After heading out of Lesotho we started to make our way along the Garden Route towards Cape Town. The South African scenery is amazing; it has everything from grasslands to rugged mountains to beautiful long beaches; it's a pity we flew through it. We could have done with spending so much more time there. Our first stop was Addo Elephant NP where we were staying for a night. There was a bit of grumbling from the group about going to this particular park. We'd been through Hwange and Chobe NP, both of which are famed for their elephant populations and the new guys to the group had seen heaps of elephants but no cats. Hilary, who's doing a bit of travel by herself, was armed with the Lonely Planet and was naming other parks nearby where we could have gone instead but the itinerary was set and Addo had been booked by the UK so there was no getting out of it.
Addo was a nice surprise. The South African parks are very well organised. The facilities are all very modern and tidy, the campsites, allocated, are separated by hedges to give you some privacy and all are equipped with a braai (bbq to the rest of us!). We set up camp, grabbed some lunch and headed out in Claudia for our first game drive. Although I do like game drives in landrovers, Claudia wasn't too bad, with only seven of us, there were heaps of spare windows so we could duck from side to side to take photos. The NP office has a sighting board which shows where animals such as lions have been seen so it was in that direction we headed first, however, the sightings were in the morning and by the time we got there, they were long gone. Rather predictably, we did see heaps of elephants. One interesting fact about Southern African national parks - did you know that oranges are banned in a lot of parks? Apparently they used truck loads of oranges to feed elephants during the droughts in the 70's and ever since, elephants, who have a great sense of smell will attempt to get them out of your cars etc. True. After our game drive, we headed back to camp for the evening and another early night. The following morning it was back up and out for the next game drive. Mark and Mat swapped around with Mat driving and Mark doing the spotting, it was nice to see Mark getting excited about something that wasn't a girl for a change! We headed around the park and we lucky to come across a big male lion crossing the road. Unfortunately, the down side of Claudia on safari is that she's very loud so we were too scared to go any closer in case we'd scare him off so we hung back a bit and he very quickly disappeared behind a small hill. We followed the road round a bit further and came across two lionesses and their three cubs. The group was in the scrub over one side of the road and slowly, one by one they came out; first the lionesses followed by the cubs. I have to admit we did get a wee bit excited, they were heading for the road and on the other side were zebras. We were hoping for a kill. All we got was a slow saunter. Oh well, at least it kept Cath and Graham happy, it was the first lions they'd seen in the wild. After driving around for a while and not seeing much else, we headed back to camp for breakfast, to pack up and head off towards Tsitsikamma.
Tsitsikamma is a mountainous national park which borders the rugged, windswept coast. Once again, all the campsites are well maintained and the place was very popular with campers. Firstly, we headed into the activity centre at Storms River so we could book any activities we wanted to do for the following day. I'd had my eye on a canopy tour in the forest and headed over with Hilary to book. After a bit of faffing around, Hilary decided to have a look at what else was on offer so I booked for myself. Twenty minutes later it was all change, both Hilary and Mark had booked so they changed my time for an hour later, no skin off my nose, it just meant more of a sleep in. After booking activities and topping up the alcohol supplies we headed for the campsite to get set up. Once again it was an allocated campsite so we pulled in, got the truck into a decent position and all piled out. You would have thought the locals had never seen a truck before; mouths were gaping, eyes were staring. We attracted much attention as we all got out our tents and set up. The camp site had a laundry so most of us decided to get some washing done. We sorted out piles and headed over to the machines only to find that they only took R$5 coins and there was nowhere to get change. Heidi and Mat and Cath and Graham managed to scrape together some change but everyone else lucked out. We did a bit of a search around looking for ‘volunteer rangers' to change some money for us and even walked round the cove to the shop but nope, no coins. Needless to say, I was a little annoyed. Heidi decided to head up to the park office at the top of the hill, I didn't feel inclined to join her so I decided I'd get the change back in the village the next day.
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Addo Elephant Park South Africa
Monday, December 13, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Day 5 in South Africa: Constantia, Cape Point and sheet rain
The final day of my South African itinerary was a really good one, only partially spoiled by some really awful weather. From lunchtime onwards, it poured with rain in true English fashion. This was pretty annoying, because we had left some time free in the afternoon for some R&R – specifically, we'd planned to go down to Boulders Beach to see the penguins. This was not to be.
