A Real Treat in False Bay...

On the Cape Point Route you’ll see them from the roads, from the air and even the trains. But the most astounding experience of whale watching by far, is from the water.

I recently went to Cape Point on a high speed boat from Simon’s Town Waterfront on a perfect winter’s day of calm seas & a faultless azure sky. Visiting one of Cape Town’s star attractions from the water is wonderment itself. The dramatic cliffs are spectacular when viewed from below.

As we turned to head north, we saw a steam of spray in the distance and that means one thing – whales blowing! The double stream of spray was 3 – 4 metres high and is a distinctive sign of humpback whales. Lucky us, as they are less common than the Southern Right 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 this weekend – 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 also 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, visit www.capepointroute.co.za or call: 021 782 9356

Whale Watching Boat Trips

Other Boat and Water Excursions
Drumbeat Charters – Seal Island, Hout Bay
Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters - Hout Bay
Bugaloo Adventures – Hout Bay
Apex Shark Expeditions –Simon’s Town
Simon’s Town Sea Kayaking

Top Whale viewing spots:
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Scarborough
Cape Point
Boulders Beach – Simon’s Town
Fish Hoek Beach or Jagers Walk
Boyes Drive – Kalk Bay
Top Whale spotting Restaurants: Harbour House – Kalk Bay
Fish Hoek Galley – Fish Hoek
Flukes Restaurant – Glencairn
Boulders Beach Restaurant – Simon’s Town
Two Oceans Restaurant – Cape Point

Watering Holes on the Water along the Cape Point Route

Where in the world can you have drinks with penguins followed by wine on the seashore? Why the Cape Point Route of course, writes Sally Grierson.

The beautiful stretch of the Cape Peninsula from Hout Bay to Cape Point and up the False Bay Coastline to Muizenberg has a generous serving of 6 venues on the waters edge, chilled drinking bars with good beer, fine wine and classic cocktails.

Our selection of watering holes on the seashore – with not a road nor a building between you and the ocean include the long standing Brass Bell in Kalk Bay where waves quite literally can add salt to your tequila. Also in Kalk Bay is the thriving threesome of Harbour House, Live Bait and Polana at the harbour which combine drinking with dining, a bohemian buzz and a chance to mix with some Z-list celebrities. Cape to Cuba around the corner has some of the finest cocktails on the peninsula and all the décor is for sale! Klipkantien is a secret gem for those elusive cocktails. For a more sophisticated wine experience try Winesense on the Main Rd or for stunning Kalk Bay views try Acanthus, which is also popular for functions.

Fish Hoek Galley, although more of a restaurant than a watering hole, is on Fish Hoek Beach and well worth a stop in the day or evening especially if you love long walks on the beach followed by a place to rest your feet and get a drink. They have a fabulous wine list and some less common liqueurs to investigate.

For good ol’ fashioned pubs that serve a fine pint – try the Boer and Brit in Kommetjie, Victorian Times in Fish Hoek, the Lord Nelson’s Inn or the “2 & 6” in Simon’s Town. The Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn has a warm friendly pub- aptly named the Blowhole Bar. Right next door is the sports bar Embargos which features regular live music, pool tables and all the big screen sporting action. This is the late night dance venue of the Cape Peninsula.

Seaforth Restaurant and Boulders Beach Restaurant in Simon’s Town give you the chance to sip cocktails whilst being amused by the antics of the African penguins that chose this stretch of coastline as home. Check the latest events calendars for the Seaforth Saturday Social with live music and a dinner dance.

If you are looking for sensational sunsets and a beach view with a rustic atmosphere, when investing in social lubricants then look no further than the quaint treetop pub at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek. Another popular and rustic Noordhoek watering hole is the Red Herring – refreshingly laid back and you’ll hang with the hippies and the surfers of the ‘hood.

The Lookout Deck at Hout Bay Harbour is another chilled drinking bar and restaurant, amid some buzzing evenings with live music on the open deck. It’s definitely worth getting there in time for sundowners. Hout Bay also features Dunes at the Beach, a fabulous barefoot beach bar where you can bring the kids, and the Workshop which claims to be the smallest pub in Africa until proven otherwise!

So if you need a drink away from the city centre crowds then get down to the Cape Point Route. There’s a chance to meet individuals with characters as big as the Cullinan diamond, and the stories are cocktails of people and places – past, present and future. Meander south for the most beautiful and natural social gathering oases, drinks and a whole lot of atmosphere and fun.

For more information on bars, nightclubs, restaurants, things to do and places to stay please visit www.capepointroute.co.za or call 021 782 9346.

A Family Affair on the Cape Point Route....

Finding sand and sea is not normally a difficult task for vacationers. However finding the right beach can be a little trickier so here are some insider tips for your family beach holiday on the Cape Point Route.

