few privately owned harbours in South Africa, is also home to a diversity of restaurants, retail outlets, commercial offices, residential property, self catering accommodation and guest houses.

A mere hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth on the eastern gateway to the Garden Route, Port St Francis is surrounded by the surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay, the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the Gamtoos River Valley and the Tsitsikamma. The privately owned Port, together with the beautiful Cape St Francis, is part of St Francis Bay in a region known as the Kouga.

Port St Francis, a working harbour is home to a large fleet of squid, hake and pilchard vessels with more moorings filled by charter boats, deep sea fishing boats and yachts from all over the world. The moorings are surrounded by residential penthouses and apartments in a Mediterranean building style. A business centre with offices, restaurants and other retail outlets finishes the picture.

The launching of boats, loading and offloading of vessels, crew fixing large fishing nets and fishermen coming back with their daily catches are quite intriguing and fascinating to the visitor and holiday maker. This all contributes to the unique vibe of Port St Francis, giving the first time visitor enough reason to come back, again and again"

Courtesy www.portstfrancis.org

We walked around the harbour and residential complex, later enjoying a meal while watching the lights come on from the chukka boats just offshore. These boats can stay out for weeks, despite being so close to shore. We saw a crew returning after a stint at sea, all looking very much in need of a warm shower and a comfy bed! 

There are numerous restaurants in the harbour area so have a browse and decide which option looks promising to your taste buds!

Another area to explore, where there are also easy paths, is the Seal Point Nature Reserve, the Irma Booysen Nature Reserve and the Cape St Francis Nature Reserve.

The Seal Point Lighthouse was built between 1875 and 1878 and cost the grand sum of GBP 20,000.00. The air is fresh with the sea breezes and the walk goes in both directions.

Cape St Francis is known for incredible surfing spots. The village gained fame in the 1966 Documentary "The Endless Summer" 

The swell is caused by low pressure systems that form between Antarctica and the southern tip of Africa.

The South West swell wraps around Seal Point and, together with an offshore wind, the surfing becomes world class.

Cape St Francis also featured in the movie The Perfect Wave (2014) which starred Scott Eastwood.

So, if you love surfing, this is one of the spots in South Africa that should be on your bucket list!

Despite the fact that beaches were off limits during Covid 19, the surfers were still out on the waves.  This made headlines in the St Francis Chronicle in Jan 2021 as folk defied the ban. I suppose it is tough for surfers to stay out of the sea!

Thankfully, beaches are now all open.

There are many options and it is always best to explore and enjoy the local flavour!

Visit Bruce's Ocean Museum and Cafe at Granny's Pool, Harbour Road

Try and find the remains of the boiler from HMS Osprey, wrecked in 1867. This was a four-gun wooden steam naval battle-sloops built in Britain. Stick to the shoreline at low tide.

You can also try and spot the remains of the Cape Recife (1929). This lies west of the Seal Point Lighthouse and is only visible at low tide.

Try and find your own perfect wave at Bruce's Beauties!

SUP in the canals or just enjoy some craft beer together with seafood.

For a short excursion away from Cape St Francis, do the 22.5 km drive to Oyster Bay. This is a rather bumpy gravel road with many windfarms along the way. 

Stop the car and listen to the wind whistling through these giant wind turbines. They are truly huge when seen up close and personal!

Oyster Bay is a small hamlet with homes ranging from very small and basic to large and pretentious. The sea was very tough when we visited and it did not look safe for swimming but the beach is long and ideal for a brisk walk in the invigorating sea breezes.  

We loved the sand dunes and enjoyed walking to the top! Gritty sand got into the teeth and into the hair but, what the heck, it was well worth the slog uphill!

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                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                  www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant Park South Africa

The National Parks of South Africa are such a delight. Be patient, don't expect to see all animals in one  day. These are places to chill out and truly enjoy nature at it's best.

Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape is a must visit for those who love elephants.

Whilst the main focus is on the many elephant herds, there are other animals to be seen.

"Natural & Cultural History

In the early centuries, when great herds of wild animals roamed the Addo region, the Khoesan of the Iqua, Damasqua and Gonaqua clans lived in the area.