The day started with a visit to Klein Constantia, where winemaker Adam Mason gave us a tour of their wonderfully scenic vineyards followed by a vertical tasting of the Vin de Constance, their remarkable sweet wine. It acknowledges the great sweet wines of hundreds of years ago coming from this region, which were among the most sought after in the world, but which went out of production. Klein Constantia revived them, and this tasting showed that it's a really serious wine that ages beautifully. The 1999 was my favourite of a very high quality line-up.
Our driver couldn't seem to find our next appointment – Eagles' Nest, a new Constantia producer. But eventually we did, and it was well worthwhile. They're making three wines: Merlot, Shiraz and Viognier, from some steep slopes on the side of the mountain. The Merlot is pure, refined and elegant, the Shiraz very old-world Syrah-style, with meat, pepper and vibrant fruit, and the Viognier is probably the best I've tasted from South Africa. One to watch.
Then, to the final appointment of the trip: Cape Point, with winemaker Duncan Savage (above). We tasted the wines over a really good lunch at the Food Barn, and I was very impressed. Duncan is known for making one of South Africa's top-rated Sauvignons, but he also does great Chardonnay and Semillon. He's currently shifting the focus of his Sauvignon away from the more methoxypyrazine style to one with more richness and depth, and he's stopping doing the Semillon because he wants to use this variety more as a blending component. These already wonderful wines will probably get even better. By the time we finished lunch the sheet rain had set in, so the visit to the beautiful Cape Point vineyard was a brief and damp one.
Article Source
5 Mountain Passes Day Tour
The day started with a visit to Klein Constantia, where winemaker Adam Mason gave us a tour of their wonderfully scenic vineyards followed by a vertical tasting of the Vin de Constance, their remarkable sweet wine. It acknowledges the great sweet wines of hundreds of years ago coming from this region, which were among the most sought after in the world, but which went out of production. Klein Constantia revived them, and this tasting showed that it's a really serious wine that ages beautifully. The 1999 was my favourite of a very high quality line-up.
Our driver couldn't seem to find our next appointment – Eagles' Nest, a new Constantia producer. But eventually we did, and it was well worthwhile. They're making three wines: Merlot, Shiraz and Viognier, from some steep slopes on the side of the mountain. The Merlot is pure, refined and elegant, the Shiraz very old-world Syrah-style, with meat, pepper and vibrant fruit, and the Viognier is probably the best I've tasted from South Africa. One to watch.
Then, to the final appointment of the trip: Cape Point, with winemaker Duncan Savage (above). We tasted the wines over a really good lunch at the Food Barn, and I was very impressed. Duncan is known for making one of South Africa's top-rated Sauvignons, but he also does great Chardonnay and Semillon. He's currently shifting the focus of his Sauvignon away from the more methoxypyrazine style to one with more richness and depth, and he's stopping doing the Semillon because he wants to use this variety more as a blending component. These already wonderful wines will probably get even better. By the time we finished lunch the sheet rain had set in, so the visit to the beautiful Cape Point vineyard was a brief and damp one.
Article Source
5 Mountain Passes Day Tour
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Durbanville Holiday Rentals
The town is centrally situated to main highways including the N1 motorway to Cape Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Boland towns.
This area is the ultimate destination for visitors wishing to relax in a secure and upmarket environment and also to be close enough to access all amenities with ease and also offers tourist the best of both worlds. The quiet tranquility of the upmarket Northern Suburbs or the buzz of nightlife, offering different restaurants, theatres and exciting wine estates all on our doorstep.
The Durbanville Wine Valley is located just twenty minutes drive from Cape Town. The town has grown during the past few years providing its popularity as an ideal destination.
Beaches close by are a 20minute drive away, wonderful to relax and even eat out at a romantic seafood restaurant while watching the sun set and the whales at play in the bay.
There are many talents in this industrious town. From potters to manufacturing jewelers, winemakers, cheesemakers, quilters, artists, prize gardeners, taylors, medical specialists, photographers and many more.
Durbanville falls in a winter rainfall region, it has a typical Mediterranean climate, cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
At Durbanville there is something for everyone to do. The area is central, secure, private and you can have loads of fun.
Source: Durbanville Holiday Accommodation
This area is the ultimate destination for visitors wishing to relax in a secure and upmarket environment and also to be close enough to access all amenities with ease and also offers tourist the best of both worlds. The quiet tranquility of the upmarket Northern Suburbs or the buzz of nightlife, offering different restaurants, theatres and exciting wine estates all on our doorstep.
