Cape Point Route

Our blog post has moved

2011-08-19T14:30:00.003+02:00

We have moved our blog post and invite you to view all the latest happenings and up to date news from the Cape Point Route here. http://www.capepointroute.co.za/blog/

Feel free to contact us at any time for news, information or booking details for anything on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)21 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za
Website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Navy Festival - Beat the traffic - take the train !

2011-03-31T17:22:00.004+02:00

If you thought I was joking about the traffic to Simon's Town during the SA Navy Festival - look at these images found on www.saairforce.co.za of the traffic coming into Simon's Town on festival day.

Click HERE for details of the Navy Birthday Festival in Simon's Town.

So BEAT the traffic and take the train. See also update regarding later train schedule on the Southern Line (Cape Town - Simon's Town).

If you don't want to drive and you don't want to take the train and you still want to go to the festival, Cape Point Route recommends STAYING in Simon's Town and walking and exploring with no parking hassles. Contact Cape Point Route if you are looking for last minute accommodation in Simon's Town for the Navy birthday festival 01 - 03 April 2011. Tel: 021 782 9356

Don't forget to find Just Nuisance statue on Jubilee Square and pay tribute to the famous Great Dane whose birthday on the 01 April!

Images:

1. Traffic on Main Road - navy Festival 2010 taken by Allan Roy and posted on www.saairforce.co.za

2. traffic of Navy Festival 2010 on Main Road - posted by Monique on www.saairforce.co.za

3. Right of Entry parade - Navy Festival Simon's Town. Courtesy of SA Navy

4. Ships and submarines open to the public at the Navy Festival - picture courtesy of SA Navy

Later Trains for Southerners

2011-03-30T13:33:00.002+02:00

Great news for Commuters to the Cape Point Route- the train times have been extended with later service hours on the Cape Town - Simon's Town line. Please see press release below.

Monday 28 March 2011 sees the introduction of an extended commuter train service between Cape Town and Simon’s Town. The existing afternoon services have been supplemented with three additional trains departing from Cape Town Station.

South bound commuters now have the flexibility of twenty-one trains leaving the city between 16:10 and 21:10. Twenty of these afternoon trains stop at Retreat, eighteen stop at Fish Hoek and nine operate as far as Simon’s Town. The trains will stop at all stations en route.

The pilot is one of several collaborative initiatives between public transport partners Metrorail, the Provincial Ministry of Transport & Public Works and the City of Cape Town’s Directorate for Transport, Roads & Storm Water to improve public transport provision.

Metrorail’s Regional Manager Lindelo Matya said: ‘We are confident that the extended hours will find favour with our existing customers’. He added: ‘The convenience and affordability of the later service is aimed at attracting new markets from within the CBD.’

The City of Cape Town will extend the operational hours of security guards at 10 park-and-rides along the Southern rail line, to coincide with Metrorail’s extended operational hours. These park & ride facilities include Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Lakeside, Retreat, Heathfield, Diep River, Plumstead, Kenilworth and Claremont.

“The benefits of the security guards at park-and-rides and the extended commuter train service include reducing congestion and the pollution associated with motor vehicles, reducing the public’s dependency on private vehicles, reducing time spent traveling each day, as well as a significant saving in travelling costs”, said Councillor Elizabeth Thompson, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Major Projects. “Accordingly the City of Cape Town will provide security guards at ten park-and-rides along this line until 30 minutes after the last train has left the particular station” said Cllr. Thompson.

The MEC for Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle assured commuters that they have put measures in place to make it safe for commuters to use this service. “I urge all motorists to make full use of these extended services. Those who work late now have the opportunity to use safe, reliable and affordable train services that suit their unique work schedules. We have put in place strong safety and security measures to safeguard the park and ride facilities and ensure that the safety of commuters is not at risk during train tips”. “The re-introduction of the extended services for Simon’s Town is our first attempt to revive the late night train service that was once a common feature of our public transport system in the past.”

The extended rail operational hours now provide Capetonians the option of working flexi-hours, whilst still using public transport. The City’s Sustainable Transport Section continues to encourage large employers to explore the notion of flexi-hours, an idea supported by Metrorail and the Cape Regional Chamber. The later trains provide an opportunity for some employees to vary their working hours and revise their shifts, reducing hour peak demand on public transport. Students too can remain on campus later while assured of a train home.

This extended service is a pilot project that will run for six months. The successes and challenges of this pilot project will be monitored and evaluated, as it will inform the decision to permanently reinstate evening trains or not. The success of this pilot could see similar services introduced on other lines in the city.

Detailed information is available from the City’s Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63, transport.info@capetown.gov.za or on www.capetown.gov.za. The rail time tables are available on www.capemetrorail.co.za

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

SA Navy Festival - 01 - 03 April 2011

2011-03-28T14:13:00.005+02:00

The South African Navy Festival has a new name for 2011 and will now be called the “SA Navy Birthday Festival”. The SA Navy was established on the 1st April 1922. Next year's festival will coincide with the SA Navy's 90th birthday.

The South African Navy will open its doors to the people of South Africa to come and explore the navy culture and environment at the East Dockyard in Simon’s Town.

Entrance to the festival is free and gates will open daily from 10am until 6pm. There will be various events in the main arena and around the dockyard that both young and old will find entertaining. It is recommended to stay in Simon’s Town due to traffic or get there early. Contact Cape Point Route for accommodation availability. Tel" 021 782 9356

Here are some of the standard attractions to look forward to during the festival:
• Ships and Submarines open to the public
• Tug Rides
• Flea Market
• Entertainment for children and a Tea Garden
• Please note that the popular tea garden and children’s entertainment will move to the I.C.E. workshop next to the pump house

The following events will take place in the Arena area:
• Gun Run Display
• Navy Band performance
• Fire Fighting Display Competition
• Dog Display by the SA Navy’s Dog Unit
• Mast Display
• SA Navy Precision Drill
• The Sea Cadets Precision Drill
• Izivunguvungu Youth Band.

There will be Various Live and Static Displays such as:
• Ship boarding display by the Maritime Reaction Squadron
• Lynx & Oryx Helicopters Display
• Live Canon Firing
• South African Navy Diving Display
• Tug ‘ballet’
• Silver Falcons
• Coca Cola SA Navy Talent Show
• Coca Cola SA Navy 5-a-side Soccer Tournament
• Diver’s Exhibition and Divers Tank
• Submarine Museum SAS Assegaai – Adults R20 and Children R10
• SANAD Gun Display

Major Events: SA Navy Birthday Festival 01 – 03 April 2011

01 April: 09:00 Right of Entry parade through Simon’s Town
01 April: 20:00 Dry Dock Concert at East Dockyard (free entry)
02 April: 09:30 – 10:00 Unveiling of SS Mendi Plaque, Jubilee Square
02 April: 17:45 Navy Choir performance in SAS Simonsberg Cinema Hall (free entry)
02 April: 10:00 Night Gunnery Shoot from Lower North Gun Battery
03 April: 08:00 – 09:00 Navy Remembrance Parade, Fleet Command HQ
03 April: 17:20 – 18:00 Retreat Ceremony, East Dockyard, Arena area

BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO EXPERIENCE SOME NAVY CULTURE.
Enquiries: Sub-Lieutenant Leverne Benjamin Telephone: (021) 787 4620

LOGISTICS: Getting to Simon’s Town

Take the train! The Simon’s Town Line is OPEN and you will beat the traffic!

Or take the train to Kalk Bay and Catch the Water Taxi to Simon's Town

DRIVING: OPTION A:
M3 highway – at the t-junction at the end of the highway turn left to Main Road (M4)
Continue along the M4, through Fish Hoek (bearing left at the traffic circle) until you reach Simon’s Town
(please note that the M4 between St James and Kalk Bay is southbound traffic only)

DRIVING OPTION B:
M3 highway – at the t-junction at the end of the highway turn left to Main Road (M4)
Turn right at Boyes Drive (near Westlake arms) for the scenic drive above Muizenberg.
Turn right onto Main Road when you reach the T-junction with the M4 and continue as above.

DRIVING OPTION C:
M3 highway – at the t-junction at the end of the highway turn right.
Bear left at the Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) turnoff, travel over the mountain and past shopping mall on your right once you are over the other side. Travel through 2 sets of traffic lights, then climb over the hill on the Glencairn Expressway.
At the T-junction with Main Road (M4) turn right in direction of Simon’s Town.

DRIVING OPTION D:
M3 highway – at the t-junction at the end of the highway turn right.
Bear left at the Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) turnoff, travel over the mountain and past shopping mall on your right once you are over the other side.
At the 2nd set of traffic lights – turn RIGHT onto Kommetjie road (M65) and follow the road, Before you reach Kommetjie , turn left after Ocean View.
Follow the road through Scarborough and continue for approximately 3km.
At the Red Hill/Scarborough/Cape Point intersection – turn left at the Red Hill sign (M66) – recognisable by the art and craft stall.
Traverse the mountain (amazing views) and when you reach the T- junction on the other side (M4), turn right to Simon’s Town.

Let Cape Point Route book your accommodation for the South African Navy Birthday Festival in Simon's Town.

IMAGES:
All images taken by Dean Wingrin at SA Navy Festival 2010 as found on www.flyafrica.info
1. SA Navy parade in Simon's Town
2. A busy Naval dockyard in Simon's Town
3. SAAF Super Lynx arriving in Simon's Tow
4. Canon firing at the gun run in Simon's Town
5. Submarines: S103 in front of S102

Cape Point Route - about us

2011-03-11T12:55:00.004+02:00

You are probably reading this because you have received Cape Point Route’s first newsletter. That means you have enquired or booked services on the Cape Point Route. You could be a friend, colleague or supplier to the Cape Point Route and requested news and information. If you have found this by chance then welcome and we hope you will subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular news from us.

Who Are We?
Cape Point Route was started by Barbara Elshove-Schmidt and Sally Grierson – Capetonians who have always cherished Cape Town but especially the Cape Peninsula as it has been our backyard and our playground. We are passionate about where we live, work and play and we invite you to explore our daily reality and discover the Cape Point Route – “Cape Town’s Playground.

What is the Cape Point Route?
The Cape Point Route is an area of natural beauty, diverse cultures and unique attractions and activities. The choices are endless and can be overwhelming with so many options available. We have the inside edge, and have pretty much been there and done that in the area. Ask us to help you plan your holiday, book your accommodation or simply ask our advice on what to do...anything from kids to animals, history to culture, adrenalin activities to leisurely lunches.

Where is the Cape Point Route?
The Cape Point Route is the stretch of land at the south-western tip of Africa that extends beyond Cape Town city Centre. We incorporate the Cape Town suburbs of Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Scarborough, the Cape of Good Hope, Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, St James and Muizenberg.

Why visit the Cape Point Route?
This is a place where you can surf before breakfast, pop into a fine art cafe for lunch, have cocktails with penguins and hot chocolate while watching whales. Try sunrise kayaking, midday mountain biking or moonlight hiking. Stay in luxury at a deluxe accommodation establishment, find a cosy B&B or guesthouse or bring family or friends for a self-catering holiday away from home. We’ve got it, you just need to choose it or let us know what you want....and that’s why you need to visit the Cape Point Route.

What’s up?
Don’t delay – book today. Cape Town is HOT and happening at this time of year so book now to avoid missing out on the action. Check our events page on Facebook to find out what’s on.

Some mini previews:
• 13 March 2011: Pick ‘n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour
• 25 – 26 March 2011: Cape Town International Jazz Festival
• 1 – 3 April 2011: South African Navy Festival
• 27 March – 11 April 2011: Western Cape School Holidays
• 22 April – 25 April 2011: Easter Weekend
• 23 April 2011: Two Oceans Marathon

IMAGES:
Cape Point Route team as cover girls in our annual brochure from 2007 - 2011

Getaway with a Group of Friends this Easter

2011-03-10T11:07:00.004+02:00

We all get by with a little help from our friends and travelling is no exception - holidays are more fun with your buddies. Cape Point Route can help find a relaxing spot for a girls’ weekend, a boys’ weekend, golf breaks, beach breaks, a wine-tasting soiree or a wild energetic weekend. Learn a new skill, celebrate a birthday, book spa treatments or chill out with a good book! So let loose and have a good time.

If you are planning to go away with a group of friends, why not contact Cape Point Route to find your accommodation. Let us know how many people and what you plan on doing. We can source a big house or a villa or a self catering cottage depending on the group size and where you’d like to be situated on the Cape Point Route – choose a town, choose mountain or sea and let us know your budget range then let us find your group getaway so you can plan the fun stuff!

We can help with suggestions of things to do as a group or check out some of the activities available on the Cape Point Route to get some ideas.
We look forward to helping you find a group getaway to share with your friends.

Click here for more information or to send a request. We've got it, you choose it and let us sort out the details for you this Easter.

Check out all the Easter Events on our Facebook Page.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa.

We have Hout Bay Accommodation, Noordhoek Accommodation, Kommetjie Accommodation, Scarborough Accommodation, Cape of Good Hope Accommodation, Simon’s Town Accommodation, Fish Hoek Accommodation, Kalk Bay Accommodation, St James Accommodation and Muizenberg Accommodation.

Click here for more romantic escapes and family breakson the Cape Point Route this Easter.

Images:
Hiking in Cape Point Nature Reserve, girls weekend away - Janis Kennedy
Cycling on the Cape Point Route - Daytrippers
Shooting pool at Villa St James - boys weekend away - Grant Johnson

Just the Two of You this Easter

2011-03-08T16:14:00.005+02:00

Dreaming of a bed with a view, breakfast made for two and time to hang out with your loved one? Spend Easter with just the Two of You in a special getaway on the Cape Point Route – a choice of decadent B&B’s or cozy lodges or coastal hotels.

Easter on the Cape Point Route provides the perfect opportunity for couples to spend time together and get away from the daily grind. For most wanting a retreat, it’s all about the setting.

Find accommodation on the False Bay Coastline and the coastal villages of Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Clovelly, Fish Hoek or Simon’s Town – each town offers it’s own piece of character and blessed with ocean views and with mountains as their backdrop.

On the Atlantic Seaboard, search the towns of Scarborough, Kommetjie, Noordhoek and Hout Bay for a couples getaway which could be next to the coast or tucked into a mountain setting.

On either side you will be close to activities, attractions and restaurants. The accommodation choices range from bed and breakfast spots to owner run guesthouses and stylish hotels.

The choice is vast, the options are endless so why not contact Cape Point Route and let us know what you want for your couple’s retreat and we will help match your needs to the right establishment. Romantic packages also available Tel: 021 782 9356

Click Here for Cape Point Route Events

Images:
1. Olifantsbos beach in Cape Point Nature Reserve (courtesy of friends)
2. Meal with a view - image courtesy of Cape Point
3. Sunset horse-riding 0 image courtesy of Cape Town Tourism
4. Bed with a view - courtesy of guesthouse in Kommetjie

Easter Family Fun on the Cape Point Route

2011-03-08T15:15:00.004+02:00

Bring the family to the Cape Point Route this Easter. The Cape Peninsula is Cape Town’s “Playground of the Cape” offering activities for the whole family to enjoy. In the kingdom of the Cape Point Route – there is something for every kid – young and old!

Noordhoek Farm Village & Imhoff Farm have great kids’ areas and many restaurants are child friendly. Beaches abound, with an option to swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach. Relax at Fish Hoek Galley while the kids play in the safe beach of Fish Hoek.

In Simon’s Town is the Scratch Patch- where kids can search for gemstones, or visit the World of Birds in Hout Bay and Cape Point Ostrich Farm near Cape Point. Climb South Africa’s tallest cast iron lighthouse, learn to surf at Muizenberg, go fishing or kayaking or simply hang out at the beach.