With 18 accessible beaches along the coastline of the Cape Point Route, what better way is there to relax?

Where shall we start now? What about Boulders Beach, voted best family beach in the world by the UK Telegraph in March 2007, hardly surprising considering the safe swimming, beautiful setting amongst granite boulders and of course the opportunity to swim with penguins.

Fish Hoek beach is the ultimate family friendly beach with a wide swathe of sand for frisbee, beach bats or kite flying with a gentle swell for the kids to body board and swim, a playground and the Fish Hoek Galley restaurant right on the beach for ice creams, kid friendly meals and plenty of choices for the adults.

Hout Bay beach is a real family favourite. The waves break quite far out so there is a gentle current and the beach is perfect for paddling, strolling or building sandcastles. Drive over Chapman’s Peak Drive to Noordhoek’s Long Beach which stretches for eight kilometers. It’s the longest widest stretch of pure white sand on the whole Cape Point Route and wonderful for long walks, horse rides and sundowner drinks.

Turn a trip to Cape Point into a family day out with swimming in the tidal pools at Bordjiesdrif or Buffels Bay tidal pools before or after a ride in the Flying Dutchman funicular and lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant.

The beach at Kalk Bay is sandy, but it is the fishing harbour here that will enthrall the kids. It is fun to stroll along the Main Street of Kalk Bay, with its long row of fun shops and restaurants and end up at St James- a family beach characterized with brightly coloured bathing houses and a safe tidal pool with interesting rock pools on either side.


Muizenberg Beach has warm swimming water with hard flat sand and moderately sized waves, hence its fame as a surfing hotspot for beginners. There is lots of parking, entertainment on the pavilion, refreshment kiosks along the elevated promenade and change rooms, toilets and showers. The beach goes on forever and a great spot for kids.

Cape Point Route invites you to come and play and stay. Visit www.capepointroute.co.za for more activities, restaurants and places to stay in the Cape Peninsula. And please remember your sunscreen!

Best Family Beach Restaurants:
Fish Hoek Galley – Fish Hoek
Flukes – Glencairn
Boulders Beach Restaurant – Simon’s Town
Camel Rock Restaurant - Scarborough
Dunes – Hout Bay
Mariners Wharf – Hout Bay

Best Family Beach Activities:
Surfing at Muizenberg Beach
Sea kayaking in Simon’s Town
Cape Point Boat trip from Simon’s Town
Horse riding on Noordhoek Beach
Seal Island Boat trips from Hout Bay

A bike made for 2...

Why hire a car when you can reminisce about the good old days of travel by enjoying the Cape Point Route in a vintage sidecar?

The saying goes “it’s the journey that counts, not the destination”. To this we can add “it’s the transport that makes the journey”.

And one of the best modes of transport is by vintage motorbike and sidecar. This sedate form of transport will give you celebrity status and the drives around the Cape Point Route are best experienced by the sights, sounds and smells of traveling in an open vehicle.

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. By sidecar the route is best enjoyed if traveling from the Muizenberg side as the sidecar is on the left and the passenger is lower than the motorcycle rider. 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 you.

As you descend into Kalk Bay you will be sure to get a friendly thumbs-up and countless waves from the passing traffic as they marvel at this old-style form of transport. The traditional route to Cape Point travels through Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town towards the the gate at Cape Point and although the journey is mind blowingly beautiful with mountains on your right and ocean to your left, we recommend trying the Red Hill Route.

Turn right up Red Hill just before Simon’s Town. It’s quite a steep climb but there is a fabulous look out spot which is well worth the stop if only to enjoy the spectacular view of Simon’s Town and the naval dockyard. About 1 km further on is a sign indicating the grave of Just Nuisance (a famous Great Dane dog in the SA Navy). Once you cross over the ridge you’ll have some hairpin bends on the descent to the Atlantic seaboard. Look out for the curio menagerie at the road junction where the road forks – left to the Cape Point Nature Reserve and right to Scarborough, Kommetjie and Noordhoek.

Both directions have their own variations of breathtaking ocean scenery and each village has a pearly beach with its own pocket of solitude and unique character. If you stop for lunch rest assured that your “Victorian lady” sidecar will bring the locals out to talk.

Natural beauty is reason enough to journey on the Cape Point Route, with a mountaineous national park framed by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in a picture perfect image.

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

More Romance on the Cape Point Route....

If a destination wedding is on your agenda, then look no further than Villa St James for an elegant, intimate wedding. This gracious historical national monument offers comfort and style with the option of an outdoor ceremony and indoor dinner/dance reception. Hovering over False Bay and surrounded by the healing union of mountain and sea, Villa St James is a perfect location for your marriage rites. Villa St James has an in-house wedding co-ordinator to ensure all your needs are met, taking the stress out of planning and leaving you free to enjoy your special day with family and loved ones. The wedding party can easily be accommodated on-site in the 10luxury rooms.

