Cape Town - Nearly Summertime!

 Cape Town is a year round destination - there is always something to do or see.

Cape Town's V&A Waterfront is one of the best in the world - from buskers, to ferry trips to Robben Island, various Boat trips, Helicopter flips, Restaurants galore, a huge variety of stores. 

Camps Bay Beachfront is one of the liveliest coastal spots and caters for all ages. 

Whether lazing on the white sands, swimming in the Tidal pool, sipping cocktails at a roadside restaurant or having a invigorating game of volley ball, your day out will be fun-filled.

Simonstown offers quirky shops, the adorable penguins plus stunning seascapes at Boulders Beach.

 

Kalk Bay is another very busy and vibrant seaside village with many interesting stores, a working harbour with fishing boats, seafood to enjoy or just to enjoy a coffee while people watching.

Hout Bay is another seaside community - enjoy the weekend Bay Harbour Market, watch the friendly seals (don't get too close), take a boat cruise or enjoy tasty seafood at the various eateries. 

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 

The gardens change throughout the seasons - it's an ideal starting point for hikers to Skeleton Gorge; those who want to enjoy a picnic on the lawns; those looking to enjoy the summer open-air concerts featuring a variety of artists; or just those wishing for peace and tranquility. 

Grab a bench and enjoy the bird life, plus the various flora, depending on the season.  

Groot Constantia offers wine tasting and is on the (Red) City Sightseeing Bus Route

With 2 restaurants and an enjoyable walk in the grounds, this is ideal if you are tired of the beach!

Cape Point is worth at least a day and a self-drive is recommended to view the various beaches and hiking trails. If you are lucky you will see various wildlife or even some baboons eating shellfish at Buffels Bay Beach. Do walk to the old lighthouse - the views are worth the climb

There is so much more to do in Cape Town and surrounds - the city caters for all tastes;

Foodies, Adrenaline junkies, History buffs, hikers, museum lovers, beach lovers, surfers, shoppers and whatever else your heart desires! 

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Cape Town - Rhodes Memorial

 

Rhodes Memorial in Cape Town is a must visit to view this memorial built in 1912 in memory of Cecil John Rhodes (1853 - 1902)  Designed by Sir Herbert Baker this remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

There are a number of huge lion statues - children and adults love climbing on these to have photos taken! 

Locals love this spot for wedding photos, dance practice, gazing at the views or taking the hiking trail up towards the Blockhouse on Table Mountain.

Take the 49 steps up to the top of the memorial - 49 represents the years that Cecil John Rhodes lived. 

It's good exercise!

The tearoom/restaurant at Rhodes Memorial, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, was 104 years old, when it was burnt down by the devastating mountain fires of April 2021. The fire also devastated the UCT Library and Mostert's Mill on the M3. This restaurant was extremely popular with both locals and tourists so it's loss has been keenly felt. To date (September 2022) no restoration has taken place.

One hopes that a new restaurant will rise from the ashes of this iconic structure.

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Cape Town - Pinelands South Africa

 

Bradclin House was established in 2004 and continues to host a wide mix of guests, both local and International. Living in the 1st Garden City of Pinelands, we are proud of our suburb With a unique atmosphere and easy access to all of Cape Town, this small suburb is a great place to stay or visit.

Our garden is eco-friendly with much bird life and this becomes a tranquil spot for guests to enjoy nature after a hard days sightseeing or work. With various nooks to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, our garden is our pride and joy.

Our home was built around 1948 and we are only the 3rd owners of this property. Pinelanders tend to stick around! With many alterations over the years the house is totally changed and we now also have our 3 guest units.  

Sadly, our beautiful tree needed to look for more water during the last severe drought in Cape Town and this cracked the pool. It was a choice between saving the tree of over 45 yrs old or the swimming pool.  

The tree won this round so we now have a sunken pool with a variety of pots and plants. 

With so many stunning tidal pools in Cape Town to choose from, it's not really a hardship to be without the pool!

Camps Bay Tidal Pool

Our very long standing Councillor, now retired, Brian Watkyns wrote the article below on the history of our suburb of Pinelands. For those interested in history, this is an enjoyable read.

"Pinelands, a suburb of Cape Town, has the unmistakable atmosphere of its own, with thatched roofs tree lined streets and open spaces.  Pinelands was the first Garden City developed in South Africa and the third in the world.  It was also the first planned town in South Africa, with the original names proposed to be Midwood. 

The Garden City concept of creating an urban area with a rural atmosphere was based on Ebenezer Howard’s concept.  Howard’s concept was championed by a councillor and leading businessman Richard Stuttaford. He persuaded the Government to grant part of a government owned forest plantation on the farm Uitvlugt for the purpose of building affordable housing. Partially using his own funds, he set about building affordable houses – another first for South Africa. The need for affordable housing had become plain in the aftermath of the Spanish Flu epidemic and the downturn in the economy.

