Cape Town & West Coast Experience ~ Tour B (8 Days) SSB123

Set on the banks of the magnificent Langebaan Lagoon, the popular resort town of Langebaan is conveniently located only 120 kilometres from Cape Town, in the Western Cape province. This lovely little town is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon, which provides an ideal environment for an array of exhilarating watersports including waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, fishing and kitesurfing. The lagoon also features tidal mudflats - a habitat for an impressive variety of local and migratory birds. Visitors can explore the beautiful West Coast Nature Park nearby, to enjoy game viewing, cycling, and hiking; and the West Coast Fossil Park, which offers a fascinating tour of a fossil dig and the chance to hunt for fossils. Biking, hiking and horse riding are also on offer.

In 1943, at Baard’s Quarry, in the Langebaanweg area, phosphate mining began in the arid West Coast of South Africa. What they uncovered was an unexpected treasure trove of fossils - extinct saber-toothed cats, short-necked giraffes, 4-tusked elephants known as gomphotheres, 3-toes horses, hunting hyenas and African bears. There were also frogs, chameleons, lizards, moles, and molerats. Because of the importance of the site the mine was closed, although only in 1993.

Langebaanweg, in the West Coast Fossil Park is approximately 150 km north of Cape Town. The fossils found in this world-renowned, exceptionally well-preserved site come from the very end of the Milocene, early Pliocene eras. That’s about 5.2 million years ago.

A team consisting of both local and international archaeologists and paleontologists are slowly unveiling the fascinating and unique history as well as the fossils. They’re also attempting to recreate the subtropical climate, and green, lush riverine forests and open grasslands environment of the west coast of 5 million years ago.

What makes it unique is that this is not just ‘bones under glass’. This is a working museum. You can go to the actual excavation site and ‘take part’ in the dig. So far, over 200 animal species have been discovered.

The Dig Site is open to the public and is dominated by sivathere remains. A sivathere was much larger and more heavily built than today’s okapi and would rival the modern giraffe as well as the larger bovines, weighing approximately 2000kgs, complete with the large horns the males had. While some fossils are now housed at the Iziko National Museum in Cape Town, some remain in situ. The Sivathere Hall at Langebaanweg, depicts through a combination of digital art, graphic art and photography as well as life-size sculptures of the animals using ‘found’ alien wood, a day in the life of these mammals along the ancient, mighty watercourse of the Berg River to Saldanha Bay.

While the larger animals always make for an impressive display, the smaller, ‘underground’ fossils are just as important. Because they are often minute, they are displayed here 150 times bigger than they would have been when alive.

The Pliocene Garden Amphitheatre is a unique experiment in recreation. Using fossil pollen and fossilized particle of plant tissue scientists have been able to identify the kinds of plants that grew in this area 5 million years ago.

After a fascinating time spent at the dig and the exhibits, take some time out to go mountain biking and visit the rehabilitated mining areas, or discover something unique in the Fossil Park gift shop. The Fossil Park Restaurant has tasty, home-cooked meals including quiches, wraps, burgers, toasted sandwiches, or one of Cape Town’s most beloved fast-foods - the Gatsby. This is traditionally a French loaf cut in half and filled with ‘slap’ chips, meat and other munchies ranging from egg to fried calamari. If you have more of a sweet tooth, then you may prefer to dig into carrot cake or lemon meringue pie.

Charming, quaint Paternoster is one of South Africa’s oldest West Coast fishing villages. Historical buildings, warm hospitality, one of the most beautiful West Coast beaches and views are only a few of the reasons to visit Paternoster. The others include the lobster for which the town is famous, the white-washed fishermen’s cottages and the jagged cliffs and white boulders of the stunning coastline. A coastline off which whales, dolphins, seals and African Jackass penguins frolic. Lions, rhino and buffalo roam the nearby Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, while over 225 bird species including kelp gulls and pelicans soar above.

A mere 145kms from Cape Town, between Saldanha Bay and St Helena Bay, Paternoster is small, in both size and population, but huge in terms of atmosphere and beautiful location.

Foodies are spoilt for choice as, despite its size, some famous South African chefs make their home in Paternoster, with excellent restaurants, some right on the beach, serving sublimely fresh and tasty seafood. Lobster, herring, mussels, snoek, oysters, and pilchards either caught in the cold Atlantic or farmed in the nearby Langebaan Lagoon. The lobster is so delicious that it is exported to France. A well-known delicacy is bokkoms – whole, salted, and dried mullet. Sometimes the fish is smoked, and Paternoster is the best place to try this ‘fish biltong’.  Thanks to the enduring traditional West Coast charm and lifestyle, everyday life in the village remains closely linked to the sea. Visitors can buy fresh catch from the market or directly from the fishermen who catch fish using the traditional wooden boats (bakkies).