Contact Cape Point Route for Self Catering accommodation establishments suitable for families or check out our family packages for longer stays. If it doesn’t suit your needs, let us help you tailor make a package. Tel: 021 782 9356 Email: info@capepointroute.co.za

Don’t forget a few awesome Easter events:

1. Grand Easter Egg Hunt at Noordhoek Farm Village: Sat 23 April 2011
Time: 10h30 – 12h30.
Venue: Noordhoek Farm village – meet at the bandstand
Cost: Free
Join the Easter Entertainment at Noordhoek Farm Village. Make Easter egg baskets and practice your egg hunting skills. We’ve sent a message to the Easter bunny and he has promised to leave some Easter eggs for us to find. Loads of egg-citement. Mums and Dads should look out for Easter specials at Noordhoek Farm Village and it’s a great spot to watch runners in the Two Ocean’s Ultra Marathon. More info...

2. Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet: Sun 24 April 2011
Time: 10am – 12pm
Venue: Casa Labia, Muizenberg
Cost: Adults R 195 per person Children under 10 R80pp
Indulge in decadence - Easter Egg Hunt for the kids, homemade pastries, flourless chocolate cake, local cheeses, cold meats, fritattas and more.. Bucks Fizz on arrival and Lindt chocolates (it is Easter after all!) More..

3. Fynbos and Food: Mon 25 April 2011
Time: 10am – 4pm
Venue: Good Hope Nursery, Cape Point
Cost: Free
Great family day out with a 20% sale on all indigenous plants at the nursery, free fynbos walks, kids activities and lots of local produce at stalls with handmade goods and organic produce. Music, pony rides, recycled crafts, wheat free bakes and more...

Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour 2011 - Road Closures

2011-03-08T14:10:00.004+02:00

It’s COUNTDOWN to the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour Race Day on Sunday 13 March 2011!
Cape Point Route wishes all the cyclists a safe ride. We hope it’s not too hot or too windy and wish for perfect conditions on Race Day! Cape Point Route encourages the citizens of Cape Town to get out on the road to cheer and support all 30 000 cyclists. Not only will your support help the cyclists but it creates the warm welcome that Cape Town is becoming known for sharing. Supporting the cyclists is a fun day out.

The Cycle Tour is about so much more than just riding on race day. Cape Town welcomes all visitors and encourages them to get out and enjoy the offerings, activities and attractions that Cape Town has to offer. The Cape Point Route runs from Muizenberg on the False Bay Coastline, down to Cape Point and up the Atlantic coastline, over Chapman's Peak Drive to Hout Bay – thus forming a major portion of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour route. We encourage cyclists and supporters to explore the area before or after the race and take advantage of the coastal towns Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, Scarborough, Kommetjie, Noordhoek and Hout Bay and all the activities on offer, in addition to the sightseeing!

As with any major event there will be some interruptions to normal traffic conditions and we provide you with a list of the road closures on the Cape Point Route so you can plan ahead. The Cape Point Route is almost entirely closed to vehicular traffic on Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour Race Day, however there are some alternative routes and methods of transport.

Try the scenic train journey along the False Bay Coastline. One of the most beautiful train journeys will also get you to the towns of Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Glencairn and Simon’s Town. For a different experience you could catch the train to Kalk Bay, then get the water taxi to Simon’s Town (which leaves every half past the hour from Kalk Bay and costs R100 for a single one way or R150 for a single return trip – return trips every hour on the hour from Simon’s Town) and you could get the train to head north when the day is over.

Please be aware that there are road works on the Main Rd (M4) between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay hence the Cycle Tour route will be travelling over Boyes Drive and there is NO THROUGH ROUTE northbound from Kalk Bay to St James. Boyes Drive will only re-open at approximately 1pm.

On the other coastline, access to Noordhoek at Noordhoek Farm Village is possible if one travels along the M42 from Constantia, past Tokai forest. Turn right onto Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) and first right onto Silvermine Road once you are “over the mountain”. Turn right into Village lane and wind your way down the leafy lane to the entrance gates for Noordhoek Farm Village on your left hand side for one of the best viewing spots on the route.

Please click here for full list and times of Road Closures for the 2011 Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour.

We will be publishing a best spots to view the cycle tour on the Cape Point Route shortly!
Images:
Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour - courtesy of Jacques Marais

Empowerment Through Education - thank you dinner

2011-03-08T13:01:00.004+02:00

At the Cape Point Route year end function 2010 - tourism businesses in the area raised over R20 000 in a silent auction to fund a child's education for a year.

As Barbara said, “The Cape Point Route ambassadors and tourism business owners have showed their community spirit by coming together to support an initiative that will build the future of our region by educating children to become leaders”. Sally was delighted with the financial success of the auction and the alliances and relationships that continue to grow and develop amongst tourism members and suppliers in the south peninsula!

Barbara and Sally recently attended a thank you evening at Fish Hoek Galley to meet the children of the Empowerment through Education Trust. Donors, supporters and educators were welcomed by the E-T-E trust to enjoy an evening of celebration with the children and their parents. The trust monitors the progress of each child and manages the fundraising and finances for the children’s education.

The E-T-E trust has evolved from the establishment of a crèche in Masiphumele called Masakhane and due to the success of the project a second crèche called Green Curtains was established in Ocean View. The children from these 2 schools were so top achievers in their new primary school classes. The E-T-E fund is now funding the top students from each of these educare centres to receive funding for their full primary school and tertiary school education. As the trust states – there is no substitute for education and these children will be our future leaders.

Should you wish to learn more about the programme click on the advert below or if you wish to donate to the trust to assist the education fund please click here

Image: Barbara and Sally with the Children of the E-T-E trust and Mr Eichel of Fish Hoek Galley

Best spots for sundowners on the Cape Point Route

2011-02-14T11:14:00.003+02:00

If you are not sure what to do for Valentine’s Day and haven’t arranged a restaurant booking, why not head for one of the fabulous sundowner spots to watch the sun set with friends or a loved one.

On the Cape Point Route, the sun sets on the Atlantic Seaboard and with a combination of mountain and sea as the backdrop, you can’t get more romantic. Alternatively pick a sundowner spot on the False Bay coastline and watch the glow in the sky and the moon rise! Just as spectacular as watching the sun set.

So find yourself a secluded spot with a view and have a fabulous evening! The sun is due to set at 19:40 today and the weather is perfect!

Our pick of the top sundowner spots this Valentines’ Day.

From the mountainside
• Chapman’s Peak Drive – find a view point along the scenic coastal drive or if you are slightly more energetic, walk up to the peak for sensational views! Hot tip – take a torch or flashlight for the walk down! Toll road charge for light motor vehicles is R30.
• Silvermine Nature Reserve: A relatively short walk will lead you to the panoramic view of the Atlantic Seaboard with spectacular views of Hout Bay in particular. Entry point is on Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) and a small fee is charged (R20 for adults and R10 for children). The reserve is open from 7am to 6pm in summer.

From the Beach:
• Hout Bay Beach – mesmerizing views from the beach. The bay is surrounded by mountains with the distinctive Sentinel Peak so Hout Bay Beach is spectacular for sunsets and sundowners...and no walking required!
• Noordhoek Beach – with long stretches of white sand it’s easy to find a spot with no-one nearby and the expanse of ocean is perfect to watch the sun set. Tuck yourself on the rocks at the base of Chapman’s Peak Drive if there is any wind.
• Scarborough Beach – turn right at the stop street in Scarborough to head to the beach. Large, uncrowded and you’ll likely be entertained by evening surfers or kitesurfers.
• Misty Cliffs Beach – there won’t be loads of tourists on this wild beauty of a beach on the way to Scarborough. Part of a conservation village so well worth the stop.

Something Different:
• Slangkoppunt Lighthouse in Kommetjie – whilst you won’t actually be at the top for sunset, it’s worth going a little earlier to take in the view and then having watching the sunset from the rocks in front of the lighthouse.
• Hang out with the penguins at Boulders Beach. Penguins mate for life so great little critters for inspiration this Valentine’s Day!
• Get active – go for a sunset sea kayak or a bike ride or a sunset horse ride on Noordhoek Beach!

Sunset venues:
• The Brass Bell in Kalk Bay – one of Cape Town’s historical drinking establishments set on the waters edge.
• Polana in Kalk Bay – you just don’t get better than a cocktail from a restaurant on the rocks whilst watching locals fish off the harbour wall.
• Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek - the view of Noordhoek Beach from the wooden deck of the resort is hard to beat. Excellent for watching the sun set.
• Skebanga’s Pub at the Red Herring in Noordhoek – another great view over Noordhoek Beach with a chilled atmosphere.
• The Lookout Deck in Hout Bay – wooden deck overlooking Hout Bay harbour and fab cocktails.
• Fish Hoek Galley – on the beach in Fish Hoek – experience the glow of the sunset from the beach and value-for-money meals!

Whatever you do or wherever you go – enjoy!

Cape Point Route can assist with accommodation, activities, attractions, restaurants, venues, shops, tours or packages on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa.
Check out the romantic packages offered by Cape Point Route for some ideas.

Images:
1. Flock of Birds at Sunset on the Cape Point Route - photographer Brett Cole
2. Cape Point route sunset - photographer Brett Cole
3. Sunset on Chapman's Peak Drive, overlooking Hout Bay - photographer Jeremy Jowell.
4. African Penguins at Boulders Beach - photographer Jacques Marais.
5. Sunset Sea Kayak on the Cape Point Route - photographer Jacques Marais

School Holidays - what to do with the kids on the Cape Point Route this summer!

2010-12-13T15:48:00.004+02:00

It’s summer holidays and even with the season festivities, it does mean extra time with the kids and keeping them entertained for a long period of time. Here are some suggestions from the Cape Point Route team if you are in Cape Town, because it’s a first class place to travel and live with kids and a perfect spot for a family holiday. Click Here for our TOP TEN list of things to do with kids!

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

Just 35 minutes from Cape Town city centre, the Cape Point Route spans 2 coastlines, and is wrapped around a national park. It runs from Hout Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard, down to Cape Point itself, then up the False Bay coastline through Simon’s Town, to Muizenberg. The Cape Peninsula is Cape Town’s “Playground of the Cape” offering something for every kid – young and old! And fortunately most of the activities and attractions on the Cape Point Route will appeal to child-free visitors too.
Get there by train! Cape Town to Simon’s Town line is fantastic for kids especially from Muizenberg southbound. Please note that the trains are currently stopping at Fish Hoek Station and a replacement bus service is in operation whilst there is work being done on the train tracks. Children under 5 travel free if accompanied by an adult. 6 – 11 year olds pay 50% of the adult fare and children over 12 pay full fare. Adult single from Cape Town Station to Fish Hoek Station is R13.
Or try the Southern Line Tourism Route: Hop on Hop off train ticket with unlimited train trips is R30 and available between 08h30 and 16h00.

Activities for Older Kids:
• Surfing – learn 2 surf in Muizenberg- group or private lessons.
• Landsailing – 3 wheeled buggy with a wind surfer like sail in Muizenberg. Min 8 years and height 1.3 metres but there is a tandem cart for children aged 5 – 9 years.
• Sea Kayaking in Simon’s Town to see the penguins. Kids > 10
• Scuba diving – let the kids do a scuba diving course and discover a world underwater. Sea dives are suitable for over 12’s but learning in the swimming pool from 8 years.
• Fishing from Hout Bay. Take the kids on an inshore fishing trip to catch a big one. Suitable for kids aged 4 – 12 is great fun and is a half day excursion.
• Outdoor Adventure Centre in Scarborough. Climbing Walls, Giant Cargo Net, suspension bridges, tight-rope walking and paintball are amongst the activities available. Supervised adventure play or book a party for a group of kids for 2 – 3 hours.
• Camel rides in Kommetjie – it is not like riding a horse!
• Boat Trips – see the seals on Duiker Island off Hout Bay (45 mins – children of all ages welcome)
• More Boat Trips from Simon’s Town – from Harbour Cruises to False Bay’s Seal Island or high speed trip to Cape Point for older kids.
• Walk with baboons – fascinating learning experience for kids to see baboons in their natural habitat. Ages 6 and up.

Cape Point Route Attractions:
• World of Birds in Hout Bay
• Boulders Penguin colony in Simon’s Town
• Cape Point Ostrich Farm near Cape Point
• Good Hope Nursery near Cape Point
• Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie
• Noordhoek Farm Village in Noordhoek
• Scratch Patch – an all time favourite in Simon’s Town
• Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope – visit the nature reserve on a full day excursion.
• Slangkoppunt Lighthouse in Kommetjie – climb to the top!
• Best Child Friendly Beaches – Boulders Beach, Fish Hoek Beach, St James beach, Muizenberg Beach, Kalk Bay Beach, Hout Bay Beach, Kommetjie Beach.

More details to follow with beach details, family friendly restaurants and more....

CPR members raise R20 000 for education!

2010-12-07T11:26:00.004+02:00

Tourism businesses on the Cape Point Route collectively raised more than R20 000 to fund a child’s education at a function held on 1 Dec 2010. The Barocca Lounge at Rioja Restaurant felt like a Dutch World Cup soccer party on Weds 1st Dec. Tourism businesses and suppliers dressed in bright orange gathered for the annual launch of the Cape Point Route guide to the south peninsula and a fundraiser for the Empowerment Through Education Trust.

The 2011 Guide to the Cape Point Route hits the shelves and brochure stands around Cape Town this week for the start of the summer tourism season. The brochure is a tangible finale of the tourism offerings run by the region’s destination marketing organisation Cape Point Route. The energy and colour reflected the passion of tourism business owners in the south peninsula.

Guests were greeted by fantastic performances by talented local artists who are integral participants in the eMzantsi Carnival on Sat 4th Dec 2010. Ricardo Herdien led the team at the CPR launch with gospel singing, followed by harmony singers Van Die Blokke from Ocean View and whose looks do not match their angelic voices! Then we were blown away by 15 year Shannon Docherty from Fish Hoek whose voice is not reflective of her age! The 783 Movement is a collaboration as part of the eMzantsi Intercultural music project with a fusion of musical genres. The eMzantsi performance ended with a bang as the Marhoshi Gumboot dancers stomped their attention on the tourism guests.

During the performances Boulders Beach Lodge and Southern Right hotel arrived in orange printed t-shirts and 100 orange balloons which were filled with booby prizes or breakfast vouchers. They charged R5 a pop and it was luck of the draw as the team raised an additional R500 for the education fund!

Barbara Elshove-Schmidt welcomed guests and thanked Lemonade Design for their creative work to design the information guide, printers Trident Press and photographer Jacques Marais to took the cover photo as well as Brochure Management and False Bay Couriers who distribute the guide. Thanks also went to the web team Siteworx and Tourism Marketing for their work on the Cape Point Route website which supports the printed brochure in promoting the south peninsula as a tourism destination. Sally Grierson of Cape Point Route explained the initiative of the evening which took the form of a silent auction, where guests bid for sponsored items to raise money for the Empowerment for Education Trust. Herbie Eichel represented the trust and explained more about the programme which provides quality education for children from Masiphumelele and Ocean View as the children from Masakhane and Green Curtains crèche attend “big” school!

The bidding started in earnest with guests trying to outbid their unknown competitors for prizes from wine and meal vouchers to experiences, massages and weekend getaways to raise money for a child’s education. Wine sponsored by Cape Point Vineyards and Spier wine estate and canapés from Rioja were enjoyed as the bidding continued and the final tally of funds is currently R20 500!!!! The cost of educating one child for a year is R15 000 and the target was reached comfortably.

As Barbara said, “The Cape Point Route ambassadors and tourism business owners have showed their community spirit by coming together to support an initiative that will build the future of our region by educating children to become leaders”. Sally was delighted with the financial success of the auction and the alliances and relationships that continue to grow and develop amongst tourism members and suppliers in the south peninsula!