They hunted and kept cattle but tragically were largely wiped out in the 1700s by the smallpox epidemic. Nomadic Xhosa tribes had kraals in the area, including Chief Cungwa of the Gqunukhwebe (near the Sundays River mouth and inland) and Chief Habana of the Dange (near the Wit River).

The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the remaining 11 Addo elephant. The great herds of elephant and other animal species had been all but decimated by hunters over the 1700s and 1800s. In the late 1800s, farmers began to colonise the area around the park, also taking their toll on the elephant population due to competition for water and crops.

This conflict reached a head in 1919 when farmers called on the government to exterminate the elephants. The government even appointed a Major Pretorius to shoot the remaining elephants - who killed 114 elephant between 1919 and 1920.

Public opinion then changed, leading to the proclamation of the park in 1931. The original size of the park was just over 2 000 hectares. Conflicts between elephants and farmers continued after proclamation as no adequate fence enclosed the park. Finally in 1954, Graham Armstrong (the park manager at the time) developed an elephant-proof fence constructed using tram rails and lift cables and an area of 2 270 hectares was fenced in. There were 22 elephant in the park at the time. This Armstrong fence, named after its developer, is still used around the park today. Although the park was originally proclaimed to protect a single species, priorities have now changed to conserve the rich biological diversity found in the area.

The Alexandria dunefield is home to many archeological sites - the middens of the nomadic 'Strandloper' or 'beach walker' people. These middens contain shells and bones of animals eaten by the people as well as fragments of pottery and stone implements. Interestingly, the white mussel shells found in these middens are also found in the caves of the Zuurberg Mountains, proving that these people journeyed and stored their food over vast distances.

The caves in the Zuurberg Mountains also contain rock art and stone implements.

The natural and cultural heritage of the park has been studied by the Albany Museum, recording hundreds of sites of significance."

The Speed Limit in the park is 40km per hour - this allows one to spot many smaller creatures such as the tortoise!

One may only exit your vehicle at designated spots - these are clearly marked and some have toilet facilities.

There are numerous "Look-Out" Points for game viewing

|"Domkrag

The Domkrag Dam in the game viewing area of the park is named after a giant mountain tortoise which once roamed the park. 'Domkrag' is the Afrikaans word for a 'jack', and this tortoise had a peculiar habit of walking underneath cars and lifting them up with enormous strength. Domkrag came to a sad end when he fell into an aardvark hole and couldn't get himself out. His shell is still on display in the Interpretive Centre".

"Hapoor

The magnificent elephant head which is mounted in the Interpretive Centre is that of Hapoor, the legendary dominant bull in the park for 24 years. The waterhole in the south western section of the game viewing area is named after him. 'Hap' means 'nick' in Afrikaans, while 'oor' means 'ear' and it is believed the distinctive nick in his ear was caused by a hunter's bullet. Hapoor retained a deep hatred of humans throughout his life. On more than one occasion park staff were forced to flee to safety when Hapoor made his appearance. His dominance stretched from 1944 to 1968. During the latter part of the 1960's a few younger bulls reached maturity and challenged Hapoor. These upstarts were unsuccessful until one bull named Lanky finally deposed Hapoor in 1968. Hapoor was driven from the heard and became a loner. Later that year he succeeded in climbing the park's 'Armstrong Fence', which for nearly 20 years had been elephant-proof. His freedom was to be short lived as due to his aggressive nature, it was determined he would have to be shot."

During the summer months, Hapoor Dam is one of the best viewing areas. We were totally blown away by the discipline shown by the various elephant herds. Standing in the blazing South African sun, they all waited patiently for their turn at the waterhole/dam. If one herd perhaps took just a tad too long, somebody would issue a warning rumble and they would all meekly start exiting the area and the next in line would move down. If only we, as humans, could exercise the same tolerance and patience, life would be much simpler and peaceful!

 

There were many babies when we visited in January - so, so special to see. It's incredible that they don't get squashed as they walk underneath the adults with their enormous bodies and legs. The playfulness and the family dynamics can keep one spellbound for hours.