Infrequent rainfall, dry countryside and high offshore winds have created a rugged and dramatically beautiful landscape covered in fynbos and fields of wheat in winter. It’s a landscape that every Spring – August to September – is enhanced, softened and enveloped in beauty when the famous Namaqualand wildflowers bloom. Brilliant blooms carpet hectare after hectare turning the landscape into a floral wonderland.

Close by is the Cape Columbine lighthouse, situated in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve which offers views over the Atlantic Ocean seen nowhere else. For the brave there is kayaking, kitesurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving in these cold waters. Families can enjoy kite flying, hiking and the long, beautiful beach.

A few kilometres from where the Berg River meets the sea at St Helena Bay, lies a small West Coast fishing village where time, it seems, has stood still. Or at least is in no hurry. Here, only the landscape, the sea and the wind hold sway. This place is one of South Africa’s undiscovered gems. Its name is Velddrif.

The beautiful beaches, the Berg River, typical West Coast houses, white sand banks, the estuary, and the fynbos weave a magic for Velddrif that turns the seemingly barren, windswept landscape into a wealth of beauty and richness overflowing with birdlife, plant life and the inspiring sea.

It’s so inspiring that even the fishermen feel called to capture the stark beauty of the landscape in both word and on canvas. The West Coast Gallery displays art from over 100 local artists. Some of their subjects are among the massive array of wildlife which can be seen strolling the wide-open spaces of the neighbouring Rocher Pan Nature Reserve.

The estuary is an important bird habitat. Home to around 30,000 birds, over 350 different species of birds can be seen here as it is a natural habitat for sea, river and land birds, like exotic-pink flocks of flamingoes and bossy pelicans. More importantly, it is a sanctuary for up to 80 species endemic to the Western Cape coast. The nearby 24,000 hectare wetland is famous as a rare bird hotspot with over 200 species. Boat trips up the river take visitors into the heart of this thriving, floral-filled, avian wonderland, known as one of the best birding experiences on the West Coast. 

The Berg River has always been important to Velddrif. Boats would be laden with the wheat harvest from Sandveld and make their way down the Berg River, across the sand banks to larger ships en route to Cape Town 145kms south. A common scene in the area is the rickety wooden jetties with bokkoms or harders, the local fish “biltong” delicacy made of salted and dried mullet, hanging up to dry. Speaking of creatures from the deep, Velddrif is part of the Crayfish Route.

Berg River Canooze is an easy, downstream canoe route - a delightful family activity. Or catch the annual Berg River Canoe Marathon, one of the toughest in the world and the longest in South Africa. The adventure, the wildlife, fishing, tourism, yachting, and the art galleries, all make Velddrif a West Coast town with a flavour of its own. Fresh fish and seafood are obviously specialties in the town’s restaurants. A whole Velddif experience is a delight not to be missed.

The Shark Bay is a luxurious property which rests between a nature reserve, covered in rainbows of fynbos and the glistening waters of Shark Bay in the famous resort town of Langebaan. It serves as an excellent base from which to relax or embark on a scenic outdoor adventure. Located 1h48m from Cape Town International Airport and a mere 2km from Langebaan's main beach. 

The property's boutique hotel features 15 beautifully appointed rooms, a gourmet restaurant, an exclusive bar, relaxing spa, and welcoming wine cellar.  A swimming pool and pergola deck, along with a kiosk coffee shop on the lagoon providing various areas to relax.

Alongside the hotel, there are three remarkable villas, each of which boasts three spacious bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a lovely open planing dining area and lounge with a fireplace. 

The hotel is surrounded by manicured gardens, a spa & wellness centre with 4 spa pods. The showstopper is the spectacular views, private beach which is accessible along a foot path, wide open beaches. An unspoiled nature reserve and lagoon as far as the eye can see. 

Enjoy a luxurious stay with your friends and family at The Shark Bay Boutique Accommodation & Spa – and share with them a town that’s an hour from Cape Town, and a million miles from the world.

West Coast Fossil Park and the Vonderling Island Reserve are both within 40 km from the hotel.

Inland from Saldanha Bay, with the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean behind you, lies the West Coast National Park, with 3 distinct sections; Postberg, Langebaan, and Saldanha Bay, each with its own unique delights.