Penguins have often been associated with love and with the largest land based colony of African Penguins in the world, there is hardly a more romantic spot on the Cape Point Route than Boulders Beach. Penguins are monogamous and a pair will mate for life usually returning to the same nesting site each year. It is hardly surprising that this fact is very popular with the wedding guests at Boulders Beach Lodge. Romance seems to be permanently in the water and the Lodge boasts more than 50 weddings and engagements on the premises. They also claim the birth of 2 babies but they aren’t revealing how many conceptions. Boulders Beach Lodge offers beach-style rooms and a superb restaurant on-site; much loved for its open deck. In addition to the delectable Pacific Rim cuisine produced by their Australian chef, it is a wonderful place to sip cocktails and we think it is the best place to watch the moonrise!

There is something about the interaction of food, romance and travel that shows all three to their best advantage. The local Italian may be fine to commemorate a significant event but it does not hold the allure of a flickering candle at a luxuriously decadent private table with an ocean view. Add a personal chef, a master wine collection and sommelier over a time zone or two and the combination gives you an occasion never to be forgotten. Rodwell House is shameless in its’ extravagance with exceptional attention to detail from linen, table and glassware to ambience, music, flowers, lighting, wine, food, rooms, amenities and service. And need we mention location? Rodwell House is pure poetry for lovers.

If Rodwell House is poetry then Afton Grove Country Retreat in Noordhoek is literature. Afton Grove is not a fictitious tale of mysterious events set in a distant time or place. Afton is an artistic work of class and style with no need for speculation. The tale is set in a peaceful two acre garden surrounding a sparkling swimming pool. The magnificent honeymoon suite is indeed private, providing a cocoon for you and your loved one. In one worry-free night the hero and heroine of this story are restored to the days when dating was romantic and courting was exciting. Intimacy flows easily through Afton Grove’s pages and spontaneous gestures of love are demonstrated at every turn. This is an epic story of reconnecting with a loved one in an extended voyage of romance.

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

Romance on the Cape Point Route....

It’s time to fall in love again! There are defining moments in any couples’ shared history that are deposited into the memory banks of the duo to be withdrawn, transferred or recounted over the years. Often those defining moments are heightened by a travel experience. A romantic destination can leave you with the sense of freedom, joy and adventure and leave all your senses intoxicated with just being alive. Love can create the same sensation. We invite you to fall in love with the Cape Point Route and fall in love with your partner.

The Cape Point Route is an idyllic distance from central Cape Town. It starts in Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast, meanders down to Cape Point and gently ascends up the western coastline of False Bay to Muizenberg, through quaint seaside villages. Two coastlines frame the mountain range situated within a national park. If your version of a romantic tryst is a secluded beach with a cozy lodging or an indulgent spa followed by a candlelit dinner or even a picnic in the mountains with a glass of bubbly, then the Cape Point Route will have something for you.

The Cape Point Route offers couples the opportunity to escape from the mundane reality of daily living. With wide open spaces, ocean views and an abundance of beaches, this is the stuff of romantic dreams. Whether you are new lovers or married with kids in desperate need to squeeze in a romantic rendezvous, there are options of luxury accommodation to small self catering beach shacks. And while booking a night at a local establishment may not seem as exotic as a trip to a Caribbean Island, heading around the corner for a break is hard to beat. It doesn’t take as long to get there, it’s less expensive and all you need is an overnight bag. Once you have arrived everything is taken care of for you.

Take 4 star Tranquility Guest house in Fish Hoek for example. Tell Ron and Gill about your getaway and you will be indulged with rose petals and candles, candle-lit bubble baths and twinkling lights across the valley from your en-suite luxury room with private deck. The rooms are set high in the sky and a Jacuzzi under the stars is a perfect ingredient for romance. The garden roses in cut glass vases will catch first light as the sun rises across False Bay. Fruit platters and home cooked breakfasts are part of their speciality as food is a passion at Tranquility and attention to detail their gift. The tranquility is addictive and special occasions their delight. Ask about their honeymoon packages, anniversary or birthday celebrations, high teas or the exclusivity of a small wedding venue.

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

More top attractions on the Cape Point Route....

What attracts many visitors to the Cape Point Route is the relaxed country feel where children play outdoors, dogs bound along the beaches and residents adhere to a wholesome organic lifestyle. Amazingly this area is only 20 minutes from Cape Town city centre and half an hour from Cape Town International Airport – yet it seems worlds away from the cosmopolitan city buzz.