We love the warthogs - those little tails and the way they kneel down to get the best food remains my favourite to watch. The babies were also special - feeding time for twins forced the mom to stand still for a short while as they are normally always on the move!

"Warthogs are day animals and spend most of their time looking for food. They are normally found in family groups. Warthogs have the peculiar habit of kneeling on the front knees while feeding and foraging in a localised area. They shelter in burrows at night, which they enter tail first. Socially, three main groups are encountered, namely solitary boars, bachelor groups and matriarchal groups."

Driving slowly one morning, we were forced to stop for a very large herd of buffalo. They were very cautious and stopped on the road to gaze at us curiously before crossing over to their next grazing spot. 

As their eyesight is not great, they use their incredible sense of smell to determine if the situation poses a treat or not.

Buffalo are good swimmers and we saw one, lone buffalo hogging a small waterhole every day that we drove past. He was mainly lying in the water and all on his own. 

Gestation periods in buffalo are roughly 11 months and a 2 year interval between breeding is common. A mother and calf bond is very strong as is the family bonds in the herd. They are large in size, thick bossed horns and tasseled looking ears. Their coats are thick and they range from reddish brown to black in colour, their faces, undersides and legs are often a paler shade. They have very serious looking faces and have been said to have a face “that you owe” money to. The reason for any animal being part of the African Big 5 is due to its difficulty and aggressiveness while being hunted. These are thus the most dangerous animals to hunt. 

Buffalo live up to 20 years and weigh between 550 - 800 kg with the females being on the slightly smaller side.

If you get tired of sitting in the car watching all those amazing animals, you can take some time out to go hiking in the Zuurberg Mountains. This is part of Addo national Park so the Wild Card can be used for entry. The road up the mountain is fun (!!) and the section to the gate is rather bumpy but we made it in our Mazda CX5. 

The trails are either a 1 hour (approx. 2.4 km)  or a 3 hour longer hike that should not be attempted during the heat of the day.  We chose the shorter hike due to time constraints and a later start. The trail is very scenic and heads down into the gorge, levels out for a short while and then climbs back up again. Do take care, in places the drop down is pretty steep!

It was rather dry being January and summer = even a lonely frog could not find water and he looked very forlorn and lost!

This is a fairly easy hike and well worth it for the tranquility, great views and being close to nature.

I am not sure whether this male ostrich was calling to another ostrich or whether I just happened to catch him with his mouth open between his grazing!

We enjoyed watching some black backed jackals near a water hole - they were very relaxed and obviously did not feel threatened by anything at all. Eventually, one trotted off up the hill while they others remained taking it easy.

Fossil deposits have revealed that the black-backed jackal is one of the oldest known dog species. It has remained pretty much unchanged since the Pleistocene epoch, up to 2.5 million years ago. Like all jackals, this species forms monogamous, life-long pair bonds. What’s more, youngsters from one year’s litter often act as ‘helpers’, suppressing their own breeding ambitions and remaining with their parents for a year or more in order to help them raise the next litter. This habit is known to have a greater bearing on pup survival rates in black-backed jackals, than in any other jackal species. 

With so much to see, Addo Elelphant Park is truly a magical place.

We also enjoyed the SpekBoom Hide - one can sit there for hours and just absorb the interaction between the various herds as they wander towards the water hole, enjoy a dust bath and chase away the warthogs when they come too close!

 

Please do plan your trip - the summer months are probably the best for lots of action, many young babies and animals on the move. We did once visit in winter (rainy season) when the elephants were lost in the dense bush and very rarely seen!! But perhaps that was just our bad luck.

Until next time....

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                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                  www.bradclin.com

Cape Town - Cape Point

 

50 shades of turquoise.

Mistakenly cited as the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, Cape Point is, nonetheless, a place like no other. (Incidentally, the two oceans’ meeting point is Cape Agulhas). In a thunderous clash of water against rock, where mountain and ocean meet, Cape Point juts out like an outstretched arm, attracting an incredible diversity of life (furry, feathered and two-legged) to its pristine beaches and rugged cliffs.

While its 50-shades-of-turquoise-style beaches are the main attraction, Cape Point is a wonderful day-trip destination for hikers, history buffs and birders alike. Here are our favourite things to do and discover at this chronically beautiful national park.

Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Important note Although the Cape is rich in natural beauty, tourists and locals are urged to take necessary precautions when exploring secluded areas, as crimes and accidents do happen. Those venturing into Cape Point National Park should have the following emergency number on hand: 021 780 9010, and also Table Mountain National Park  086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700. Criminal incidents should be reported to the nearest police station as soon as able.

We also recommend @safetymountain as a useful resource for hikers. This free safety tracking service allows you to notify local trackers of your contact details, intended route and travel time via WhatsApp. You are then able to provide hourly updates on your progress, and to notify trackers when you are safely off the mountain.

Covid-19 safety protocols

·        Wear your masks at all times. No mask, no entry! ⁣

·        Maintain social-distancing.

·        Sanitise your hands regularly.

Buffels Bay

Do you speak blue? No? After spending a day on this crescent-shaped slice of paradise – undoubtedly the number one reason to visit Cape Point – you’ll be fluent in the entire spectrum! We’re talking a constantly changing rhapsody of turquoise, ultramarine, cobalt, electric, azure and navy – starting off as translucent aquamarine near the shore, and becoming deeper and darker the further you go.

With the odd megayacht punctuating the horizon, you almost expect a buff Daniel Craig to emerge from the water, in those iconic swim trunks, goggles pulled up on his head.
On the day we visited, there was a faint, steady breeze, which fortunately didn’t dampen our picnic, but sent wafts of smoke from nearby braaiers in our direction! (If you’re planning to braai here or at nearby Bordjiesdrif Beach, you’ll need to bring your own grid and wood. And don’t feed the baboons!)
With powder-soft sand, a clean, gently lapping ocean as far as the eye can see, braai and picnic spots aplenty, this rhapsody in blue is well worth the drive.

Walk the shipwreck trail

Also known as the Olifantsbos trail, this is a short and easily accessible three-kilometre walk (around one hour and 30 minutes). It leads through fynbos to the beach where the prominent SS Thomas T. Tucker, wrecked in 1942. This former WWII troops-and-weapons transport vessel is Cape Point’s most photographed shipwreck and its hull is home to local birdlife. Before heading back or continuing to Sirkelsvlei, rest near the Nolloth, a liquor carrier wrecked in 1965. After that, follow guided tours for more coastline wreckage.

Good to know Though these are year-round trails, the weather can be rough during winter, and windy in January and February, so check the conditions before setting out.

Game-spotting at Cape Point

Cape Point promises hikes, swims and historical discoveries, but there’s also a plethora of fauna roaming the park. From baboons carrying their pups on their backs and herds of ostriches strolling about, animal lovers should keep watch, as the reserve is also home to a variety of antelope as well as Cape foxes, genets, polecats, mole rats, porcupines, mongooses, tortoises and snakes. It’s also an excellent birdwatching site, with over 270 species calling it home. And keep an eye on the horizon, as you might spot a whale or two during whale season (between August and October).

Cape of Good Hope

One of the Cape’s most popular tourist destinations – not just because it’s the most southwestern point on the African continent – The Cape of Good Hope also happens to be a spectacularly scenic picnic spot, with a slew of hiking and cycling trails around it. A steep wooden staircase leads to the lookout point, whose 360-degree views are well worth the climb.

Good to know The Cape of Good Hope is often mistaken as the southernmost point of Africa; that title goes to Cape Agulhas. It’s the most southwestern point.

Coastal foraging

Foraging expert Roushanna Gray hosts a series of courses across the peninsula aimed at learning, exploring and sustainably foraging the unique ingredients that abound in our oceans. The Veld and Sea course starts on the beach, where you get to delve into the freshwater tidal pools, hunting for edible seaweed, mussels and other gems. Once your bounty has been collected, you’ll head to the Veld and Sea classroom at Cape Point, where you’ll help prepare a beautiful outdoor lunch. (Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of a seaweed face mask in between your meal prep!)