With the azure blue Langebaan Lagoon, the white dunes, unspoilt golden beaches, sheltered islands, rare fynbos, green wetlands, and salt marshes, this National Park has its own unique flavour. In fact, no other South African National Park has one quite like it. Best of all, it’s within easy driving distance from Cape Town. It’s a paradise, not only for the humans who enjoy mountain-biking, hiking, picnicking, kiteboarding and kayaking, but also birds like the migrant waders from the north. African Black Oystercatchers, the endangered Bank Cormorant, Kelp Gulls, African Jackass Penguins, and flamingoes are some of the 300 recorded bird species seen in the Park. For some of these birds, the Park is vital in terms of survival of their species.

Sixteen Mile Beach, Malgas, Jutten, Schaapen and Marcus Islands, all of which are a part of the Park have special protection status. Individually, they are as important as the Park itself. Cape Fur Seals have established a breeding colony on Vonderling Island, while European Rabbits thrive on Schaapen and Jutten islands. The most interesting population, an albino colony, is on Schaapen Island. During the hot dry summers, the fluffle grazes on seaweed.

The Langebaan Lagoon is a wetland of international importance because of its sensitive ecosystems as well as the surrounding land. These salt marshes provide much of the decaying plant matter that forms the basis of the estuarine food web feeding the prawns, bloodworms, crabs, snails, mussels, clams, and mullet fish.

Depending on the winter rains, the Park is covered in field upon field of bright, rainbow-coloured flowers during the months of Spring, September to December. Strolling through this stunning beauty, and in the unique Postberg section of the park are eland, red hartebeest, bontebok, kudu, gemsbok, steenbok, mountain zebra, duiker and ostriches. Not to mention bat-eared foxes, caracals, and families of Cape gray mongooses making game viewing an absolute delight. And quite different to the game viewing experiences in other South African Parks. Not many of the National Parks also include whale watching (August to November).

Here you can also walk in the footsteps of Eve, so to speak. The footprints of a young woman who lived in the area 117 000 years ago were discovered in 1995 at Kraalbaai. These footprints were originally made in sea sand by the young woman, which then hardened into rock. The original prints are housed at the Iziko Museums’ South African National Museum in Cape Town, but the replica can be viewed at the Geelbek Information Centre. Today, you can walk Eve's Trail, 30km though the wilderness over 2.5 days. Speaking of Geelbek…

Anyone looking for authentic cuisine, the Geelbek Restaurant, set in a beautifully restored 300-year-old Cape Dutch homestead, serves delicious dishes telling the story of the rich local history. The menu is influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, Norwegian, Italian and Malay who all played a part in the chronicle of the area.

Enter the world of the San, Southern Africa’s First People. As one of the last hunter-gatherer societies left on earth, their story shows the origins of mankind. If you go back further than twelve thousand years, everyone was a hunter-gatherer. Today, approximately only 130 000 San remain, scattered across six countries. Less than 600 still live according to the old ways. Because of dis-enfranchisement, climate change impacts, and a widespread lack of understanding of their way of life, their ancient way of life, their languages, and their culture are under grave threat.

Sitting within an exceptionally significant historical and archaeological landscape, on an 850 hectare Nature Reserve, 70 kilometers north of Cape Town, the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre is an Award Winning Heritage Centre, a very different kind of museum. Outside, the land was carefully rehabilitated, and wildlife reintroduced. Inside the restored farm buildings, the unique museum came to life, telling the San’ story. But it’s not just their story. It’s yours as well. This museum exists to document the San and teach others about their past and that of all mankind.

The museum experience involves much more than their prize collection of artefacts and historical photos. It's a pioneering initiative embracing the principle of community curation. The ‘Way of the San’ building allows guests to step into the heart of traditional San life in the Kalahari. !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre is a collaborative enterprise bringing together a diverse group of people and scholars, from San community members and South African and international academic, museum and exhibition design experts, including such institutions as Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum, The South African University of Cape Town, and Harvard’s Peabody Museum to name a few.

The featured exhibitions include Genetics and Human Origins, the Emergence of Human Creativity, the Loss of San Land and Lifestyle, and the profound San Healing Dance.

Both history and location matter as the !Khwa ttu is situated in the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum embraces and champions a range of environmental stewardship programmes. San-led trails and guided experiences are designed to engage body and senses, as well as the mind, enabling the guides to share their heritage, in their own way.

As Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said, "The San, the first people to inhabit Southern Africa, represent a 100,000-year-old culture which should be considered one of the world's treasures."

With a busy restaurant, stylish guest houses, open air tented camps, thrilling mountain bike trails, and a shop selling unique hand-crafted gifts, !Khwa ttu is a thriving tourism destination.

• Dubbed Cape Town's Riviera, the magical Atlantic Seaboard runs from the famed V&A Waterfront on the north shore of Table Mountain all the way down to Hout Bay.

