Classic driving in a motor classic continued.....

The Cape Point Route experience begins in Hout Bay, a picturesque village set in a fold of sea lapped mountains, converging at a lively fishing harbour hosting many tourism activities. Soaring out of the town is Chapman’s Peak Drive - a winding 9 kilometer stretch of asphalt with 114 curves and breathtaking views over the vast Atlantic ocean. In a Jaguar E-type this is a motoring marvel, a fantasy come true. To get the most out of your trip, pull over frequently and view the phenomenon of jagged mountains plunging down into the pounding surf. The rocks have been shaped by the elements and are richly coloured for spectacular photography.

Noordhoek’s wide white swathe of Long Beach opens up in front of you. Noordhoek is known as South Africa’s rural gem and one of the best place to enjoy sundowners, or horse riding. We pulled into Noordhoek Farm village for some refreshments and to browse the quirky shops. One should always allow time to truly enjoy a journey so pack patience and slow down.

From Noordhoek one deviates slightly from the coast until you turn right along Kommetjie Road, passing the communities of Masiphumele and Ocean View. You will notice camels next to the road at Imhoff Farm – another fabulous tea stop or a place to pick up some country produce or cheese from the cheesery for a picnic. On reaching Kommetjie, known for being one of the surfing hotspots and a great bird watching area, make sure you do not leave without visiting South Africa’s tallest cast iron lighthouse – the Slangkoppunt Lighthouse. Take a tour and climb to the top to see Cape Point Nature Reserve and Hout Bay.

With the chilly Atlantic on your side, the road winds past the tiny hamlets of Misty Cliffs (another popular surf spot) and Scarborough, a beautiful Atlantic seaside village surrounded by Table Mountain National Park with views of the Cape Of Good Hope. A sense of freedom settles in comfortably with the wind blowing through your hair and being surrounded by spectacular terrain. Marianne Faithfull’s ballad of Lucy Jordan was used in the soundtrack for an American movie classic “Thelma and Louise” – the story of 2 women who leave their troubled home lives and embark on a lengthy road trip in Louise’s green convertible. They were escaping disillusionment in search of a romantic dream. I think that maybe they just wanted the freedom of a road trip?

Unlike the desert journey of Thelma and Louise, storied surf spots, rugged coastlines, jaw dropping views and raw beauty are the substance of the Cape Point Route. At the forked junction after Scarborough you will notice a curio menagerie. We veered left here over Red Hill for mountain meandering in our motor classic. Continuing straight leads you past Cape Point Ostrich Farm and to the entrance of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Red Hill is an undisclosed treasure for automobile enthusiasts, after all a rare car deserves a rare road. On the steep descent to the False Bay coastline there are some glorious hairpin bends and panoramic views of Simon’s Town and the naval dockyard.
Turning right brings you to the charming naval town of Simon’s Town. The area known as the “Historic Mile”, the heart of the town, boasts a great variety of architecturally interesting buildings, good restaurants (seafood is the speciality), antique shops and fine walks. Boats head off in different directions from the jetty. Make the time for a 40 – minute harbour cruise or a voyage right into the middle of False Bay to Seal Island. Probably the most spectacular trip is to cruise right down the Peninsula to the dramatic tip at Cape Point.

On the outskirts of Simon’s Town is Boulders Beach Penguin colony. These quirky birds have gained star status on the Cape Point Route and a visit to the region is not complete without a stop at tuxedo junction. The main entrance is at Seaforth Beach with a boardwalk leading through the nesting area. If you want to get your feet in the sand stop on the Boulders Beach side and have a swim with the penguins. Being one of the top attractions of the Cape Point Route there were many visitors and the E-type Jaguar sparked numerous conversations with travelers and locals alike. I am unaccustomed to sports cars or the sex appeal of the culture, but I rapidly rose to the occasion of MY car being a celebrity sensation. Sports cars are provocative and discussions around the 4200 CC; the 6 cylinders and 265 HP of the E-type were as suggestive as a crowded singles bar.

The road beckoned however and the call of the Cape of Good Hope echoed in my head.
Learning about Cape Point in school geography does not equate to being at the south-western tip of Africa. Despite the summons I managed to slow down to explore the magnificent route past Miller’s Point and Smitswinkel Bay discovering hidden coves and bays along the way. Scuba divers will delight in the knowledge that 6 shipwrecks lie in the bay at Smits and the wreck dives are a nirvana for divers.

Cape Point Nature Reserve is striking and one could contentedly spend an entire day in the park alone. Getting off the beaten track on the side routes is sheer driving pleasure, especially in an open top vehicle. With minimal traffic, hoards of space, clear skies, fresh air, lack of congestion, and unparalleled splendour, the sense of joy and freedom prevail. We indulged at the Two Oceans restaurant, then whizzed up 238 metres in the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the old lighthouse presiding over Cape Point.
The unhurried consciousness of cruising led along the meandering False Bay coastline. In whale season from July – November there are exceptional view points along the entire coast. Southern Right and Humpback whales return to the shores every year with a visual display of tail waving and spouting that beats a box office hit.

The False Bay seaboard has a collection of eclectic seaside villages, historical buildings, beaches, art culture and shopping. Pick of the Cape Point Route seaside villages for foodies is Kalk Bay – a town that gravitates around the fishing harbour at its centre, but Fish Hoek, St James and Muizenberg have their own unique characters and attractions- each worth a lengthy stop or overnight sojourn.

