South Africa - Bokkom Laan, Veldrif, West Coast

Bokkom Laan, Veldrif, South Africa

"Bokkom Laan (Lane) is the home of a small bokkom industry in Velddrif. Bokkoms are Mullet that are salted, then strung into bunches and hung up to dry, almost like a fish biltong. They are unique to this part of the West Coast and every visitor to this area should try them before leaving. But it is not all just Bokkoms that you will find in Bokkom Laan, there is also Marina Clunies Art Studio, Ek en Djy Visserye and a restaurant in Bokkom Laan. There are a number of these little buildings which have been declared as national monuments.
Marina Clunie paints exceptional paintings, mostly from what she observes from her studio in Bokkom Laan. Her paintings include water, boats and landscapes, but in all of these her desire is not to capture the beauty of the scene, but rather the mood of the scene creating a certain atmosphere.
Ek en Djy Visserye can be found next to Marina Clunies Art Studio. The owner tries to stock his little shop with anything from West Coast souvenirs to antiques, home made jam, roll mops, mussels, fresh fish, etc.
A little further down the road you will find Die Vishuis, a small converted fish house, where the owner turns out great food with the most magnificent setting in her West Coast themed restaurant on the banks of the Berg River. 

 Bokkom Laan is truly a taste of tradition, flavour and history and a stop not to be missed". 

Bokkom Laan Veldrif West Coast South Africa

Bokkom Laan Veldrif South Africa

Bokkom Laan Veldrif

These geese rule this road - the roads they make as you approach is enough to awake any slumbering local or fisherman! 

Flamingoes Veldrif West Coast South Africa

Flamingoes and their offspring were very much in evidence feeding here. 

So interesting to watch their feet kick back the soil to release whatever nourishment they are feeding on. 

Paddler Veldrif

Boating or paddling on the Berg River is an ideal way to watch the bird life in this area. 

Flamingo Veldrif West Coast South Africa

Bird Watchers Heaven Veldrif South Africa

Velfdrif West Coast South Africa

Photography by Bradclin

Judelle Drake

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South Africa - Paternoster, West Coast

Paternoster, West Coast, South Africa

Paternoster is one of the oldest fishing villages along the West Coast of South Africa

Paternoster West Coast South Africa

It's a place where one can buy fish straight off the tiny boats that ply their trade in these cold waters.

If you ask nicely, you may even get them filleted!

Crayfish is also sold here - just make sure these are not under-sized.

Paternoster West Coast South Africa

Paternoster West Coast South Africa

Paternoster West Coast South Africa

This village is all about relaxation, good food, long walks on the magnificent beach, interesting craft and art galleries and a photographers delight. With many options for accommodation, it's a great week-end getaway!

Paternoster West Coast South Africa

Paternoster West Coast South Africa

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South Africa - West Coast National Park

West Coast National Park, South Africa

Flower Season Postberg West Coast National Park

Flower season in the West Coast National Park runs during the months of August and September.
During this time, Postberg Nature Reserve is open to the public. This section of the park is closed to visitors at all other times. The flowers are an absolute delight to behold. The Flower season can vary as regards to the number of flowers -  all weather related. The remainder of the Park is open all year round.

Flower Season Postberg West Coast National Park

Flower season West Coast National Park

There is also game in Postberg - we saw buck and ostriches and the inevitable tortoises!

Ostriches Male and Female West Coast National Park

Should you wish to picnic in the park Tsaarsbank is a good spot next to the sea breezes.
There are "braai" spots and benches.
For those who love hiking, there is a trail of 1.8 km along the beach to the shipwreck of 1978 Pantelis A.Lemos. Whales can also be spotted here during the months from August to October.

Tsaarsbank West Coast National Park

Kraalbaai is another awesome spot to relax on the Langebaan Lagoon side - if you are feeling adventurous, there are houseboats for hire here. The "braai" areas are close by at "Preekstoel"

Langebaan Lagoon - Kraalbaai area, South Africa

The Seeberg Viewpoint offers great views of the lagoon. The small white cottage on top of this huge rock offers much interesting information about the history of the area and is a must stop.
If you are feeling energetic, you can also park at the Langebaan Gate and walk the 4.6 km trail to the Seeberg Viewpoint.

Seeberg - West Coast National Park South Africa

Bird Hides are a delight although one can visit and spot nothing. We were very fortunate to see huge flocks of flamingoes at the Seeberg Hide & the Geelbek Hide. These birds are so very graceful & beautiful.

Flamingoes West Coast National Park

At the Abrahamskraal Waterhole & Bird Hide we spotted a number of birds - take some time out and watch the action in the reeds and water here. My lens is not the greatest for bid photography but these pics give you some idea. The Park is known for birding and we met a group of birders from UK who were out bird-watching with very long lenses! Ok, I admit, I am jealous!

Langebaan Lagoon has been designated as a wetland of international importance in 1988
Bird species like Curlew Sandpipers, Sanderlings and Red Knots journey 15,000 km each year from their breeding grounds in Siberia Tundra to feed here during our summer months. Incredible!

The West Coast National Park was established in 1985 and covers approx. 32,000ha.

Over 250 bird species are seen annually in this park hence the park is on most bird watchers radar.

Flamingoes West Coast National Park

West Coast National Park

Plankiesbaai West Coast National Park South Africa

Plankiesbaai is a favourite picnic area and the hill above can be walked to see the flora during the months of August and September each year. Please note this is only open during these 2 months.

Geelbek Restaurant is open all year round for the times when bird watching or hiking makes you peckish! The building is Cape Dutch Style, built approx 1860 and is now a National Monument

All in all, the West Coast National Park has something for everyone!