IMAGES:
1. The Cape Point Route Team - Shayne, Barbara, Sally, Natasha
2. Team Southern Right and Boulders Beach Lodge
3. Barbara and Lambert van Rijswijk from Lemonade Design who designed the brochure
4. Lizanne and Tracy from Cape Point Vineyards - wine sponsors for the evening.
5. Barbara from Cape Point Route watching the Marhosi Gumboot dancers

Hout Bay Restaurants – The Lookout Deck

2010-11-10T12:48:00.004+02:00

Cape Point Route has been sharing information on the coastal seaside village of Hout Bay, so here’s a suggestion for eating out in Hout Bay – The Lookout Deck.

The Lookout Deck in Hout Bay Harbour has one of the most spectacular views of any Cape Town restaurant. The casual wooden deck is suspended over the water and patrons eating at the Lookout Deck can watch all the action of Hout Bay’s busy working harbour. One can gaze across the harbour to Chapman’s Peak Drive and despite the bustle of the harbour, being on the water offers a tranquil, relaxed feeling,

Restaurants in Hout Bay are plentiful and many of these Hout Bay Restaurants offer sublime sea food dishes but being located right in the harbour, the Lookout Deck gets their fish straight from the fisherman as the catch of the day comes off the boats - so you can be sure of fresh fish.

Freshly caught line fish is always a plus but other seafood dishes rank highly at this Hout Bay Restaurant – the fresh black mussels, the succulent LM prawns and of course Cape Rock Lobster (crayfish) are delicious. Calamari Steaks (grilled and served in one of 3 styles – Jamaican, Portuguese or Blackened with Cajun spices – YUM!) , yellow fin tuna steaks and live oysters are to die for. And try one of the Deck’s favourites in a funky pint glass – the Pint O Prawns. Find out when they have their seafood braai days (BBQ for non South Africans) – you choose a whole plate of seafood and watch the chef prepare your meal over the open grill!

Carnivores and Vegetarians need not be concerned though – choice A grade meats made in burgers, curries, or pork spare ribs. There are light snack baskets for the not so hungry, appetizing salads and wood fired pizzas with fun summer holiday names (tan line, deck hand and barefoot!)

The setting of course is wonderful and even if you are not hungry – pop in for refreshment after a boat trip to Duiker Seal Island (see blog here!). The Lookout Deck is a great location for sundowners or a cosmopolitan cocktail. There’s a great bar area with high tables and stools, a large flat screen to view the latest live sporting action and of course a full bar with local and international beers, beer on tap and as one would expect from any Cape Town Restaurant and Bar – an extensive and excellent wine list.

The Lookout Deck Restaurant in Hout Bay can seat around 260 people on the wooden deck and the comfortable inside area seats about 60 people. The Lookout Deck is wheelchair friendly, child friendly and on selected evenings they offer live music as entertainment – call them on 021 790 0900 to check who is playing and when… and then boogy the night away with the Hout Bay locals!

The Lookout Deck – Bar and Restaurant in Hout Bay
Trading Hours – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Mondays: 10h00 – 17h00
Tuesday – Friday: 10h00 – 23h00
Saturday – Sunday (and Public Holidays): 09h00 – 23h30

Cape Point Route can book your holiday accommodation in Hout Bay - offering Hout Bay B&B’s, Hout Bay guesthouses, Hout Bay hotels. Cape Point Route can also offer advice on Hout Bay activities, attractions in Hout Bay and other Hout Bay restaurants as well as services in all the villages on the Cape Point Route which hold some of Cape Town’s best attractions. Call us on 021 782 9356 or email: info@capepointroute.co.za or just scan our website for information - www.capepointroute.co.za

IMAGES: courtesy of the Lookout Deck Bar and Restaurant in Hout Bay

Visit Fur Seals in Hout Bay - boat trip to Duiker Island

2010-11-09T15:41:00.007+02:00

One of the most popular activities in Hout Bay is taking a boat trip to see the Cape Fur Seals at Duiker Island. These cruises leave Hout Bay Harbour at regular intervals and each trip takes about 40 minutes.

On arrival at Hout Bay Harbour, you’ll see various kiosks with operators offering Seal Island boat trips. We love using Drumbeat Charters for the friendly, efficient service and excellent quality boats. (they have 2 boats – Drumbeat 1 takes 60 passengers and Drumbeat II takes 120 passengers) so even in peak season they can usually get you to the island! They have toilet facilities, cash bar, life jackets and commentary available in 25 languages!

I digress, as you arrive at the harbour, ‘cruise’ up to the booth/ticket office and book a ticket. The cost is R65 for adults and R25 for children under 14 years. Children under 2 years of age are free! Remember that there are no credit card facilities at the ticket office in Hout Bay Harbour so take enough cash with you.

The Seal Island boat trips to Duiker Island leave at 09h15; 10h00 and 10h45. If you do have to wait Hout Bay Harbour bustles with activity as it is a working harbour so you will often see seals and seabirds while you wait and fishing boats are invariably coming in and out of the harbour, there are crafts on sale and plenty of people watching to keep you entertained. Or you can pop into the Lookout Deck right next to the action for refreshments.

As you go on board, your ticket will be taken and there is a safety briefing as the crew get the boat ready for departure. The boat journey itself is almost as much fun as seeing the seals as you head out through Hout Bay Harbour, with the Sentinel looming to the right and Chapman’s Peak Drive to the left, making it one of those “Kodak” moments! It’s not uncommon to see happy families with this ‘mug shot’ on their coffee cups and mouse pads!

As you get close to Duiker Island, you will see the Cape fur Seals – and depending on the wind you may smell them too! It is fascinating to watch these huge creatures lumbering on the rocky land surface– although they do move surprisingly quickly and I wouldn’t want to have a sprint race! My favourite part is watching them plop into the water where they transform into graceful beings – elegant yet playful! The Cape Fur Seals spend a lot of time in the water searching for food but they do “haul out” to rest or moult. Moulting usually takes place during January-March and this is when the island is at its’ most crowded. The Cape Fur Seals don’t go off to search for food but rely on fats they have stored in their blubber.

Thousands of Cape Fur Seals inhabit the islands off the coast of Cape Town and are named for their thick pelts – which keeps them warm and dry! The majority of the seals on Duiker Island are males waiting until they reach breeding age. Duiker Island is not a breeding colony for the Cape Fur Seals as the sea can get very rough and the pups can get swept off the rocks.

Some fun facts on the Cape Fur Seals:
The Cape Fur Seals generally eat fish, shrimps, shellfish and squid.
They can hear well in the air but their hearing is better underwater.
They have the ability to tell which direction a sound is coming from
They cannot breathe underwater (their ears and nostrils close tightly when they dive) and adults come up for air at least every 30 minutes.
Their eyes are adapted to see on land and in the water.
They maintain a constant body temperature of 38.5C
Bulls can weigh up to 350 kilograms and be almost 2 metres long.
They can dive up to depths of 36 metres.

Drumbeat Charters also offers some special cruises and packages as well as private charters:

1. Seal Island and Chapmans Peak
2. Seal Island and Shipwreck of the Boss 400 in Maori Bay.
3. Year End Private Cruises from Hout Bay to the V&A
4. Their boats are available for Private functions

Consider staying in Hout Bay for more fun experiences, why not try Chapmans Peak Hotel (see our previous blog on Chapmans Peak Hotel) or contact Cape Point Route for more accommodation options in Hout Bay.

IMAGES:
1. Boat Trip to Duiker Island - courtesy of Drumbeat Charters

2. Cape Fur Seal at Hout Bay's Duiker Island - courtesy of Drumbeat Charters

3. Cape Point Route Team going on a boat cruise to Seal Island - courtesy of Cape Point Route

4. Viewing the Cape Fur Seals - Dougie from Noordhoek Farm Village - courtesy of Cape Point Route

5. Cape Fur Seals on Duiker Island, Hout Bay - courtesy of Cape Point Route

Hout Bay Hotel of the day - Chapmans Peak Hotel

2010-11-08T15:20:00.006+02:00

Last week we featured Hout Bay as destination of the day and many people have asked us where we recommend staying in Hout Bay – so today we will feature Chapmans Peak Hotel as our Hout Bay hotel of the day!

What’s more the winner of the SAFM competition from Sally’s radio interview on Hout Bay last week(winner announced on SAFM this coming Wednesday so listen up if you entered) has won 2 nights for 2 people B&B at Chapmans Peak Hotel AND a Duiker Island cruise for 2 people with Drumbeat Charters to see the Cape Fur Seals.

Chapmans Peak Hotel dates back to the late 19th century so it has a LONG history of accommodating guests. Its conveniently located 20 minutes from Cape Town city centre and the waterfront, 45 minutes drive from the airport, 30 minutes to Cape Point and sits at the gateway to the Cape Point Route in Hout Bay at the foot of Chapman’s Peak Drive.

Chapmans Peak Hotel recently had a massive makeover and they now have 24 contemporary modern rooms in addition to the original 10 rooms in the historical building. The new rooms are either sea facing or mountain facing and there are 2 glorious penthouse suites – with open plan bathroom, lounge with fireplace and a private outdoor terrace which is private outdoor plunge pool! To die for especially if you on a romantic getaway!!

Accommodation
Mountain View (8):
Magnificent en-suite rooms with balconies overlooking lush mountain side. Bathrooms with a bath and overhead shower

Penthouse Sea view (2):
Ultimate luxury, a bedroom with an open plan bathroom, guest toilet, lounge with fireplace, studio area with bar and business facility, private outdoor terrace overlooking the bay.

Sea view (14):
Spacious contemporary en-suite rooms with balconies overlooking Hout Bay, Bathrooms have bath and separate shower – double vanities, and separate toilet. Bathrooms have views of the bay.

Amenities
Chapmans Peak Hotel boasts 22 luxurious new suites, 14 with stunning sea views and 2 elegant, exclusive and spacious penthouse suites. There is a swimming pool with stunning sea and mountain views over Hout Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, undercover parking, high speed internet facilities and business centre, as well as a restaurant, popular al-fresco terrace and cigar bar and lounge.

Good to remember that Chapmans Peak Hotel does have 3 conference rooms and banqueting facilities so they can host conferences from 10 – 100 people! Great for weddings too!

Restaurant:
We highly recommend stopping at the restaurant for Chapman’s Peak Hotel’s world famous calamari – though we can also recommend the Portuguese Steaks! It’s a fabulous spot for sundowners, nothing can beat the vibe of sitting on the “Chappies” verandah, sipping a glass of ice cold wine, tucking into mounds of delicious grilled calamari! Its especially great on warm summer evenings! But in winter they have a glowing fireplace to keep things hot! The Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant also serves super-fresh linefish – so a fish and chips meal at Chappies is another must!

Contact Cape Point Route if you would like to book accommodation at Hout Bay’s Chapmans Peak Hotel or if you are looking for other accommodation in Hout Bay. Call us on 021 782 9356 or email info@capepointroute.co.za

Images: all courtesy of Chapmans Peak Hotel, Hout Bay
1. Chapmans Peak Hotel overlooking Hout Bay Beach
2. View of Hout Bay Beach from Chapmans Peak Hotel
3. Chapmans Peak Hotel Mountain View Room
4. Chapmans Peak Hotel world famous calamari
5. Penthouse private deck and plunge pool at Chapmans Peak Hotel

Destination of the Day: Hout Bay

2010-11-03T12:33:00.007+02:00

You will find yourself staring out to sea when you arrive in Hout Bay. The views in this sociable village are mesmerizing as Hout Bay is set in a fold of sea-lapped mountains that look out across the Atlantic Ocean. The town is presided over by the Sentinel – guardian of Hout Bay’s treasures. Hout Bay, although part of Cape Town, has a character of an independent community.

The Beach: Hout Bay beach spans from the beginning of Chapman’s Peak Drive following the curve of the bay to the picturesque Hout Bay Harbour. The beach is great for walking and horse riding. There are special times allocated for riding and for walking your dogs – but not strictly adhered to! The Chapman’s Peak end of the beach is better for sunbathing and the waves are usually fairly gentle for swimming. The beach is a very popular launching spot for sea kayaks. When the wind blows, sunbathers can shelter next to the dunes and still enjoy a spectacular view of the bay, where dolphins and whales are a common sight.

The Harbour: The Hout Bay Harbour is a hive of activity as the fishing boats, yachts and charter boats leave and enter the harbour all day. A craft market on the water's edge, the Kraal Kraft curio shop, restaurants and the seagulls provide further entertainment for visitors and locals alike.

Chapman’s Peak Drive: 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. Officially opened on 6 may 1922 by the Governer General of the Union of South Africa. Commissioned by the Administrator of the Cape Sir Frederic de Waal. There are 2 historic forts on Chapmans Peak Drive - East and West Forts which were built to protect the harbour.

Who was Chapman? John Chapman was the ship’s mate of the British ship “consent” – landed on Hout Bay beach in 1607 in a small boat. He was checking for a safe anchorage and that fresh water was available. He returned to his ship and the maps at the time called Hout Bay “Chapman’s Chaunce” until Jan van Riebeech arrived!

Duiker Island: is an island off Hout Bay near Cape Town South Africa. It is 77 by 95meters in size, with an area of about 0.4 hectare. The island is renowned for its marine wildlife such as birds and fur seal. Boat trips are available to Duiker Island for a close up experience with these entertaining creatures. The number of seals vary throughout the year but there are usually between 1000 – 8000 seals, in winter the number of seals decreases.

Cape Fur Seals: The Cape Fur Seals are a fascinating marine mammal that is curious and playful enough to approach divers and groups will often put on a display of underwater “hydrobatics” and make mock charges at divers before swerving away at the last moment. They live in colonies which can range from a few hundred individuals, such as the one at Partridge Point, to huge colonies like Seal Island in False Bay or Duiker Island off the Sentinel in Hout Bay – where they can number in the tens of thousands. It can be lots of fun to dive or snorkel with the seals, as they often loll at the surface, warming their flippers in the sun or congregating in groups waiting to head out to sea to hunt for fish. They also make great photographic subjects – if you are quick enough!
Snorkel with seals: Swim with the seals and watch them dart around gracefully in the waters below and around you. Interact with these entertaining and curious animals in this unique experience. No experience required.

Dungeons – Surfing: Dungeons, the monster that sleeps beneath the cliffs of the Sentinel at the mouth of Hout Bay on the Cape Peninsula. The Dungeons reef, the first sea bottom that the ocean swells hit on their path shore-wards, has the ability to produce the biggest waves in Africa. The swells, generated across the South Atlantic Ocean, hit the Dungeon Reefs and rear up into giant right-hand breaking waves for brave souls to attempt to ride. Apart from the enormous waves, a few other elements to add to the mix of bravery needed to tackle Dungeons: ice-cold water, thick undulating kelp beds that cover the inside waters, and abundant sea life - including a few sharks that prey on the local seal colony, this occurs mostly in autumn & winter.

Whales are common during whale season (May – November). There are mostly Southern Right whales but you may see Brydes whales and Humpback whales. It is not uncommon to see Bottle nose dolphins.

Leopard Rock: This bronze statue of a leopard was placed on its rocky pedestal in March 1963, a gift from Ivan Milford Barbeton (a local sculptor). The bronze leopard is in memory of the last leopard sited in the area in 1930.

The Sentinel: Its most iconic peak, aptly known as The Sentinel, looks out to sea and stands guard over the bay, as gentle aqua waves loll on to a white beach that dazzles in the sun. A blanket of green stretches its way inland, rising into the valley, now hugged by expensive real estate on either side.

World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World. Over 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you the most intimate closeness with nature. The Squirrel monkey enclosure one of the most popular exhibits as the monkeys clamber all over the visitors.

Fishing: Fishing Charters in Hout Bay offer private, corporate and incentive driven packages incorporating Deep Sea Fishing, Game Fishing and Fly Fishing by experienced skippers and guides using quality tackle and well appointed boats.