Reluctantly steering away from the bustle in my left hand drive chariot, I headed up Boyes Drive. If ever there is a reason to take the long route, Boyes Drive is it. The road cuts a path on the mountainside above the towns of Muizenberg, St. James and Kalk Bay, with most of the drive above human settlement. There are spectacular views of False Bay you won’t want to miss with numerous places to stop. Look out for the shark spotters on the road and the hardy surfers balancing on the waves below. Shark cage diving and viewing has become a sought after activity in False Bay and surfing has long been a popular pursuit with most beginner lessons being given at Muizenberg.

Rounding each curve and corner of the Cape Point Route brought a discovery of fascinating activities and magnetic scenery. Despite the lure of the open road in an immortal vehicle, the appeal of each town forced a deliberate lingering and the need for a protracted stay. Natural beauty is reason enough to journey on the Cape Point Route, doing so in a motor classic is beyond imagination. With a mountainous national park framed by two oceans in a picture perfect image, the Cape Point Route will be one of the most memorable vacations you have ever treated yourself to. The saying goes “it’s the journey not the destination” but there is an amendment in this case as the destination is also journey.

For more information on attractions, activities, restaurants and places to stay on the Cape Point Route please visit: www.capepointroute.co.za

To hire the E-type jaguar or a classic car please contact Motor Classics:
1 Waterloo Street, Vredehoek, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: +27 (0)21 461 73 43
www.motorclassic.co.za

To view this article in its orginal format in the SA Top Spots magazine. click here Article is on Page 34- 39.

Cape Point Route Spring Splash - Sunday 6 Sept 09

With the official start of spring, destination marketing company, Cape Point Route (CPR) aims to resuscitate the South Peninsula with an invitation to the people of Cape Town to join them for a group swim on Sunday 6 September at 15h30 on Fish Hoek Beach.

The 3rd consecutive CPR Spring Splash welcomes Spring and the start of season – a season of festivals, regattas, whales, flowers, swimming, hiking diving, kayaking, biking, riding, running and playing. Tourism is everyone’s business and we encourage all people living in Cape Town to celebrate and share this beautiful part of the world in which we live, work and play by joining together in a group swim - just because you can!

The swim will take place in front of the Fish Hoek Galley rain or shine, we will gather for a group photo, there will be an official countdown and with much yelping and yahoo-ing there will be a mad dash for the water. You can run in and out, you can hang out and body surf, its up to you.

So, shrug off the winter coats and blues and come down to Fish Hoek Beach on Sunday 6 September at 15h30 for a refreshing start to the season. There is no entrance fee, no registration, no fundraising and no charity to support – this is just for fun! Just bring your friends, your family, your staff, your boss, your neighbour, your kids, your grandparents, swimming gear and loads of attitude!

For more info on the Cape Point Route visit www.capepointroute.co.za or Call 021 782 9356

Classic Driving in a Motor Classic on the Cape Point Route....

“…she realized she’d never ride through Paris in a sports car with the warm wind in her hair” crooned Marianne Faithfull in 1979 in the Ballad of Lucy Jordan. The song has come to exemplify a romantic escape from the mundane chores of domestic life. But let’s be honest there aren’t many of us who will drive through Paris in a sports car!

Fortunately an open top, long nosed sporty convertible is infinitely more attainable than a dream and give me the Cape Point Route rather than Paris anyday. I am a fan of a good coastal cruise and losing oneself in the scale and enormity of nature. Beats Parisian traffic jams if you ask me. A good coastal drive should involve some hairpin bends hugging dramatic cliffs, waves crashing on jagged rocks below and preferably a narrow road with an exhilarating edge between land and sea. But for any truly great coastal journey one must not overlook the importance of the right car and the right companion! A great convertible and a great passenger are two crucial ingredients for a great coastal smorgasbord.

The convertible for driving yourself round the Cape Point Route can be obtained from Motor Classics in Waterloo Street, Cape Town. Motor Classics is an automobile paradise with a stage of classic cars. Beautiful Bentleys, Royal Rolls; zippy Alfa Spiders, vintage Crossley, a TVR Chimaera convertible, Austin Healeys, Mercedes and Range Rovers grace the showroom and all are available for hire. But the 1970 E-type Jaguar 4,2 roadster in racy red was just too irresistible for me.

The unique long bonnet, the unforgettable sound, the curvaceous elegant lines are enough to turn a non-car lovers head in wonderment. It’s no surprise that the UK’s Daily Telegraph ranked the Jaguar E-type first in its March 2008 list of “100 most beautiful cars of all time”. Like great art, a classic car escapes the design influences of trendy fashion and is judged on pure merit. In addition to seriously good looks, the engine purrs, the car hugs the road and the drive is a meeting place of highway and heaven.

As frequently as heads turn to look at you in your sports car, your head will be turned in equal wonderment with the landscape unfolding around you. The Cape Point Route spans two coastlines wrapped around a national park. With Hout Bay and Muizenberg as it’s “gateways”, the Cape Point Route hugs the coastline almost the entire way – enjoying the charming personalities of the towns that cling to it’s slopes. On the False Bay side there is a touristy buzz and plenty of history with old stone buildings, quaint homes and quirky shops overlooking beaches and tidal pools. The Atlantic side is wilder, with the mountain almost tripping over the serpentine coast down to the sea.

For more info on the Cape Point Route, call us on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Cape Town's Other Route....

Visitors have "flirted" with the Cape Point Route but now its time to get intimate and start a meaningful love affair – “we are not a one night stand, we are worth at least three!” so says the Cape Point Route Marketing Team.

The Cape Point Route contains an eclectic mix of seaside villages, two coastlines wrapped around a National Park, 18 beaches to choose from; art & cultural experiences; interesting people; historical buildings; outdoor activities; Cape fynbos; wildlife and much more!