In 1875, the farm homestead had been used to house one of South Africa’s first political prisoners, King Langalibalele. Langalibalele was moved from Robben Island and placed under house arrest at the farm for thirteen years. In 1901 the area was used to build an isolation plague hospital during the Bubonic plague which swept the world. Some of the medical staff looking after the patients died from the plague.  At the time, Rudyard Kipling was visiting Cape Town and was moved to write a poem: “For those who died at Uitvlugt”. The hospital led to the establishment of the Valkenberg Hospital.  Around the same time the largest clay brickfields in the Southern Hemisphere was established where the BP petrol station now stands. While there were rich deposits of clay, the soil was mainly white sand. For this reason, camels imported from Tenerife for work in the Kalahari Desert were trained on the Uitvlugt farm before being sent to their final destination. 

In 1922 the first houses were occupied in the town now named Pinelands.  Originally three roads were built, with care taken to minimise removal of the forest trees. The town steadily grew in size and within a few years electricity and water borne sewerage was introduced. A strong Civic Association was created to work closely with the Local Area Board which legally managed the town. Public transport took the form of a private bus service to Mowbray and by train from either Raapenberg station or Pinelands station, and at a later stage Oude Molen station. Due to the thatched houses, a voluntary fire service was formed until the Cape Town Municipality could provide the service. When servicemen returned from active service after World War 2, the provision of housing was seen as priority.  In Pinelands, a new extension was opened with affordable housing for these servicemen.  

By 1948, the town had reached municipality status and the new Pinelands Municipality replaced the Local Area Board. The first mayor  was Frank  Gardener and Deputy Mayor was Mrs Olive  Smith . Four years later, when the apartheid system was being introduced into legislation, Pinelands Municipality unsuccessfully petitioned the government not to declare Pinelands under the group areas act. When an adjoining suburb Maitland Garden Village was threatened by forced removals under a group areas declaration, Pinelands stood with the residents against the removals which the government then abandoned.  In 1996, the Pinelands municipality was incorporated as a suburb of the City of Cape Town, and in 2000 became part of the Cape Town Metropolitan Council. 

Originally no commercial properties were permitted in Pinelands, but this ruling was challenged and changed over time. The first shop was a Co Op at Central Square owned and run by residents although a tearoom, known as the Wattle House, had operated for some years and there was also a small commercial operation in the Dagbreek area. Pinelands now boasts a highly successful shopping mall, Howard Centre, which was  opened in 1953 and at the time was one of the first pedestrian shopping malls in South Africa. Pinelands remains one of the few suburbs in South Africa where there are no liquor outlets.

 Flats were originally not permitted, but this too was challenged and changed, with a number of low-rise flats being built. The only  high-rise block of flats, Garden City Heights, was built on the edge of the Howard Centre precinct. Currently a second high rise block of flat is being built opposite Garden City Heights and a third high rise block is planned in the same area.

Accordant with the Garden City concept, Pinelands has a large number of open spaces and play parks. The Garden of Remembrance – to honour those who have died in battle – hosts a play area for children and a small trim park. Coronation Park play area is home to the steam roller that was used to build the early Pinelands roads, as well as a tractor that was used to mow Pinelands’ open spaces. 

The place of Pinelands in the planning history of South Africa was first acknowledged in 1982 when the houses, road and open space in The Mead and Meadway were declared a national Monument.  This was marked by the unveiling of a commemoration stone. Later in 2015, the original area of Pinelands was declared a heritage area. 

100 years after the first resident moved into 4 Meadway, the Pinelands Ratepayers and Residents Association created a Pinelands history webpage to mark the centenary, with stories written by Brian Watkyns who  represented Pinelands for 40 years. 

You can find the webpage at  https://pinelandshistory.co.za/

The view from Bradclin House Pinelands

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Cape Town - Adventure Travel for all!

 

Cape Town offers many various Adventure Experiences in and around the city.

Try as many as the budget allows or choose just one and enjoy the incredible experience.

One of the most exciting adventures is a Tandem Paraglide off Signal Hill in Cape Town.

There are numerous operators and most cater for all ages. Weight restrictions from 15kg to 135kg - check with your chosen operator re any weight concerns. Take a running leap off Signal Hill with assistance and your experienced guide in tandem and enjoy the incredible views over the ocean as you sore up high, catching the thermals.  It is thrilling experience and the huge numbers taking off on any given day, in good weather, are testament to the popularity of this Cape Town Experience.

 

Another cool option in exploring the city is via Scootours - a scooter with thick tyres and impressive brakes! No motor - just your own foot power. Ideal for young and old. Freewheel downhill from Signal Hill towards Bo-Kaap on an off road track. You are then collected and taken up to Table Mountain for the next run off the lower slopes of the mountain.

www.scootours.co.za

Bookings are essential for this activity - book online 

Children can ride with adults if required - fun for all!