Hiking: Hout Bay lies in a valley surrounded by mountains leading out to the sea. If it's nature you are looking for... look no further! Judas Peak is the 12th apostle…that is the 12th peak in the Twelve Apostle Mountain range. Judas Peak is the second highest peak in Hout Bay. Klein Leeukoppie: This experience is possible and accessible to most. There is some rock climbing involved but the longest drop is only 5m. Captains Peak is between Karbonkelberg and Little Lion's head in Hout Bay. The hike starts along the same road as the hike to the old radar station at the summit of Karbonkelberg. Orange Kloof Nature Reserve: It is a totally unique experience walking through natural Milkwood forests with Protea and an abundance of amazing – permits required but try and do this hike as part of the Hoerikwaggo Trail with an overnight stay at the Orangekloof Tented Camp.

The Hout Bay Gallery, established in 1984, is a friendly and energetic art gallery situated in the beautiful seaside town of Hout Bay (20 minutes drive from Cape Town city centre and Table Mountain). The Hout Bay Gallery specializes in the work of South African artists. Currently exhibiting in the gallery are the works of local artists David Kuijers, Glen Tong, Mihcelle Davidson, Vanessa Berlein, Sarah Danes Jarrett, Richard Scott, Russell Travers, Koos De Wet, Shirley Harris and many more. Art works include paintings, photography, etchings, drawings and sculptures and furniture

Sembach Art Gallery founded in 1995, specialises in contemporary art drawn from the South African region, in particular the artistic community around the western cape. Comprehensive range of art, paintings in different media to stone and bronze sculptures and ceramics. Family run gallery

Hout bay Museum: It provides a fascinating record of how the town has developed over the centuries, from prehistoric times to the bustling fishing village it is today. Few architectural gems remain in town, but the Cape Dutch homestead of Kronendal on Main Road is worth a look. Built in 1800 on Hout Bay’s original farmlands, it’s the only surviving example of an H-plan house on the whole of the Cape Peninsula.

SA Fisheries Museum: This museum has closed.

Imizama Yethu: The township of Imizamo Yethu is situated in the picturesque seaside suburb of Hout Bay in Cape Town. Hout Bay is like a microcosm of South Africa, with a wealthy, mainly white community, living alongside the black community in Imizamo Yethu, and so called ‘coloured’ community in the township of Hangklip near the harbour. Imizamo Yethu has a population of roughly 14,000 residents, who are mainly Xhosa speaking. The informal settlement was established in the early 1990s when 450 families who had been squatting in shacks around Hout Bay were moved to this new area on the side of a mountain overlooking the harbour. You can take a walking township tour – some of the highlights include a visit to a Witchdoctor, seeing traditional beer being made ( and you can taste it ), Isiko Lobomi craft skill training center ( some beautiful mosaic work on sale ) the local library and the tavern.

Shopping There are a few interesting shopping opportunities along the main road, but a visit to the Sunday craft market on the common lies at the top of the Hout Bay retail experience. Held every weekend between 9 am and 4 pm, the market buzzes with stalls selling anything from wind-chimes to jewellery and home-made delicacies, while locals stand around chatting and drinking coffee. Other items that can be purchased are clothing, knitwear, leather work, iron and steel work, African curious and wire work, basket work, handmade soaps and toiletries, woodwork, pottery and ceramics, needlework, glass work, mirrors, jewelry, paintings, puppets, candlewicking and braunmalerie, shell ware, hammocks, plants and cacti, dried fruit and nuts, children’s toys/games plus much more.

Mainstream Mall in Hout Bay opened in 2006 and is a good centre to get local mementos or some of the latest fashions. It has a trendy new feel to it with many boutiques offering unique products and services. To compliment these, the centre also has it's anchor stores such as Woolworths, Clicks and CNA for you to refill the fridge, stock up on toiletries or get some reading material while enjoying your stay in Hout Bay. The centre is located just on the way towards Chapman's Peak Drive and close to the beach.

Kirikara on Main Road sells non-touristy handcrafted African art and is a good place to stock up on contemporary ceramics, carvings and hand-woven rugs.
Nearby Ethno is great for African-style jewellery and a wide array of wooden decor items. Rockchic For exquisite and unique trinkets made out of semi-precious stones, crystals, quartz and silver. Potter’s Yard is a peaceful little nursery where you can pick up proteas, lavender bushes, herbs and rustic pottery. Wander through to the back for the massive wood carvings out of tree trunks. Nap in the Mainstream Centre is a chic decor shop, serene in its contemporary palette of white, silver and grey. Browse through beautiful tableware, lamps, candles, mohair blankets and bathroom accessories, and sit down with a caffè latte in the coffee shop afterwards. They also sell delicious paninis and indulgent cakes – perfect for placating post-retail appetites!

T-Bag Designs: is a small company, situated in Hout Bay, near Cape Town in Unit 4 at the Kronendal Office Park on Main Road. They provide employment for a small group of previously unemployed residents from Imizama Yethu, T-Bag Designs are created from an every day product, namely used t-bags collected both locally and abroad and the team make stationery, candle holders and coasters (amongst other items) from recycled tea bags!

Mariners Wharf: This is the first harbourfront emporium in Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. Conceptualised and built by Hout Bay's own Stanley Dorman, it continues to grow under his, wife Pam's, and sons Garth and Anton's watchful eyes. Its restaurants, shops and markets exude a maritime ambience as is nowhere else to be found. Mariner's Wharf is a wonderful place, a place where the famous and locals, jetsetters and tourists rub shoulders with venerable fishing captains and old salts. Indeed, well worth a visit! They now have a sushi bar and on site bakery for freshly baked goods.

Mariners Chest: Shells by the thousand, skipper's caps, beach clothing, hand-made gifts and sea-art curios are on sale here; plus whacky Republic of Hout Bay passports with a boatload of special offers. Many of the items are themed to Hout Bay's harbourside ambience and exude memories of a wonderful place, nowhere else to be found.

Pearls in the Oyster: Choose an oyster guaranteed to contain a beautiful pearl inside. Then, if you so wish, watch it set to jewellery of your own choice, from the extensive range on offer.

The Shipwreck Shop: Its nautical artifacts and antiques, books, paintings, brassware, scrimshaw, scripophilly and shipwreck memorabilia are a collector's dream, and an inspirational source for designers bedecking bars and boardrooms. With over 20 000 different items in stock, it is the largest shop of its kind, certainly in Southern Africa.

Wine & Liquor Locker: Built into the hull of the Kingfisher, a discerning range of estate wine, beer and liqueurs is offered. A must is the Wharf's own wine in a fish-shaped bottle, a truly wonderful souvenir or gift. Due to its unique appeal the Locker was the first South African outlet to be licenced for seven-day-a-week trading

Clay Café: The clay café makes for a memorable day of creativity and recreation for children and parents alike. Choose from a vast array of unfired bisque and a wide selection of colourful paints to create crockery that is both personal and completely unique. Spend a leisurely day painting in a relaxed environment with our friendly staff at hand to assist you with any painting techniques that you might wish to make use of. A day at the Clay Cafe makes an ideal children’s birthday party and school outing venue. Each child is given the chance to indulge in their own personal masterpiece, and each parent is given the golden opportunity to sit back and enjoy, leaving all the mess and fuss to us! A garden and playground await the children outside so that when they are finished painting, there is still plenty to explore. Booking is essential for groups – be it children’s parties, Kitchen teas or corporate team building.

Restaurants:
Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant: Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Chapmans Peak Drive lies the The Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant regarded as a local institution, established over 30 years ago. They have become world famous for their calamari but do try the Portuguese steaks as well!

Mariner's Wharf and Wharfside Grill: This world renowned restaurant offers excellent seafood with amazing views of the bay and Chapman's Peak. An absolute must if you are after a succulent crayfish or two!

The Lookout Deck: Great views of Hout Bay Harbour, the entrance is like walking into your holiday house from the beach with comfortable couches and wooden coffee tables. Diners can choose between the casual wooden deck area that seats around 260 people, with bench tables & attractive parasols plus outdoor heaters and large glass window panels, which provide additional comfort from the cool sea breezes; or the modern up market feel of the inside dining area, with comfortable upholstered chairs and well appointed tables with linen and overlays, the inside area seats around 60 people. The restaurants extensive menu comprises of premier seafood, freshly caught line fish caught daily by the local fishermen, Cape Rock Lobster, succulent LM prawns, fresh black mussels picked from the rocks of the local shores, legendary tender calamari steaks, Yellow fin tuna steaks and live oysters, as well as the finest cuts of local A-grade meats. There is also a great selection of appetizing salads, lighter snack baskets for the not so hungry, wood fired pizzas and hearty breakfasts. The restaurant is the ideal setting to enjoy sensational sundowners and cocktails whilst listening to local, live music on selected nights.

Dinner at Mandela’s: Dinner @ Mandela’s is an evening cultural experience which allows visitors to South Africa to mingle with the local residents of Imizama Yethu (Mandela Park Township) in Hout Bay. It is an opportunity for visitors to gain a better understanding of the lifestyle and culture of the residents and to have a fun filled evening of African Music and Dance and partying with the locals. Simultaneously, Dinner @ Mandela’s affords the locals an opportunity to uplift their lives, as full support is given to the township in terms of services required – the local tavern, support for local choirs and dancers and food. Our aim in the future is to be able to develop other enterprises surrounding Dinner @ Mandela’s which will provide further upliftment to the people in the Mandela Park Township.

Papino’s: is a cosy family restaurant situated in Earl Street with a varied menu and wood fired pizzas

Comida: A modern and stylish restaurant that offers contemporary fusion cuisine and fashionable thin crust pizzas

Massimo's Pizza Club: @ Scarecrows Experience a truly unique way of eating unlimited fantastic pizza, in the company of friends. In one evening, and for a set price, you can enjoy a starter, share as many wood-fired, thin based.

Pakalolo cafe/bar: Carribean style restuarant/bar and live entertainment venue Pakalolo sits at the foot of Chapmans Peak drive. Bamboo and palm leaf decor, with chillout vibes and spicey Mexican cuisine.

Kitima: situated in the old Kronendal building offers Oriental elegance and hospitality. They offer authentic Asian cuisine, prepared by 5 star Thai chefs. Thai cuisine is known for its enthusiastic use of fresh herbs and spices and is considered by many to be among the best in the world. It is a blend of Asian and European influences created through century's of trade between continents harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. Try the Dim Sum or book early for the Sunday buffet were you can try everything!

Pure: Situated in Hout Bay Manor (built in 1871) is Pure restaurant - a decadent and sophisticated 5 star dining treat.

Dunes Restaurant: occupies a prime location on the beach front in Hout Bay with stunning views of Chapman's Peak, the Sentinel, and of course the beach. There is plenty of seating, for both drinking and dining and a playground for kids. It is a favourite spot for the locals to have their favourite cocktail as the sun goes down behind the mountains.

Deli Delish: Deli Delish provides soul food to satisfy everyone’s tastes, set in a warm and welcoming environment. The vibe is cool, classic and light, with a wrap around balcony that brings the outside in (but keeps the elements at bay). Furnishing an old house in classic white wicker, scattering lots of comfy cushions on the sofas, displaying mouth-watering food in the deli section and playing a sexy soundtrack certainly gets one in the mood to relax.

La Cuccina: La Cuccina was started seven years ago by George Torres & Marie Burger. After several years making food for Melissa’s Food Store and other restaurants, they decided it was time to start creating their own dream. Over the years they have become famous for the taste and quality of their food - with a distinctly European flavour on their daily buffets and the many cakes and tarts that come rolling out of the kitchen.

Pirates Pub & Grill: Steaks, burgers and ribs are the most popular dishes but if red meat is not your first choice, the Chicken and Bacon Florentino is a must. Pop into the cosy little pub adjacent to the restaurant, where you will find a diversity of people singing along to the music played by the various live bands frequenting the pub. Quiz nights are very popular as well.

Trattoria Luigi: Luigi has brought a “Touch of Naples” to Hout Bay and now: the new proprietor and previous manager of 7 years: singer and matre-d (who actually does cook now-and-then); Antonio Nero, would like to invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy our homely atmosphere and of course, the original authentic Italian fare that is produced using only the freshest of ingredients and always making sure high quality ingredients are used wherever possible.

Suikerbossie: has magnificent views overlooking the valley of Hout Bay with Chapman's Peak and the bay below. Flanked on the west by Llandudno beach, while Table Mountain forms the backdrop to the restaurant. A Sunday-must is tea and scones at Suikerbossie, a very popular restaurant and wedding venue in the fynbos on the hill overlooking the town.

The Workshop: claims to be the smallest (licensed) pub in Africa is serves as a good meeting place when the weather is good. The drinks are cheap and the local young folk enjoy meeting new people and will always talk to any new faces!

Accommodation: Find and book Hout Bay Accommodation - guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, hotels and self catering accommodation in Hout Bay.

IMAGES:
1. The Sentinel in Hout Bay - Google Images
2. Hout Bay from Chapmans Peak Drive view point - Photo Jeremy Jowell
3. Hout Bay Harbour - Google Images
4. Leopard Rock in Hout Bay - Google Images
5. Hout Bay Beach - Google Images

Relaxing at Leopardstone Hill, Noordhoek

2010-10-25T15:25:00.003+02:00

Natasha visited Leopardstone Hill and fell in love with this house built from stone in Noordhoek and the personalized attention she received during her stay. Read her account of this gorgeous hideaway just 40 minutes from central Cape Town. Bookings can be directly or through Cape Point Route.

We arrived rather late, at about 19h00 and found the place easily, thanks to the website directions. My son, boyfriend and I were greeted warmly and promptly by Alison on arrival. She immediately showed us to our cottage, taking us around the house showing every little detail that we would need to know in order to have a convenient and comfortable stay. The Stone Cottage which sleeps 6 people comfortably was truly beautiful, the minute we stepped out of the car all we heard was silence, peacefulness and a frequent cry from a peacock in the distance, which was such a beautiful sound. Stepping into the house the atmosphere was so cozy and there was a beautiful vase of Fresh proteas to welcome us!

The entire house is built from mountain rocks, warm large rugs warmed up the house and all the wooden frames and features were just a few of the reasons why I loved the feel of this cottage. The owners had picked up the rocks at a site on the mountain and decided to build a cottage with them! Alison, the owner of Leopardstone Hill was kind enough to explain to us as to how she came up with name Leopardstone Hill, and she is actually one of the volunteers of an organization that helps the protection and survival of the Western Leopard Toads that are endangered. Thus her establishment being in the habitat of the Leopard Toads is named after this amazing reptile.

Stepping into the house the first thing that caught my eye was the lounge area straight ahead and its warm cozy feel. Comfy couches with a fire place and a huge window looking out onto the beautiful Noordhoek horizon as the sun set. The fully equipped kitchen was directly on my right with microwave, four plate stove and oven, kettle, all utensils and crockery. The kitchen included pots, pans, bowls, plunger coffee, sugar and even salt and pepper. The plunger and plunger coffee was a very nice addition. A reasonable jug of milk had been left in the fridge for us and firewood and coals were offered to us as well.

The two bedrooms each consisted of two single beds with furry water bottles on each bed as well as a mirror. The beds were covered in crisp white sheets and warm white duvet covers. A child safety gate is also provided in one of the rooms. Each room has extra throws and pillows; there is enough cupboard space in each room to accommodate guests luggage. The bathroom has a big deep oval bath and toilet, including two toilet rolls, hand wash, body lotion and cotton wool. We decided to Braai for supper and while my son had been relaxing watching satellite TV we were out on the back porch sipping wine and relaxing to the gentle sounds of the nightlife insects and peacocks somewhere in the distance. Supper at the huge wooden table together was stunning and the fire warming up the rest of the house was snug and inviting. We sat up till late, playing monopoly and Liam reading story books that were there for his pleasure. We had a late romantic bath using all the candles scattered around the house - such a nice thing to have around for ambience!

There is an amazing garden space below the barbeque deck where guinea fowls run and fynbos grows freely. An outside Tree swing for the kids is found along the path way to the rock pool. The pool area is surrounded by stylish wooden fames and flooring. The pool is not very big which made it so nice for relaxing and cooling off in the water. I loved the fact that it was small enough for my little one to swim with me. The pool does have a deep end though, so kids should be supervised. To add to the perfect peacefulness of the pool area was a hammock – just perfect for a chill out session with a good book!