While South Africa is completely bounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean from Namibia south to Cape Agulhas, only the small, albeit impressive 3 km stretch between the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, along the coastline of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head to Hout Bay is considered the ‘Atlantic Seaboard’. It’s bizarre, but then South Africa’s ‘South Coast’ is south of Durban and physically located on the east coast of the country rather than the south of the country, and the East Coast lies south of the South Coast rather than north of it, so one shouldn’t be too surprised.  Historically, this area is directly tied to the Atlantic Ocean and the influx of European settlements. The small Atlantic Seaboard has some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa and is characterised by its beaches, cliffs, promenade, and hillside communities. One of these is Camps Bay, home to the highest concentration of multimillionaires in Cape Town. It has the highest number of mansions in South Africa exceeding R20 million.

As the Atlantic Seaboard, known as Cape Town’s Riviera, is close to both the ocean and Cape Town’s inner city it’s a destination enjoyed by both locals and visitors. One of the suburbs, Green Point is nearest to Cape Town’s city center. It’s home to a world class sports stadium built when South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a century-old golf course - the Royal Cape Golf Club which was established in 1885, and a huge public park. Built in 1823, the eye-catching lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in South Africa. Casual walkers, joggers, skaters, cyclists and dog-walkers all take advantage of the wide walkway and sprawling lawns of the Sea Point promenade that starts at the lighthouse and runs along the coast leading to Sea Point.

The Atlantic Seaboard is renowned for its varied beauty. Sheltered beaches, steep cliff sides, famous surfing spots with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, as well as restaurants offering exceptional sea food dishes and seaside charm. At the southernmost end of the Atlantic Seaboard is a sharp mountain peak jutting into the air like a rhino horn. This is The Sentinel and guards the historic fishing village of Hout Bay.  

Starting on the southern edge of Hout Bay and ending at Noordhoek, is Chapman’s Peak Drive, a startling engineering achievement as it was carved out of the face of the sheer cliffs. It is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Locals call the road ‘Chappies’. Noordhoek, although small, has a large artistic population and a large horse population as well as riding on the long Kommetjie Beach is a favourite pastime.

Needing a refuelling station for its trading fleets between Europe, Asia and Australia, Jan van Riebeeck built the first jetty on the shores of Table Bay for the Dutch East India Company. Although not a natural harbour, it remained in use until June 1858. Serious winter storms wrecked over 30 vessels and Lloyds of London refused to cover ships wintering in Table Bay any longer. So, the British Imperial Government approved the building of Cape Town’s first real harbour. Construction began and increased in breadth when gold and diamonds were discovered in South Africa.

As the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, the V&A Waterfront, named after Queen Victoria and her son, Alfred, is, with its dramatic location, also the heart of Cape Town’s tourist industry. While surrounded by the Cape Town City Bowl, behind it towers one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Table Mountain. In front, lies the Atlantic Ocean and, not far offshore, is the infamous prison, Robben Island.

Take a guided tour and explore the V&A Waterfront’s more than 22 historical landmarks, like the Rat Catcher’s Cottage, ancient defensive fortifications, including the Chavonnes Battery Museum which, dating back to 1725, is the harbour’s oldest heritage site. The Iziko Maritime Centre is fascinating, as is the notorious Breakwater Prison, for 10 years one of the most feared prisons in the world, and Robinson Dry dock – the oldest operating dry dock in the world!

All this time travel builds up an appetite and, thankfully, the V&A is also a foodie heaven! Apart from the numerous world-class restaurants, the V&A Food Market is packed with delicious regional delicacies, artisanal breads and cheeses, craft beers, vegan treats, biltong – a South African speciality, and delectable ice cream.

At the V&A, fascinating history and scrumptious food mixes well with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments, and 450 retail outlets in 5 shopping districts. There’s something for everyone, from local designers to big international brands, sophisticated audio equipment and crafts, art and jewellery.

With the exciting shopping experiences, the diversity and history, hedonistic spa treatments and exceptional food, and creative, dynamic events held here - from stand-up comedians to ‘Sharktober’ at the Two Oceans Aquarium - it’s no wonder the V&A Waterfront attracts more than 23 million visitors a year!

What better way to discover a new city, especially one with as much history, and as many delights as Cape town, than with a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour. Cape Town is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Purchase either a 1or 2-day ticket and learn Cape Town’s history as the bus wends its way through the 368-year-old city.

As with any bus, if you see something you want to investigate further, simply jump off, explore to your heart’s content, then catch the next Hop On Hop Off bus that comes along, and pick up your tour right where you left off. Each tour narration is available in Spanish, Turkish, Zulu, Chinese, Dutch, English, Afrikaans, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Portuguese, and Russian. It’s the most cost-effective, and most informative, way to explore Cape Town.

The Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour has 4 different tours for you to choose from: the Red, Yellow, Blue or Purple Routes. The 2-day ticket also includes 2 walking tours, a harbour cruise, and a sunset bus tour during the summer season.

Starting at the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium, or any of the clearly branded bus stops along the tour routes, you can, depending on the tour you take, discover landmarks such as Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the Clock Tower, Green Point Lighthouse, St George’s Cathedral, the South African Museum and Planetarium, the Mount Nelson Hotel, the South African Jewish Museum and Holocaust Centre, the District 6 Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, the Company Gardens, and Constantia Valley.

The Cape Town Diamond Museum pays tribute to the world’s most precious gem, the diamond. A gift from Shimansky to the City of Cape Town, it is a non-profit organisation dedicated to educating, and creating an appreciation for the world’s oldest and most beautiful gem.

During a tour of the Cape Town Diamond Museum, you’ll witness a 3 billion year old story unfold as you’re taken through a diamond’s journey: from its creation at the core of the Earth, to the mine, and eventually, to the completed polished stone set in your precious jewellery creation.

The showrom for this Shimansky Rockwell Diamond Experience is ideally located in the trendy De Waterkant Village in Green Point, Cape Town, home to a variety of niche restaurants, cafes and retailers.

Visitors are offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to polish diamonds under the guidance of a Shimansky master craftsman. The first of its kind, this incomparable experience offers guests a better understanding of the skill required to perfect each and every Shimansky diamond jewellery creation.

During the Shimansky Rockwell Diamond Experience, guests will have the opportunity to explore over 3000 signature diamond and tanzanite jewellery creations in a very secure and private environment. Guests will receive complimentary South African wine upon arrival and a unique Gin & Wine Tasting Experience is also included. This 45-minute experience is offered in a variety of languages.

A trip up Table Mountain is quite rightly one of the first things a tourist wants to do when arriving in Cape Town.

Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa, the only flat-topped mountain in the world and one of the NEW7WONDERS of Nature. Starting with spectacular 360-degree views from the rotating cable car, you then marvel at the abundant views 1000m above the city below, and the awesome display of unique “fynbos” vegetation with a variety of over 2,200 species. The most common mammal found on the mountain, the “dassie” (pronounced “dussy”) or rock hyrax, is about 50 cm long, like a marmot but surprisingly more closely related to the elephant and manatee.

We can guarantee that you’ve never had a foodie experience like the one you’ll enjoy at GOLD Restaurant in Cape Town. It’s more than just a restaurant. It’s an immersive experience with a 14-dish taste-safari bringing you flavours and ingredients from across the African continent. Combine that with learning where the meals originate, how they’re cooked and what they’re spiced with and you have a taste experience like no other.

The entertainment at GOLD is as original and memorable as the food. The ancient and somewhat mystical art form of Mali puppetry, as well as storytelling through praise singing, dancing to the utterly authentic marimbas and the pre-dinner, interactive djembe drumming, not to mention the delicate and sophisticated Xhosa face-painting, Zulu warriors and calabash serenades brings diners face-to-face with the wild, colourful and beating heart of Africa.

The GOLD team come from all over Africa. Their traditions and creative ideas are part of their traditional costumes. They even hand-stitch their ideas and personalities into the table linens intricate patterns.

From Uganda to Burundi, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, the history of spices and how they impacted not just food but world politics, are an integral part of the Spice Experience at GOLD. Spices were once used as currency and now you can taste, smell and delight in an aromatic new world thanks to the African spice pastes and well-known African spice mixes to which the team at GOLD will introduce you. This private, one-on-one curated experience will take you on a unique story-telling and aromatic adventure.

Whether you come for dinner or the Spice Experience, GOLD Restaurant will transport you right into the beating heart of the vibrant African continent through their one-of-a-kind world.

There’s no snow, no ice, no polar bears… but there are penguins at Boulders Beach. Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town lies with the Table Mountain National Park. It consists of 1 penguin viewing area and 3 boardwalks lining the cove of 3 pristine, soft, white beaches which are sheltered by immense boulders from currents, wind and large waves. It’s the perfect place for the penguins to call home. The wheelchair-firendly boardwalks were built to allow visitors access across the dense vegetation to view these wonderful birds, while keeping the birds safe from poking fingers and the humans safe from razor sharp beaks. If the birds feel threatened they are likely to bite fingers or noses.

The penguins are known as the African Penguin, Cape Penguin, South African Penguin, Black-footed Penguin, or the Jackass Penguin because of their loud, donkey-like bray. They are the only penguin that breeds in Africa, the only one found on the south-west coast of Africa and live in only 24 colonies.