The Durbanville Wine Valley is located just twenty minutes drive from Cape Town. The town has grown during the past few years providing its popularity as an ideal destination.
Beaches close by are a 20minute drive away, wonderful to relax and even eat out at a romantic seafood restaurant while watching the sun set and the whales at play in the bay.
There are many talents in this industrious town. From potters to manufacturing jewelers, winemakers, cheesemakers, quilters, artists, prize gardeners, taylors, medical specialists, photographers and many more.
Durbanville falls in a winter rainfall region, it has a typical Mediterranean climate, cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
At Durbanville there is something for everyone to do. The area is central, secure, private and you can have loads of fun.
Source: Durbanville Holiday Accommodation
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Perfect Climate in South Africa for the Wine Industry
In South Africa, viticulture originated and still mainly takes place at a latitude of 27°-34° south in an area with a Mediterranean climate. The Western Cape is cooler than its position might suggest, with conditions that are ideal for growing a wide range of noble wine cultivars. The traditional winegrowing areas along the coastal zone are seldom more than 50 km from the ocean and experience beneficial coastal conditions, especially cool sea breezes. The temperate climate features warm summers and cool winters with frost rarely a problem.
Rain falls mainly between May and August, and diminishes in a northerly and northeasterly direction, in the latter case caused by the prominent mountain ranges which follow the coastline, making irrigation essential in these areas. Temperature is probably one of the most important factors affecting the grapevine as it has an effect on almost every aspect of its functioning. Temperatures follow an inverse pattern to rainfall, increasing in a northerly direction and with distance from the sea.
The impressive Cape mountain ranges form a dramatic backdrop to one of the most beautiful wine-producing areas of the world. The vineyards lie on the valley sides and mountain foothills, benefiting from the many different mesoclimates offered by the mountainous terrain and diverse terroirs. There's constant interaction between the rugged peaks and multi-directional valley slopes, and the proximity of two mighty oceans - in particular the Atlantic, chilled by the icy Benguela current which flows northwards up the west coast of Africa from Antarctica - moderates the summer warmth. Cooling moisture-laden breezes blow in from the sea during the afternoon, and seasonal fog is prevalent. Adequate sunshine plays an important role too.
Macro-, Meso- and Microclimates
Climate is described in viticulture on three levels, namely macroclimate, mesoclimate and microclimate. Macroclimate is the climate of a region. Mesoclimate differs from the macroclimate of the region due to differences in altitude, slope inclination, aspect or distance from large bodies of water; this term usually describes the climate of a particular vineyard. Microclimate is the climate immediately within and surrounding a plant canopy and can differ within a few centimetres and seconds.
The Cape Doctor
This legendary - and sometimes ferocious - southeasterly wind blows across the southwestern Cape during the spring and summer months. Living up to its name, it inhibits the development of disease in the vineyards. The southeaster has a moderating influence on temperature, lowering it by several degrees. It occasionally brings rain to the most southern vineyards in the coastal zone and more seldom carries moisture to the vineyards beyond the first range of mountains.
The effects of sea breezes
The ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij automatic weather station network has been installed in the Cape for a number of years, allowing for climatic investigation with the priority being viticultural terroir identification. In the Western Cape there is a significant contrast between the cool ocean and the warm inland temperatures as shown on the NOAA Satellites and Information image below. This results in a fequent occurrence of the sea breeze, especially during the maturation period in February (Bonnardot, 1997; 2000) when land temperatures are high (mean February temperature is 22°C at Cape Town International airport compared to 23°C past the first mountain range) and the ocean remains cool due to the cold Benguela current (below 15°C in some places).
Article Source
See here for information regarding Cape Town Wine Tours
Rain falls mainly between May and August, and diminishes in a northerly and northeasterly direction, in the latter case caused by the prominent mountain ranges which follow the coastline, making irrigation essential in these areas. Temperature is probably one of the most important factors affecting the grapevine as it has an effect on almost every aspect of its functioning. Temperatures follow an inverse pattern to rainfall, increasing in a northerly direction and with distance from the sea.
The impressive Cape mountain ranges form a dramatic backdrop to one of the most beautiful wine-producing areas of the world. The vineyards lie on the valley sides and mountain foothills, benefiting from the many different mesoclimates offered by the mountainous terrain and diverse terroirs. There's constant interaction between the rugged peaks and multi-directional valley slopes, and the proximity of two mighty oceans - in particular the Atlantic, chilled by the icy Benguela current which flows northwards up the west coast of Africa from Antarctica - moderates the summer warmth. Cooling moisture-laden breezes blow in from the sea during the afternoon, and seasonal fog is prevalent. Adequate sunshine plays an important role too.