Flower Season West Coast National Park South Africa

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Cape Town - Norval Foundation

A delicious Sunday breakfast and then a wander around the Art Collection and Sculpture Garden, makes for a great outing in Cape Town. Exceptional art forms and sculptures make this an interesting place to visit for all ages.

Norval Foundation Cape Town South Africa

" Norval Foundation is a new art museum in Tokai, Cape Town, that is dedicated to showcasing art exhibitions with global appeal, in an environment that also fosters an appreciation for nature. Adjacent to Table Mountain National Park, Norval Foundation features world-class, purpose-built galleries, a sculpture garden, outdoor amphitheatre, research library, a restaurant and bar, a shop and a children’s playground.The Norval family are the founders and initial funders of Norval Foundation"

Norval Foundation Cape Town

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Norval Foundation Cape Town

 

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation Cape Town

Norval Foundation Cape Town

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Cape Town - Day Trips from Cape Town

Cape Town is a great base from which to explore the stunning surrounds in the rest of the province. Whether you want to go on safari, visit the Cape Winelands, or just take in the amazing scenery the Western Cape has to offer, there’s plenty to see and experience no matter your interests. Here are our five favourite day trips from Cape Town.

WEST COAST

The West Coast is made up of expansive beaches, fields of wildflowers, tiny fishing villages, and quaint historic towns. There is plenty to see and do, from the incredible fields of wildflowers along the Wildflower Route between August and October to a totally unplugged camping weekend in the mountainous region of the Cederberg. Darling offers craft beers and gourmet lunch food at the local Darling Brewery, while Atlantis is where you’ll find enormous dunes to sandboard down. 

 

Club Mykonos West Coast South Africa

 

Visit fishing towns like Paternoster or Saldanha Bay for a relaxing beach-side day trip, or tackle the many mountain biking trails that criss-cross the West Coast National Park. Stop over at Club Mykonos, where you can go jet-skiing or sailing, visit the restaurants and spa, and send the kids to enjoy a huge and colourful play area.

Distance: 1-6 hours, depending where you go

Highlights: A real road-trip feel, wildflowers in spring, quiet beaches, family-friendly fun, local beer and wine

Stay over: Club Mykonos

 THE KAROO

 

Swartberg Pass South Africa

The Karoo starts just an hour away from Cape Town and sprawls across the southern half of the country, so there are many options for great day trips in the area. It’s a semi-arid region, in stark contrast to the mountains and forests of the Cape. Here you’ll find quirky little towns connected by long, straight roads that stretch to the horizon over scrubland. Sheep graze on the stubs of grass and small koppies (hills) rise now and then from the landscape. There’s the iconic Ronnies Sex Shop—the self-proclaimed “oddest pub in Africa” that was formerly just “Ronnie’s Shop” before it hilariously gained its fame after someone graffitied the adjective onto the signboard. Prince Albert is a an artsy and historic little town tucked behind the majestic Swartberg pass, which makes a perfect escape from the city.

 

Aquila Game Reserve South Africa

A highlight of the Karoo area is Aquila Private Game Reserve. It’s the only place near Cape Town where you can go on safari and see the Big Five. Go on a half-day or full-day safari and come face-to-face with lions and leopards, or the enormous, majestic African elephants. A full day tour includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, and a stop at one of the breathtaking swimming pools to take a dip and cool off in the wilderness.

Distance: 1-6 hours, depending where you go

Highlights: See the big five, explore historic towns, get in touch with the real, rugged side of South Africa

Stay over: Aquila Private Game Reserve

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Floral beauty Cape Point Cape Town

CAPE POINT

Cape Point has got to be one of the world’s most beautiful promontories, with its cliffs rising high above the waves that crash at its base. The scenery from here is truly magical, with endless views of the ocean. Seabirds nest in the cliffs high above turquoise waters, and tiny hidden beaches are tucked into private alcoves. You’ll spot the famous dassies (rock hyrax), along with other small animals, and can take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the top lighthouse for panoramic views that look like something from a postcard. The Two Oceans Restaurant serves great food overlooking False Bay, and the Parks Shop sells unique locally-made fynbos body products.

On the way, you’ll travel along the False Bay Coast, a stretch of beach-side suburbs like Kalk Bay, where you’ll  find innumerable bars and restaurants as well as little antique shops and art galleries. You’ll also pass Simon’s Town, where you can get up close to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach and take a dip with the creatures. All of these neighbourhoods make perfect day trips from Cape Town.

Distance: 1 hour from Cape Town

Highlights: See the penguins, stunning scenery, restaurants, beaches

 

Cape Point Nature Reserve Cape Town South Africa

THE WINELANDS

One of Western Cape’s biggest attractions is its fine wine. There are plenty of day trips you could choose from, including the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Helderberg Wine Route, The Durbanville Wine Route, and the Constantia Wine Route, only 20 minutes from the city. Our favourite way to experience the Winelands is aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which transports you between some of the Franschhoek area’s finest wine estates, and nobody has to get behind the wheel. You can even connect with it by taking the City Sightseeing bus from the V&A Waterfront.

Distance: 1 hour from Cape Town

Highlights: Wine, wine, wine!

Lourensford Wine Estate Cape Town South Africa

THE WHALE ROUTE

The Whale Route takes in some spectacular scenery and some really nice little towns, perfect for day trips. Of course, it’s best to go during whale season, between June and November. Hermanus is the go-to place to see whales, and they host an annual Whale Festival in peak season. The town has gorgeous beaches and many simple but tasty seafood restaurants. There’s a rich history showcased in lovely museums, along with nature reserves with spectacular walking trails overlooking the sea.

On the way there, stop over at the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas, where there are beautiful coastal rockpools and a brilliant sea view.

Distance: 2 hours from Cape Town

Highlights: The southernmost tip of Africa, whale watching, seafood

Hermanus South Africa

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