Getting out of the comfort zone at Noordhoek Farm Village does not lead to distress though. One of the regions attractions is the plethora of artistic types, many of whom have shops and galleries scattered around the peninsula. Hunting for unique arts and crafts will require a full day of exploration and your shopping bags will be as full as the memory stick on your camera. Kalk Bay on the False Bay coastline is a trendy little fishing village where fishermen mingle with savvy shoppers. Bohemian artists have coffee with sun-kissed surfers. The main street is like finding a pirates treasure cargo, without having to plunder and pillage the high seas. Much of the action in this attractive town is centred around the harbour, particularly when the brightly coloured fishing boats bring in their haul. Local fisherman auction off their catch of the day as if they were the leading stars of a Broadway Musical. Mind you it is worth investigating the latest stage production at the intimate and interactive Kalk Bay Theatre whilst you are in the neighbourhood.

Rising up from Kalk Bay and each town on the Cape Point Route are mountains.
With two coastlines sweeping the edges of a national park, the Cape Point Route is a hiker’s paradise with adventure at every turn. The Cape Peninsula region has hiking options to suit all tastes and fitness levels. The range of trails takes you through a botanical treasure trove of unspoilt views. Set out on coastal walks, beach strolls, wetland wanderings, boulder scrambles, river rambles, bumpy mountains, secret caves, lofty peaks and even steep cliffside ascents. You’re sure to get maximum return for minimum effort and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why hiking is one of the major attractions of the area.

But one of the main reasons that people are attracted to the Cape Point Route are the 18 accessible beaches. White sandy beaches with crystal blue waters set against a backdrop of mountains. From secluded romantic coves to long expanses of seemingly endless sand- there is a beach for every visitor. Around every mountain curve another beach comes into view and what is a holiday without good beach access! Lazy beaches with time to work on your tan and read a book; beaches for building sandcastles and flying kites; beaches for snorkeling and body boarding; beaches to play Frisbee; beaches to kayak and surf from; beaches to dive off; beaches to horse ride on…the list is infinite.

If you are the type of person with an open mind, a desire to explore, have the ability to laugh out loud and the capacity to be rendered speechless by beauty then the Cape Point Route is a holiday destination that was created for you. The major attractions are easily accessible, yet provide encounters that are exceptional in their uniqueness. What’s more any visitor will discover some extraordinary surprises along the way. Taking the road less traveled and a little longer to smell the proverbial roses will be a priceless discovery. With a vast array of restaurants and accommodation establishments on the Cape Point Route it is well worth planning a longer visit.

Noordhoek Farm Village epitomizes the way of life on the Cape Point Route - children are welcomed and provisions made for their entertainment with a secure playground and regular children’s activities. Scarecrows at the entrance may keep the birds away from the organic nursery but they invite everyone else in with a warm welcome. The village nestles under grand old oak trees, and friends commonly meet for stimulating conversation under the shady boughs. Shoppers browse for gifts and clothing and buy candy the old-fashioned way. Don’t be fooled by the laid back atmosphere though – the artists and galleries are cutting edge and all three restaurants are ranked in the top 800 in South Africa. The Foodbarn has gained particular attention due to the culinary skills of Chef Franck Dangeraux. He gave up the world of Haute Cuisine to bring fine dining back to the streets and you’ll be hard pressed to find better quality at better value. Café Roux and The Toad are equally renowned, the former for its South African dishes with a twist and the latter for its eisbein & Sunday roasts! Guests who stay at De Noordhoek hotel in the village grounds are spoilt for choice and have a tendency to linger longer.

Chapmans Peak Drive is more than an iconic Cape Town road. It has gained global status as one of the great drives on the planet. Although it is only 9 kilometres long, it manages to pack in 114 curves as it cuts through an almost vertical cliff. To get the most out of your trip pull over frequently and marvel how the jagged mountains plunge down into the pounding surf. The rocks have been shaped by the elements and are richly coloured for spectacular photography particularly in the glow of an evening sunset.

Call the local area experts on 021 782 9356 for more information or assistance with bookings. Or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Top Attractions on the Cape Point Route continued....

Chapman’s Peak Drive is now a toll road and runs from Hout Bay to Noordhoek and is a civil engineering miracle. Tour buses can only drive north-south so it is recommended to travel northward from Noordhoek so as not to get stuck behind a large bus, plus the ocean will be on the same side as your car. Call ahead to confirm the toll road is open, as despite extensive work to stabilize the cliffs there are temporary closures. Safety is of paramount importance and the closures are to protect road users from rockfalls that occur intermittently. If the through road is closed it is still worth getting a day pass from the Hout Bay side and walking up the last section to the view spot at the top of the pass. You’ll more than likely encounter runners, walkers and cyclists who use the road regularly for exercise and pleasure. There are official picnic spots on the Hout Bay side.