Macro-, Meso- and Microclimates
Climate is described in viticulture on three levels, namely macroclimate, mesoclimate and microclimate. Macroclimate is the climate of a region. Mesoclimate differs from the macroclimate of the region due to differences in altitude, slope inclination, aspect or distance from large bodies of water; this term usually describes the climate of a particular vineyard. Microclimate is the climate immediately within and surrounding a plant canopy and can differ within a few centimetres and seconds.
The Cape Doctor
This legendary - and sometimes ferocious - southeasterly wind blows across the southwestern Cape during the spring and summer months. Living up to its name, it inhibits the development of disease in the vineyards. The southeaster has a moderating influence on temperature, lowering it by several degrees. It occasionally brings rain to the most southern vineyards in the coastal zone and more seldom carries moisture to the vineyards beyond the first range of mountains.
The effects of sea breezes
The ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij automatic weather station network has been installed in the Cape for a number of years, allowing for climatic investigation with the priority being viticultural terroir identification. In the Western Cape there is a significant contrast between the cool ocean and the warm inland temperatures as shown on the NOAA Satellites and Information image below. This results in a fequent occurrence of the sea breeze, especially during the maturation period in February (Bonnardot, 1997; 2000) when land temperatures are high (mean February temperature is 22°C at Cape Town International airport compared to 23°C past the first mountain range) and the ocean remains cool due to the cold Benguela current (below 15°C in some places).
Article Source
See here for information regarding Cape Town Wine Tours
South African Plants - Poverty Of Plant Life - Fynbos, Forest, Karoo, Grassland, And Savannah
South Africa's large areas of semi-desert scrub and grassland might suggest a certain poverty of plant life. Aside from the fact that a tract of pristine grassland can hold up to 60 grass species, nothing could be further from the truth.
There are five major habitat types in South Africa: fynbos, forest, Karoo, grassland, and savannah. The country can also be divided into seven biomes, or ecological life zones, with distinct environmental conditions and related sets of plant and animal life: Nama Karoo, succulent Karoo, fynbos, forest, thicket, savanna, and grassland.
Whichever classification is used, some 10% of the world's flowering species are found in South Africa, the only country in the world with an entire plant kingdom inside its borders: the Cape Floristic Kingdom, which contains 8 600 species, 68% of them endemic. The Cape Peninsula alone boasts more plant species than the whole of Great Britain.
Fynbos:
This southwestern area of South Africa is the home of the fynbos, which is composed of ericas (heathers), proteas and the grass-like restios. Most spectacular in flower are the proteas, which include the king protea - the national flower - and others of broadly similar shape, the pincushion leucospermum types and spiky leucadendrons. The colour range is vast.
The ericas, the largest genus of flowering plants in South Africa, are more delicate, repaying close examination of their almost infinite variety of colour and form. One or other of these species will be found in bloom at almost any time of the year.
These share their Cape home with such beauties as the red disa orchid, one of South Africa's 550 wild orchids, which grows in the mountains, as well as numerous irises, pelargoniums and many more.
South Africa's pelargoniums, in particular, have contributed greatly to gardens all over the world, as have the arum lilies - the classic white species is from this area, the yellow and pink from elsewhere in the country.
The world's gardens also have South Africa to thank for the agapanthus, gladiolus, Barberton daisy and Gardenia thunbergia, to name a few.
Carpet of flowers:
The Cape in the spring is a breathtaking sight, but even more astonishing is Namaqualand. Dry, rocky and desert-like for the rest of the year, it yields its floral wealth for a short few weeks in the spring in dazzling sheets of colour.
The golden yellow and orange Namaqualand daisies are predominant, but in between them are a wide variety of flowers, including the iridescent succulent mesembryanthemums. Colours here are particularly intense, although there is also much fascination in less colourful species such as the quiver tree (the San, or Bushmen, used to make quivers from its fibrous stem) and the bizarre-looking tall succulent known as the halfmens (half human).
And anyone interested in plants' abilitiesto adapt to harsh circumstances in a myriad different ways (not all are succulents) need not wait for spring to visit the area.
Forests:
Although South Africa has more than a thousand indigenous trees, large species are relatively scarce in many parts of the country.
