Muizenberg Beach gets Blue Flag Status!

National Marine Month in October 2009 came to an end on a high note when the new season of Blue Flag South Africa was launched at Muizenberg beach yesterday (Thursday 29 October 2009) with the announcement that 29 beaches had been certified prior to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Muizenberg Beach is the only beach on the Cape Point Route to be awarded Blue Flag status.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, said the increase of Blue Flag beaches from 19 last year to 29 this year was extremely good for tourism in South Africa. “In order for South Africa to optimise its tourism potential, it is critical that we offer both domestic and international visitors clean, safe and well-managed beaches.”

“The success of the Blue Flag programme in South Africa can be attributed to the commitment of participating municipalities to provide beach-goers and holiday-makers with world-class beaches offering safe, clean and well-managed facilities,” says Alison Kelly, the Blue Flag Programme Manager.

The award of a Blue Flag beach is based on compliance with 29 criteria covering the aspects of:
1) Environmental Education and Information
2) Water Quality
3) Environmental Management
4) Safety and Services
Click here for full list of criteria

The South African beaches that have received Blue Flag accreditation are:• MacDougall’s Bay, Port Nolloth (new)
• Yzerfontein Main beach, Yzerfontein (new)
• Big Bay beach, Bloubergstrand Cape Town (new)
• Clifton 5th beach, Cape Town
• Camps Bay, Cape Town
• Muizenberg, Cape Town
• Strandfontein beach, Cape Town
• Mnandi beach, Cape Town
• Bikini beach, Gordon’s Bay
• Kleinmond beach, near Hermanus (back in programme)
• Hawston beach, near Hermanus
• Grotto beach, Hermanus
• Lappiesbaai, Stilbaai, Southern Cape
• Santos beach, Mossel Bay (new)
• Hartenbos beach, Mossel Bay (new)
• Robberg 5 beach, Plettenberg Bay (new)
• Dolphin beach, Jeffrey’s Bay
• Humewood beach, Port Elizabeth
• Hobie beach, Port Elizabeth
• Wells Estate, north of Port Elizabeth
• Kelly’s beach, Port Alfred
• Kariega Main beach, Kenton-on-Sea (new)
• Boknes beach, Kenton-On-Sea (new)
• Gonubie beach, East London (back in programme)
• Trafalgar beach, south coast KZN (new)
• Marina beach, south coast KZN
• Ramsgate beach, near Margate
• Margate beach
• Alkantstrand, Richards Bay (new)

Muizenberg is known for its 36km long wide expanse of sandy beach with kid-friendly waves, colourful bathing boxes and has the added bonus of warmer water for bathers. Behind the beach are added extras like miniature putt-putt and the super-tube (waterslide).

Muizenberg beach front is a Cape Town hot spot for surfing, kite surfing and land sailing for learners and professionals alike. Surf school takes place daily and the beach is extremely popular during summer and on weekends.
Muizenberg recently gained another claim to fame when a Guinness World Record was set for the most surfers on a single wave on 4 October 2009. 103 surfers managed to ride a wave together for at least five seconds to take the world record which was previously held in Brazil.
The Muizenberg – St James walkway is a scenic undulating path that takes you along the rocky coastline to St James.

For more info on Muizenberg and the surrounding areas, please contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Summer romance on the Cape Point Route...

There is no shortage of fun on the Cape Point Route – it is a popular sea kayaking and surfski destination with kayak trips from Simon’s Town and surfski school at Fish Hoek or Hout Bay beaches. Off the water, book a horse ride on Noordhoek beach and gallop through the waves with a sense of unrequited freedom. You can book your horse-ride through Imhoff Farm, an unassuming spot where the kids can pet farm animals or visit the snake and reptile park. The whole family can take a camel ride into the bush and come back for handmade cheese or a meal at the Gift Restaurant.

The Cape Point Route has a lot to offer on land as well – try hiking in the mountains and looking down at the miniature sized beach goers from above. Hire a bike and cruise the coastline on wheels, enjoy a round of golf or game of tennis. The area is easy to navigate with a road on each coastline and a few links over the mountains. There is spectacular Boyes Drive for views of False Bay and Chapman’s Peak Drive on the Atlantic Coastline and you can travel by car, motorbike or try a Cape Side Car experience in vintage World War II side cars.

Surfers will be in their element with no shortage of point breaks, reef breaks, a few barrels and a good wave to be found on one coast or the other depending on the prevailing winds. Some of the surfing hot spots are Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Scarborough, the beaches in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Glencairn, Kalk Bay and of course Muizenberg. Stay at Whale Watcher’s Luxury apartments in Muizenberg to watch the waves from your bedroom window. When the surf is up you can dash onto the beach faster than you could put on your wetsuit!

Sand is not a major part of the experience at Kalk Bay, despite a small stretch of sand near the harbour, but you won’t miss it with all the harbour activity. The fisherman return each afternoon with their catch of the day and Sundays are ever popular with local anglers off the harbour wall. An unusual activity is to head out in the early morning with the fisherman and try your hand at traditional line fishing. For those wanting to catch the big game fish, there are various operators who head into the deep sea for a full or half day experience to hook a big yellowtail, tuna or mako. Blue on Blue B&B in St James is a short stroll from all the Kalk Bay action, should you wish to base yourself near the harbour, restaurants, cafes and shops.

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

Beach-Ville continued....

Nature and wildlife experiences are an integral part of the Cape Point Route with an entire nature reserve set aside for pleasure. The area is home to many marine species including whales during July – November which are easily seen all the beaches on the False Bay coastline, Schusters Bay in Scarborough and Chapman’s Peak Drive on the Atlantic Side. It is easy to book a whale watching boat trip from Simon’s Town or Kalk Bay harbour and there is a high chance of seeing dolphins if you are out on a boat.

For many of the marine experiences you will have to negotiate the waves to reach the open ocean. Hout Bay and Simon’s Town both offer boat trips to visit the Cape Fur Seals on Duiker Island and Seal Island respectively. For a more adrenalin packed experience head out to view the flying great white sharks of False Bay with viewing or cage diving options. Look out for the Cape Clawless otter on Kommetjie’s Long Beach and of course don’t miss the African Penguins at Boulders Beach. The Cape Point Route is a beloved birding destination with a year-round revolving door of exciting species especially in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and at the Kom. Soetwater Recreational Area is another hotspot for marine coastal birding or try a pelagic boat trip to see up to 20 off- shore bird species.