Penguins have achieved world status through Hollywood blockbuster movies Madagascar, and Happy Feet. In the aftermath of their fame, the desire to see penguins in their natural habitat has become a much sought after activity. Penguins are only found in the southern hemisphere, so journeying to the remote regions of New Zealand or South America or undertaking an Antarctic expedition are fairly extravagant methods to view these quirky birds at close range. At Boulders Beach Coastal Park in Simon’s Town, African penguins roam freely and entertain travelers who observe them from elevated boardwalks. Park rangers and informative sign-boards explain the characteristics & habits of these black and white feathered friends.

For those wanting a more intimate penguin experience, head round the corner to Boulders Beach. Here massive boulders protect a charming beach from the open seas of False Bay. Boulders is immensely popular with families, as it has tranquil waters, boulders to clamber on and the added bonus of being able to swim with penguins! In fact the UK Daily Telegraph voted Boulders Beach Best family beach in the world in 2007.

Families will not want to miss 2 other major attractions on the Cape Point Route – Scratch Patch and the World of Birds. At Scratch Patch, thousands of tumble-polished gemstones cover the floor and kids scratch in the patch to fill a small bag of their chosen gems. At the Topstones factory in Simon’s Town you can also watch the gemstones being tumble-polished and then crafted into gemstone products, which are available for sale in the factory shop. There is a massive range of collector’s pieces, investment gems and inexpensive gift items.

The World of Birds in Hout Bay is Africa’s largest bird park. It’s a tropical paradise of walk-through landscaped aviaries where you get close-up views of birds feeding, singing, socializing, building nests, incubating eggs and feeding chicks. The Monkey Jungle is a favourite with the kids. The squirrel monkeys are extremely inquisitive and will scramble all over the children, but a warning to mum’s to watch out for their earrings which are very popular with the monkeys!

Don’t monkey around when it comes to the Chacma baboons of the Cape Peninsula though. One of the most fascinating yet misunderstood creatures of the Cape Point Route are the Chacma baboons. Most visitors to the area will encounter the baboons on the roadside or in the nature reserve. Baboons are social creatures that provide human-like entertainment, but they can be scary if one is not familiar with their natural behaviour patterns. Baboon Matters is an organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of the baboons and offer a Walking with Baboons experience. This is a guided walk and is the only place on the globe that offers this activity. Visitors to the area are enthralled by the encounter that entails 2 – 3 hours learning about the baboons and observing them in their natural habitat on the beautiful fynbos mountains of the Southern Peninsula.

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

Top Attractions on the Cape Point Route....

The Cape Point Route offers a multi-layered holiday experience which is rich in natural and human resources. There are some obvious sights and attractions that simply have to be ticked off as a lifetime experience as a must-see and must-do. It makes no difference whether you are a comfort loving oldie, a young family with children or an independent single-something traveller. If the south-easterly winds carry you onto the Cape Point Route you will discover colour and geography like no where else on the planet. The area is an attraction all of its own - it’s a 360 degree nature park, 365 days a year.

Choosing the top attractions in the region from Hout Bay south over Chapman’s Peak, through the Noordhoek Valley to Cape Point on the Atlantic seaboard and up the False Bay coastline through the coastal towns of Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay to Muizenberg is fundamentally a choice of desire. The top attractions are not based on popularity due to visitor numbers alone. They are the top attractions because they offer the visitor an uplifting and often jaw-dropping experience that remains in the memories and the photographs of each individual for a lifetime.

Perhaps the most well known attraction in the Cape Peninsula is Cape Point itself. Cape Point is in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park and is famed for its windswept soaring cliffs, 40 kilometres of coastline, beaches & open space. It also offers bragging rights as the most southwesterly point of Africa. It is almost a traveler’s ritual to stand in front of the signpost: "Cape of Good Hope: the South-Westernmost Point of the African Continent" and have a photo taken. Regardless of your convictions, you’ll take one too.

There is much more to the reserve than the obligatory photo snap. Antelope and baboons might greet your vehicle as you approach the reserve and you may see ostriches roaming the beaches. The park has Natural World Heritage Site status mostly due to the 1200 different species of unique fynbos vegetation, the abundant birdlife and numerous small mammals.

You can ride up 238 metres in the continents’ only funicular to the spot where one gets the dramatic view of the jagged point and crashing oceans. It is hard not to believe this is where the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean and the warm Agulhas current of the Indian Ocean meet, despite scientific evidence to the contrary. It may have caused controversy but there is little surprise that the restaurant at Cape Point calls itself Two Oceans. The vast expanse of ocean viewed from every seat causes a major distraction from the superb cuisine, but it is advisable to pay attention to what’s on your plate!