But they are very much at home in some areas, such as the Knysna-Tsitsikamma forest with its tall stinkwoods, black ironwoods and yellowwoods, and the northeastern region in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, home to the ancient cycads and Lowveld species such as the fever tree - so called because of its association with malaria areas.
It is also in the north that one finds the famous thick-stemmed baobab, which according to African myth was accidentally planted upside down, accounting for the odd shape of its branches.
Then there are the forests of KwaZulu-Natal, where the beautiful shade-loving orange Clivia miniata, a now much cultivated member of the amaryllis family, is found.
Another popular orange (and purple) garden flower, now the emblem of the US city of Los Angeles, originates in the Eastern Cape: the strelitzia. In much the same colour range, South Africa's winters are marked by the flowering of some of the country's 140 species of aloes.
The Eastern Cape's Greater Addo National Park, which stretches 200 kilometres from the coast to the Karoo, includes samples of six of the seven South African biomes mentioned above, lacking only the succulent Karoo.
Article source
See here for information regarding Garden Route tours
There are five major habitat types in South Africa: fynbos, forest, Karoo, grassland, and savannah. The country can also be divided into seven biomes, or ecological life zones, with distinct environmental conditions and related sets of plant and animal life: Nama Karoo, succulent Karoo, fynbos, forest, thicket, savanna, and grassland.
Whichever classification is used, some 10% of the world's flowering species are found in South Africa, the only country in the world with an entire plant kingdom inside its borders: the Cape Floristic Kingdom, which contains 8 600 species, 68% of them endemic. The Cape Peninsula alone boasts more plant species than the whole of Great Britain.
Fynbos:
This southwestern area of South Africa is the home of the fynbos, which is composed of ericas (heathers), proteas and the grass-like restios. Most spectacular in flower are the proteas, which include the king protea - the national flower - and others of broadly similar shape, the pincushion leucospermum types and spiky leucadendrons. The colour range is vast.
The ericas, the largest genus of flowering plants in South Africa, are more delicate, repaying close examination of their almost infinite variety of colour and form. One or other of these species will be found in bloom at almost any time of the year.
These share their Cape home with such beauties as the red disa orchid, one of South Africa's 550 wild orchids, which grows in the mountains, as well as numerous irises, pelargoniums and many more.
South Africa's pelargoniums, in particular, have contributed greatly to gardens all over the world, as have the arum lilies - the classic white species is from this area, the yellow and pink from elsewhere in the country.
The world's gardens also have South Africa to thank for the agapanthus, gladiolus, Barberton daisy and Gardenia thunbergia, to name a few.
Carpet of flowers:
The Cape in the spring is a breathtaking sight, but even more astonishing is Namaqualand. Dry, rocky and desert-like for the rest of the year, it yields its floral wealth for a short few weeks in the spring in dazzling sheets of colour.
The golden yellow and orange Namaqualand daisies are predominant, but in between them are a wide variety of flowers, including the iridescent succulent mesembryanthemums. Colours here are particularly intense, although there is also much fascination in less colourful species such as the quiver tree (the San, or Bushmen, used to make quivers from its fibrous stem) and the bizarre-looking tall succulent known as the halfmens (half human).
And anyone interested in plants' abilitiesto adapt to harsh circumstances in a myriad different ways (not all are succulents) need not wait for spring to visit the area.
Forests:
Although South Africa has more than a thousand indigenous trees, large species are relatively scarce in many parts of the country.
But they are very much at home in some areas, such as the Knysna-Tsitsikamma forest with its tall stinkwoods, black ironwoods and yellowwoods, and the northeastern region in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, home to the ancient cycads and Lowveld species such as the fever tree - so called because of its association with malaria areas.
It is also in the north that one finds the famous thick-stemmed baobab, which according to African myth was accidentally planted upside down, accounting for the odd shape of its branches.
Then there are the forests of KwaZulu-Natal, where the beautiful shade-loving orange Clivia miniata, a now much cultivated member of the amaryllis family, is found.
Another popular orange (and purple) garden flower, now the emblem of the US city of Los Angeles, originates in the Eastern Cape: the strelitzia. In much the same colour range, South Africa's winters are marked by the flowering of some of the country's 140 species of aloes.
The Eastern Cape's Greater Addo National Park, which stretches 200 kilometres from the coast to the Karoo, includes samples of six of the seven South African biomes mentioned above, lacking only the succulent Karoo.