Lighthouses have fascinated and attracted people for centuries, not only for their symbolic nature as beacons of safety, refuge and hope. Visiting and photographing lighthouses has become a popular hobby. Cape Point Route has 3 active lighthouses presiding over their respective points and numerous myths and legends related to each. You can climb to the top of South Africa’s tallest cast iron lighthouse - Slangkoppunt Lighthouse in Kommetjie, where you can see the back of Table Mountain, or take the funicular in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve to see the original lighthouse at Cape Point. A short stroll along the cliffs leads you to the new lighthouse, with the most powerful beam in Southern Africa. Roman Rock lighthouse in Simon’s Town has the accolade of being the only lighthouse built on a rock. For a novel experience take a helicopter flip over the Cape Point Route and watch the craggy cliffs become jigsaw puzzle pieces and the historic lighthouses become significant beacons.

Romantics will be seduced by the smaller hidden coves that most drivers miss from the road. Hike down to Smitswinkel bay just before the road turns towards the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve entrance – a bay frequented only by private residents or fisherman – the effort is worth the privacy. Scarborough or Misty Cliffs on the Atlantic Coastline are beautiful sandy beaches, dotted with an occasional surfer or windsurfer. The crowds seldom visit Windmill Beach or Fisherman’s Beach on the southern end of Simon’s Town, both as picturesque as the more famed Boulders Beach.

Beach Weddings are extremely popular on the Cape Point Route to seal your always and forever promise. The options range from barefoot elegance to exclusive and intimate beach front properties like Villa St James for your special day. Some beaches require permits for the wedding ceremony but with professional co-ordinators to arrange the details at Boulders Beach, Millers Point, St James or Kommetjie or in Cape Point Nature Reserve itself, all details can be taken care of on your behalf.

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

The Cape Point Route to Beach-Ville

Been to Bali? Cruised in California? Swum in Sydney? Dived near Durbs? Suntanned in Spain? Honeymooned in Hawaii? Married in Mauritius? Idled in Italy? Beach escapes are not new to travelers. The desire for white sand and blue ocean water, lying on a beach with golden sunshine warming your body, eyes closed, thoughts drifting to the sound of seagulls and the caress of waves is the idyllic dream of many a holiday maker.

Finding a beach is not normally something most vacationers find difficult, but finding the right beach for your needs is sometimes trickier, so here are the previously undisclosed tips for your Cape Point Route beach holiday to ensure those dreams come true.

The Cape Point Route spans 2 coastlines and is wrapped around a national park so it is no wonder that the area is impossibly picturesque, surprisingly affordable and loaded with humanity.

There is no shortage of options for families. You can sign up for a family friendly surf lesson at Muizenberg beach – complete with all equipment and the instructors. Behind the beach are some great family fun extras like miniature golf (putt- putt) and the super-tube - a fast moving waterslide which is a perennial favourite amongst kids.


St James beach is characterized by the colourful beach houses and a tidal pool which is ideal for kids. For an educational experience visit the rock pools in Dalebrook Marine Reserve and discover the rocky shore creatures that spend half of each day under water.


Fish Hoek beach is the ultimate family friendly beach with a wide swathe of sand for building sandcastles, 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. There is a glorious shoreline path with informative sign-boards about the whales that come annually to calve and the dolphins that frolic in the bay. Glencairn and Hout Bay are wonderfully safe swimming beaches for the kids, with stretches of white sand to play on or in.


Boulders Beach was voted best family beach in the world by the UK Telegraph in March 2007 which is hardly surprising considering the safe swimming, beautiful setting amongst granite boulders and of course the opportunity to swim with penguins. Hang out with the feathered friends a little longer at Boulders Beach Lodge, located just footsteps from the beach.

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

Leopard Toads on the Cape Point Route!

Escaping into nature is a relative term on the Cape Point Route as the entire region is a smorgasbord of mountain and sea, plants and animals. There are some unexpected animals to find in the area if you keep your eyes open, including the highly endangered Western Leopard toad (which is also called the snoring toad and the August frog). The breeding call is very loud and sounds like a cat purring or a motorbike and can be heard easily – hence the alternative name!

They are very charismatic creatures and live quite happily in gardens, where they eat caterpillars, snails and small chongololos. The patches on their heads are unique to each toad and are like a fingerprint, so you can keep track of your own toad by keeping photographs to see if it is the same one every year.

Although they are dry land creatures, they go to wetland areas every year during July and August to breed. The breeding process takes a mere 5 – 10 days in total and because of their migration to the wetland areas they are vulnerable when crossing roads, so please look out for them especially at night. They are fairly easy to spot as the males are about 8cm in size and the females up to 15cm.

The sensitive wetland areas on the Cape Point Route are Lakeside, Zandvlei, Silvermine Wetlands in Fish Hoek, Noordhoek wetlands, Kommetjie (Wireless Rd), Sun Valley wetlands and Glen Cairn. The 1mm toadlets emerge from the wetlands in Dec/ Jan and have a hard time surviving to full maturity which we think takes 3 – 4 years.

There is a Toad Awareness morning for children at the Fish Hoek Library hall on August 4th at 10 am. Admission is free, but donations will be welcome. A research project is being undertaken by UCT and a record of all sightings is needed – dead or alive. Please contact Evanne Rothwell with these – 084 711 5413 or 021 782 6144.

Please look out for these Leopard Toads which are listed in the Red Data Book of endangered species. Whilst in the Cape Point Route area keep your eyes peeled for some of our other creatures on your explorations – porcupines, the Cape Clawless Otter, Cape Fox, genets, polecats & molerats in addition to the Cape Fur Seals, penguins and whales that have achieved a higher status in the headlines! The Cape Point Route may not be home to Africa’s Big 5 but it is certainly home to some intriguing eco-nature experiences. For places to stay and eat when visiting, please contact 021 782 9356 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Cape Pointers!

The landmark attraction of the Cape Point Route is Cape Point itself, located at the end of the Cape Peninsula, just 60 km southwest of Cape Town’s city centre. Far too many visitors do the speed tour to the old lighthouse that rises 238 metres above the sea, when a journey into the Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park is a day of discovery all on its own.