Where else can you go surfing and belly dancing in quick succession, then pop into an art café for fine dining and off to a drum circle before cocktails with penguins and hot chocolate with buffalo? And how about moonlight hiking, sunrise kayaking, mountain biking followed by a massage or a yoga class. Or just a walk on the beach…?

With Hout Bay and Muizenberg as it’s “gateways”, the Cape Point Route hugs the coastline almost the entire way – enjoying the charming personalities of the towns that cling to it’s slopes. On the False Bay side there is a touristy buzz and plenty of history with old stone buildings, quaint homes and quirky shops looking over beaches and tidal pools. The Atlantic side is still wild, with the mountain almost tripping over the serpentine coast down to the sea.

For more info on where to go, where to stay, where to eat and what to do on the Cape Point Route, contact us on 021 782 9356 or visit our website wwww.capepointroute.co.za

The Cape Point Route for Kids....

"In America, there are two classes of travel. First class, and with children". I am not sure whether American humourist, Robert Benchley, actually had children or not. I am pretty certain however that he didn’t attempt traveling on the Cape Point Route - with or without kids, because Cape Town, and in particular the kingdom of the Cape Point Route, is a first class place to travel with kids and a perfect spot for a family holiday.

Why? The weather is excellent, and the Cape Point Route is jam packed with fun things to do - be it in the water, on the water, next to the water, at the beach, on land or in the mountains. It’s delightful whether you are walking, driving, biking, diving, swimming, birding, exploring, shopping, eating or simply wandering around any of the charming villages on the route.

Just 35 minutes from Cape Town city centre, the Cape Point Route spans 2 coastlines, and is wrapped around a national park. It runs from Hout Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard, down to Cape Point itself, then up the False Bay coastline through Simon’s Town, to Muizenberg. The Cape Peninsula is Cape Town’s “Playground of the Cape” offering something for every kid – young and old! And fortunately most of the activities and attractions on the Cape Point Route will appeal to child-free visitors too.

Recently penguin mania has hit Hollywood with popular movies - Madagascar, March of the Penguins and Happy Feet. As a result penguins are the star attraction for kids! Just past Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast is Boulders Beach – a charming beach with giant boulders, tranquil pools and you guessed it- penguins! This is an absolute must do activity for the children as you can sit on the beach with the penguins, swim with the penguins or walk on the elevated boardwalks to view them. It is a truly remarkable experience, but for an extended appreciation of these quirky characters check into the family friendly Boulders Beach Lodge – self catering and B&B accommodation right at Boulders Beach. You will have penguins outside your window, a bed almost on the beach and there is an excellent kids menu at the restaurant and some not to be missed penguin curios at the downstairs shop! They even have “Ride a Penguin” which raises funds for SANCCOB.

For more information on the Cape Point Route, call us on 021 782 9356, send us an email at info@capepointroute.co.za or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Cape Point Route....

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the natural beauty and abundant attractions and activities of the Cape Peninsula. However, it does require passion for where we live, work and play to promote our unique destination and the businesses within it.

Barbara Elshove-Schmidt and Sally Grierson of the Cape Point Route Destination Marketing Organization are passionate about the Cape Point Route and promoting the Beautiful South. “Our goal is to change the perceptions of people visiting the area that we are not just a day trip from central Cape Town but a destination “worth more than a one night stand”

Since 2004, this dynamic team, have successfully generated positive awareness to the area through various shared marketing projects which are supported by tourism businesses, the Cape Point Route Association and it’s key role players, namely Cape Point Partnership; Chapman’s Peak Drive; Noordhoek Tourism and Fish Hoek Galley.

It came as no surprise in February 2007 when South African Tourism awarded the Association for it’s creativity in promoting the Cape Peninsula with the “2007 Best Tourism Destination Marketing Campaign” in Southern Africa!

“Marketing is about getting and keeping customers and the most effective method is for all tourism products to work together as a unified group to make our area the most recognized destination in Southern Africa. The benefits are obvious – the more people who stay, play and experience the Cape Point Route, the more money is generated in the region. This in turn creates more jobs and more business locally. After all local is lekker!

It has been said that tourism is everyone’s business. The Cape Point Route provides a platform for tourism business’s to promote and market their products in shared marketing projects or as individuals. We encourage all residents and visitors to the Cape Point Route to support our restaurants, shops, accommodation establishments and to participate in local events.

We look forward to bringing you news from the tourism industry and sharing our love for the region. Please feel free to pop into our offices next to the Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn – our bright orange building is easy to spot. Orange is the colour of joy, endurance, vitality, enthusiasm, independence, sociability, creativity and constructiveness. We think that pretty much sums up who and what Cape Point Route is and stands for!

For more information please contact the Cape Point Route: 021 782 9356 or email us at info@capepointroute.co.za

Whale Song on the Cape Point Route.....

At the southwestern tip of the African continent, we are privileged to have more than a total experience of land, sea, people and culture – we also have some of the most incredible whale watching destinations in the world.

Nowhere is this more evident at the moment, than on the Cape Point Route where there are daily whale sightings anywhere along the False Bay Coast. Yes the whales are here and you can see these giants of the sea from the road or even the train in some of the best land based whale watching venues on the globe. But the most astounding experience of viewing whales is seeing from the water.

I recently had the privilege of going to Cape Point on the high speed boat called “Awesome” operated by the Simon’s Town Boat company. And AWESOME it was indeed. We left Simon’s Town Waterfront on a perfect day – the ocean was mirror like, the sky a faultless azure and we whizzed to Cape Point with False Bay all to ourselves. We gazed in wonderment at the dramatic cliffs and wild waters of the very point itself and if you have never encountered this view of one of Cape Town’s star attractions then do yourself a favour and make a plan!