Article source
See here for information regarding Garden Route tours
Thursday, July 29, 2010
West Coast Flowers
Springtime is flower time and this flower tour is offered from August to September when the West Coast is transformed into a wild flower wonderland.
Featuring:
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch is an absolute must see for anyone visiting Cape Town. It is a beautiful public garden perfect for a quiet stroll or a picnic with friends and family.
here is some interesting info about Kistenbosch courtesy of Wikipedia:
The garden is one of eight National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes. When Kirstenbosch, the most famous of the gardens, was founded in 1913 to preserve the country's unique flora, it was the first botanical garden in the world with this ethos. Furthermore, what makes the Gardens so famous worldwide is that (with minor exceptions) only indigenous plants are cultivated.
The garden includes a large, indoor greenhouse exhibiting plants from a number of different regions, including savanna, fynbos, karoo and others. Outdoors, the focus moves to plants native to the Cape region, highlighted by the spectacular collections of proteas. Kirstenbosch enjoys great popularity with residents and visitors. From the gardens several trails lead off along and up the mountain slopes and these are much used by walkers and mountaineers. One of the trails, up a ravine called Skeleton Gorge, is an easy and popular route to the summit of Table Mountain. This route is also known as Smuts' Track after Prime Minister Jan Smuts who used this route regularly. On the slopes above the cultivated parts of the garden a contour path leads through forests to Constantia Nek to the south. The same contour path can be followed to the north for many kilometres and it will take the hiker past the Rhodes Memorial to the slopes of Devil's Peak and beyond.
Kirstenbosch regularly exhibits Zimbabwean stone sculptures in the gardens. Many of the artists are associated with Chapungu Sculpture Park in Zimbabwe.
In summer, a popular series of outdoor concerts are held in the gardens on Sunday evenings.
If you are interested in going on a guided tour of Kirstenbosch check out these Cape Town Tours
here is some interesting info about Kistenbosch courtesy of Wikipedia:
The garden is one of eight National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes. When Kirstenbosch, the most famous of the gardens, was founded in 1913 to preserve the country's unique flora, it was the first botanical garden in the world with this ethos. Furthermore, what makes the Gardens so famous worldwide is that (with minor exceptions) only indigenous plants are cultivated.
The garden includes a large, indoor greenhouse exhibiting plants from a number of different regions, including savanna, fynbos, karoo and others. Outdoors, the focus moves to plants native to the Cape region, highlighted by the spectacular collections of proteas. Kirstenbosch enjoys great popularity with residents and visitors. From the gardens several trails lead off along and up the mountain slopes and these are much used by walkers and mountaineers. One of the trails, up a ravine called Skeleton Gorge, is an easy and popular route to the summit of Table Mountain. This route is also known as Smuts' Track after Prime Minister Jan Smuts who used this route regularly. On the slopes above the cultivated parts of the garden a contour path leads through forests to Constantia Nek to the south. The same contour path can be followed to the north for many kilometres and it will take the hiker past the Rhodes Memorial to the slopes of Devil's Peak and beyond.
Kirstenbosch regularly exhibits Zimbabwean stone sculptures in the gardens. Many of the artists are associated with Chapungu Sculpture Park in Zimbabwe.
In summer, a popular series of outdoor concerts are held in the gardens on Sunday evenings.
If you are interested in going on a guided tour of Kirstenbosch check out these Cape Town Tours
Thursday, June 17, 2010
5 Different things to do in Cape Town
If you are tired of hearing suggestions to go to Kirstenbosch or the Waterfront while you are in Cape Town here are 5 alternative activities which you can do.
Source
If you are going to be visiting Cape Town check out these Cape Town Day Tours.