Just outside the Stone Cottage is a marvelous touch - the outside shower. The weather was good so having the option of either a hot or cold water shower outside was incredible. Candles are placed around the shower too and it is enclosed with large wooden frames so privacy is offered and it felt truly romantic to have the option of showering with the stars shining clearly above our heads.

An inspirational feature was Alison’s veggie garden filled with cabbages, cauliflower, pumpkin and even carrots, so many greens for that perfect salad or meal – and what’s more it wasn’t just a temptation – we were encouraged to help ourselves to whatever we needed! What a treat to have home grown produce to pick straight from the ground. Just past the veggie garden there is a chicken coop for fresh eggs. There is a full play area for the kids including a trampoline, which kept my son entertained for most of the day.

Thanks Alison and your team at Leopardstone Hill in Noordhoek for a warm welcome and relaxing stay. I just loved the child friendliness of your place – great for a parent to have a holiday here where we get to relax as well! Your attention to detail with little touches make Leopardstone Hill a very special getaway! Thank You.

Accommodation at Leopardstone Hill can be made booked through Cape Point Route as well as numerous other delightful holiday accommodation in Noordhoek and in the surrounding villages of the Cape Point Route.

IMAGES:
1. The main living area of Stone Cottage at Leopardstone Hill, courtesy of LeopardStone Hill
2. The Main bedroom at Leopardstone Hill, Noordhoek, courtesy of Leopardstone Hill
3. Liam on the trampoline, with playground at Leopardsone Hill - courtesy of Natasha Marco
4. Cauliflower in the veggie garden at Leopardstone Hill - courtesy of Natasha Marco
5. Stone swimming pool area - courtesy of Natasha Marco

Destination of the Day - Muizenberg

2010-10-22T13:08:00.006+02:00

With the International Kite Festival happening in Muizenberg this weekend (23 – 24 October 2010) Muizenberg simply has to be the destination of the day!

The International Kite Festival is a feast of colour and action and starts daily 10am – 6pm. Entry is R15 for adults and R5 for kids and is happening at Zandvlei. You can do much more than just watch kites blowing in the wind as there is kite flying, kite making, food stalls, kiddies rides and a craft market.

But I digress. Muizenberg is back! With secure new retail and residential developments on the beachfront and a buzzing Surfer’s Corner – Muizenberg is the place to be (especially this weekend)

Known as a hot spot of surfing culture in Cape Town, Muizenberg is a holidaymakers paradise with a gently sloping beach (which goes for miles and miles) and child friendly waves. The ocean water is warmer than those “trendy Atlantic seaboard” beaches. Muizenberg is distinctive for its colourful bathing boxes and yes you CAN hire one!

Behind the beach itself there are fresh water swimming pools, putt-putt mini golf, water slides (the well know SUPERTUBE) and jungle gyms. The beachfront is busy not only with surfers and potential surfers but restaurants, an artesian bakery, coffee shops and great holiday accommodation.

You won’t be bored in Muizenberg! Obviously Surfing is one of the key activities but also at the beach you can go kite surfing, landsailing and stand up paddling. Lessons are available for beginners or advanced levels, all genders and all ages! It’s not uncommon to see 60 year olds in a surf lesson with 6 year olds!

From the beach is a scenic coastal walk to Kalk Bay – gently undulating and right on the waters edge. For more energetic hikers, start on Boyes Drive for hikes in Table Mountain National Park and up to the Kalk Bay Caves. Guided hikes are available if you’re not sure where you are going and the guides impart wonderful knowledge of the geology and flora of the region so you can go home with more knowledge in addition to your spectacular scenic hike!

At Zandvlei – canoeing and sailing are popular activities and of course kite flying –Zandlvlei is the venue for the International Kite Festival. There is very easy access to two world class golf courses – Westlake and Steenberg.

Muizenberg is also home to grand architecture and fascinating museums. Millionaires Mile was so called as Muizenberg was the hotspot for the mining magnates and tycoons from the turn of the century. Herbert Baker designed many of the homes, many of which have recently been refurbished. The Oppenheimers, the Sonnenburgs (founder of Woolworths); Robert St Leger (owner and editor of the Cape Times) and tobacco tycoons all had homes in Muizenberg.
Perhaps one of the most well known and recognised is the Venetian style Palazzo that is now Casa Labia which was built in 1929 and has just undergone a 2 year restoration and reopened a as a Cultural Centre. Great events, a fabulous Café and the Africa Nova Boutique.

Check out Rhodes Cottage Museum (the cottage where Cecil John Rhodes died in 1902). Summer hours are from 10h00 – 16h00 and well worth a visit for anyone interested in Rhodes or Cape History. There is a fabulous indigenous mountainside garden so do step out the cottage into the grounds. Also in Muizenberg is Het Posthuys Museum. First mapped in 1687 this is one of the oldest buildings in South Africa! It was initially used as a look out post for enemy ships entering False Bay. It also functioned as a storage place for naval goods, an ale and eating house and a private residence. It is run by the Muizenberg Historical society who run regular events and talks. And finally the Battle of Muizenberg Open Air site – marks the site of the Battle of Muizenberg on 7 August 1795 which led to the first British Occupation of the Cape. Please note that the South African Police Services (SAPS) museum is still closed.

The Muizenberg Village area is a charming precinct with narrow streets, Victorian buildings and an interesting shopping area around Palmer Road. The area has been upgraded and now houses bohemian style shops, bars, restaurants and boutiques. Take note of Muizenberg Railway station (particularly if you come by train!) which is a magnificent Edwardian Style building with an impressive clock tower. It opened in 1913!

If you’re staying in the Muizenberg area – why not book a seat at the Masque theatre – which is an active community theatre which was founded in 1959 and still going 50 years on! The current production from 22 – 30 October is Neil Simon’s GODS FAVOURITE.

Muizenberg is easily accessible by car or by train and is 25 km from Cape Town City Centre and 30 km from Cape Town International Airport.

IMAGES:
1. Muizenberg Beach Front - Myles Spolander - Corner Chat
2. Muizenberg Beach Huts - Peter Haarhof- Photographic Day Tours3. Muizenberg Supertube and waterslide
4. Muizenberg Synagogue - Google Images

Contact Cape Point Route for any Muizenberg Accommodation, or information on activities, attractions,and restuarants on the Cape Point Route

Introducing Casa Labia Cultural Centre

2010-10-18T17:20:00.005+02:00

Cape Point Route is thrilled to introduce Casa Labia Cultural Centre in Muizenberg - this incredible building has been restored and reopened with a sensational cafe but check out theor programme of events too - lectures, art classes, workshops for kids, music concerts, poetry readings, book launches... and the cafe is too die for! A real boost in Muizenberg's repertoire!

Casa Labia was built to reflect the spirit of 18th century Venice, Casa Labia is South Africa’s most exquisite multi-functional cultural centre and up-market venue; complete with contemporary South African art gallery, Africa Nova boutique and an authentic Italian café.

Experience it
Casa Labia was designed for Count Natale Labia as a Cape version of the awe-inspiring Palazza Labia in Venice. Today, under the watchful eye of his granddaughter Antonia, the house remains a celebration of all that is unique and beautiful about Italy and South Africa.

Specials
The Café’s daily specials feature Italian classics made with proudly South African ingredients. We hand craft our menu weekly, changing with the seasons to provide options that are varied and interesting, so that regulars are never bored and always challenged!

Casa Labia Cultural Centre
Visitors can enjoy a programme of lectures, art classes, workshops for children and adults, music concerts, poetry readings and book launches throughout the year. - Booking essential.

Casa Labia Galleria
A new contemporary South African art gallery at Casa Labia celebrates the best of South African art with solo and group exhibitions offering a new dimension to Casa Labia’s more historic rooms. The Galleria is a must-see for all visitors.

Africa Nova at Casa Labia
Situated in the former Boudoir, Africa Nova is a dynamic, up-market boutique highly regarded for its unique blend of art, craft and contemporary design. Perhaps best described as "New African", the house style is urban, edgy and vibrant with echoes of the traditional forms of old Africa.

Casa Labia Café
Located in the former reception area as one enters the house, the intimate 40-seater Casa Labia Café exudes charm, warmth and authenticity. An ideal venue for brunch, lunch, elegant afternoon tea or a simple cup of very good coffee.

Why not pop in to Casa Labia Cultural Centre when you visit the International Kite Festival in Muizenberg on the 23rd and 24th October 2010.

Cape Point Route can assist with accommodation bookings in Muizenberg ang the surrounding areas should you wish to escape and spend a weekend on the Cape Point Route.

Kalk Bay Roadworks – one-way southbound only!

2010-10-14T13:12:00.004+02:00

Important information if you want to get to the lovely seaside village of Kalk Bay. There have been major roadworks taking place in the area. A one-way system has been implemented which basically means you have to go along Main Road from the Muizenberg side.

You cannot go from Fish Hoek along Main Road to Kalk Bay – you have to go via Boyes Drive and access Kalk Bay from the Muizenberg side (north side!)

ACCESS TO KALK BAY AND BEYOND VIA MAIN ROAD Information distributed by the City of Cape Town

• A one-way only southbound traffic system has been implemented on Main Road (M4)

• This is a temporary system that will be in place for a period of 2 years (until Oct 2012)

• The one-way system promotes free flow of traffic to the south during the reconstruction of the Main Road

• The stop-go has been removed and traffic on Main Road is one-way free flowing to Kalk Bay and beyond.

• The on-way southbound system on Main Rd begins at St James Train Station and ends at Clairvaux Road (bottom of Boyes Drive)

• Road users are encourage to use Main Rd (southbound) to avoid delays on Boyes Drive.

• Main Road southbound also provides access to ample parking in the Kalk Bay business area.

Cape Point Route suggestions:
• Take the train!
• Take the Water Taxi from Simon's Town to Kalk Bay • Stay in Kalk Bay and walk!

Photographs of Kalk Bay courtesy of Peter Haarhof

Peter is from the Cape Photographic Company and specializes in photographic day tours in and around the Cape and wildlife safaris. From beginners needing advice on camera settings, to advance photographers seeking the best locations for the best photographs.

Eat - Pray - Love

2010-10-11T16:33:00.002+02:00

Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling novel “Eat Pray Love” has just been released on the South African movie circuit and women have been flocking to watch Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem in this chick flick about a 30 – something year old woman, who takes off on a round the world journey to find meaning, beauty and love in her life.

The 3 main parts are essentially:
Eat: a journey to Italy where she devours Italy’s buffet of food delights and learns the Italian language – basically a pleasure journey.
Pray: a journey to India where she meditates at an ashram and emulating the way of the yogis - basically a spiritual journey to make peace with herself.
Love: a journey to Bali where she tries to balance her discoveries and studies with a medicine man whilst falling in love.

The story is not new, its part romantic fiction and part journey of self discovery and soul searching but it is one woman’s personal tale mixed with sorrow & humour and she becomes a tour guide for internal and external journeys which is probably the universal appeal for so many women.

Whilst Cape Point Route can’t help you with personal spiritual insight or any love crisis – a journey to the Cape Point Route can offer you fantastic places to eat (and accommodation more appealing than the 1 bedroom Italian apartment!); healing spaces for prayer or spa’s to rejuvenate and we can almost guarantee a love affair with the region. What’s more you won’t have to take a year off, it’ll be more affordable than a global journey, easy to get here and there is plenty more than eating, talking and praying.

EAT:
With two coastlines, it’s no wonder that Seafood is the taste of the day on the Cape Point Route – but meat eaters are well catered for and vegetarian fare is found in most restaurants. A large variety of international cuisine is available to eat on the Cape Point Route – from Italian to Spanish, French to Japanese. Indulge and enjoy!

PRAY:
The Cape Point Route’s beauty is almost spiritual in itself but for those seeking assistance in their journey - there are meditation classes held regularly throughout the Cape Point Route coastal villages, there are numerous churches, mosques, synagogues and places of worship.
We also recommend indulging in a spa treatment and some relaxation!

LOVE:
Fall in love with the people, the scenery, the place you stay and the activities you can do! Check out our romance packages as well for some love tips!

If in doubt- call Cape Point Route for assistance or book a tour guide to help with your journey. Always remember that a magical escape does not have to be far away and enlightenment is a personal pilgrimage.
Cape Point Route offers the opportunity to EAT – PLAY – STAY !!!!

Win a Weekend In Noordhoek!!!

2010-10-07T12:44:00.006+02:00

Great competition we just heard about to win a weekend for 2 people at Noordhoek Farm Village!!!! Closing date: 15 October 2010

Noordhoek Farm Village is nestled at the foot of Chapman’s Peak Drive, in a rural village, close to Noordhoek’s breathtaking Long Beach and beneath the mountains of the southern peninsula of Cape Town. Located just 30 minutes from Cape Town city centre and 40 minutes from Cape Town International Airport – Noordhoek offers a country feel with city access.

Enter our Perfect Day in Noordhoek Competition and you could win a weekend for 2 people at Noordhoek Farm Village.

You’ll stay at the 4 star De Noordhoek Hotel for 2 nights – a hotel which epitomizes Cape Country at the Beach.
Included in the prize are meal vouchers for all the restaurants at Noordhoek Farm Village – the Foodbarn Deli, The Foodbarn Restaurant, the Toad in the Village and Café Roux.

As a perfect addition to your stay you will receive 4 x R200 shopping vouchers for use at any of the retail stores or outlets at Noordhoek Farm Village – that’s R800 spending money!

So what is a perfect Noordhoek day?
We want to know about YOUR perfect Noordhoek Day and your favourite thing to do at Noordhoek Farm Village

COMPETITION: WIN A PERFECT WEEKEND AT NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE

Question 1:
Describe your perfect Noordhoek Day or your IDEA of a perfect Noordhoek Day.
Maximum – 250 words

Question 2:
What is your favourite thing to do at Noordhoek Farm Village?

Required Information:

NAME:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

TEL NO:

SUBURB & CITY OF RESIDENCE:

COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE:

How to Enter:

Email your entries to marketing@noordhoekvillage.co.za
Answer both questions and supply your contact details.

Closing Date for entries: Friday 15 October 2010 at 12 noon.
Full competition details here

Monkeying it Up at Monkey Valley

2010-10-06T14:54:00.004+02:00

Natasha has joined the Cape Point Route team and went to Monkey Valley Resort last week to experience this Noordhoek accommodation establishment – with old world log and thatched cottages and bedrooms overlooking Noordhoek beach.

I would like to share my experience of Monkey Valley Resort. We arrived a little later then we had hoped on Friday evening so it was after 7pm but we were greeted very promptly at reception. Nomasibo gave us our key for the Guinea Fowl room (Sea facing executive room) and we were escorted to our room. We had booked Bed and Breakfast but the great thing is that Monkey Valley Resort also offers self catering options.

The room was placed high up as if it was a huge tree house with the most amazing sea and mountain views. Standing on the veranda and looking straight ahead at the sea and the mountain joining and then looking down and seeing the top of the trees is such a stunning sight. It is not everyday I get to look down to a tree.

The room manual had information including the restaurant menus and as it was a bit later we decided to call reception and ask if we could order supper in our room. It took about 30 minutes from placing our order to receiving our meal in our room so we were super impressed. We ordered a delicious spicy beef pizza although they had a huge selection from pastas to fish dishes, meat and desserts to choose from. Next time we will probably eat in the restaurant!

We had a relaxing bath with curtains wide open (what a treat!). We were so high up that all that could be seen was the sea. Lying in their beautiful Victorian bath with a glass of wine looking out at the views was the most relaxing moment for me. A real working fireplace in the room brought a warm and cosy feel to the room and created a very special romantic atmosphere. Wood and firelighters were provided as well as the coffee and tea facilities- which was good to have as it made our stay very convenient with all the extras in the room.