These delightful creatures are highly endangered and great care and respect must be shown towards them and their habitat at all times. In 1910, they numbered approximately one and a half million. By 1982, there were only 2 breeding pairs left. Huge conservation efforts were undertaken, and the Boulders Beach population rose to 3 900 birds in 2005. Since then there has been a decrease. The 2011 figures sit at around 2100 birds at Boulders Penguin Colony. To try and ensure their safety, the Table Mountain National Park services have banned alcohol and smoking in the area, as well as all vessels including canoes and kayaks. Under no circumstances may marine life or vegetation be removed.

The Cape of Good Hope was once called the Cape of Storms because of the often-terrifying weather and violent oceans which have wrecked ships on its coast since sailors first began to explore beyond the horizon. The most enduring legend is the phantom ship known as The Flying Dutchman. According to the tale, a sea captain found himself struggling to round the Cape of Good Hope during a ferocious storm. He swore that, even if he had to sail until Judgment Day, he would succeed. The Devil heard and the Flying Dutchman was condemned to stay at sea forever. Apparent sightings claim it glows with a ghostly light, spelling doom for anyone that sees the Dutchman. Rounding the Cape meant the possibility of finding a sea route to India and the East, so John II of Portugal renamed it the more optimistic Cape of Good Hope. The Cape has seen a lot of history. The Khoikhoi had lived in this area for about fifteen hundred years before the first European, Bartolomeu Dias, arrived in 1488. The Portuguese government erected two navigational beacons to commemorate the achievement. When lined up, the crosses point to Whittle Rock, a large, permanently submerged shipping hazard in False Bay. The Cape became such a proficient supply station for ships, especially those of the Dutch East India Company on their voyages east, that Cape Town became known as the Tavern of the Seas. In 1687, a community of Huguenots, fleeing religious persecution in France arrived and over the next 150 years the Cape colony gradually grew stretching hundreds of kilometres to the north and north-east. In 1795, it was occupied by Napoleon’s troops and then the British. Today, Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City, is also the country’s most cosmopolitan, thanks to its varied roots and layers of cultural influences. It’s also home to the the first world-class, custom-built, film studios in Africa rivalling both British and American film studios thanks to its stunning location, and weather.

The Cape of Good Hope is an integral part of the Cape Floristic Kingdom, the smallest but richest of the world's six floral kingdoms. This comprises a treasure trove of 1100 species of indigenous plants, a number are endemic, including the fynbos and the iconic proteas. The wildlife of the Cape of Good Hope is as much a treasure trove as the flora.

An hour's drive from Cape Town is the Cape Point Nature Reserve, one of the most scenically beautiful parks in South Africa. Mountains, oceans, history, wildlife on land and in the water, legends and views that are as vast as the horizon. Framing this wild and dangerous coast are the two peaks - Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Point is the south-western most point of the continent and Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip and it’s Cape Agulhas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Wild and unpredictable oceans through which sailors struggled for centuries before finally being able to navigate their way around the tip of Africa. Even on a good day, the icy wind blowing in from the Antarctic, is a good indication of why it was such a perilous journey. The Flying Dutchman funicular will carry you up to the old lighthouse standing among the thick fynbos, the panoramic views, and, in the springtime – August, September and October, possibly even the sight whales in the ocean below. The impressive old lighthouse was built in 1859, but instead of guiding ships to safety, it was often the cause of mishaps. Ironically, it sits too high above the ocean, so ships approaching from the east saw the light too clearly and approached too closely ending up on the rocks. The Cape Point Shipwreck Trail is the short – 3kms - easily accessible Oliantsbos trail leading down to the beach where you can see the remains of the SS Thomas T. Tucker. Once a WWII transport vessel it’s now a popular photography subject and home to the local birdlife.

Nearby are the crosses erected by the Portuguese King John II to Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias in recognition of their expeditions to and around the then named Cape of Storms. 

There are a number of secluded beaches in the reserve. Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif are relatively sheltered beaches. Their tidal pools are great for a post-hike dip. Diaz Beach is without a doubt one of Cape Town’s most beautiful but is a steep climb down and you can’t swim when you get there. Edged by wild, natural fynbos, with at least three shipwrecks, Olifantsbos Beach is also a marine protected area and has a nearby shallow lagoon, a favourite haunt of coastal birdlife.

Being a nature reserve Cape Point is home to a large variety of animals and bird life. Over 270 species of birds live here as well as antelope, Cape foxes, genets, polecats, mole rats, porcupines, mongooses, tortoises, and snakes.