| 1). The Scratch Patch (mining for kids) in Simons Town | |
 If you take a trip out to Simon’s Town or Cape Point, stop off at the Topstones Factory. At their world famous "Scratch Patch" you can rustle around among the thousands of tumble-polished gemstones that cover the floor and fill a small bag with stones to take home with you. You can also tour the Topstones factory and watch gemstones being tumble- polished and crafted into a wide variety of products. Where? Dido Valley Road in Simons Town. Telephone 021 786-2020. Open every day. | |
| 2). Stop off at the Brass Bell for a beer or meal. | |
| The Brass Bell is a popular waterside pub with four restaurants and three bars built almost in the water (the sea spray splashes against the windows). The downstairs area can get pretty festive and rowdy, so if you are looking for something more restive, book a table upstairs. (magnificent views over the sea). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Where? Next to Kalk Bay Station, Main Road, Kalk Bay. Telephone: 021 788-5456. | |
| 3). Muizenberg Toy Museum | |
| The Muizenberg Toy Museum has a fascinating collection of early toys dating from the turn of the last century. The museum contains a shop specialising in obsolete and current toys and models - a must for any collector. Situated opposite the Fun Park, this is an ideal opportunity to visit a freshwater swimming pool, with children's paddling pool, swings & slides, boating pool and Fun Golf - right on the beachfront. And for the more adventurous - a water slide. Where? Beach Road, Muizenberg. Opening hours: Daily from 10am - 4pm, Closed Mondays. | |
| 4). Indoor Karting in Kenilworth | |
| The well designed, indoor circuit at Kenilworth Karting offers fun filled experience for young and old. On arrival you will be briefed on the cars and the racing rules. You then hit the starting grid and the racing action begins. Beginner or experienced, kart racing offers you a heart racing activity that is loads of fun. Compare lap times and race positions on the computer printout after the race. Where? Kenilworth Karting is located behind Access Park in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Open Mondays to Thursdays from 13:00 - 23:00. Fridays from 11:00 - 23:00. Telephone: 021 683-2670. | |
| 5). Visit the South African Rugby Museum in Newlands | |
| A visit to the South African rugby museum has become a regular port of call for locals and tourists visiting the city of Cape Town. The museum is on the ground floor of the Sport Science Institute in Newlands, just a kick away from the Newlands stadium. The SA rugby museum is crammed full of activities, exhibitions and insights into the world of rugby. The museum features rotating exhibitions and special attractions, which will fascinate both local and international visitors whether they be players or supporters.. |
Source
If you are going to be visiting Cape Town check out these Cape Town Day Tours.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Cape Town City and Table Mountain - "The Mother City"
Explore Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities, cradled in the amphitheatre formed by Table Mountain, Lion's Head and Devil's Peak.
Things to do in Cape Town:
Rising 1087 meters above the "Mother City", the grandeur of Table Mountain can be seen 200 kilometres away from sea, and for centuries provided a welcome site to the exhausted sailors who visited the "Taverns of the Seas" after spending an average of 6 months at sea. The sight of Table Mountain with its flat top must surely be the most well known landmark in the Southern hemisphere. Weather permitting, we undertake a cable car ride to reach the summit from where one has the perfect 360ยบ view of the "fairest Cape in the world".
The Castle of Good Hope, oldest European structure in South Africa, was built to protect the early Dutch Settlers against possible attacks by other European powers. Walking through its formidable entrance one is transported back in time to the late 1600's on experiencing the cobblestone floors, sundials on the original walls and the beautiful balcony that was the stage from where the Governor made his important announcements. Aside from the Changing of the Guards ceremony that is still performed, the Castle today protects valuable collections of Chinese Porcelain, old Cape furniture, Artwork and Cape Silverware.
The Malay Quarter, also referred to as the Bo-Kaap (when translated meaning Upper-Cape) is an extremely colourful area situated on higher ground than Cape Town itself and reminds one of the Mother City's days gone by. It boasts a distinctive Muslim flavor with beautiful small mosques, as many of the people who live in the Bo-Kaap are direct descendants of the former slaves from far away places like Malaysia, Java, Indonesia and the various Portuguese Spice Islands.
The oldest garden in South Africa, the Dutch East India Company Gardens started as a fruit and vegetable garden to provide for the many sailors on their long journey from Europe to the Spice Islands in the East. The purpose was to reduce the number of people who suffered from scurvy. As the Cape developed and more farms was established, the Garden gradually changed into the botanical pleasure garden it is today, still frequented by many a Capetonian on their lunch breaks.
Cape Town's link with the sea, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is a result of reclaiming the historic waterfront of Cape Town, and reuniting the Capetonians with their heritage - the sparkle of the sea. The V&A Waterfront offers a wide variety of entertainment, present-day shops and restaurants to enjoy in Victorian style.
Suggested Lunch options are restaurants around the vibrant Green Market Square in the centre of Cape Town with its flea market and interesting mix of "characters" or the V&A Waterfront with its endless choice of restaurants.