We woke up in the early hours of the morning thinking it was raining gently when in fact it was the trees blowing in the wind making this calming sound. It was so amazing lying there and listening to the sea, trees whistling and the fire crackling away.

The next morning we went down to the restaurant for a full English breakfast – it was buffet style and a real feast - fruit, yoghurt, muesli’s and cereals, porridge, muffins, croissants, juices and of course the traditional eggs and bacon and tomatoes and mushrooms. Delicious! Check out is at 10:00 am but breakfast is served until 11.30am so on the day of departure you can always pack up and then chill out over a long breakfast – or brunch! You also don’t have to be a guest at the resort – the restaurant is open to the public.

After breakfast we walked around the resort – to see the pool (unfortunately it was quite overcast so we didn’t want to hang out by the pool) and the play area. We checked out the sauna (closed unfortunately) and also the conference/wedding venue! This would be an amazing spot to get married because the views and the setting are so spectacular – hard to get a more romantic view! The self catering rooms and cottages are all tucked away in between the trees (which I learnt were ancient milkwood trees – some more than 200 years old!). We took a walk down to the beach afterwards which was not hard to find as there were signs guiding us there. Noordhoek beach feels like endless sand – you can walk to the shipwreck the Kakapo but we didn’t have the energy or the time left for a long walk after our big breakfast and headed back up to the resort to depart. Very sad to go and leave the calm environment. It felt like I had been away for more than just one night. Would be great to stay for longer and experience some of the things to do – it’s close to Cape Point and you can go horse riding on the beach in Noordhoek. Seemed like there were lots of surfers on Noordhoek Beach as well!

All and All Monkey Valley Resort was amazing!!!

IMAGES:
Photographer Jacques Marais shot on location at Monkey Valley Resort

Cape Point Route is a booking agent for Monkey Valley Resort. Find and Book Noordhoek Accommodation, Noordhoek Guest Houses, Noordhoek Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation in Apartments, Cottages, Holiday Houses and Villas in Noordhoek. We also find and book accommodation in other towns on the Cape Point Route

The Endangered African Penguin

2010-09-30T15:51:00.004+02:00

In May 2010 the African Penguin Status was changed from "Vulnerable" to "Endangered".

The African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is also called the Jackass Penguin due to the donkey like braying sound they make.

African Penguins grow to 68 – 70 cm tall and weigh between 2 and 5 kg.

In looks the black and white critters have a black stripe and black spots on their white breasts. The pattern of spots is unique for every penguin – just like a human fingerprint.

The only spot of colour is the pink gland above the eyes. The hotter a penguin gets, the more blood is sent to these glands so it may be cooled by the surrounding air, thus making the glands look more pink.

Males are generally larger than females and have larger beaks but other than that males and females are indistinguishable by their external markings.

The penguins colouring is a vital form of camouflage – white for underwater predators looking upwards and black for predators looking down onto the dark water!

100 years ago there were approximately 1.5 million African Penguins and it is estimated that there is less than 10% of that population left. Help save the endangered African Penguin by supporting the Simon’s Town Penguin Festival this weekend 1- 3 October at Boulders Beach.

IMAGES courtesy of Jacques Marais

The Road to Penguin-ville

2010-09-29T17:20:00.004+02:00

From Table Mountain to Cape Point – Cape Town has it all. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the shores of the “Mother City”. Whether it has been through advertising or word of mouth, Cape Town has gained popularity amongst holidaymakers, adventure addicts, businessmen and women, as well as overseas property investors.

Many of the most sought-after attractions, including the penguins, are situated along the Cape Point Route, traditionally a day’s journey from Cape Town City Centre. Indeed, the “must see”, “must do” activities are along this great road trip, causing visitors dismay as they whiz past in a tour bus.

So for the active traveller who wants to go shark cage diving, snorkelling or kayaking; for the knowledgeable traveller who wants to visit historical monuments and museums; for the creative traveller who wants to see unique art and artists; for the cultural traveller wanting to access the people and their lifestyles, and for nature enthusiasts who want to see flora, fauna and fabulous vistas - it is the road to penguin-ville on the Cape Point Route you need to explore.

With 24 beaches along the Route, each with its own unique characteristics and quaint villages– you can well imagine why cruising the coastlines is so popular. The awe-inspiring views alone make it a fantastic journey…

Another great attraction is the migration of Southern Right Whales to False Bay every year. These spectacular creatures come close to shore during the spring breeding season (September). You are bound to see the playful cavorting of the whales in the bay and the distinguishing v-shape of the Southern Right whales blowhole, and if you are one of the lucky onlookers you may even see a full breach.

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is home to the penguins – the quirky, curious birds that have woven their magic through the old Naval Town and affected everyone with their spirit. The community is at once old-world and fiercely cosmopolitan, enriched by both the hip and the hippy.

Boulders Beach Lodge, is just a stones throw away from the entrance to the beach, and was built with passion by its owner. It has grown from a tourism accommodation establishment to the centre of a revitalising drive to conserve the beautiful nature of the home in which they find themselves. Renovated old buildings, have been adapted to cater for hungry visitors, weary travellers, shoppers, niche conference groups and romantics wanting that “unforgettable” wedding.

They have committed themselves to environmental sustainability practices and to projects aimed at increasing visitor interest in the area, whilst raising funds to support work done by various conservation organisations. The most exciting event is the “Simon’s Town Penguin Festival”, happening this weekend outside Boulders Beach Lodge (1- 3 October 2010). The festival is an annual fixture that sees Simon’s Town come alive to celebrate equal rights for penguins and save this endangered species.

So whether your choice is arty or earthy, adventurous or historic, natural or cosmopolitan, family or luxury the road to Penguin-ville on the Cape Point Route will fit your bill perfectly. Let’s talk penguinese!

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA.
Contact us on 021 782 9356 or info@capepointroute.co.za for all your requirements.

IMAGES:
Courtesy of Peter Haarhoff

Calling all creatures great and small to Simon's Town for the Penguin Festival

2010-09-28T15:27:00.003+02:00

Calling All Creatures GREAT and small!
Visit Simon’s Town on the weekend of 2 – 3 October 2010 and join in the fun at the annual Penguin Festival

Dates: 2 – 3 October 2010
Location: Boulders Beach Lodge parking area, Simon’s Town

The Simon’s Town penguin festival promises a weekend of fun for kids and adults alike in celebration of a group of very special ‘Capetonians’ who, sporting their black and white tuxedo’s, charm the crowds with their endearing mannerism.

To remind us all that 2010 is the International year of Biodiversity – the festival theme is ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. Come dressed for the occasion and stand a chance to win a prize for your outfit.

The highlight of the weekend is the release of rehabilitated African penguins back into the wild to celebrate African Penguin Awareness Day on the Saturday morning – to officially declare the festival open. Times and the location of the beach release will be announced in the press closer to the time. It is truly a day of celebration as penguin lovers across the globe host their own activities to celebrate these wonderful creatures and to raise awareness about their fragile status in the wild.

For the 10th consecutive year Boulders Beach Lodge and Restaurant continues to raise funds for SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) at an annual auction. SANCCOB is the sole beneficiary of this prestigious event where business people and individuals bid with their hearts in a show of generosity - to raise funds for the conservation of these precious penguins.

Educational Weekend provisional program –Co-hosted by SANParks and SANCCOB’s Education Department.
Location: Boulders Beach Lodge and parking area, Simon’s Town
The weekend is aimed at children primarily and SANParks puts up a great show for the kids. SANParks and SANCCOB’s Education Department, are joined by their partners in conservation, to provide innovative educational entertainment.

The 2010 line-up includes -
• African Penguin Awareness Day – 2 October 10am : SANCCOB releases rehabilitated African penguins back into the wild
• Meet SANCCOB’s African penguin ambassador
• DIY for kids with ‘Dit Nutsman’ Riaan Venter
• Snake show
• Raptor show
• Jumping castle
• Games i.e. pop a balloon
• Food stalls
• And more...!!

SANCCOB saves seabirds 365 days a year. Since they started in 1968 SANCCOB has admitted more than 86 000 seabirds. To find out more about the valuable rehabilitation and emergency services which they provide, visit www.sanccob.co.za. SANCCOB runs educational programmes, with a special outreach to children in the poorer communities in and around Cape Town, offers centre-based tours for groups, is actively involved in research, contributes towards advocacy on seabirds and has a Training Institute.

Should you wish to donate towards the auction, or to support SANCCOB financially, please contact the SANCCOB Fundraiser, Margaret Roestorf at 021 557 6155

Cape Point Route can book accommodation for a weekend away in Simon's Town. Availabilty at Moonglow Guesthouse in Simon's Town; the Winston Guesthouse in Simon's Town and Avian Leisure in Simon's Town. Additional availability at Moonbay Guesthouse in neighbouring Fish Hoek or contact Cape Point Route directly with your requirements.

Heritage Day Weekend Parties on the Cape Point Route

2010-09-22T13:10:00.006+02:00

Heritage Day Long Weekend: 24 – 26 September 2010.It’s a long weekend and its’ PARTY time on the Cape Point Route…braai’s, live gigs, full moon parties, wine evenings and more….

Crimson live @ Polana
Venue: The Polana, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
Date: Friday 24 Sept 2010
Time: 10pm – Sat @ 2 am
Tel: 021 788 7162

CRIMSON is a Cape Town based band, the duo consisting of Darren Oelofse (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Nathan Giloi (lead guitar). CRIMSON’s music falls under the acoustic-rock genre. The majority of our performances consist of classics and contemporary covers. R20 entry

Braai and Paul Q live
Venue: The Red Herring Restaurant and Skebanga's Sunset Bar, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Date: Fri 24 Sept
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Tel: 021 789 1783

Join us for a braai on Heritage Day (Friday, 24th September) in the pergola area at The Red Herring. Paul Q will be entertaining us live between 14H00 and 18H00. See you there!

The Under Covers @ FARMHOUSE ROCKS:
Venue: Cape Farmhouse Restaurant, Scarborough, Cape Town
Date: Sat 25 Sept:
Time: 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Tel: 021 780 1246
Email: info@capefarmhouse.co.za

Nu-Folk Rock band fronted by Scarborough artist/vocalist Charisse Gardiner.
They perform an eclectic mix of songs by the likes of Fleet Foxes, Polly Jean Harvey, Coldplay and Neil Young amongst others, as well as their own material.
The music can best be described as influenced by progressive '70's Americana folk with a touch of 2010's Brit psychedelia sonic vibes and rhythms.

Farmhouse Rocks: open air music concerts in summer and weather protected in winter- this is an all year round entertainment venue... we supply food and drink, so you don't have too! R50 adults/ R40 student and under 12's free. Shows always start 15h30 +/-

The Foodbarn Winter Wine Evening:
Venue: the Foodbarn Restaurant, Noordhoek Farm Village, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Date: Sat 25 September 2010
Time: 7.30pm
Tel: 021 789 1390
Email: info@thefoodbarn.co.za

the Foodbarn Restaurant in association with Newton Johnson’s wines presents their September 2010 winter wine evening. Franck has put together an awesome menu and paired each course with a Newton Johnson wine. Cost R250 pp excl service. Dinner and wine included.

The Original Full Moon Extravaganza Round 2
Venue: Southern Right Hotel, Glencairn, Simon's Town
Date: Sat 25 September 2010
Time: 8 pm ‘til late!
Tel: 021 782 0314

It's YOUR right to PAARTY! 3 dance floors, top DJ's and plenty of attitude. R30 cover + free shooter. Zone 1 – house and dance with DJ Warren Lissack and DJ Special K; Zone 2 – 80’s Pop and rock with DJ Paul and DJ Shane ; Zone 3 – Ambient Grooves, electro and Dup Step with DJ Craig Wilson and DJ Liam

Full Moon Dance:
OVER 30 Clubbing: Barocca Lounge At Rioja Restaurant in Kommetjie
Sat 25 Sept from 8pm – Sun 26 Sept at 2.30am
Tel: 082 4574133

3 Dancefloor Extravaganza to dance under the Full Moon....one dancefloor with the Over30s team and the usual mix of anthems from Rock to Pop with Disco and House.....the second Dancefloor this time due to lots of requests fully Trance and Psytrance with Djs Buechse, Gandalf and Mark.....and to take a breath and relax in style Ambient Chill out tent - there will be a bedouin tent outside with trippy lights and Ambient,Dub and Worlmusic by Djs Tanith and Buechse....25 R Entance fee INCL a Shooter until 9 , then 50 R incl a shooter.....come and celebrate in style with us!

Sunday Crayfish Braai
Venue: Black Marlin Restaurant, Main Road, Millers Point, Simon's Town, Cape Town
Date: Sunday 26 Sept
Time: 10am – 10pm
Tel: 021 786 1621
Email: info@blackmarlin.co.za

Sunday is crayfish day at The Black Marlin. The ½ Crayfish Braai, which is prepared to perfection and served with rice and salad. R75p/p – R120p/p

Corona Earthwave After-Party
Venue: Brass Bell, Kalk Bay
Date: Sunday 26 Sept
Time: 5pm
Tel: 021 788 5455

The Corona Earthwave After-Party will showcase the newly revamped Brass Bell in Kalk Bay where surf band the Little Kings, promo-girls, surf movies from the Wavescape Film Festival and more prizes and auctions, including five cases of Mexico’s favourite beer, will ensure a riot of fun and mayhem from 5pm until late on the Sunday evening!

Natasha Meister Live @ Skebanga's
Venue: Skebanga’s Sunset Bar at the Red Herring, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Date: Sun 26 Sept 2010
Time: 5pm – 8pm

Natasha Meister will be entertaining us again this Sunday. Last week was absolutely great so, don’t miss Natasha’s performance this week.
Guitarist and singer songwriter, Natasha Meister has been hitting up the music scene from a very young age. Although inspired by the blues, she has been capturing the attention of a broad audience including young and old. Natasha has gained recognition for her powerful yet controlled vocal and her mastery on the guitar at just 19 years of age.
Born in the small town of Thorndale, Ontario, Canada, to a butcher and a butcher’s wife, Natasha started out singing in a local church choir just at the age of 8 and has been performing ever since!
Being less than a year in a brand new country, Natasha has already achieved so much. She performed alongside some of South Africa’s finest including, Piet Botha, Tim Parr, The Boulevard Blues Band, Dave Ferguson, Dan Patlansky, and The Jack Mantis Band. Natasha currently plays solo and fronts “Natasha Meister Band”, with Roger Bashew on bass and Paul Tizzard on drums.

Earthwave Beach Festival in Muizenberg

2010-09-22T11:21:00.006+02:00

It's all happening in Muizenberg this weekend with the Earthwave Beach Festival and Guinness World Record Attempt to get more than 110 surfers to ride the same wave for more than five seconds. If you can surf (or think you can) - get down to Muizenberg for the festival. More details below.

EARTHWAVE BEACH FESTIVAL
Guinness World Record attempt + Longboard and SUP contests
Surfing and sustainable lifestyle event
Saturday & Sunday, 25 & 26 September 2010

Momentum builds for Guinness World Record attempt at Earthwave Beach Festival

Momentum is building for the Guinness World Record attempt for the ‘most surfers riding the same wave’ that will be staged at the Earthwave Beach Festival in Muizenberg on the weekend 25 & 26 September.

The festival offers a full program of events over the two days including a nationally rated Longboard surfing contest, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) races in the waves, plenty of beach activities for all ages, talks and demonstrations on environmentally sustainable topics and products, with the highlight being the attempt to get more than 110 surfers to ride the same wave for more than five seconds.

Supported by Loaded Smoothies, who will be dispensing their range of nutritious health drinks to participants and spectators, Earthwave also provides a forum for organisations such as Spin 4 Charity, the Sunflower Fund and the Shark Spotters program to raise awareness and funds for their worthy causes.