Cost From R800 per person
Contact 072 234 4804, veldandsea@gmail.com
Where to find it Good Hope Gardens Nursery, Plateau Road, Cape Point
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Platboom Beach

Platboom (Afrikaans for flat tree) is perhaps the wildest, most unspoilt beach in this national park. With coastal views, and abundant flora and fauna (including the occasional ostrich and baboon), the white expanses of sand are largely deserted, making this one of Cape Town’s most unique and unchartered beaches.

If you’re feeling plucky, explore the chalk-white sand dunes and rocky outcrops; or simply take a long, undisturbed stroll along the spellbinding coastline. Due to its secluded setting, swimming is not recommended, but you can certainly dip your feet into the pristine waters! It’s a great spot for birdwatching, picnicking and maybe a spot of kite-surfing.
Good to know It’s hidden some 4.9km from the heart of Cape Point National Park (access runs past Dias Cross, though previous visitors recommend the north-south hike from Gifkommetjie).

Ride an e-bike around the tip of Africa

This relaxed e-bike starts with a southward ride towards the Cape of Good Hope (the most southwestern tip of Africa), where you can hop off your bike and observe the legendary landmarks and resident species found here – baboons, ostriches, buck and the Cape mountain zebra. Then it’s on to Cape Point, where you can glimpse the lighthouse up close and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Once done at Cape Point, you have the option of going to see the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town.

Included in the eight-hour guided tour: entrance fee to Cape Point National Park, the services of a professional guide, pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, water and the rental of a helmet and the electric bike.
Duration 8 hours 30 minutes
When Daily
Cost R1 790 per person (full-day tour)
Please note Minimum age is 12 years.
Where to find it Cape Point National Park (pick up from Cape Town’s central areas, from hotel or other, provided you give a contact number when making your booking.
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Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point

Windswept, rosy-cheeked and hungry visitors will find a light and airy space at Cape Point’s long-standing restaurant (it opened its doors in 1995), where large sea-facing windows paint the picture of Mediterranean summers on the beach. Sit on the deck and drink in the sea views.

View the menu
Good to know Booking is recommended even outside of peak season.
Opening times Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 4.30pm

The Old Lighthouse

Instead of guiding ships to safety, Cape Point’s first lighthouse, built in 1859, was often the cause of mishaps, because of its high perch above the ocean that concealed it among the clouds.

In 1911 the new lighthouse was built, and remains one of the most powerful sentinels on the South African coast, with a range of 60 kilometres and a luminous intensity of 10 million candelas.
From the old lighthouse, breathtaking views of the two oceans and surrounding coastline can be enjoyed. And, from August to October, you might even catch sightings of whales although you’ll need to use the onsite binoculars (or bring your own) to squizz them properly!

The Scone Shack

Made almost entirely out of recycled windows and scraps of wood, this crooked little shack is a fairytale-esque dessert spot on a farm on the road to Cape Point. Owned by Karl Odendaal, who bought the property 30 years ago when he was 21, the farm is also home to a succulent nursery, a rustic river setup, complete with rowboats and a rope swing, and a menagerie of farm animals – ducks, Egyptian geese, chickens, pigs and dogs, to name a few. We visited after a dreamy day on Buffels Bay Beach, and were greeted by four litters of teeny weeny piglets, whose protective moms wouldn’t allow us too close.

As for the scones, hands down the best in the Cape, they’re made by Karl’s partner Cara in a wood-burning oven and served with utterly delicious homemade jam, butter and cream. The cinnamony ice tea is also delicious!
Please note The Scone Shack only accepts cash.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 9.30am – 5pm
Contact 079 045 1318, lalaphanzik@gmail.com
Where to find it Lalaphanzi Farm, Plateau Road, Cape Point

Diaz Beach

Cape Point’s secret beaches are a major drawcard for privacy-loving waterbabies who prize seclusion. Diaz Beach is without a doubt one of Cape Town’s most beautiful, and remains largely undisturbed due to the 20-minute walk from the parking lot down a steep set of wooden stairs to the white sands. But for the stunning views alone, it’s undoubtedly worth it, as Diaz will render you breathless in the best possible way.