The Cape Point is notorious for its strong icy winds even if the sun is shining. For the best experience you may want to consider a professional guide.

Chapman’s Peak Drive, or as it is known locally, Chappies, is a nail-biting 9 kilometres long, stretching from Noordhoek to Hout Bay. Vehicles swoop around 114 bends bounded on one side by huge vistas of the cold Atlantic Ocean, and on the other by the warm, russet-coloured granite and sandstone mountain, whose almost sheer cliff face soars 593m out of the sea. The views are spectacular and locals as well as tourists stop at the viewpoints to gaze over towards Hout Bay, the Sentinel Peak and the kilometres of pristine sand at Noordhoek Beach. Building Chapman’s Peak Drive was an extraordinary feat. It was carved out of the west-facing cliffs by convict labour between 1915 and 1922. Engineers said it couldn’t be done as the mountain was plagued by rockslides and bad weather. But the Cape Administrator, Sir Nicolas Frederick de Waal, believed otherwise. At first, it seemed the engineers were right. During its first 80 years, rockfalls and weather proved to be an enormous hazard. In 2009, the road was closed. The rockfall situation had to be solved. Engineers employed every new technology imaginable to tame the cliffs above. And they’ve succeeded. Their solutions as seemingly miraculous as the original construction. This spectacular drive forms the backdrop to two of the largest mass participation races in South Africa, the Cape Argus Cycle Race, and the Two Oceans’ Marathon. The 109 km long cycle race is the first event outside Europe to be included in the Union Cycliste Internationale's Golden Bike Series. it’s the world's largest individually timed cycle race with over 35 000 cyclists taking part. The Two Oceans is the world's most beautiful marathon. This56km ultramarathon and a 21km half-marathon is held annually on the Easter weekend.

Originally a small fishing village, Hout Bay (Wood Bay) or the Republic of Hout Bay as it’s affectionately called by the locals, has a name which dates back to 1653. The town was properly established in 1867 and is nestled in a once-deeply wooded valley on the Atlantic Seaboard between Llandudno and Noordhoek. The ancient, once-huge forests are still in evidence, but only in small, highly protected pockets. At the northern end of Hout Bay Valley, the Orangekloof Forest is the most intact and oldest indigenous mountain forest on Table Mountain.

Hout Bay is a popular day-trip destination for tourists thanks to its old-world charm, colourful multicultural ambience, stunning views, its beach and busy fishing harbour where tuna, crayfish and snoek are the regular catch of the day all make for a delightful experience. The bustling port area has seafood restaurants, craft stores and boating activities as well as fresh fish for sale.

Humans aren’t the only ones interested in the catch of the day. As many as 6 thousand Cape Fur seals reside on Duiker Island, a 40-minute boat cruise from Hout Bay Harbour. This child-friendly cruise is the perfect opportunity to see these exuberant and delightful creatures up close and in their natural habitat. To get there you travel past some of the most rugged scenery on the Western Cape including the bay, the Sentinel and Chapman’s Peak.

Duiker Island is a ‘pick-up’ spot for the Cape Fur Seals. The males congregate here while they wait to ‘come of age’ and breed with the females. The water around the island is far too rough and dangerous for pups forcing the females go elsewhere to give birth. The seals are a popular snack for Great White sharks, and you may be lucky enough to see one or two, as well as whales and dolphins while on your cruise.

Hout Bay’s active harbour serves a variety of fishing boats, charter boats and yachts. It is also the departure point for boat trips to the nearby Seal Island, home to a colony of around 6 000 Cape Fur Seals. The bustling port area also has a well-known seafood restaurant and a shop selling fresh fish.

Bay Harbour Market is situated on the water's edge in the old authentic part of the Hout Bay Harbour and comprises more than 100 stalls in an old fish factory, including external tented alleys and courtyards.

The new Belle Maroc Boutique Hotel in Blouberg is the quintessential experience for lovers of small luxury hotels. Simply meaning 'Beautiful Morocco', and standing against the magnificent backdrop of Blouberg, the Belle Maroc’s seductive harmony of design and indulgent elegance, transport you to a place of sophistication and exclusivity. During your stay, the subtle, yet enticing colours, textures, and Moroccan ambiance, with the added benefit of free WiFi, makes Belle Maroc a memorable base from which to explore Cape Town.

The property is located approximately 7 miles from V&A Waterfront, Canal Walk and Robben Island Ferry, 8 miles from Cape Town International Convention Centre, and 11 miles from Table Mountain. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 14 miles from Belle Maroc. Mediclinic Milnerton is 5 miles from the hotel. Staff are available 24-hours at the front desk.