With many other activities to choose from we list a few below

Please do check their websites for up-to-date information

Snorkel with Seals - there are a number of companies offering this activity in Cape Town.

Children should be 15 years or older, all participants must be good swimmers and not suffer with sea-sickness. Cape Fur Seals weigh between 100 to 350 kg - very inquisitive and often playful. 

For those who don't want to venture into the water, seals can be seen up close in both Hout Bay and Kalk Bay Harbours. Whether one considers this a good or bad practice remains debatable.

The seals in Hout Bay Harbour are fed by locals as a money earner and tourist attraction. 

Water Bikes Simonstown is another fun activity to enjoy. Guided tours are available to "bike" to the penguins or just to admire the marine life and scenery from your lofty height on the bike, Due to the height of the bike, you won't get wet and the activity is suitable for anybody over 1.5m tall and weighing not more than 110kg. Find them at Simonstown Pier. This is both a winter and summer activitiy, weather permitting.

www.capetownwaterbikes.co.za

 Cape Town Ziplines

"Situated in Constantia Nek on the Silvermist Estate this adventure activity is not to be missed if you are seeking an adventure filled activity.

Cape Town Ziplines forms part of the well-known SA Forest Adventures Adventure Brand. SA Forest Adventures is known nationally and internationally as one of Africa’s leading Adventure Companies.

The adventure begins with a brief safety introduction at our office with in the Silvermist Estate. From here guests will embark on a hair raising guided 4 x 4 drive into the mountain high above Constantia with a spectacular view of Cape Town. Cape Town Ziplines boarders on the Table Mountain National Park Reserve. You will be surrounded by the natural beauty, fauna and flora while walking and zipline between the 12 platforms. You could almost mistakably think that you are inside the Table Mountain Nature Reserve as you take in the amazing scenery.

The Zipline experience offers you a tour of the cables starting high in the mountain and slowly descending down the slopes. Our platforms offer visitors the most amazing panoramic views of Cape Town".

www.saforestadventures.co.za

Jeep Dune Adventure

www.jeeptours.capetown

Zip along in open top Jeep Wranglers in the Witzand Aquifer Nature reserve. Just 40 mins from Cape Town

"Cape Town is unique due to its high concentration of local flora and fauna species. Our nature reserves protect and conserve our city’s natural resources and biodiversity heritage.

The Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve is famous for the Atlantis Dunes which cover 500 hectares of the reserve. It is a flora and fauna-rich landscape which is home to endangered Cape Flats dune strandveld and the critically endangered Atlantis sand fynbos as well as an abundance of wild life, including: steenbok, Cape grysbok, small grey mongoose, Cape dune mole rat and caracal. Below the surface, a large underground natural aquifer supplies the surrounding communities of Atlantis, Mamre and Pella with potable (drinking) water.

The reserve also offers 4x4 fun, quad biking and sand boarding."

There are many more activities like Catamaran cruising, Cobra Car Rentals, Cape Side Car Adventures, Helicopter flights and much more.

Cape Town is an incredible city with much to offer any visitor - whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a more sedate traveller, there is always much to see and experience.

This is not a city for a short stay - you will want to return again and again!.

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Cape Town - Arderne Gardens

 Arderne Gardens is a tranquil spot in the centre of Claremont, Cape Town. 

For those interested in history or gardens, this is a spot to enjoy. Entry is free of charge.

The gardens were started in 1845 by Ralph Henry Arderne who hailed from Cheshire in England.

The family collected plants from all over the world and this garden became well known for its beauty.

The gardens did go thru a period of neglect over the years as ownership changed - in 1979 the gardens were declared a National Historical Monument. Much of the work today is able assisted by "Friends of the Arderne Gardens" and they welcome both new membership or donations. 

 There are many paths to explore, birds, ducks, geese and guinea fowl for the children and many benches for the "not so fit" or just to take in the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens.

Saturdays see many wedding parties taking their wedding photos in these gardens - it has become quite a tradition!

For those interested in the Arboretum, there are 6  Champion trees - chosen for their heritage significance, biological attributes, and age. 

Cork Oak, Aleppo Pine, Norfolk Island Pine, Turkish Oak, Queensland Kauri and the Moreton Bay Fig (above) 

Guided Torus can be booked - view the official website for further information.

https://www.ardernegardens.org.za/

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Cape Town - African Penguins - Boulders

 

African Penguin Simonstown on a nest

The penguins at Boulders, Simonstown are amazing and well worth visiting when in Cape Town.

The colony is spread across the beaches and many wander into the residential area of Simonstown.

So please do take care, especially at night - check under your car - there may be a penguin or two hiding underneath!! In the morning some of them can be seen wandering back down to the beach!