There are 2 lighthouses in the nature reserve, the old one at the view point was decommissioned as it was frequently surrounded by mist and did not serve its purpose in keeping the ships at sea. The new lighthouse was built lower down and one can walk along a spectacular path to view its position and appreciate the engineering logistics required to build the lighthouse in its current remarkable location. The beam is the most powerful on the African coastline. There are 2 more lighthouses on the Cape Point Route both with claims to fame. Roman Rock is situated in False Bay at the entrance to the historical naval harbour of Simons Town, but is of particular interest as it is the only lighthouse on the South African coastline to have been erected on a single rock! On the Atlantic coastline, keeping watch over the surfers, divers and fishermen in the village of Kommetjie is Slangkoppunt Lighthouse. At 33 metres in height this is the tallest lighthouse along the South African coast and one of the most easily accessible lighthouses to visit. You can walk to the top on a guided tour with the lighthouse keeper and experience one of the most magnificent views on the Cape Point Route. Visiting and photographing lighthouses is a popular hobby and the lighthouse buildings are maintained as tourist attractions reflecting part of the heritage and legacy of this region, which at times has been called the Cape of Storms.

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

Moonstruck on the Cape Point Route

Have you ever stared at the moon and imagined escaping your earthbound life for a new world? Fortunately on the Cape Point Route you don’t have to travel to the dark side of the moon to reach the outer limits of your imagination. The large bright orb rising over the ocean with sparkly glitter playing on the surface is readily spotted from the mountains and shore lines of this luminary destination. The moon creates an atmosphere of romance and if you are the leading role player it is well worth checking into Moon Bay Guest House in Fish Hoek. No prizes for the origin of the establishments name!

This nightly vision gives way to earth’s life force by day. The sun illuminates our planet consistently, directing our will and our vitality. You wouldn’t be alone if you love soaking up the sun’s rays at the beach and feeling euphoric when the centre of our solar system glows on the horizon heralding the day. We all dream of sun filled, fun filled holidays and a sense of carefree living. Sundollar Lodge in Noordhoek lives up to all those vacation dreams of the sun worshipper.

The pursuit of Nirvana is often as much a place as a state of mind. If the sun and the moon are the parents of the sky then it is often the mountains that are the children of the earth - providing a place of physical security. This sanctity can be found at Sacred Mountain Lodge, a tranquil zone embraced by the magnificent mountains of Noordhoek.

Whether you are Christian, Islamic, Buddhist or Jewish - the Cape Point Route has scenery and attractions that command reverence and respect under its powerful skies. The area demands a great deal of devotion to experience and explore to its full attention. For more information on awe-inspiring places visit: www.capepointroute.co.za or call 021 782 9356 for more information.

Touching the Earth Lightly...

Cape Town is known for many things, all of them good. It’s a place where nature and civilization coexist hand in hand, and of the finest achievements of the city is the spinal mountain chain down the peninsula where Mother Nature flaunts all her glory- from her floral kingdom to rough cliffs, waterfalls, forests, caves, beaches and indigenous wildlife.

Hiking on the Cape Point Route is a pastime that has inspired many writers, painters, architects and craftsmen. Many more people love being close to nature but are reluctant hikers, yet with over 550 walks of varying length and complexity on the Table Mountain Chain, appreciating the scenery on foot is an activity that is accessible, uncomplicated and enjoyable.

The Hoerikwaggo Trail, introduced by Table Mountain National Park has opened 4 sections of the planned six-day, five-night Table Mountain to Cape Point Hiking Trail Project. Hoerikwaggo is the original Khoi-san word for "mountain in the sea" and one of the goals is to connect all kinds of people to the mountain.

One of the joys of the hike is that you are not really roughing it. It may be a self-catered hike, but your food and gear is portered to the overnight camp with a fully equipped kitchen. That means eating in style after a day’s tramping – and did I mention the much appreciated hot shower? All the camps have been built to preserve or rehabilitate the environment in keeping with the trail philosophy of "touching the earth lightly" and reduce our human impact.

Each camp has a different theme to showcase its location, and each one is so appealing you may not want to leave. Slangkop in Kommetjie is the newest camp with funky domed tents to reflect the milkwood thickets. Silvermine camp reveals the mountain fynbos and at Orangekloof camp there is the soothing charm of a forest setting. Each camp has its own special touch, be it the whale vertebra light fixtures at Slangkop or the climbing wall at Silvermine. Each one has an open fire pit and there is something completely magical about sitting under a starry sky around a blazing fire.