South African residents can take advantage of the current Weekender Package that is being offered to anyone arriving at the gate before 10h00 on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday with their Identity document. This is a Two for the price of one offer and includes the gate entry for two adults, a hearty fynbos breakfast at the Two Oceans Restaurant, a return trip on the Flying Dutchman funicular and one free Cape Point certificate per package from the Logo Store. The whole lot will set you back a mere R135.00, instead of R 278.00.

Cape Point is Africa’s most south westerly point and here you can experience the grandeur of one of the highest sea cliffs and freshest air in South Africa. The most well known spot for visitors is the old lighthouse which can be reached by ascending the steep slope via the Funicular, called the Flying Dutchman after a ghost ship that haunts the seas. The environmentally friendly funicular is the only one of its kind in the world and replaced the old diesel bus for maximum safety and minimum impact on the environment.

At the top, there is a spectacular view of the rugged point and if you want to escape the crowds at the top, take a stroll along the dramatic path that links you to the new lighthouse. The old lighthouse was frequently obscured by fog and mist resulting in numerous shipwrecks and hence the commission of the new lighthouse which today is the most powerful lighthouse in South Africa. Walking the path on top of sheer cliffs, that descend into False Bay is a truly memorable experience.

Once you descend from the viewpoint it is well worth planning a breakfast or lunch stop at the Two Oceans Restaurant – which is probably one of the most dramatic locations of any restaurant. They have finished a new look with a wooden deck, new menus and they are even offering catering for picnics, BBQ’s, cocktail functions and oyster tastings. Give them a call for more details or preferably just grab a meal when hunger strikes at this restaurant perched high above the crashing waves.

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

Pamper yourself on the Cape Point Route....

We were sitting relaxing under the oak trees at Noordhoek Farm Village one morning with the aroma of newly brewed coffee emanating from Café Roux and the expectant air of the countryside preparing for the day. Children’s laughter drifted musically through the clear skies. There was talk of love, households, kids, the Argus Cycle tour, world economy and infallible remedies to solve African poverty. The conversation evolved to work, stress & survival. Within seconds it was abundantly apparent that there was a collective crisis! Each of us was craving time to be spoilt, time to refresh & time for personal gratification.

The absolute necessity to rejuvenate the physical and mental aspects of our souls with a pamper session was not negotiable. The definition of what a pamper session entailed however was an intense discussion with varied definitions and solutions. Despite disparate views on pampering techniques we concurred that there was an indulgent option for everyone on the Cape Point Route – the southern peninsula stretching from Hout Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard down to Cape Point and up the False Bay Coastline to Muizenberg. The Cape Point Route is an area of natural beauty where mountains meet the sea in each village along the route. The dramatic scenery is almost therapy in itself as most Cycle Tour riders will discover as they traverse the route on the 8 March in the world’s biggest timed cycle race.

Sally, being a Duracell energy bunny, categorically stated that hiking, cycling, paddling and exploring the Cape Point Route was her pamper treat. A run through Cape Point Nature Reserve with a hearty breakfast at Two Oceans Restaurant at the end of a good exercise session was dangerously addictive. Getting "that fix" from a pleasurable activity produces positive effects in the body and she is definitely a happier, healthier, more focused person as a result. The endorphins released after a cycle along the dramatic twists and 114 curves of the 9 kilometre route of Chapman’s Peak Drive cannot be reproduced by any artificial substance. Top it off with a long lazy well-deserved breakfast or lunch at Noordhoek Farm Village ….

Shayne shook her head in disbelief as she gazed wistfully across the grassy space to the shoes, handbags, flowing frocks and funky pants posing against the white-washed walls of the Old Milking shed. She pronounced that she felt exhausted just thinking about all the energy involved in merely getting a kayak to the waters edge let alone having to balance and paddle against the wind and the waves. Seeing a penguin from Boulders Beach was a simpler alternative than experiencing the tuxedo-looking birds from a water-based craft. "I am sure it is amazing to see the penguins from the sea…but talking of tuxedos – did we know there was a penguin shop at Boulders Beach Lodge with all kinds of penguin paraphernalia?" Shayne promptly changed the subject back to her healing remedy – retail therapy.

A shopping marathon of browsing, searching, restyling, testing, trying and buying was pure bliss for Shayne. Spending an entire day meandering the cobbled lanes of Kalk Bay for jewellery, beadwork, books or "whatever" was her chill- out distress technique. Throw in some mates, a seaside lunch, a chilled glass of Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, followed by more shopping is her paradise.

Kelly could not contain herself any longer, "Majestic, Majestic, Majestic. If you are in Kalk Bay you have to go to the Majestic Spa – pampering is about having a spa treatment". Kelly is a regular – booking 2 ½ hours of heaven at least once a month. The building is beautiful and the fresh sea air adds to the atmosphere of calm, peaceful relaxation. The staff are kind, friendly and exceptionally well trained with the latest equipment resulting in the blissful self- indulgence of having something done to you, without any active participation. Facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massages, hot stone massages – Kelly has tried them all and is adamant that pampering means finding that river of oblivion, not wanting to be with anyone, not wanting to be anybody (not even herself) and not knowing where she was.

Barbara agreed that finding a transcendent zone is pure pamper. She treats herself at the Divine Day Spa in Glencairn – a small retreat set on the mountainside overlooking False Bay. In addition to Kelly’s proclaimed routine therapies, the Divine Day Spa has wonderful packages for Divine Divas, Divine Couples, Bridal Parties or just Divine Indulgence. The latter is a full day affair with your soul incorporating a total healing experience of the five senses. There is a swimming pool with loungers to relax, a thatched boma called the Crystal room, a fireplace lounge, an infrared sauna and the chocolate room. Yes they have a signature chocolate body wrap – particularly intimate for the Divine Couples.