Tens of thousands of Rands of branded products will be given away, raffled, auctioned and won in activities like the popular Dig for Gold, beach cleanups. Prizes include Kustom footwear as worn by Joel Parkinson and other world and world-class surfers, environmentally friendly furniture items designed by TV personality Aidan Bennetts, Derevko Wetsuits, Hemporium products, New Balance shoes, apparel and accessories by O’Neill and Caves Surfwear and many more.

The Corona Earthwave After-Party will showcase the newly revamped Brass Bell in Kalk Bay where surf band the Little Kings, promo-girls, surf movies from the Wavescape Film Festival and more prizes and auctions, including five cases of Mexico’s favourite beer, will ensure a riot of fun and mayhem from 5pm until late on the Sunday evening!

The SUP races, organised and run by Coreban International, will use an ‘M’ shaped course that sees competitors paddling in and out through the waves twice in each heat, a first for Muizenberg. With valuable prizes at stake, the entire event will be completed on the Saturday.

The longboard surfing event, run by the WP Longboard Club, is stop No. 3 of 5 on the inaugural SA Longboard Tour and features a number of the country’s top performers. Starting on Saturday morning, the finals will be held on Sunday morning with the awards presentation staged just before an expected 500 or more participants line up to break the Guinness World Record at 12.30pm.

The SUP and longboard competitors and participants in the Guinness World Record attempt, who can include anyone who can stand up and ride a wave for five seconds or more, will be fueled by Monster Energy who will also be providing stickers, tattoos and other promotional items for all attending the festival.

Registration for the GWR starts at 10am on the Sunday and those wishing to be part of record breaking attempt are advised to check in early to prevent parking hassles and avoid the rush before the lineup. Entry costs R50 and all participants need to sign an indemnity form (signed by a parent/guardian for those under 18) and provide an email address to which an official certificate of participation will be sent.

The Earthwave Beach Festival at Muizenberg provides unlimited sponsorship opportunities for companies and organisations keen on promoting their environmental credentials or simply wanting to showcase their products and services to a receptive audience and through the saturation media coverage.

For further information see www.kahunasurf.co.za/kp/earthwave and the Facebook group Earthwave Beach Festival 2010.

The fourth annual edition of the event is produced by Kahuna Promotions and proudly supported by Wavescape, the official online and surf forecasting partner for Earthwave.

Contact kahunasurf@mweb.co.za for details on how to become part of this sustainable lifestyles initiative.

ALL IMAGES: Photographer Lee Slabber
1. Over 100 surfers riding the same wave at Muizenberg to set a new Guinness World Record in 2009
2. Some of the 440 surfers who lined up on the beach before heading out to break the record at Earthwave in 2009.
3. Crowds lined the beach at the 2009 Earthwave Beach Festival

If you would like to stay in the peninsula for the festival and a great weekend there is still accommodation available at Sundollar Lodge in Noordhoek; Moonglow Guest House in Glencairn,Simon's Town; Sonnekus Guest House in St James; Sacred Mountain Lodge in Noordhoek; The Winston Guest House in Simon's Town; Colona Castle in Lakeside; De Noordhoek Hotel in Noordhoek and Moonbay Guest House in Fish Hoek.

Reservations via Cape Point Route - call 021 782 9356 or email info@capepointroute.co.za

Chapman's Peak Drive Road Closure

2010-09-21T12:16:00.004+02:00

Planned Maintenance for TWO WEEKS from 04/10/10 - 15/10/10

Chapman's Peak Drive will be intermittently closed from Monday, 04 Oct 2010 to Friday, 15 Oct 2010 during the hours of 09h00 to 19h00. Access to the drive will be managed by traffic controllers. On Monday, 11 Oct 2010 full road Closure will be implemented between the Look Out Point and the Noordhoek side from 19h00 - 06h00.

The closure is necessary to conduct routine maintenance on the Catch Fences in order to ensure the safety of road users. Day time passes and access to picnickers will be unaffected as far as the control point from the Hout Bay side only.

Motorists are advised to proceed with caution:

Entilini Operations, thank you, for your patience while we ensure that Chapman's Peak Drive offers a safe driving experience.

021-790 9163 Hout Bay Office
021-791 8220 Plaza

IMAGES:
1. Courtesy of Jacques Marais
2. Courtesy of Chapmans Peak Drive
3. Courtesy of Chapmans Peak Drive
4. Courtesy of Jacques Marais
5. Courtesy of Jacques Marais

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Heritage Day Events on the Cape Point Route

2010-09-20T16:15:00.006+02:00

Friday 24 September is Heritage Day in South Africa. This public holiday is relatively new in South Africa but the day is set to encourage South Africans to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions.

Whilst this may be hard to define – there are many aspects of South African culture that make all members of our rainbow nation unique – be it language (we have eleven official languages), be it social, historical or even food – we are South Africans despite our differences! Here are some of the events happening on the Cape Point Route this Friday 24 Sept 2010.

1. Friday 24 Sept 2010: eMzantsi Carnvial Launch

Don’t forget the eMzantsi Carnival 2010 Launch and AGM is this Friday 24th September at Fish Hoek High School. Entrance is free, tea and coffee provided.
Bring your family and come celebrate the Heritage Day public holiday with us.

10.30am Puppet show of the eMzantsi 2010 story STEP UP, TAKE HEART, GIVE LOVE!
11am-12 Press launch celebrating eMzantsi community-building milestones over the past year.
12-3pm eMzantsi 4WAY LIVE concert showcasing local musical talent including collaborations written by the eMzantsi intercultural music groups from Fish Hoek, Ocean View and Masiphumelele.
For more information see the new website www.emzantsi.org.za or call the eMzantsi office 021 785 1515.

2. Friday 24 Sept 2010: TEARS Pet Day and Doggie Dawdle

At Noordhoek Cricket Grounds and including the Doggie Dawdle Walk-A-Thon; Face Painting and Black Nose Competition and the TEARS/Hill’s Pet Competition which includes the Cutest Crossbreeds (adult and puppy); Best pedigree; Look-A-Like Dog (pet & owner); fancy dress; smallest dog and largest dog. Lots of fun for the family and the family pets.

For more information contact TEARS on 021 785 4482 or visit website.

3. Friday 24 Sept 2010: Fish Hoek Historical Hunt

Run by a Whale of A Heritage Route. Clues for the historical hunt will take the form of photographic images and will run from 08h30 – 13h00. Contact a Whale of A Heritage Route on www.awhaleofaheritageroute.co.za for more details.

4. Friday 24 Sept 2010: Muizenberg Historical Conservation Society talk on Thomas Bain

You are cordially invited to a meeting of the Muizenberg Historical Conservation Society at The Stables (behind Het Posthuys) at 17h30 on Wednesday 22 September. The meeting marks Heritage Day, and the guest speaker will be Dave Cowley, who will do a presentation on Thomas Bain, famous Scottish pioneer and genius road engineer of Queen Victoria.

He constructed some twenty-three mountain passes in South Africa between 1880 and 1890, including the scenic Prince Alfred mountain pass near Plett. He also took an interest in plants and had a keen eye for rock-art. The talk will give an overview of the construction and difficulties of some of his mountain passes. Drinks and snacks will be served from 17h30, and the presentation will commence at 18h15. Entrance is R20.

Please RSVP to George Hill on 021 788 5542, or at music@lindbergh-arts.co.za

IMAGES:
1. eMzantzi Carnival- courtesy of eMzantzi Carnival
2. TEARS Pet Day and Doggie Dawdle - courtesy of TEARS
3. Fish Hoek - Historical Hunt - - Image from Google Images
4. Het Posthuys - found on Google Images

Contact Cape Point Route for Heritage Day weekend accommodation . Availability at Moonglow Guesthouse in Glencairn; The Winston guest house in Simon's Town; Sundollar Lodge in Noordhoek; Colona Castle in Lakeside; Sacred Mountain Lodge in Noordhoek ; the Beach House in Hout Bay; Sonnekus Guest House in St James and Tarragona Lodge in Hout Bay

Whales by Rail

2010-09-16T13:26:00.003+02:00

Parents, holidays are looming and you must be wondering what you can do to keep your kids busy. Think no further because we have a wonderful solution for you. Join us on the “Whale of a tale journey” by train.
Take a trip from Cape Town Station to one of the following destinations: Muizenberg, Kalk Bay or Fish Hoek. Sit and relax while we entertain your kids with story telling about whales and play games.

At any of these destinations, you can enjoy fun filled programmes covering many topics, where learning is a discovery. Watch while the Southern Right Whale enchants us in False Bay.

To book your ticket, contact us on: (Seating is limited!)

• Tel: 021-4492366
• E-mail: railtourism@metrorail.co.za
• Fax: 021-4492055

• Price: R45 Adults; R25 Kids (under 12 years of age)

The price includes: A return train ticket in a secure coach with security and a rail tourism ambassador.

Programme Information:

Monday 27th September: Muizenberg

Tuesday 28th September: Kalk Bay

Wednesday 29th September: Fish Hoek

Thursday 30th September: Fish Hoek

Time: Departure from Cape Town Station at 09h32 and returns at 14h28.

WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIPS:
For a seriously incredible experience book a boat based whale watching trip which operates from Simon’s Town. It is spine tingling, jaw dropping stuff to be within metres of these massive creatures of the sea where you can see the barnacles clinging to their skin and hear the whale song. Boat based whale watching requires a special permit to ensure that the whales are viewed without being harmed so be sure to use a licenced operator.

Whale Watching Trip details:
Daily departures (weather dependent): 09h00; 12h00; 14h30
Cost: R800 adults; R500 children
Duration: 3 hours
Departs: Simon’s Town
Bookings: 021 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za

IMAGES: All images found on Google images
1. Southern Right Whale Tail in False Bay - photographer Dave Hurwitz (Portfolio Collection travelblog)
2. Southern Right Whale - Baleen in False Bay - photographer Dave Hurwitz (Portfolio collection travelblog)
3. Southern Right Whale Breaching in False Bay, Cape Town - on capetown.travel
4. Southern Right Whale - found on oceanwideimages.com
5. Southern Right Whale breaching in front of Roman Rock Lighthouse in Simon's Town - photographer Chad Chapman (Portfolio collection travelblog)

Simon's Town Penguin Festival 2-3 October 2010

2010-09-14T15:39:00.003+02:00

Simon's Town Penguin Festival - Save the Date 2 - 3 October 2010

Every year during the Simon's Town Penguin Festival there is a Benefit Auction and Dinner - this is an invitation only event on the 2 October 2010 but SANCCOB needs your help for auction items.

Cape Point Route received a letter from SANCCOB CEO Venessa Strauss with an appeal...

Calling everyone GREAT and small, BIG or thin, FAT and tall, short and square.

You see - this year we really are asking YOU to help Boulders Beach Lodge raise R100 000 to help SANCCOB to save our precious penguins.

SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) is a well-loved nonprofit organization that has been saving penguins (including the tuxedoed- tykes that hang out at Boulders) and other vulnerable seabirds for the past 42 years.

African penguins have recently been reclassified as ENDANGERED on the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) Red Data List. This makes SANCCOB’s attempt to save each and every penguin vital to the survival of the species. SANCCOB’s dedicated staff work 365 days a year to save our oiled, injured and sick seabirds.

You can help SANCCOB to save a true South African icon - the African penguin.

On the evening of 2 October penguin-lovers will yet again gather at a glitterati evening in Simon’s Town to outbid each other at the All Creatures Great and Small auction to support SANCCOB.

Together with the hosts of the 10th annual Simons Town SANCCOB Benefit Auction, Boulders Beach Lodge, SANCCOB is asking you to assist us with this fundraising drive by donating items to be auctioned on the evening.

The driving force behind the festival, Janine Genade, GM Boulders Beach Lodge, has set the target at R100 000…. which translates into a lot of goodwill, a lot of auction and a lot of GREAT items.

This year we are again privileged to have Michelle Garforth-Venter MC the evening. A new and exciting development in 2010 is that her husband Riaan Garforth-Venter (Die Nutsman) will join her up on the stage. The evening is themed ‘All creatures great and small’ to pay tribute to 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. With canapés and welcome drinks on arrival, the 100 selected guests will be served a 3-course dinner, paired with wines selected to complement each dish. We are confident that the Garforth-Venter team will get them reaching deep into their pockets in support of SANCCOB.

This year we have been blessed with a generous donation of an education tent from Nomadik Tents. Which means that our education festival for children will be bigger and better than it has been for years. More children equals more prizes, so please folks, if you do have gifts the SANParks staff, who is kindly organizing a great week-end of fun-filled activities, can do with your donations.

Kick off this year is on Saturday with the annual African penguin Awareness Day beach release. So why don’t you waddle on down and join us this year and see what the fuss is all about.

We’ve compiled a Wish List to help you, but if it’s not on the wish list and you think we can auction it, (… and the rules haven’t changed from last year, you still can’t donate your mother in-law), then by all means send it along.

It’s our sincere hope that you’ll find it in your heart to help us to reach the R100k milestone.

With your help we know we can do it!

Yours sincerely

Venessa Strauss

SANCCOB CEO

Auction Items:Anything from .....

Restaurant and holiday getaway vouchers
Wine / spirits
Helicopter flips
Wine tastings / courses
Balloon rides
Furniture
Ornaments
Rugs
Paintings
Cell phones
Gadgets
Electronic equipment
CD’s / DVD’s
SPA/beauty treatments
Jewellery
Sports gear
Sushi hampers
….. and anything in between.

Items for our junior festival-goers:

Caps
Jackets
Scarf’s
Socks
Beanies
Jewellery for teenagers
Toys (ages 2 – 10 years)
Voucher (clothing stores)
Games for teenagers (board or computer games)
Arts and Crafts items (paper, cardboard, stationary, face paint, hair spray)
Curio-type items (key rings, gadgets, interesting and fun items)

Photographic competition:
Photographic equipment or vouchers

Please contact Janine at Boulders if you are able to donate an auction item.
Janine Tel: 021 786 1758 Email: boulders@iafrica.com

International Coastal Cleanup Day

2010-09-13T16:35:00.007+02:00

Saturday 18th September is International Coastal Cleanup day.

GEESE (Glencairn Education & Environment Support Enthusiasts) are once again participating in this world wide effort and are inviting pariticipants to help them clean up Glencairn!

DATE: Friday 17th Sept and Saturday 18th Sept
TIME: 09.00 - 10.30
VENUE: Meet at the Southern Right Hotel
BRING: Tongs and/or gloves. GEESE will provide the bags!

People will be directed out to clean the beach, the river and the wetlands in the hope that after two days, Glencairn will be spotless and even more hopefully will stay that way. Southern Right Hotel will be supporting this effort by providing coffee, tea and snacks.

In July GEESE asked for help to donate 67 Madiba minutes to GEESE and approximately 40 people turned up to help cut down alien vegetation in Glencairn. The oldest particpant Joan Wright was just a few weeks older than Madiba himself. So please support GEESE on International Coastal Cleanup Day - young and old are welcome! Images above courtesy of Geese

If you know of any other Coastal Cleanups happening in the area please let us know on info@capepointroute.co.za

OTHER GEESE NEWS:

Leopard Toads have been breeding the Glencairn Valley this year! Please share any sightings of snakes, toads, bird lists, plants or animals with GEESE to help build the database of who and what lives in the Glencairn Valley.

An Egyptian Geese pair with 2 teenage goslings seem to have acquired a "laat lammetjie" as seen with this tiny chick. GEESE thinks someone found the chick and introduced it to the foster parents. Any information would be appreciated although the chick seems to be settline in well with it's new family! Pictured above!

Other dates to diarise:
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 1st, 2nd & 3rd October: Simon's Town Penguin Festival at Boulders Beach

Weds 17th November: Western Cape Wetlands Forum is holding its last meeting of the year, in Glencairn which is a first. Amongst other things, they will be looking at the eradication of Typha Project being undertaken by GEESE in front of the Southern Right Hotel.