Seeing nature from such close quarters in an urban environment is very special, come rain or shine.

These birds, who are unable to fly, can swim at a speed of 7 km per hour. Watching them come ashore after fishing is the cutest spectacle in the late afternoon. Their natural enemies in the ocean are sharks, Cape fur seals and sometimes Orca's. They are so brave and they mate for life. 

The penguins swim back in groups and the splashes and uneven wobbles, as the tide pushes them in, is a comical and glorious sight.

 

African Penguin Boulders Simonstown, Cape Town

African Penguins Simonstown

There are currently about 2200 of these amazing birds in this protected area - the numbers have climbed from just 2 pairs in 1982 so it is a huge success for this endangered species.

Nesting takes place around February to August and the nests are on the ground or in some of the artificial structures put in place by the Parks Board. Some nests are holes on the beach, surrounded by many other penguins. Nests are fiercely protected if another penguin dares to come to close.

During the annual moulting (around December) season, the birds are confined to land for about 21 days so they need to fatten up prior to this as they cannot swim when their coats lose their waterproofing. 

Listening to the babies crying for their feed in the evening is heart-rending but they do all get fed by their parents  - they are just very vocal in their demands! 

This is an incredible experience and one that must not be missed when visiting Cape Town!

The chicks are covered in down which is not waterproof  until about 60 days after hatching. 
You will be able to spot the juveniles due to their blue-grey plumage.
Both parents will go out to sea when the chicks are about 30 days old. 

Simonstown is well worth exploring for the quirky shops, museums and numerous restaurants. 
For water sport lovers there are various activities such as sea kayaking and water bikes.
During the summer months the beaches are very popular - get there early for a slice of the beach.

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There are currently about 2200 of these amazing birds in this protected area - the numbers have climbed from just 2 pairs in 1982 so it is a huge success for this endangered species.

Nesting takes place around February to August and the nests are on the ground or in some of the artificial structures put in place by the Parks Board.

During the annual moulting (around December) season, the birds are confined to land for about 21 days so they need to fatten up prior to this as they cannot swim when their coats lose their waterproofing. 

Listening to the babies crying for their feed in the evening is heart-rending but they do all get fed - they are just very vocal in their demands! 

This is an incredible experience and one that must not be missed when visiting Cape Town!

The view across the bay in Simonstown

Cape Town - Cape Point

 Cape Point is a must see destination when visiting Cape Town!

Happy tourists enjoying Cape of Good Hope 

Beautiful buck in Cape Point 

Wild life can be spotted in many areas of the park but you need to keep a look-out as they are often fairly elusive. These beautiful buck looked happy and calm.


It is advisable to drive thru the park in your own vehicle - that way you can explore the entire area at your own pace and enjoy much more of the park.  Although, for those with a short time only, the Red Bus or other Tour Operators are 100% The latter just don't go to all the various spots so one does miss much of what Cape Point offers.

Whatever, you do, enjoy this amazing part of Cape Town!

View of Cape Point way in the distance

Cape Point, located within Table Mountain National Park, remains one of the most beautiful places to visit. Enjoy the bracing air, apparently the purest in the world! Breathe deeply and enjoy the experience.

"The air at Cape Point is among the purest in the world, and thus it is home to one of Global Research Watch’s (GAW) atmospheric research stations. GAW is a global network established by the World Meteorological Organisation to monitor trends and changes in the Earth’s atmosphere".

Surfing at Black Rocks Cape Point

Winter is the best time to surf at the spot called Black Rocks and the area was packed with surfers when we visited. All having great fun and good waves.

Tidal Pool at Buffels Bay Cape Point

The tidal pool is gorgeous during the summer months and picnics are a favourite with locals at any time of the year. There are also "braai" area's to enjoy the outdoors during the warmer months.

A good place to spot baboons in their natural environment  is the beautiful beach at Buffels Bay. The troop is normally on the move in this area and mother's and babies are visible. There is always a sentry so look upwards to find him sitting on the top of the dunes! Just ensure you don't have any food with you when walking this beach and the troop will leave you alone. 

The flora in Cape Point varies with the seasons - currently proteas are blooming. There are approx.1000 species of flora in the park - 14 of which are endemic to the region.

Cape Point offers numerous hiking trails - the view above is from Gifkommetjie way below.

The distance between here and Platboom dunes is approx. 3 km or you can head in the opposite direction towards Olifantsbos

The walk up towards the old lighthouse has many steps but it is well worth the effort.

The Flying Dutchman can take you closer to the top but you will still need to do the final steps.

Don't be put off - the views are stunning and you will be able to see for miles.

Not quite as far as Antartica which just happens to be 6000km away.

One of the view points along the way to the Old Lighthouse

Female Ostrich at Cape Point

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