That is Barbara’s other pamper – time with her husband. She actively seeks out romantic retreats, because part of what makes life so wonderful and meaningful is to have time with a loved one. An essential step is to ensure that the daily stresses are removed from one’s immediate surroundings - so it’s getting a babysitter for the kids and heading off to a dreamy location where you don’t have to wash dishes or fetch kids. Sunset Beach Guest House is literally right on the beach in Kommetjie. Although it is hard to leave the comforts of the manicured fynbos garden, the sparkling swimming pool or the comfy lounge, it is worth stepping from your room onto the beach for a stroll. Gratification comes easily with pristine white sand, the scurrying Black Oystercatchers and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Cape Clawless otter. Staying at Sunset Beach Guesthouse is indulgence, especially when you can choose an evening meal or have a picnic basket organized so you don’t have to cook! Alternatively you can saunter down the beach into the village of Kommetjie and dine at one of the quaint restaurants, like the Green Room, which has superb Mexican style cuisine.

Heads nodded in agreement as the contradictory pampering solutions began to merge a little like that feeling of hanging out with a familiar old friend. Getting away from it all was a universal feel good factor to de-stress. The style of the retreat varied…

Sally voted for Sundollar in Noordhoek. A homely B&B with a huge large garden (for playing Frisbee), a swimming pool and wooden deck for chilling out and watching the sunset over the Noordhoek wetlands.

Kelly voted for De Noordhoek Hotel at the Noordhoek Farm Village, "Concierge, concierge, concierge". Our spa girl just happened to know another health and beauty spot in the village, loved the semi-private swimming pool and the choice of 3 fabulous restaurants within a few steps of her room. The Foodbarn for some fine dining at the hands of chef Franck Dangereaux, glamorous pubgrub at Bobby Skinstad’s new establishment called the Toad in the Village ("nothing wrong with a hot celebrity when you’re eating", she proclaimed) and of course the chill out zone under the oaks Café Roux.

Shayne agreed De Noordhoek Hotel could easily be managed especially with all the shopping available but would prefer Boulders Beach Lodge with it’s beach styled décor, on site restaurant, proximity to the beach and the penguins and of course the Curious Penguin Shop.

Some of us gain energy from sitting peacefully on a mountainside, celebrating the silence and some of us revive our physical being through experiences – be they in retail, activity or passive

luxuriating spa treatments. Releasing everyday tension and getting the boost you need on the Cape Point Route caused us all to share a moment that made soul and belly rejoice. Cheers!

For more information on where to stay, eat, shop and play on the Cape Point Route please call 021 782 9356 or visit: www.capepointroute.co.za

The last few discoveries on the Cape Point Route...

The wandering coastline leads you through Fish Hoek. This seaside village is surrounded by rugged mountains and boasts one of the safest swimming beaches and is a favourite with wind surfers, lifesavers and hobie cat sailers. Visitors mingle with the locals who swim and walk their dogs on the accessible beach or stroll along the catwalk which heads southwards to Sunny Cove. Fish Hoek Galley situated right on the beach offers a restaurant and a bistro and a great viewing spot for Southern Right whales in season. Fish Hoek is actually a centre of human civilisation and is home to an early stone age historic site where the remains of the 12 000 year old Fish Hoek man was found at Peers Cave.

It’s hard to believe that retro Kalk Bay is actually part of Cape Town. The pace differs – interesting people stroll along the wharf and browse the quirky shops, relaxed citizens sip on superb Cape Wines and cold beers while surfers ride the breakers. The fishing village is a buzz with local fisherman, bohemian shopping, antiques, crafts and superb restaurants. If you stay on the Cape Point Route long enough you can arrange to go out with trek fisherman, who leave the harbour in the early morning and return with shouts of “Hottentot, kabeljou, Red Roman” or the appropriate catch of the day. There is an arty vibe, a growing nightlife, with great theatre and the art, architecture and cuisine are much sought after.

Colourful bathing boxes are the trademark of St James and the start of grand stone houses that line the road to Muizenberg. The homes reflect a wealthy colonial past and despite a slight fading in the grandeur of its heyday it is easy to see why this section was called “Millionaire’s Mile”. Muizenberg itself was an exclusive seaside resort for the rich and famous and there is something of a rejuvenation happening in the town with an expanding gastronomic and theatre culture. Muizenberg today is more famous for its long wide expanse of sandy beach with kid-friendly waves, colourful bathing boxes and the added bonus of warmer water for bathers. Behind the beach are added extras like miniature putt-putt and the super-tube (waterslide). "The Corner" is a Cape Town hot spot of surfculture for learners and professionals alike. Muizenberg is an easy access point for hiking off Boyes Drive which is a scenic travel road and also lies within easy reach of Zandvlei a popular bird watching and water sport destination.

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, leisure and entertainment comes easily to those who stay. SO, if you are looking for vast open spaces, outstanding cuisine, theatre, live music, magnificent scenery, a sense of tranquillity, and your blend of choice is a combination of mountain and sea with a touch of earthy elegance, make the Cape Point Route your weekend getaway. Only 30 minutes from Cape Town city centre its quick, accessible, affordable and definitely worth more than a one night stand.

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

More and more discoveries on the Cape Point Route...

Scarborough is a seaside conservation village where nature is at its most superb. With the chilly Atlantic on your side, the road from Kommetjie winds past the tiny hamlet of Misty Cliffs (a popular surf spot) to Scarborough, a beautiful village with unspoiled beaches and mountains. It is right on the doorstep of Table Mountain National Park with views of the Cape of Good Hope. Scarborough feels like a forgotten outpost, so enjoy the peace and the tranquillity with the luxury of easy accessibility to the rest of the Cape Point Route.

The landmark attraction of the route is Cape Point at the end of the CapePeninsula. Far too many visitors do the speed tour to the old lighthouse that rises 238 metres above the sea when the journey is a day of discovery all on its own. You can get to the lighthouse like the average bipedal human or experience a more exhilarating ride in the Flying Dutchman funicular. Cape Point is located within the Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and has the highest sea cliffs and freshest air. Lesser known details are the 1 200 species of indigenous plants, various small mammals, antelope, zebras and even ostriches that call this park home. You can take a leisurely stroll on the beach or follow a one hour trail from the peak down to the sheltered cove of the Cape of Good Hope. When hunger strikes you can grab a meal at the restaurant which is perched high above the crashing waves. And one more point – the Chacma baboons will entertain and amaze you with their human likeness but please do not feed them.