Interested in taking a tour of Cape Town? Check out cape town tours
Things to do in Cape Town:
Rising 1087 meters above the "Mother City", the grandeur of Table Mountain can be seen 200 kilometres away from sea, and for centuries provided a welcome site to the exhausted sailors who visited the "Taverns of the Seas" after spending an average of 6 months at sea. The sight of Table Mountain with its flat top must surely be the most well known landmark in the Southern hemisphere. Weather permitting, we undertake a cable car ride to reach the summit from where one has the perfect 360ยบ view of the "fairest Cape in the world".
The Castle of Good Hope, oldest European structure in South Africa, was built to protect the early Dutch Settlers against possible attacks by other European powers. Walking through its formidable entrance one is transported back in time to the late 1600's on experiencing the cobblestone floors, sundials on the original walls and the beautiful balcony that was the stage from where the Governor made his important announcements. Aside from the Changing of the Guards ceremony that is still performed, the Castle today protects valuable collections of Chinese Porcelain, old Cape furniture, Artwork and Cape Silverware.
The Malay Quarter, also referred to as the Bo-Kaap (when translated meaning Upper-Cape) is an extremely colourful area situated on higher ground than Cape Town itself and reminds one of the Mother City's days gone by. It boasts a distinctive Muslim flavor with beautiful small mosques, as many of the people who live in the Bo-Kaap are direct descendants of the former slaves from far away places like Malaysia, Java, Indonesia and the various Portuguese Spice Islands.
The oldest garden in South Africa, the Dutch East India Company Gardens started as a fruit and vegetable garden to provide for the many sailors on their long journey from Europe to the Spice Islands in the East. The purpose was to reduce the number of people who suffered from scurvy. As the Cape developed and more farms was established, the Garden gradually changed into the botanical pleasure garden it is today, still frequented by many a Capetonian on their lunch breaks.
Cape Town's link with the sea, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is a result of reclaiming the historic waterfront of Cape Town, and reuniting the Capetonians with their heritage - the sparkle of the sea. The V&A Waterfront offers a wide variety of entertainment, present-day shops and restaurants to enjoy in Victorian style.
Suggested Lunch options are restaurants around the vibrant Green Market Square in the centre of Cape Town with its flea market and interesting mix of "characters" or the V&A Waterfront with its endless choice of restaurants.
Interested in taking a tour of Cape Town? Check out cape town tours
Sunday, January 3, 2010
So What’s so Amazing About the Garden Route?
According to Webster's International Dictionary, the definition of amazing is ‘bewilderment arising from fear, surprise or wonder' and once you have visited the Garden Route, you too will be bewildered with wonder at its breath-taking natural beauty and shy, elusive inhabitants.
Magical, mystical land
It is a magical, mystical land where shadowy, near-extinct elephants browse undisturbed in an indigenous forest that, to this day, is still largely impenetrable and where some of the most distinctively coloured birds and butterflies ply their pollen.
It is a region where some of its occupants include the tiny Blue Duiker, a Bambi-like creature that measures only 35 centimetres at its highest point and weighs a miniscule 4 kg's, and the endangered Knysna Sea Horse that grows to 13 cm and is found exclusively in the lagoons of the area.
Diverse natural environments
It is a region that encompasses some of the most fertile arable land in the country yet at the same time is home to the Western Cape's semi-desert, the Little Karoo, where hardy succulents carve out an existence and Ostriches roam free.
It is also a burgeoning international tourist Mecca where luxurious five star hotels and lodges are commonplace and every activity under the sun has been harnessed for the intrepid traveller. Kloofing, blackwater tubing, kayaking and the tree-top canopy tour are but a handful of superior activities to enjoy whilst visiting the Garden Route.
It is an area that is effectively squeezed into a strip of land between the warm yet turbulent waters of the Indian Ocean and the lofty peaks of the Outeniqua Mountain range, so both beaches and mountain passes are within easy range.
Some of these mountain passes have been declared national monuments and the tales of their birth is hewn into the history books of the area. A quick sojourn from Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich capital of the world, over the awe-inspiring Swartberg Pass is a must for all visitors to the area. While near Oudtshoorn, pop into the Cango Caves where stalactites and stalagmites have been well-preserved for an eternity.
Robust economy
The Garden Route boasts a particularly robust economy and is the preferred holiday destination and full-time residence of the wealthy of South Africa. Well designed and managed golf estates abound, making this the avid golfers' Mecca while Plettenberg Bay is home to South Africa's polo players and ponies.
The area is also carefully managed and conservation is paramount. With the vast number of national parks, the Garden Route should retain its mystery and extraordinary beauty for many generations to come.
Source: www.articlesbase.com
Garden Route Tours & Safaris
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