As we turned to head north, we saw a steam of spray in the distance and that means one thing – whales blowing! The spray was 3 – 4 metres high and is a distinctive sign of the presence of whales. We did not realize initially that this was a pod of approximately 9 humpback whales.

The spray was followed by a show of acrobatics – massive heads poking above the surface and a synchronized rehearsal of arched back and fins in the characteristic motion that gave the humpback whales their name. It is impossible not to awed at the sight of an enormous tail appearing out of the water and floating in the air, being swung around and slapped back down onto the surface of the water. I discovered that humpback whales have a patch of white on the underside of their flukes (tails) which are unique to each individual whale- just like a human fingerprint. A humpback whale tail is extremely good looking because of the colour contrast and the wavy shape. It must be said I was gobsmacked and it’s not often that I am speechlees.

Then these glorious creature disappeared- arched backs, tails high and Houdini-like they vanished into the ocean depths, leaving no sign of their presence whatsoever. Devastation for us boat based creatures, until WHOOSH – an extremely loud grunt, a stream of vapour and whale song right next to the boat. The songs were complex and beautiful, almost eerie with their haunting lingering squeaks and groans, clicks and moans. Humpbacks, it seems, are the most vocal of all whales and they should make a best selling CD.

So if you want theatre, a concert, a spectacle and the experience of one of the greatest shows on earth – book a whale watching extravaganza. You are likely to see Southern Right Whales (more common than humpbacks) or Bryde’s Whales. You will definitely see African penguins and Cape Fur Seals. If you are lucky you may see bottlenose dolphins for all these creatures have chosen the Cape Point Route as home. For more information on whale watching or activities in the area, and where to eat or stay after your journey, visit www.capepointroute.co.za or call: 021 782 9356

The art of exploring.....

As the longest inhabited continent, Africa has an art history that extends back thousands of years. Fortunately there are some more modern and accessible ways to discover the religious, political and social works and buildings of African culture. The Cape Point Route which extends from Muizenberg to Hout Bay has a vast collection of interesting and informative museums, as well as modern contempory art galleries that reflect the spirit and the history of the area.

Muizenberg, as the gateway to the Cape Point Route, is architecturally fascinating with many of the old buildings reflecting its wealthy colonial past when it was an exclusive holiday resort for the rich and famous. Several buildings were designed by Sir Herbert Baker, one of which is the Joan St Leger Arts foundation which today hosts classical concerts and has a collection of artworks and funds various art projects.

The Millionaire’s Mile forms part of a seaside museum walk incorporating the Natale Labia, which houses temporary and permanent collections of art works. This is a “living museum” where poetry readings, musical evenings and writers’ workshops are held on a regular basis. Viewing is by appointment only. Also on the strip are the Het Posthuis Museum, the oldest colonial building in the Cape, Rhodes cottage which house personal memorabilia of the controversial mining magnate and the newly opened Battle of Muizenberg open-air museum which was given an award for the Best New Museum of 2006 by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Sport.

For a more modern take on art, Kalk Bay Modern is well worth a visit. It specializes in Southern African Bushman art and contempory art with some high quality crafts and textiles. The Kalk Bay Gallery, also on the Main Road, has original limited edition graphics, engravings, prints, African art and artifacts, encompassing the rituals and beliefs so prominent in African culture. Kalk Bay is a treasure seekers paradise with wonderful cobbled lanes and quirky stores, and the harbour as a natural gravitational point for any visitor to this seaside village.

For a truly exceptional art experience, contact Rodwell House in St James. This boutique hotel is also a commercial contempory art gallery with one of the finest collections of 20th Century South African artists, including works by Boonzaier, Naude, Ngatane and van Essche amongst others. Viewing is by appointment only.

Simon’s Town boasts 4 museums – the Simon’s Town Museum, the SA Naval Museum, the Heritage Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum. Not surprising, seeing that Simon’s Town is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa and was developed as a winter anchorage by the Dutch East India Company, making it one of the destinations of choice during a Cape winter. This quaint town is home to some superb galleries with the Bronze Age Sculpture House hosting one of the finest exhibitions of bronze sculptures in South Africa and a complete working forge. Heather Auer Art and Sculpture Gallery in the Simon’s Town waterfront displays original paintings and bronze sculptures by leading SA artists and also features some Township art and Shona Sculptures.

Noordhoek Farm Village is a delight in its own right but lovers of art can browse through a few galleries that dwell in the Cellars section of the Village, including the Noordhoek Art Gallery, Art Attack, the Eatwell Gallery and the Light from Africa foundation.

History and legends abound on the Cape Point Route and a journey of discovery awaits those who are intrigued by the past and its influence on the present. Even transport has its place in history at the tip of the peninsula. The “Flying Dutchman” funicular was converted from a diesel bus to an environmentally friendly electrically powered version. It was designed for minimum impact on the environment and produced entirely from SA resources and is the first commercial funicular railway of its kind in Africa.

History is alive and well and a fundamental part of the Cape Point Route. Winter is ideal to delve back in time and discover how the area developed, grew and changed. These changes are reflected in the buildings, art galleries and works of art, ancient, modern and traditional, which exist on the Cape Point Route.

For more information on art galleries and museums on the Cape Point Route:
Contact Cape Point Route 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za

Cape Point Route - Destination Marketing

Cape Point Route is the Destination Marketing Organisation for the beautiful deep south of Cape Town, South Africa. But what does that mean? Essentially Cape Point Route provides tourism information to locals, individual visitors, tour operators, and business travelers. Cape Point Route sees itself as cupid – a matchmaker between leisure and hospitality services and visitors to our area. Their goal is to facilitate tourism products finding their soul mates in their customers.