The spectacular road takes you past SmitswinkelBay (treasure seekers and divers know about the 6 shipwrecks in that tiny bay!) and Millers Point to Simon’s Town – home to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Here humans and penguins share the sand and the sea – the swimming is fabulous – flat, calm and the warmest water in Cape Town as it is protected by giant boulders. The main penguin viewing area is from Seaforth with boardwalks taking tourists to the viewing platform above FoxyBeach. For a more intimate experience and a chance to swim with the penguins, turn down Bellevue Road at the sign posted for Boulders Beach.

Simon’s Town is a maritime naval town with a quaint historical mile and a variety of architecturally interesting buildings, shops and walks. The Waterfront area incorporates exclusive shops and restaurants and looks out over the yacht basin and harbour. A host of water activities and boat trips head off in different directions from the jetty. These range from 40 minute harbour cruises or voyages into the middle of False Bay to Seal Island or down to spectacular Cape Point itself. You can even get closer to the water in a stable sea kayak that leaves from the jetty and can give you the edge on penguin viewing. Seals will wave their flippers at you and the birdlife is astounding. Professional sea kayak experience is not necessary!

At the edge of Simon’s Town is the hidden gem of Glencairn with a great family beach, a wetlands area and a meeting place for most activities on the Cape Point Route. There’s an information office, a dive centre, baboon walking and a sports bar which is the hot spot for entertainment in the area with live music.

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

More discovering on the Cape Point Route

Chapman’s Peak Drive, fondly called “Chappies”, rises out of Hout Bay – once a self declared republic! This phenomenal marine road with 114 curves was initially carved out of the mountain during the First World War. It sets the pace for your Cape Point Route sojourn as speed seems less important. The 9km road has sheer drops to the ocean below and is a photographers dream. Actually it is a paradise for runners, hikers and bikers (both the motorised and the manual varieties).

On the Southern slopes of Chapmans Peak you will overlook the 8km stretch of Noordhoek beach. Noordhoek itself is Cape Town’s rural treasure with a farm atmosphere. It is famed for its long white sandy beach but don’t be surprised to find horses, pigs, cows, hens, ducks, geese and rabbits roaming around the gardens and open public spaces. Noordhoek feels like a step out of time with its relaxed, unhurried pace but don’t be fooled- the artists and crafters in the area are cutting edge. Most of them are gathered at Noordhoek Farm village, which is also a great playground stop if you have kids.

Look out for the peaceful settlement of Masiphumelele off the Kommetjie road, where you experience an interactive walk-in township tour of this largely Xhosa speaking community. Ocean View on the opposite side of the road, is a traditional fishing community with a captivating history of relocation and seafarer tales. This animated, energetic populace will welcome you on a walking tour or invite you to dine with them on traditional dishes and karaoke. You may even experience the local Cape Minstrel troupe!

Kommetjie is the next town and is not a drive-through. Kommetjie is well known for its windsurfing, but surfing and scuba diving are also hot activities and it is a fabulous town for bird watching. If you’re interested in legends (or even just the views) then get up Slangkoppunt lighthouse – the tallest cast iron lighthouse in South Africa.

Watch this space for more discoveries on the Cape Point Route or contact us on 021 782 9356. www.capepointroute.co.za

Noordhoek on the Cape Point Route!

Noordhoek is famed for its rural atmosphere and long white sandy beach – the atmosphere and lifestyle is tranquil with a relaxed unhurried pace. The delight of Noordhoek is that you can be transported to a gracious less hurried era in less than 30 minutes from Cape Town CBD. You can go “over the mountain” (Ou Kaapse Weg) or “around the mountain” (Chapman’s Peak Drive) on 2 of the most beautiful road drives on the globe (and you can practice your prepositions at the same time!)

But don’t be fooled by Noordhoek’s rural setup. The artists and crafters are cutting edge. Most of them are gathered in and around Noordhoek Farm Village – a great location at the base of Chapman’s Peak Drive. The craft shops host everything from horse tack to African crafts, art galleries, an antique store, clothing, pottery and the Light from Africa Foundation which produces sensational ceramic art created by local artists and sculptors. The LFA Foundation supports AIDS orphans. It is a complete one stop experience without the bustle of a mall. There is also the convenience of an ATM machine.

For those requiring pampering there is a beauty salon, and for gardeners a full organic nursery. Parents can enjoy a great meal while knowing that their kids are safely being entertained in the playground area or are just running freely on the lawns under the oak trees. Another great attraction in the playground area is a “Worm Farm” where kids can attend workshops and experience the process of making compost for gardens. Ideal for a lunch stop as there are 3 restaurants and 2 pubs. The Foodbarn is divided into a bakery, a patisserie, a delicatessen and a restaurant so you can shop for daily necessities or pick up some special ingredients for some home made kitchen magic. The food is excellent owing to the skill of renowned chef Frank Dangereux.

Café Roux is a family, friends, food and wine kind of place. It’s about atmosphere and relaxation as much as the food, and is a great breakfast beginning or fresh lunch stop. Always check the blackboard for daily specials. The Toad in the Village has a pub upstairs and a restaurant downstairs and is very popular with locals and visitors alike.

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

BREAKING NEWS....CHAPMANS PEAK DRIVE REOPENS TODAY!

As of today the 9th October 09 at 13h00, Chapman's Peak Drive reopens! This iconic nine kilometre drive, which winds along cliffs above Atlantic breakers, had been closed since June last year, following recurrent rockfalls.

The reopening ceremony was performed by Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle, who has been pushing concession operators, the Entilini consortium, to make the road useable again.

Chapman’s Peak Drive winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Situated on the Atlantic Coast, at the south-western tip of South Africa, it is one of the most spectacular marine drives anywhere in the world.

The 9km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman's Peak, the 593m high southerly extension of Constantia Berg. The drive offers stunning 180° views with many areas along the route where you can stop and take in the scenery or sit down for a relaxing picnic.

Chapman’s Peak and the surrounding areas offer local and foreign visitors a myriad of things to do, and forms the gateway between Cape Town and the South Peninsula.

The route starts at the picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay and the climb winds steeply up to Chapman's Point, revealing breathtaking views of the sandy bays down below, until the road reaches lower levels again at Noordhoek.

Initially constructed during the First World War, Chapman’s Peak Drive has now implemented rock-fall protection measures that were selected on the basis of what is considered to be best international practice and consist of a half tunnel, catch fences, slope stabilisation and canopy structures. In 2004, Chapman’s Peak Drive received an excellence award for rock fall protection.