The American nauturalist John Muir once said "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."　Hitting the trail is where the discovery begins. The scenery is jaw dropping and you’ll wish more than once that you had a huge wide angle lens. When you are too distracted by the view, your guides will bring your focus back to a detail- be it a sandstone rock formation, a bright pink blossom on the heathery shrubs or a friendly dassie sunning himself on a rock. You’ll smell the rich aroma of the fynbos, you’re likely to see the spikes of the King Protea and you’ll hear the gentle hum of the city at work beneath you. It is a rare occurrence to meet other hikers so it will come as a physical shock to arrive at the Cableway station or at Cape Point, amidst tour groups taking an obligatory travel snapshot. You’ll be entitled to an element of pity for those that have missed so much of the beauty found in your feet.

Whether you are a mountain enthusiast or a reluctant but ‘wanna-be’ hiker- this trail has the spirit of the mountain and the sea.

To book the trail, the accommodation or for ideas on other hikes and activity suggestions in the Cape Peninsula contact 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za

A False Bay Excursion....

Seeing a whale in its natural environment is a truly amazing experience. Whale watching from the Cape Point Route shoreline provides great viewing and regular sightings but heading out on a boat into the great blue yonder of False Bay provides a smorgasbord of mammoth sea creatures.

Chris Spengler, owner of Afton Grove Country Retreat in Noordhoek, gushes about a recent day’s fishing in False Bay. He set off by boat at first light from Simon’s Town harbour for Seal Island on a perfectly calm sea. The water visibility was a glorious 15 metres and snow capped peaks provided a magnificent backdrop. Seal Island is home to 64 000 Cape Fur Seals and one of the few places on the planet where the chance of seeing a Great White Shark breaching occurs reliably during May to September. Picture 3000kg of muscle leaping clear of the water just metres in front of you. As the rays of sun appeared Chris witnessed a jaw dropping demonstration of a Great White Shark attempting to kill a young seal returning from a nights hunting – an adrenalin wow factor!

Catching fish was the objective however, so the crew headed towards Cape Point in search of snoek. En route they encountered a school of about 300 Dusky Dolphins "herding" the small boat like a sheep dog with his flock. In this extraordinary show Chris could quite literally see layers of dolphins swimming beneath his boat and porpoising in the wake of the bow. The dolphins’ playful nature had Chris grinning and the smile just would not go as a Bryde’s Whale surfaced 50 metres from the boat. Southern Right and Humpback whales are seen more frequently in False Bay so a Bryde’s whale is a rare sighting.

Settling in to catch snoek for the family braai turned into a competition between man and seal. The seals decided it was far easier to steal the fish from the end of a fishing line! Nature however has a way to even the playing fields and through the crystal clear waters, Chris observed a 2 metre Bronze Whaler shark giving the seals a run for their money...err snoek I mean!

"Another tough day in Africa", commented Chris of his spectacular day, "I am certainly not packing for Perth, no sir there is just too much to give up on and I am grateful to have the privilege of actually living here".

An encounter with just one gargantuan whale in its’ natural element is enough to capture our imagination but Cape Fur Seals, a Bronze Whaler shark, a breaching Great White, 300 Dusky Dolphins and a Bryde’s whale in a single day is nothing short of awe inspiring. Imagine what 3 or more days on the Cape Point Route would serve up for main course?

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

Cape Town's Other Route 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. Continue along the 9km world famous Chapman’s Peak Drive – a winding pass with breathtaking views of the vast Atlantic Ocean to Noordhoek’s wide white swathe of Long Beach, known as South Africa’s rural gem and one of the best place to enjoy sundowners, or horse riding and not to mention the quirky shops and restaurants at the Noordhoek Farm Village.

Continuing along Kommetjie Road, you will notice camels at Imhoff Farm – you can ride them, or just stop for tea, country produce and a variety of crafts. Here kids can enjoy the farmyard and SnakePark or a ride on Greedy Guts the donkey. When you reach 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 HoutBay.

With the chilly Atlantic on your side, the road winds past the tiny hamlets of Misty Cliffs (a 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 little further down the road you may wish to meet South Africa’s largest birds at Cape Point Ostrich Farm before heading to Cape Point, the tip of the Cape Peninsula where the Atlantic meets False Bay. Here you can experience the grandeur of one of the highest sea cliffs and the freshest air in the world!

A spectacular drive past Smitswinkel Bay and Miller’s Point – with plenty of whale watching view sites – leads you to the famous Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. The main entrance is at Seaforth Beach, with a boardwalk leading through the nesting area. But if you want to actually get your feet in the sand and swim with the penguins, head for Boulders Beach. The restaurant and curio shop here are well worth a visit and be sure to check under your car before you leave – the penguins wander. Plan for an overnight stop at Boulders Beach Lodge – an entire experience next to the penguins.