Everyone is impacted by their immediate surroundings and we are lucky to be influenced by amazing spaces and real faces. It makes the intention of forming meaningful relationships a whole lot easier – after all the Cape Point Route is worth more than a one night stand.

It is human nature to talk to our friends, relatives and colleagues about our great experiences; hence local word of mouth is a powerful tool for increasing our business sales and driving the local economy. Marketing intelligence studies have shown that 80% of business is generated within a 10km radius so it makes good business sense to market locally and get to know what’s in your area.

Picture the scenarios:
1. Long lost cousin Bob contacts you from Canada to say he is coming to South Africa on holiday and asks you for suggestions?
2. Your daughter is getting married after 2 years living in England and asks you to help with a wedding venue and finding accommodation for all her English friends.
3. Your client is coming down from Durban and asks for suggestions for a small conference and place to stay.

Keep it simple, call someone you know locally and keep the business in the Beautiful South for a unique and unforgettable experience. Cape Point Route encourages all residents and businesses to support locally to develop tourism and business from a grassroots level. For more information on the Cape Point Route visit www.capepointroute.co.za or call 021 782 9356.

Natural Heritage on the Cape Point Route...

Natural and cultural heritage are irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. They are our legacies from the past, what we live with today and what we pass onto future generations. The Cape Point Route is an area of natural beauty, open spaces, magnificent scenery with diverse cultures and unique attractions. Natural heritage becomes a relative term in the area as the entire destination is a smorgasbord of mountain and sea, flora and fauna and it encompasses a World Heritage site in the Cape Floral Kingdom.

The Cape Point Route runs from Hout Bay on the Atlantic coastline, over Chapman’s Peak Drive, down through the towns of Noordhoek, Kommetjie and Scarborough to Cape Point itself. It traverses back up the False Bay coastline through Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and St James to Muizenberg. Cape Point Route is two coastlines wrapped around a national park. This is not a been- there–bought-the-t-shirt place. It’s real and it’s beautiful. With dramatic mountain ranges, and long ocean fronts, this is the stuff that you see in the movies. The Cape Point Route is easy, affordable and accessible, located just 30 minutes to Cape Town City Centre. Often termed Cape Town’s playground, the Cape Point Route has some of the most unexpected wildlife and eco-nature experiences available in the country.

The Penguins at Boulders Beach have gained international stardom both from their accessibility and their quirky nature. A visit to the Cape is not complete without a stop at tuxedo junction where you will be entertained by the very characters of these birds. The African penguins arrived at Boulders Beach in 1982 and have grown to a colony of 3 – 4000 penguins. African penguins are listed in the international Red Data book of endangered species. Viewing platforms and boardwalks protect the breeding areas of the penguins and allow for excellent viewing of penguins watching people watch penguins. One can also sea kayak past the penguins for a unique viewpoint and a fun, safe activity for all ages and levels of experience. Birding tours on the Cape Point Route abound with numerous guided tours and also pelagic trips (pelagics are our seabirds and trips go from Simon’s Town Harbour).

Marine life and whale watching on the Cape Point Route is a hidden treasure. Southern Right Whales abound during breeding season from June – November but numerous other species are found in the bay, including Bryde’s whales and humpbacks. There are great land based whale watching sights along the entire Cape Point Route Coastline with hot spots at Glencairn, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. There is nothing quite like observing a 15 metre whale breaching in the waters in front of you- especially over lunch and a glass of wine at one of the ocean fronted restaurants or from the balcony of your Bed and Breakfast. A truly memorable experience however is to get up close and personal to these gentle giants of the sea, on a whale watching boat trip. It is interesting to recall that whaling was the third biggest income earner for the Cape colony in the 1820’s (after agriculture and wine making). Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, now the centres for whale tourism, housed the main whaling stations at the Cape until the near extinction of the Southern Right Whales in the mid 1830’s.

Boat trips are a brilliant way to experience the natural heritage of the Cape Point Route. Various boat trips go to Seal Island in False Bay and Duiker Island in Hout Bay where there are large colonies of Cape Fur Seals - so named because they have very thick pelts unlike true seals which only have a thin covering of hair. Seals prefer breeding on rocky ground, hence the abundance of seals on both these islands. Their habitat does provide a great opportunity to get out on the water and feel the salt spray on your cheeks and that is a definite holiday feeling.

Despite the controversy surrounding Great White sharks, there are opportunities to discover more about these fascinating creatures, their natures and habits on the Cape Point Route. The Great White Sharks have gained fame in False Bay for their breaching habits and have often been termed the Great white flying sharks. The best time to catch this unusual display is during the Cape’s Winter. Shark cage diving and viewing tours run from Simon’s Town harbour and longer excursions take place in summer to see mako and blue sharks as well as pelagic sea birds and the blue predators. Despite the fear factor that is fostered by the presence of sharks, swimming is safe and the beaches are scanned by shark spotters who alert bathers if “Jaws” are close to shore. It is however recommended to swim within the breakers!

Another controversial creature is the Chacma baboon seen with regularity on the Cape Point Route. A unique species that also feeds on shellfish – they are fun to watch with their human qualities and make fabulous subjects for photographers. The controversy has resulted from the decrease in space of their natural habitat and the baboons are forced to forage in “human territory” to survive. These social creatures do not naturally attack or challenge humans but will protect themselves if cornered so please help protect them and don’t feed them! Book a guided walk through mountain fynbos on a specialised 2- 3 hour tour and spend time with the last remaining Chacma baboons in the Cape Peninsula.