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

Discovering the Cape Point Route

Imagine sushi after a surf lesson. Imagine a sunrise kayak and a deep soft tissue massage after scuba diving a shipwreck. Imagine cocktails with penguins and a moonlight hike. Imagine drum circles and wine tastings. Imagine conferencing under Milkwoods, then going shopping. Imagine a bed next to the beach and sand between your toes. Or just a walk on the beach…? You can imagine it or you can choose to immerse yourself in it on the Cape Point Route.

The Cape Point Route spans 2 coastlines wrapped around a National Park and 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. So couch potatoes stay home and watch TV, everyone else can come and play.

The Cape Point Route experience begins in Hout Bay, a picturesque village surrounded by protective mountains with a long sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and watersports like sea kayaking, sailing, fishing, surfing. The lively fishing harbour hosts many tourism activities including boat trips, as well as being a working harbour for the tuna and crayfishing industries. Hang out in Hout Bay with its interesting shops, craft markets and relaxed cafes and restaurants. Be sure to visit World of Birds - Africa’s LargestBirdPark with over 450 species of birds.

Website: www.capepointroute.co.za
Tel: 021 782 9356

Only when it rains - what to do on the Cape Point Route

Stormy clouds loaded with raindrops are hanging over the Cape Point Route, and with that Capetonians have a tendency to retreat indoors. The great news is that it is not all doom and gloom, evidenced by the striking rainbow that danced colourfully over Silvermine Reserve this morning. I was tempted to grab my binoculars and start looking for the pot of gold at its base when I realized that I was on the goldmine. (Technically an old Silvermine but gold or silver works for me either way.)

A crisp wintery walk on one of the short trails at Silvermine Reserve is one solution for getting the blood flowing and absorbing the winter treasures on the Cape Point Route. I still love the wildness of walking on Long Beach or Fish Hoek beach on a blustery day with other like minded souls, often with dogs or kids. Another personal favourite is taking in a thrilling live Nature show at Cape Point or from Chapman’s Peak Drive – complete with crashing waves and storm clouds racing across the sky.

The beauty of getting outdoors early is the delight of retreating to a comfy cozy corner at a seaside restaurant or coffee shop. The smell of freshly brewed coffee after a fresh air start and the pleasure of sipping slowly on a warm beverage with a copy of next 48 hours and planning the rest of the day is a wee slice of fantasy.

After your refreshment, grab an umbrella and explore the nooks, crannies and small lanes of the seaside villages on the Cape Point Route. Cobbled alleyways in Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, accompanied by quaint and original stores gives bargain hunting and treasure seeking a new meaning. There are some excellent book stores, so choose a mood tome to wile away a grey afternoon.

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

Kayak it on the Cape Point Route

Simon van der Stel, who governed the Cape from 1679 – 1699, set out to seek a safe winter harbour for the Cape Colony and during his exploration of the peninsula “discovered” a natural protected harbour which he humbly named Simon’s Bay after himself. Hence the birth of Simon’s Town, established as a winter anchorage for good reason. Simon van der Stel was right – the waters of False Bay are calmer than Table Bay in winter and stillness prevails, making water sports one of the best kept winter secrets on the Cape Point Route.

Simon’s Town is home to the South African Navy, a waterfront, a yacht club and a world famous penguin colony. Water surrounds and infuses itself into your very being and one of the best ways to get really close to the water is to go sea kayaking. No other aquatic craft will give you the experience of immersion without physical dunking!

Sea kayaking is fun and fearless as adventures go as the kayaks are safe and stable. Each paddler is kitted out with wet weather gear, lifejackets and designated to a boat and a paddle – and you get “the- idiots- guide – to- paddling” instructions with a dry land practice session before hitting the water and trying out the forward, backward, left and right directional turns.

Sea kayak trips go from the Simon’s Town waterfront and there is no mistaking that you are in a naval town. You paddle out along the harbour wall and gaze up at huge frigates and naval personnel bustling along with their daily duties. It is not uncommon to see boats or helicopters performing naval exercises or routine training drills.

As you round the harbour wall, however, seals and commorants distract you from the naval harbour and the sense of air, water and space descends. The sensation is surreal, the stillness is vast save the gentle plop of a paddle hitting the water or the sea kayak guide pointing out places of interest and sharing news on this historical town.

The most popular sea kayak trip takes you to the penguin colony at BouldersBeach, which takes 1 ½ - 2 hours which includes a short stop on the beach. The penguins who are so accustomed to human movement on land, react differently when you are in the water and seem more wary and suspicious of the cruising kayaks. With a colony of approximately 4000 African penguins they are very visible both on land and swimming in the water next to you. It is a startlingly different perspective and experience to gazing at the quirky characters from an elevated boardwalk.

Other popular kayak trips go to Cape Point itself or on a Simon’s Town harbour paddle but Simon’s TownSea kayakers are flexible and can arrange a sea kayak trip to almost any of the coves and bays that make up this magnificent stretch of coastline. You could request a paddle to Fish Hoek and stop for a meal at Fish Hoek Galley or head out to the Atlantic side if the wind is blowing in a South Easterly direction for a paddle at the base of Chapman’s Peak. The options are endless, you just have to ask.

To enhance your kayaking experience, we recommend spending a night or more on the Cape Point Route, trying out some of the great restaurants, browsing the shops, museums and galleries, going for long ambling walks and soaking up the sights, sounds and smells.

For more fun ideas of what to do and where to go, contact the Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Keep the Spirits Up

From ghostly ships to haunted houses, the Cape Point Route abounds with mysteries.

Since the first vessels called in Table Bay more than 500 years ago, more than 450 known ships have been lost to the treacherous coastline of the Cape Peninsula. And some more than once…

Perhaps the most famous of these ghosts is the “Flying Dutchman” of the Cape of Good Hope – a ship that haunts the seas in bad weather whilst still attempting to sail around Cape Point. The ghostly ship has given its name to the funicular that takes visitors up to the old lighthouse and viewpoint at the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

The legend dates from about 1640 or so when a Dutch ship under command of a Captain van der Decken sank off Cape Point during a storm (by the way, there are no records of this. As the ship went down he apparently cursed ‘I will round this Cape even if I have to keep sailing to doomsday!’