The Flying Dutchman funicular takes visitors at Cape Point up to the lighthouse, where there is an outstanding view of the point and ocean. The funicular is named after a ghost ship whose destiny it is to sail the oceans forever. More information can be found at the museum.

The Sisonke Township Half Day Tour offers an immersive journey for those seeking to explore the other side of Cape Town. On the tour, participants can experience interactions with locals such as herbalists, dancers and teachers who live and work in these settlements. The tour encompasses visits to several key locations, including District Six, Langa, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, and Heideveld. These areas each hold unique stories and cultural significance, offering a rich tapestry of life in the townships. The tour package includes entrance fees and a registered tourist guide in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The name Blouberg (literally meaning blue mountain) is derived from Blaauwberg, a nearby mountain.

Blouberg is situated just south of Cape Town, along the coast. It is a popular location for a classic view of Table Mountain across the bay. Robben Island is located 6,9 km west of the coast of Bloubergstrand.

The wider Blouberg region is an area which includes suburbs such as Parklands North, Sunningdale, Waves Edge, Parklands, West Beach, Blouberg Rise, Bloubergstrand, Bloubergrant, Big Bay, Flamingo Vlei, Table View, Parklands East, Sagewood, Sandown, Sunridge, Table View, West Riding, and Blouberg Sands.

The area also has historical significance as site of the Battle of Bloubergstrand. In 1806 the British stormed the Cape’s west coast and defeated the Dutch on Blouberg Hill, a victory which led to the second British occupation of the colony.

The commute to Cape Town’s CBD is approximately one hour in peak traffic and a mere 25 minutes out of peak traffic. The advantage of living here is that the MyCiti bus service has most of this area covered, and you can choose to use this instead of driving to and from the city.

"Harry die Strandloper", or Hadah, was the leader of the Goringhaikonas, who were the first people documented to live in Blouberg. Because of Hadah’s entrusted duties to deliver letters to the British seafaring community, he became the first postmaster in South Africa.

In 1806, the first casualties of the Battle of Blaauwberg drowned when their boat was driven by the large surf into the rocky point at the end of Stadler road and it capsized. The invading British forces went on to defeat the defending Dutch forces and subsequently occupied the whole of the Cape Colony. This was an initial step in the major colonisation that took place throughout southern Africa.

This Stellenbosch wine farm, Neethlingshof Wine Estate, has a distinguished history that dates back to 1705, when the first grapes were harvested from Neethlingshof vines. Over the years, eight discernible goût de terroirs have been identified on the estate and each of these has been planted with the grape varietal most suited to it, ensuring optimal growing conditions and ultimately, magnificent wines.

Apart from traditional wine tastings, visitors can spend idyllic and sensory filled hours in the modern, stylish and high functioning space created for the “Flash Food, Slow Wine" pairings - tastes of finely crafted wines paired with delectable bite sized portions of food.  The Lord Neethling restaurant is housed in the estate’s 200-year-old Cape Dutch homestead and serves classic Continental cuisine.

Founded 1693, the Fairview Wine Estate working farm focuses mainly on creating sustainable and artisanal fine wine and cheese produce, making The Fairview Tasting Room one of the most popular Cape wine lands attractions. The tasting room consists of 4 unique, barrel-shaped ‘pods’ that facilitate a welcoming and more social wine tasting experience. The custom-designed pods offer a tasting selection of 6 diverse exclusive wines paired with a range of Fairview cow and goat’s milk cheese.

One of the most popular stops along the Paarl wine route, Fairview Wine Estate is more than just a winery – it’s also famous for its range of cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses, which have won numerous awards and are distributed countrywide. A range of local produce can be purchased direct from the farm – cheese and olive oil from the deli, fresh bread from the bakery and vino from the cellar. Or if you prefer dining indoors you can follow up a wine tasting with a Mediterranean meal from the farm's Goatshed Restaurant.

The new Belle Maroc Boutique Hotel in Blouberg is the quintessential experience for lovers of small luxury hotels. Simply meaning 'Beautiful Morocco', and standing against the magnificent backdrop of Blouberg, the Belle Maroc’s seductive harmony of design and indulgent elegance, transport you to a place of sophistication and exclusivity. During your stay, the subtle, yet enticing colours, textures, and Moroccan ambiance, with the added benefit of free WiFi, makes Belle Maroc a memorable base from which to explore Cape Town.

The property is located approximately 7 miles from V&A Waterfront, Canal Walk and Robben Island Ferry, 8 miles from Cape Town International Convention Centre, and 11 miles from Table Mountain. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 14 miles from Belle Maroc. Mediclinic Milnerton is 5 miles from the hotel. Staff are available 24-hours at the front desk.