Cape Fynbos is a wonder of the world and is one of the richest areas for plants in the world. It represents less than 0.5% of the area of Africa but is home to nearly 20% of the continent’s flora. Fynbos means fine bush in Afrikaans so you will see very few large trees but lots of scrubs, bush and some sensational flowers depending on the season. With more than 2285 species of plants, the Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest floral kingdom in the world in size, but it contains more plant species than the entire British Isles and New Zealand and it is for these outstanding ecological and biological processes that the area gained World Heritage Status in 2004. The hot spots for these floral experiences are Silvermine Nature Reserve, Rondevlei Nature Reserve or Cape Point Nature Reserve.

World Heritage Sites tend to be iconic tourist attractions in most countries but planned and controlled tourism to cope with dynamic growth of tourism in international and domestic markets is essential to the preservation of our natural heritage. Part of the Cape floral Kingdom exists within the boundaries of the Cape Point Nature Reserve and is part of the protected Table Mountain National Park.

Keep your eyes peeled when visiting the Cape Point Nature Reserve for small antelope like klipspringers, duiker, grysbok and steenbok. They may not be as exciting as the big 5 but they are indigenous to the area and integral to the ecosystem of the park. Larger antelope like red hartebeest, cape mountain zebra and eland can also be found in the park so get your check list ready and scan the horizon. Take some time to explore the roads less travelled or plan a hiking trip in the hopes of spotting some of the shyer mammals like the Cape fox, genets, polecats, molerats, porcupines and mongooses. You may be lucky enough to see a tortoise or some of the reptiles (22 snakes, lizards) and there is a strong likelihood of spotting one of the 62 frog species (more than half of South Africa’s frog species are found right here in the Cape!)

The Cape Point Route is proud of its’ natural heritage and we live with a healthy respect of nature. In protecting, loving, and sharing our natural assets we learn to co-exist with nature and provide a sustainable environment making the world a better place to live. Visitors are welcome to enjoy our beaches and seas, to share our mountains with their floral status and to gasp in amazement at our wildlife. The Cape Point Route offers so much more than natural beauty, please contact the offices for places where and how to taste it, see it, live it and do it to experience it. We are not a one-day destination we are worth more than a one night stand!

Please contact us on +27 - 21- 7829356 or email info@capepointroute.co.za for more information on Natural Heritage or where to eat, stay or play.

Eco Experiences on the Cape Point Route....

Cape Town’s playground - The Cape Point Route; has some of the most unexpected wildlife and eco-nature experiences available in the country. Some of the fauna may be a tad controversial– sharks, baboons and even the penguins, but the Cape Point Route has them all. The route is essentially 2 coastlines wrapped around a national park with 18 beaches to choose from; Cape Fynbos and wildlife experiences ranging from whales to Cape Clawless otter…and there’s even hippo!

The Cape Point Route runs from Hout Bay on the Atlantic coastline, over Chapman’s Peak Drive down to Cape Point itself, then back up the False Bay coastline to Muizenberg. The Cape Point Route is easy, affordable and accessible - just 30 minutes from Cape Town City Centre. This is not a been- there–bought-the-t-shirt place. This is weather beaten faces and warm smiles. It’s real and it’s beautiful. With dramatic mountain ranges, and long ocean fronts, this is the stuff that you see in the movies.

The Penguins at Boulders Beach have gained international stardom both from their accessibility and their quirky nature. A visit to the Cape is not complete without a stop at tuxedo junction where you will be entertained by the very characters of these birds. Insider info suggests going to the Boulders Beach side instead of the boardwalk side at Seaforth for a more intimate experience. Highly recommended to plan your lunch stop (or even better an overnight night stay) at Boulders Beach Lodge & Restaurant where penguins watch people watching penguins. One can also kayak past the little guys for a unique viewpoint and a fun, safe activity for all ages and levels of experience. Birding tours on the Cape Point Route abound with numerous guided tours and also pelagic trips (pelagics are our seabirds and trips go from Simon’s TownHarbour).

Marine life and whale watching on the Cape Point Route is a hidden treasure. Southern Right Whales abound during breeding season from June – November but numerous other species are found in the bay – Bryde’s whales and humpbacks. Take a boat trip and enjoy close encounters with these gentle giants of the sea. There are great land based whale watching sights along the entire Cape Point Route Coastline with hot spots at Glencairn, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. It is truly memorable to experience a whale breaching in the waters in front of you- especially over lunch and a glass of wine at one of the ocean fronted restaurants. Flukes Restaurant in Glencairn was named after the famed whale tails that mesmerize their clientele from the deck and is well worth a stop for the views and the cuisine.

Various boat trips go to Seal Island in False Bay and Duiker Island in Hout Bay where there are large colonies of Cape Fur Seals - so named because they have very thick pelts unlike true seals which only have a thin covering of hair. Seals prefer breeding on rocky ground, hence the abundance of seals on both these islands. Their habitat does provide a great opportunity to get out on the water and feel the salt spray on your cheeks and that is a definite holiday feeling.

Despite the controversy surrounding the proverbial Great White sharks, which are famous in False Bay for their breaching, there are opportunities to see and learn more about their natures and habits on boat trips. Shark cage diving tours are an option for the more adventurous traveller. Despite the fear factor these phenomenal mammals provoke, swimming is safe and the beaches are scanned by shark spotters who alert bathers if “Jaws” are close to shore. It is however recommended to swim within the breakers!