So whenever a storm brews off the Cape and you look carefully enough, you will be able to see the ship. Don’t look too closely though, for it is claimed that whoever sights it will die a terrible death. Many people have claimed to have seen the Flying Dutchman, including the crew of a German submarine during World War 2.
The most famous viewer was King George V, who experienced it off the Cape while he was a midshipman on HMS Bacchante in July 1881. He wrote that the lookout and the officer of the watch had also seen a ghost ship. He described it as ‘a strange red light as of a phantom ship all aglow, in the midst of which light the mast, spars and sails of a brig 200 yards distant stood out in strong relief’. The lookout fell to his death a few hours later but the young midshipman survived the curse- fortunately for the British royal family.

Diaz and Da Gama – early Portuguese explorers were approached by a large dark cloud, in the shape of a human, who warned them of the dangers in trying to sail around the Cape of Storms. This figure is known as Adamastor in mythology and the gods turned him into a mountain at Cape Point to guard the seas of the south.

Simon’s Town is a naval town and it’s well known for its hauntings. The most famous is at the Simon’s Town museum. Photographs of a mural on the wall are often blurred or even blank and 2 women spirits have been sighted both inside and outside the building. Admiralty House (home to the SA Navy) is also said to be haunted and the Palace Barracks are rumoured to have at least 3 ghosts including that of Mary Kingsley – the famous female West African explorer. The Anglican Church, St George’s Church and even Black’s Lane all claim haunted nooks and corners.

Whether or not you believe in ghosts or have a fascination with legends, the Cape Point Route abounds with mysteries waiting to be discovered. Anyone who stays longer will be glad they did as the history and the secrets reveal themselves to those who take the time to experience the richness of the Cape Peninsula in addition to its beauty.

For more secrets, things to do, places to stay or eat, please contact the Cape Point Route: www.capepointroute.co.za or Call 021 782 9356.

What's on the Cape Point Route this weekend: 3rd & 4th October...

Summer seems to have arrived and there are lots of active events on the Cape Point Route this weekend.

Join Dog walkers, who are walking 75km to raise money for the SPCA; The monthly Moonlight Meander is on Muizenberg Beach on Saturday evening promoting safety together and there is a Guinness World Record attempt in Muizenberg - trying to get the most surfers on a wave.

Some great live music and free kids activities... check out our recommendations below. Have fun on the Cape Point Route this weekend.

EARTHWAVE 2009:

The third annual edition of Earthwave will be staged at Muizenberg and on beaches worldwide on Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 October 2009.
Earthwave is a global environmental initiative that promotes sustainable lifestyle choices by harnessing the huge interest surrounding local surfing communities attempting to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the highest number of surfers riding the same wave simultaneously.

In 2009 people worldwide are aware of the climate crisis through the efforts of allied organisations such as Earth Day, Earthdance, Earth Hour, Live Earth, WWF and others. This year the events will promote the sustainable lifestyle choices that are now available as we seek to reduce our impact on the environment. These choices include renewable energy; recycling; reducing waste and energy use; re-usable rather than disposable items; bio-degradable, organic and local products and packaging, all of which not only help the environment but save money at the same time.

PROGRAM OF EVENTS Sunday 4 October
08.30 – 12.00 Earthwave Longboard Classic
10.00 Registration opens for Guinness World Record attempt
11.00 Free surf lessons by Roxy Surf Club & Surf Shack
11.30 Talk on “Climate Change – How can you help”
Estate Manager : Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
12.00 – 12.30 SUP Expression Session by Coreban
12.00 Dig For Gold – Over R20 000 in prizes buried in sand
12.30 – 13.00 Line-up for Guinness World Record attempt
12.15 – 12.30 Diski Dance by CODA and Cape Town Tourism
13.00 – 14.00 Guinness World Record attempt
14.00 – 16.30 Semis & Finals of Earthwave Longboard Classic
17.30 – Late After-party at Brass Bell in conjunction with Zigzag
19.00 Official numbers at Earthwave SA announced – Brass Bell
19.30 Comedy spot by Mark Sampson – Brass Bell
21.00 Official numbers at Earthwave Brazil & Argentina announced
All day Activities
* Miss Earth South Africa – Chanel Grantham
* Presentations on preserving waterways + beach cleanups by Ocean Minded
* Displays by Save Our Seas and Shark Spotters
* Exhibition of SUP equipment and free lessons by Coreban
* Sticker showers and Give-Aways
* Raffles and fund-raising for worthy causes

SPCA KILOMETRES FOR CANINES TABLE MOUNTAIN WALK:
On the 3rd and 4th October of 2009 a group of dog walking Capetonians aim to walk non stop, from Cape Point to the bottom of Platteklip gorge. A distance of 75km. The group will start at 9am from Cape Point, going through the reserve. Onto main road, through Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay.

The first 35km, will be along the main road as far as Kalk Bay, from where we will head into the mountain. We hope to take around 26 hours to complete the entire distance. There are 12 people doing the entire route but about 20 people participating in the early session. Enthusiastic walkers are welcome to join in at any stage.

We will be accompanied on sections our walk by a variety of dogs. Many of the dogs have been adopted from the SPCA. Our special message to everyone is to adopt a dog. There are so many in need of a good home.
The monies raised will go towards refurbishing the kennels and providing for the care of all the dogs,cats, horses and other animals, waiting to be adopted.
Please give generously by contacting Binny Ridgeway: binnyridgway@gmail.com

Click here on how to sponsor: http://www.doit4charity.co.za/fundraising/Ridgway.Rambler

MUIZENBERG MOONLIGHT MEANDER ON MUIZENBERG BEACH:Sat 3rd October is full moon. Join the SAFER TOGETHER group who meet in front of Knead Bakery at 18h00. Walk starts at 18h30 and all walkers are accompanies by the Neighbourhood Watch Association. The MMM was started in December 2008, with the idea of “taking the beach back for the community” so that people can walk in safety at night on the Saturday evening closest to full moon. Members of neighbourhood watches walk with the Meanderers. There are many regulars, also many newcomers and family groups. People came from as far as Kenilworth and Simonstown. It seems the word is spreading, and the project can only grow as the weather improves. Knead specially opens on Meander Saturday evenings. Pictures – wrapped up warmly for walking in the dark.