Unfortunately, swimming is off-limits here, due to strong currents.
Good to know Edged by wild fynbos, Olifantsbos Beach bears testament to the ferocity of the infamous Cape of Storms, with at least three shipwrecks dotted along its coast. And then there’s Maclear Beach, probably the most secluded of the lot, reached by following one of two fynbos-lined footpaths.

Go deep-sea fishing

Feel like an exhilarating open-ocean adventure? Why not visit Cape Point by boat? There are various trips available, suited to a variety of tastes and occasions. The two-hour marine eco-tour along the coastline to Cape Point will appeal to leisure travellers, while serious fishermen will relish being in the nutrient-rich waters, around 32 to 48 kilometers off Cape Point, where yellowfin, longfin, skipjack and big-eye tuna abound. Bait and tackle are provided (for the fishing options) and an experienced guide and a photographer are optional. Snacks and refreshments are served.

Please note All trips are subject to weather conditions, and number of passengers.
Good to know The boat tours and fishing charters, all sustainability-focused, allow up to nine passengers at a time (subject to social-distancing regulations).
When Daily (weather-permitting)
Cost R1 500 per person (two-hour boat trip)
R6 000 per person (private hire, two-hour boat trip)
R4 000 per person (offshore fishing)
R14 500 (private hire, offshore fishing)
Contact 083 544 6748, alan@capeboatcharters.com
Where to find it Simon’s Town Jetty, Wharf Street, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
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Experience Cape Point from a helicopter

If you’re looking for a visually immersive tour of this iconic peninsula, hop in a helicopter! The ride takes off from the V&A Waterfront and flies across the Atlantic over Clifton and Camps Bay, where you’ll witness exquisite views of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range on your left. Then, it’s past Hout Bay, Noordhoek and Kommetjie to Cape Point. The return trip flies along the False Bay coast: Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek and Muizenberg, passing the wine estates of Constantia and the cityscape of Cape Town CBD, before landing back at the V&A Waterfront.

Good to know Tickets are in the form of a voucher that is valid for three years.
When Monday – Sunday, 8am – 6pm (depending on the flight)
Sharing flights: 10am; 4pm
Please note Arrive 30 minutes before your departure time to complete ticket information and receive your safety briefing.
Cost R17 700 (1 – 3 passengers)
R23 600 (4 passengers)
R35 400 (5 – 6 passengers)
Where to find it E Pier Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Get a history lesson

Driving or hiking around Cape Point, you might stumble upon two tall white pillars with a cross on top. These monuments were erected in honour of Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama, two explorers who passed by and, not surprisingly, fell in love with Cape Point.

While Bartolomeu Dias wasn’t successful in his mission to sail from Europe around Africa to India, he is one of the most famous explorers to have passed the Cape. In 1488 after reaching what is believed to be Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, he turned his ship around and stumbled upon Cape Point, which he named Cape of Storms.
After Dias’ unsuccessful quest to reach India, Portuguese King, João II, ordered Vasco da Gama to complete the trip in 1497. Like Dias, Da Gama struggled to round Cape Point and only managed on his third attempt in five days.

Put the funicular into Cape Point

The Flying Dutchman Funicular is a schlep-free way to see all the sights on offer at Cape Point. The two 40-seater carriages – which carry a maximum of 10 people during Covid-19 – travel from the parking lot along an almost-600-metre track through dense fynbos to the old lighthouse every three minutes! Once at the top (roughly 90 metres above the parking lot), you’re met with spectacular views of the point and surrounding beaches. Keep a keen eye out for the ghost of the Flying Dutchman – a ship that was torn to shreds along Cape Point three-and-a-half centuries ago – still said to sail the nearby seas, desperately seeking aid.

My Green Card

SANParks’ My Green Card allows you 12 entries into the pay points of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) within a one-year period. If you are a frequent visitor to Cape Point, Boulders, Oudekraal, Silvermine, and the braai and picnic areas at Tokai, Newlands and Perdekloof, the card is worth purchasing.

Note The My Green Card may only be bought by South Africans with an ID number who have proof of a Cape Town address not older than three months.

Opening times
Monday – Sunday, 7am – 5pm

Contact
021 780 9010, info@capepoint.co.za
021 712 7471, tablem@sanparks.org

Article Courtesy of the Inside Guide

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

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