Another controversial creature is the Chacma baboon seen with regularity on the Cape Point Route. A unique species that also feeds on shellfish – they are fun to watch with their human qualities and make fabulous subjects for photographers. The controversy has resulted from the decrease in space of their natural habitat and the baboons are forced to forage in “human territory” to survive. These social creatures do not naturally attack or challenge humans but will protect themselves if cornered so please help protect them and don’t feed them! Book a guided walk to get up close and personal and when you have finished take the kids to Noordhoek Farm village where you can watch them clamber in the playground like the very creatures you have just observed. Pay attention to your own similarities as you eat, shop and forage in this gem of a stop in rural Noordhoek.

Keep your eyes peeled when visiting the Cape Point Nature Reserve for small antelope like klipspringers, duiker, grysbok and steenbok. They may not be as exciting as the big 5 but they are indigenous to the area and integral to the ecosystem of the park. Larger antelope like red hartebeest, cape mountain zebra and eland can also be found in the park so get your check list ready and scan the horizon. Take some time to explore the roads less travelled or plan a hiking trip in the hopes of spotting some of the shyer mammals like the Cape fox, genets, polecats, molerats, porcupines and mongooses. You may be lucky enough to see a tortoise or some of the reptiles (22 snakes, lizards) or even some frogs and toads.

Unexpected animals on the Cape Point Route are the Cape Clawless Otter (often seen in Kommetjie) or the hippo at Rondevlei Nature Reserve. Sunset Beach Guest House is a fabulous spot right on Kommetjie beach and sandy footprints are very welcome. You’ll be reminded of youthful carefree holidays, as the blue of the sea and sky has waltzed indoors. You’ll feel right at home there and can even get personal chef Ingmar to whip up your favourite meal whilst you hit the beach in search of the otter. Rondevlei lies next to Zeekoevlei (which was named after the herd of hippos that used to wallow there). Hippos were indigenous to the Cape but were exterminated within a hundred years of the first Dutch settlers arriving. Hippo were reintroduced in 1981 to control the alien grasses and now feed on natural buffalo grass and the ecosystem has stabilised to make way for many other species of birds, small mammals and plants.

In addition to the fauna, Cape Fynbos is a wonder of the world and is recognised as a Hot spot of floral diversity with more than 2285 species of plants. It is the smallest floral kingdom in the world in size, but contains more plant species than the entire British Isles and New Zealand. Fynbos means fine bush in Afrikaans so you will see very few large trees but lots of scrubs, bush and some sensational flowers depending on the season. Hot spots for floral experiences are Silvermine Nature Reserve, Rondevlei Nature Reserve or Cape Point Nature Reserve. Base yourself in St James at Villa St James, for walks and hikes in Silvermine – a great way to see the details and diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom and you can relax in a deep bathtub before strolling down to the restaurants, cafes, museums and shops on the doorstep of Villa St James.

Escaping into nature is a relative term as the whole region is one smorgasbord of mountain and sea, plants and animals. Take a picnic with you from La Vallèe Delicatessen and Wine Cellar in Glencairn, who specialise in picnic baskets and have over 200 of the Cape’s finest wines to enhance the experience.

An area of natural beauty, open spaces and magnificent scenery, diverse cultures and unique attractions, the Cape Point Route is the ultimate playground for everybody.

For more information on the Cape Point Route, call us on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

To the Point - Waves & Wine

The Cape Point Route has 2 coastlines wrapped around a national park so it is no wonder that the pairing of wine and waves in the region is tantamount to a splashing good time. It is well worth a long sojourn for the dining destinations alone.

Pick of the Cape Point Route seaside villages for foodies is Kalk Bay – flanked by the mountains and the ocean waves and gravitating around the fishing harbour at its centre.

It’s a little bit hippie, a little bit cosmopolitan and absolutely entirely unique in character and colour. In the harbour itself is the aptly named Harbour House, which offers stylish seafood, and its sister restaurants Polana, for Portuguese style seafood, and Live Bait – the newest addition which serves up sushi and not surprisingly the catch of the day!

Well known for waves crashing onto your plate is the Brass Bell at Kalk Bay Station– a Cape Town institution for informal dining on the outside terraces and more formal fare in the upstairs restaurant. Brave souls can wash their meals down with a dip in the tidal pool.

New on the scene and located above the famed Olympia Café is Acanthus , which has good global food and stunning views and an ideal spot for functions. Of interest is that all their tips go to supporting the Haven night shelter. Another beautiful venue, although without the seaview, is Klipkantein café behind Kalk Bay Books. The owners built the bar themselves with original wood from the Majestic and its well worth visiting for devine cocktails.

Fsh restaurant and sushi bar is the latest sophisticated spot in Kalk Bay. The sushi is always fresh, different and delicious. And for non sushi fans there is always something delectable - including vegetarian options. The service is friendly without being obsequious. And, they know how to make a wine spritzer!

The Kalk Bay community likes to keep its seductive secrets so it’s worth asking a local for their favourite gobble and chatter venue when you are meandering the cobbled streets and browsing in the antique stores. They may just send you to another charming village on the Cape Point Route to keep Kalk Bay to themselves, but there are plenty of offerings to be served up.

Call the Cape Point Route for more restaurants that feature waves and wine on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Make a meal of it in Ocean View....

Dressed in vibrant orange, Cheryl Wyngaard welcomes us into her home in Ocean View near Kommetjie with a wide smile. She waves warmly as she ushers her visitors through to the dining-room, where a seafood extravaganza awaits us.

Cheryl is part of the Ocean View fishing community and lives on the west coast of the Cape Point Route, between Kommetjie and Fish Hoek. Cheryl’s family has been fishing on the peninsula for hundreds of years – it’s part of her heritage and not surprisingly, seafood is her speciality. The fish she serves in her home-based restaurant is freshly caught from Atlantic waters by the experienced fishermen of the community. Cheryl supports the industry by buying only from vendors in the neighbourhood.