For more information contact Cape Town Tourism Muizenberg 021 787 9140

LIVE MUSIC
1. Come and watch the well known Kolo Novo Movie Band at Polana in Kalk Bay on Sat 3rd October 09. Entrance is free, and for more info, call Polana on 021 788 4133.

2. Tim Parr & friends will be playing live music at Fogeys Railway House in Muizenberg on Friday the 2nd Oct. Also at Fogeys Railway House, catch Jamie Jupiter & Interplanetary Insanity. Cover is R40 and music starts at 20h00.
For more info on Fogeys live music events this weekend, call them on 021 788 3252.

3. Afro-Fiesta & Mapumba will be at Cape Farmhouse on Saturday afternoon for their weekly outdoor concert showcasing South African musicians. The gates open at 13:30 and the shows start at 15:30. There is a cash bar and food on sale. R50 gets you in or if you can prove you're a student, you're in for R40. Sweet!

Afro-Fiesta and Mapumba: Singing in French, English, Chiluba and Swahili, Mapumba has a sound that can only be simply called world music..!" His music is a simple sound inspired by different styles from his ethnic elements to modern sounds of soul music. All blended by his rich velvet voice and unique style of musical arrangement. Mapumba sings about personal stories of his life and moral issues most of all portraying the message
of love and unity.

For more info contact Cape Farmhouse on 021 780 1246 or email info@capefarmhouse.co.za

4. Crimson will get you ready to start the weekend at The Toad in the Village at Noordhoek Farm Village on Friday 2 Oct. Also at The Toad, catch Mac & Morris blow the Sunday blues away on Sunday 4th Oct.

For more info call The Toad in the Village at Noordhoek Farm Village on 021 789 2973.

KIDS ACTIVITIES AT NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE3 Oct: Craft Day
Make wonderfully simple things at our craft tables using household items. This initiates the kids awareness of recycling and reusing materials in the home. Educational themes bring out creative and motor skills from design to production and a whole lot of fun.
VENUE: The Bandstand, Noordhoek Farm Village
COST: Event is free
TIME: 10h30 – 12h30
CONTACT: 021 789 2812
WEBSITE: www.noordhoekvillage.co.za

Don't forget to watch out for the whales all along the False Bay Coastline!

Have a great one!!

Romantic Experiences for all sorts on the Cape Point Route...

Adventure loving romantics can paddle into quaint coves in sea kayaks from Simon’s Town, before saddling up for a canter on horseback at sunset along Noordhoek’s Long Beach. Love and nature have something in common and given the right circumstances both can be reliable methods to get the pulse pounding. The Cape Point Route with its’ fynbos covered mountain slopes and oceans throbbing with marine life is only limited in romantic possibilities by your own imagination. Have no fear if you run out of amorous yet active ideas, we have plenty.

Surround yourself with the outdoors and try hiking in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Don’t rush to the lighthouse for a snapshot, but take the time to absorb the grandeur of some of the highest sea cliffs and freshest air in South Africa. There are countless hikes, following rocky sea paths with a fascinating history of shipwrecks scattered along the coastline. The park is home to 1 200 species of indigenous plants, various small mammals and antelope. The changing moods, the physical certainty of the landscape and the tangible sensations will inspire the least romantic of souls. If in any doubt, take the traditional route of a long lazy lunch overlooking the sea at the Two Oceans Restaurant – one of the most dramatic locations of any restaurant I have ever eaten in. They have finished a new look with a wooden deck, delectable modern menus and they are even offering catering for picnics, cocktail functions and oyster tastings. It’s one of those places that you go back to whenever you can, and think about whenever you can’t.

Bagging a 60 -70 kg tuna on an all day deep sea fishing trip may not seem romantic to some, but catching the proverbial fish in the sea can be as much of a love tonic as catching the girl. Bait, hook, strike and fight for the fish. Feel the rush of adrenalin as you seize the slippery silver creature into your possession. Admire your catch with pride, then gloat as you cook it over the fire with a chilled Cape wine with your loved one. The methodology is a dead cert for some and the analogy is not lost on me!

Yes adventure lovers, there is romance at every surface. Discover the intimacy of an underwater world with a scuba diving experience. Think cool water at dawn, the soft blue light of a submerged eco-system, a watery peaceful silence and stolen kisses amidst the kelp forests. The heroes of romance novels move beyond the ordinary laws of nature, transcended by their abilities to overcome what seems unnatural to most of us. How often does the hero glide around a shipwreck in the ocean depths, diving off the boat into the unknown below the surface? On the Cape Point Route you can become the star of your personal romance by conquering the ocean.

A love story should be emotionally satisfying and have an optimistic ending. The tale does not have to include drama and adventure. An unhurried romantic retreat is more suited to many couples. Taking a leisurely drive to a scenic location with a picnic hamper in tow is as pleasurable and invigorating as your first kiss. Meandering along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive with waves crashing below you on one side and mountains towering above you on the other is a blissful experience. The hot tip from Cape Point Route is to cruise this scenic wonder just before sunset and stop at one of the picnic sites to watch the golden hues in a vortex of beautiful energy. Cuddling your favourite someone at sunset with an uninterrupted ocean view with bottled bubbles is romance reincarnated.

As you descend into Noordhoek after your leisurely drive, turn into Noordhoek Farm Village. The charming character of this small white cottaged village, set amongst large oak trees is a peaceful haven for lovers. Being romantic means different things to different people and Noordhoek Farm Village offers countless options to woo your loved one. If you show affection by giving gifts, there is a range of quality stores to select an item of memorablia reflecting your love. If your idea of romance is a leisurely meal, then linger at one of the excellent restaurants or simply visit the studios of the local artists who display their works at “the Cellars”.

Romance after all is about indulging in your companion and the gift of time with your partner. Technically you could be at the end of the earth as long as you are with your loved one. Let’s be honest though – a seductive retreat, with the smell of salt in the air, the feel of sand between the toes, bird song on the breeze and the sight of a shimmering ocean in the moonlight sure beats the middle of nowhere to get you swooning. The Cape Point Route is perfect for lovebirds, whether you’re wanting to pop the question, tieing the knot, renewing your vows or simply in the mood for romance.

For more information on romantic venues, attractions or activities please contact the Cape Point Route. Tel: 021 – 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za