Continue onto 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. From here several boats head off in different directions from the jetty. If you have time, take a 40 minute harbour cruise or you can 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.

From Simon’s Town, it’s a short distance to Mineral World where you can “scratch” for your favourite gems. Stop for a meal at Flukes Restaurant, at the historic Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn. Great value for money and you may even see their resident friendly ghost. Continue on to Fish Hoek, a glorious bay that is a favourite with wind surfers and hobie cats, The beautiful family beach is also one of the best spots to view the Southern Right Whales when they are in the bay to calf between July and November.

Next, it’s on to Kalk Bay – a fab Bohemian village of cobbled streets, delightful shops and restaurants above the fishing harbour where you can easily lose an afternoon. The Main Road winds along the sea past great stone mansions that reflect St James’s colonial past as the “Millionaire’s Mile”.

Finally we reach Muizenberg, home to many examples of the grand architecture of Victorian times, when it was an exclusive seaside resort for the rich and famous. Today it is known for its beach with kid-friendly waves, warm water and extras like miniature putt-putt and super-tube. “The corner” is the hotspot of surf culture for learners and professionals alike. Colona Castle in Lakeside, with it’s majestic views and superb hospitality, is a great place to base yourself for access to all the places of interest on the Cape Point Route.

An area of natural beauty, diverse cultures and unique attractions, the Cape Point Route is the ultimate playground where there is something for everybody, young and old. With a host of activities in the area, from golfing to aqua action, relaxation comes easily to those who stay. So if you are looking for vast open spaces, magnificent scenery, a sense of tranquility, and your blend of choice is a combination of mountain, sea with a touch of earthy elegance, the Cape Point Route is your destination of choice from which, and in which you can experience Cape Town.

For more information on where to stay, eat and play contact us on 021 782 9356, or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Scarborough.... on the Cape Point Route!

Far from the maddening crowd lies Scarborough – a seaside conservation village with a random scattering of houses, seaside homes and guest accommodation. As the most south-westerly village on the African continent, Scarborough feels like a forgotten outpost. Remote, private and tranquil – this is a place where people meander – be they visitors or local residents. Watching the waves and the setting sun is an obligatory pastime.

Despite being only 45 minutes from the city centre, this nature lover’s haven is miles from traffic jams and cosmopolitan living. With the chilly Atlantic Ocean on one side, the road from Kommetjie winds past Witsands beach and the tiny hamlet of Misty Cliffs to Scarborough itself. Many visitors obliviously whiz through the town, on a day tour to visit Cape Point Nature Reserve, which lies on Scarborough’s doorstep. Some stop for a quick photo at camel rock – a well known rock formation on the side of the road in Scarborough, which unsurprisingly looks like a camel!

If you took just a few seconds more you would see Camel Rock Restaurant – a local favourite since the 1930’s! With an unpretentious cottagey atmosphere, you can devour seafood, meat or vegetarian dishes. The service is friendly and you won’t be rushed out for the next customer.

At Wildeschutesbrand farm at the Red Hill turnoff is the Cape Farmhouse Restaurant, which is making a name for itself on the South African music scene as an intimate concert venue. In addition to the Saturday afternoon Farmhouse Rocks concerts, it is a fabulous restaurant, open daily for meals and teas. Whilst there be sure to pop in at Red Rock Tribal – noticeable on arrival by the "exhausted horse" – which is actually a life size sculpture of a zebra made out of exhaust pipes.

The two restaurants and a teeny shop are the visible concessions to tourism, but you’d be forgiven if you thought you were the first visitor to Scarborough. Such is the pace of the town, the inhabitants and the lifestyle. This is where you snooze to the sound of the sea, with a mountain as a backdrop and a pristine uncrowded beach as the gravitational pull of the town.

The beach is popular amongst surfers, body boarders, windsurfers and kitesurfers. For those less active, a beach holiday in Scarborough, is indeed that – getting away from it all. The toughest choices each day are whether to take a simple stroll, go beachcombing or shell collecting, whether to read a book or worship the sun. If you are up early enough for a sunrise amble look out for the Cape Clawless Otter which is sometimes spotted at the estuary, and birdwatchers will delight in watching the red-eyed oystercatchers peck at the rocks for mussels.

Alternatively you can pack a picnic and walk in the mountains all day amongst sandstone rocks and indigenous fynbos vegetation. Walking in the Baskloof Nature Reserve, takes you from the Scraggy Cat to the Valley of Silence and across the saddle to the peak above Misty Cliffs – if the names aren’t enough to inspire you, then the views will take care of any motivation required. It’s no wonder that many artists, writers and musicians have made Scarborough their home.

Scarborough is ideally located for exploring the attractions on the Cape Point Route – for information on any accommodation in the area, activities or regional attractions please contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9346 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za