Cheryl’s exuberance matches her culinary skills and she is one of the most engaging storytellers you’ll ever meet. Tales roll off her tongue as we tuck into the mussels and crayfish. Various family members flurry around, serving rooibos tea and making sure we are comfortable. Cheryl’s adult son Melshaw sits in and shares some stories of his own. He’s a registered tour guide and his calm, relaxed manner complements Cheryl’s matriarchal narrative as she tells of her family’s forced removal to Ocean View in the mid-1960’s.

Melshaw shares the community history, dating from Ocean View’s inception. The district was created from farmland and fynbos terrain and starkly prepared for the residents, the majority of whom were re-housed after government removals from the prescribed ‘white’ suburbs of Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek and Noordhoek. A decade after South Africa’s liberation, Ocean View remains a largely mixed-race community of some 25 000 people. The inhabitants are both Christian and Muslim and most are heavily dependent on the seasonal fishing industry. There is unemployment and poverty in the area, but the community pulsates with energy, music and a great deal of humour and resilience.

The Wyngaard family personifies this heritage. Melshaw can take you on a walking tour of Ocean View – a good idea both to get a grip on the history and to work off Cheryl’s generous meal. Melshaw will reveal the pot pourri of cultural influences, point out interesting scenery an untrained eye may miss, and take you on visits to community upliftment projects, many of which are driven by the Wyngaards. Melshaw’s outstanding work in Ocean View is one of the reasons he was the recipient of the 2008 MEC Award for Service Excellence at the recent Provincial Tourism Award. On the side, he’s a talented singer too, who’s more than happy to oblige.

Ocean View is just one community on the Cape Point Route with legacies, traditions and lives that have been built up along two coastlines over the decades. For information on real people, history, heritage and places to eat and stay when visiting the Cape Point Route, contact us on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za.

Celebrate Woman on the Cape Point Route...

National Women’s Day on the 9 August is a public holiday in South Africa, commemorating the national march of women in 1956 to petition against pass law legislation. This holiday has become a celebration of women in South Africa and many events are held to honour women and girl children.

The Cape Point Route is no exception and 'Safer Together' and seven organisations in the Greater Muizenberg area are collaborating to offer a Women’s Day event on 8 August with safety and security as a main theme. The function will take place at False Bay College on the corner of Main and Atalantic Roads.

The programme will include practical demonstrations of ways to promote one’s own safety, a practical session on self-esteem and assertiveness to enable women to know and affirm their and their children’s rights. There will also be live music and singing by well-known singer Natalia da Rocha and her “Applauz” group – which also promotes the development of young musicians. Poetry and presentations by students of False Bay College, as well as a display of posters made by the students

The event will be followed by SAFER TOGETHER’s monthly Muizenberg Moonlight Meander from 18h30 to 20h00 on Saturday evening 8 August. The walk starts at 18h30 in front of Knead, and if the weather is bad, the regulars get together inside the restaurant. A donation for R5 by walkers, exchanged for a candle, also goes to the Safer Together funds.

The Cape Point Route recommends a visit to the Hout Bay Craft Market this Sunday on Hout Bay common between 7am and 5pm to find that perfect gift for the special women in your life. There are plenty of crafty stalls, yummy foods, jumping castle for the kids and more.

So celebrate the women in your life in the build up to 9 August and National Women’s Day. Should you require suggestion or need details on where to take the special women in your life for a restaurant treat or a evening away please feel free to contact the Cape Point Route. Tel 021 782 93456 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Pointing the way - Fun for the whole family on the Cape Point Route!

Walking, driving, biking, diving, swimming, birding, exploring, shopping, eating or simply wandering around. You'll find it all on the Cape Point Route. What more could a family want? Rest assured, the route (from Hout Bay, down to Cape Point itself, then up the False Bay coastline to Muizenberg) is perfect for outdoor family activities.

There are at least 3 birding extravaganza’s on the Cape Point Route – the ever popular Boulders Beach with safe swimming at a charming beach and you guessed it – penguins! Try Cape Point Ostrich Farm, opposite the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve – a great spot for kids and adults to learn about the entire life cycle of Africa’s largest birds. It is well worth cruising over Chapmans’ Peak Drive to the World of Birds in Hout Bay. Africa’s largest bird park with more than 4000 bird species in various walk in aviaries.

For families with slightly older kids – take the over 12’s on a full day deep sea fishing trip to try and land a BIG one. Hooked on Africa offer fishing trips (inshore as well as deep sea). Or what about a Baboon Walk? It’s not a random stroll; it is a guided walk of 1 -2 hours with the experts in safe conditions for kids of all ages to look for a Chacma Baboon troop in the fynbos and mountains. Children can observe the animals' very human antics in their natural habitat and learn about efforts for their conservation. Contact Baboon Matters

If water is your world then glide across the ocean on a safe, stable sea kayak and watch seals waving their flippers alongside. Young adults may paddle on single kayaks, but younger kids should go in a double kayak with a proficient paddling adult. Simon’s Town Sea Kayaking .

The Western Cape has the smallest complete floral kingdom in the world and that awesome diversity is mirrored underwater. Scuba diving in the waters of the Cape Point Route offers shipwrecks, kelp forests, coral gardens, deep reefs and unsurpassed marine life. Take a family scuba diving course to discover a new world with Pisces Divers.

With land, sea and fresh air; natural beauty, child friendly accommodation establishments and restaurants, the Cape Point Route offers something for every kid - young and old.

For more information call Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za