For more information on GEESE: Please contact the Bromleys: cilla@bromley.co.za or call 021 782 6400

IMAGES:
1. Southern Right Hotel seen from Glencairn Vlei
2. GEESE Madiba Challenge - clearing Alien Vegetation
3. GEESE Madiba Challenge - including 92 year old member Joan Wright
4. Egyptian Geese - with the gosling arrival

Glencairn is located at the beginning of Simon’s Town. Glencairn is a hidden gem with a great family beach,the beach is also popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, a wetlands area and a meeting place for most activities on the Cape Point Route. There’s an information office (yes that's the Cape Point Route office!), a dive centre, an African Cuisine and Galleria, small supermarket centre and the Southern Right Hotel with restaurant & entertainment, including live music, live big screen sporting action, ladies nights and more. Whale Season is still in full swing and this is a GREAT whale watching location. Select your Glencairn accommodation for easy access to Simon’s Town and the attractions on the Cape Point Route.

More Spring Splash 2010 Photos

2010-09-09T10:27:00.007+02:00

Wikipedia says: “As a coastal suburb of Cape Town, Fish Hoek is popular as a residence for commuters, retired people and holidaymakers alike. The traditional industries of 'trek' fishing and angling coexist with the leisure pursuits of surfing, sailing and sunbathing.”

There is a lot more to Fish Hoek than being a Cape Town suburb for old people and dogs! If you had any doubts then pictures of the annual Spring Splash (taken by Cassie Carstens) taken on Fish Hoek Beach on Sunday 5 September 2010 should change your mind. See more pictures of the 2010 Spring Splash on Fish Hoek beach.

The wiki also prompted me to find out more about the allegations of retired people and I found some references to a National Geographic book called “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” by Dan Buettner. It seems that the blue zones refer to areas round the world where the highest life expectancies occur and include Barbagia region of Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; the community of Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda, California; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Obviously many factors contribute to longevity but some of these include:
•Living in a rural community rather than an urban one – connected to the environment.
•Married couples live longer than single or divorced people
•Women outlive men regularly by about six years
•Common sense
•Eating more plant-based foods
•Being active & incorporating activity into their daily routines
•Cutting stress
•Regular participation in a community with a supportive social network

Perhaps that is why Fish Hoek is so popular – despite being a suburb of the city of Cape Town it has a relaxed rural feel.
Fish Hoek residents are active and walk on the beach or on the mountain or Jagers Walk so activity is a part of their daily lives. Many residents play golf in Clovelly and there is an active surf-lifesaving, paddling, sailing, hobie-sailing & surfing community.
Fish Hoek has a strong sense of community and many social clubs and organizations – check out www.scenicsouth.co.za for more about community activities.
Fish Hoek is without doubt a great place for holiday and an excellent base for exploring the Cape Point Route.

And don't forget it's Whale Watching season!

If you would like more information on Fish Hoek or would like to book accommodation or activities in the area please contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit the website www.capepointroute.co.za

IMAGES: All images courtesy of Cassie Carstens. Thank You!

Do whales have hair?

2010-09-08T15:54:00.001+02:00

Question: Do Whales Have Hair?

Whales are mammals, and one of the characteristics common to all mammals is the presence of hair. We all know that whales aren't furry creatures, so where do whales have hair?

Answer:
There are over 80 species of whales, and hair is only visible in some. Whales have hair on their heads as fetuses, but they don't always keep it. Some of the larger baleen whales have visible hair. One great example is the humpback whale, which has golf ball-sized bumps on its head. Within each of these bumps, called tubercles, there is a hair follicle.

Other examples include the right whale, which has hairs on its chin and upper jaw, and the bowhead whale, which has hairs on its lips, chin, snout and behind its blowhole.

Since hair is not needed for warmth, scientists think the hair serves as a sensory structure, and may be used in social or sexual situations, or for calves communicating a need to nurse.

Baleen whales also have hairlike structures in their mouth called baleen, which is made of keratin, a substance found in hair and nails.

2010 Spring Splash in Pictures

2010-09-08T15:17:00.004+02:00

The annual Spring Splash is held on Fish Hoek beach on the Sunday closest to the 1 Sept each year to celebrate spring on the Cape Point Route!

It's free, it's fun and these pictures may inspire you to join in the fun in 2011!

This year the theme was wildlife in Fish Hoek and the day started with a sandbuilding competition, followed by a kiddies Tresure Hunt, some Karaoke singing, line dancing on the beach and the BIG SPRING SPLASH which involves a whole bunch of people running into the sea at the same time to celebrate spring!

Special thanks to Clifford Wyeth for these pictures.
Visit his website www.wyethphotography.co.za

IMAGES: All Courtesy of Clifford Wyeth
1. Rush for the Water
2. Sunshine in the Water (the sunshine ladies swim every day on Fish Hoek Beach!)
3. A Hug (winner of the most graceful exit with MC and comedian Mark Sampson)
4. "Peoples Post" dive
5. Spring Splash Dance (almost a world record for line dancing?)

For more information on Fish Hoek - click here

For accommodation in Fish Hoek - click here

For help or assistance on what to do, where to stay, where to eat, where to shop , how to get around, tours or packages or general information on Fish Hoek or the Cape Point Route please

Logging and Slapping

2010-09-06T17:12:00.003+02:00

The Southern Right Whales in front of our Cape Point Route office in Glencairn were “logging” and “slapping” today. Logging is when the whale is basically “hanging out” and resting – no cruising, no movement forwards, just chilling out at the surface of the water with a fin showing above the water or exposing a bit of skin above the surface!

There was a little slapping going on too and let me tell you this does not mean bashing the other whale on the head! Slapping occurs when the whale lifts its flippers and lets them crash onto the surface of the water in a slapping motion!

Lobtailing is usually a more common behavioural pattern and that is when the whale goes upside down with its head under water and it’s tail is exposed and then slammed onto the surface of the water. Although this is more common behaviour for Southern Right Whales I think the ones in front of our office were tired from ‘showing off’ this weekend for all the visitors to the Cape Point Route!

Whales are plentiful in False Bay at the moment– so much so that there was a temporary closure of Boyes Drive (scenic road between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay) due to traffic jams from whale watchers!

Like breaching, no –one knows for sure why whales lobtail and slap but it has been suggested that it is a form of non-verbal communication. Some scientists have suggested that is a form of foraging as the slap is so loud that that it frightens fish into a tight school making it easier for whales to feed on them!

Our only problem with this theory is that Southern Right Whales don’t eat fish! (Humpback whales do though!)

Southern Right whales are baleen- feeding whales that use a comblike strainer of baleen plates and bristles to ensnare tiny morsels of food as they swim – so they literally skim the water by swimming slowly with their mouths open and are constantly eating – zooplankton, krill and other tiny organisms.

If you want to get up close and personal - book a whale watching boat trip. Trips leave daily from Simon's Town Harbour at 9am, 12 noon and 14h30 (weather dependent)
Cost is R800 for adults and R500 for children for the 3 hour boat trip.

Bookings: 021 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za

IMAGES:
Courtesy of D. Hurwitz - Simon's Town Boat Company and E. Sittig - Germany

Why do Whales Breach?

2010-09-03T15:27:00.006+02:00

The Southern Right Whales have been very visual and active the last few days! It is well worth a drive down to the Cape Point Route to see these amazing creatures or a weekend away on the peninsula. Despite being regular “whale snobs” – we can’t deny how incredible a sight it is to see these enormous creatures leaping out of the water (sometimes twirling around in the air). This action is called breaching and we have been trying to find out WHY whales breach. We know it’s not to breathe – they surface to the water for that!

It seems that there is no specific answer and we have heard all sorts of theories. If anyone knows for sure we’d be grateful if you could enlighten us!

• This action may be done purely for play
• It may be used to loosen skin parasites and other irritations the whale might have.
• Breaching is also believed to be a means of communication with other whales (It has been thought that it may be to transmit a message to members of their group)
• It could be a technique to help them feed by stunning or scaring prey.
• And we’ve heard that it is mating signal – like male birds do to show off in front of their females!

We do know that Southern Right whales are intelligent, inquisitive and sensitive animals, and usually form small social groups of about six related animals. In the breeding season cow and calf pairs can often been seen cavorting in the water together. The way mother and child breach alternately, one after the other, suggests that this and other behaviour may be taught.

Southern rights are willing performers for onlookers, often breaching several times in succession to hit the water again with a cannon-blast sound. Another characteristic behaviour, unique to the right whale, is resting head-down in the water for several minutes with the flukes held aloft, as if hoping to be pushed along by the wind - variously called "sailing" or "head-standing".

Then there's flipper slapping, lobtailing - slapping the tail on the water - and spyhopping, raising the massive head to see above the surface. Their huge curiosity often prompts them to approach boats to investigate - a trait with tragic consequences in the days of the whalers.

Breaching requires a lot of effort! Whales are massive! Southern Right Females are larger than males and average 16.5 metres in length, whilst the males average about 15.2 metres in length. Southern Right whales weigh about 54 000kg!!!

By comparison a Blue Whale (which is the biggest creature on earth) is about 33 metres in length and weighs about 136 – 150 000kg! The African elephant (which is the largest animal on land) is about 3 – 4 metres tall and just over 3 metres in length (not counting it’s trunk) and weighs between 7 500 – 12 000 kg. So a Southern Right Whale jumping out the water is about 5 elephants propelling themselves out the water!

You can view the whales from land (see our blog post on best whale watching spots) or try a boat based whale watching trip. Whale Watching Trip details:
Daily departures (weather dependent): 09h00; 12h00; 14h30
Cost: R800 adults; R500 children
Duration: 3 hours
Departs: Simon’s Town
Bookings: 021 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za

IMAGES:
1. Southern Right Whale Breaching - courtesy of Dave Hurwitz - ST Boat Company
2. Whale Comparison Chart - Google images
3. Southern Right Whale landing after a breach - Google images

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Top Whale Watching spots

2010-08-26T12:45:00.004+02:00

Cape Point Route spotted our first whale of the season on the 23 June 2010, but the Southern Right Whales are starting to appear more regularly and in greater numbers. This morning there was a huge pod of dolphins swimming from Fish Hoek southwards to Cape Point. What an amazing place we live in! I just love this time of year – the waters of False Bay are calm

There is a regional Whale Spotting and General Information Line: 079 391 2105 and they publish a weekly sightings log. Please call if you see a whale!

Since the 1 May 2010 there have been 136 sightings (not whales as often there is more than one whale hanging out). You can check out the most updated sightings here

Cape Point Route’s Top 10 Whale Watching Sites: (these are land based!)

1. Boyes Drive – gorgeous scenic mountain pass between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay.
2. Kalk Bay –. Hot tip: Walk the Muizenberg – St James walkway along the coastline
3. Clovelly – at the northern side of Fish Hoek Bay – either from the beach or the mountainside.
4. Jager’s walk – Fish Hoek – undulating coastal path between Fish Hoek Beach and Sunny Cove.
5. Sunny Cove – Fish Hoek
6. Glencairn Beach - Hot tip: have a meal on the deck of Southern Right Hotel to watch the whales.
7. Boulders – Smitzwinkelbaai - Simon's Town (including Froggy Pond and Murdoch Valley). Hot tip: stay at Boulders Beach Lodge or Whale View Manor for great views.
8. Cape Point Nature Reserve – Hot Tip: Eat at the Two Oceans Restaurant whilst you whale watch.
9. Misty Cliffs – Kommetjie: The road above Slangkoppunt Lighthouse has awesome views and excellent whale watching spots. Or go up the lighthouse for a different view!
10. Chapman’s Peak Drive: One of the most spectacular coastal roads on the planet running between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Did you know fees for the toll road are now R30 for light vehicle.

This list is by no means complete and almost the entire coastline of the Cape Point Route becomes a whale watching feast. Peak season starts NOW and runs through to mid-October. You are almost guaranteed to see whales but sometimes you need to be patient as you watch for the subtle blow. Wind free days make sightings easier.

What to take: binoculars and your camera! Send us your pictures – we love whale shots!

For a seriously incredible experience book a boat based whale watching trip which operates from Simon’s Town. It is spine tingling, jaw dropping stuff to be within metres of these massive creatures of the sea where you can see the barnacles clinging to their skin and hear the whale song. Boat based whale watching requires a special permit to ensure that the whales are viewed without being harmed so be sure to use a licenced operator.

Whale Watching Trip details:
Daily departures (weather dependent): 09h00; 12h00; 14h30
Cost: R800 adults; R500 children
Duration: 3 hours
Departs: Simon’s Town
Bookings: 021 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za

IMAGES:
1. Humpback Whale Tail - courtesy of D.Hurwitz Simon's Town Boat Company
2. Boat based whale watching - courtesy of Calders Hotel
3. Whale watching - by German Visitor Eva Sittig
4. Whales watching in False Bay - courtesy of German visitor Eva Sittig

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, ttractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Spring Splash 2010 - Sunday 5 Sept.

2010-08-23T12:33:00.007+02:00

Live on the Wild side! Article courtesy of the Peoples Post Community Newspaper False Bay

START having cold water showers, because it’s training time for the annual Fish Hoek Spring Splash!

Held on the first Sunday in September, the Spring Splash will put an instant spring in your step (or, at least, a cold twitch in the one toe that still has feeling left after the swim).

Everyone – sane and insane – is invited to join in this hearty Fish Hoek tradition on Sunday 5 September.

If you love the slightly eccentric gees of Fish Hoek, step forward to the starting line just before 15:00, when the countdown will take place. At exactly 15:00, the signal will sound for the mad dash into the water to welcome the calendar start of spring. Of course, thanks to global warming and other inscrutable mysteries, the calendar is not always right – but what the heck, someone needs to take the lead.

Celebrate your victory afterwards with warming refreshments at reduced prices for all swimmers, served up by the Galley Restaurant.

Families are encouraged to make a day of it. There will be fun activities for children, from 10:00, presented by the Mad Hatters business coalition.

The theme for the Spring Splash is “Wildlife in Fish Hoek” and participants must dress up in outrageous outfits to fit the bill. The best outfit will win a mystery prize!

Be there if you’ve got what it takes!

For more information, phone Manu Choudree on 072 980 4335.

Check out images from a previous Spring Splash here

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Images courtesy of Grant Johnson: www.silverfoxphoto.co.za and Cape Point Route

Hollywood’s Halle Berry in Simon’s Town

2010-08-20T12:55:00.003+02:00

Halle Berry and co-star Olivier Martinez are filming their new movie “Dark Tide” in Simon’s Town on the Cape Point Route. It’s not everyday that Hollywood hangs out in the naval town and residents have been trying to catch glimpses of the stars between shooting scenes for the movie.

‘Dark Tide’ is directed by John Stockwell and is an action thriller that is due to be released in 2011. In the film, the many-time-voted-sexiest star Halle Berry plays the role of a diving instructor called Sara, who survives a near-fatal shark attack and faces the difficult decision of getting back into the water. Halle Berry will be getting into a shark cage near Seal Island in False Bay.

This is a perfect shooting spot for the movie as Seal Island is well renowned for the breaching great white sharks that concentrate near Seal Island during the South African winter which is also breeding season for the great white sharks. Visitors to Cape Town can go great white shark cage viewing and/or diving from Simon’s Town.

‘Dark Tide’ movie synopsis:
Sara (Halle Berry) is a modern-day adventurer, deeply drawn to close encounters with the magnificent White Sharks who rule the primal predator shore of isolated Guadalupe island. When her husband chooses ambition over his wife's safety in a split second encounter with the jaws of death, her marriage nearly breaks apart. A year later, a monsoon season voyage back to the same island becomes an escalating series of terrifying underwater confrontations and gut-wrenching emotional challenges. Testing her courage in the face of nature's ultimate terror, she shows herself as tough as the men she is attracted to; and perhaps bravest of all Sara endures and changes the terms of the contest with mankind's most feared underwater predator.

The movie has caused some controversy however and Alison Kock, a shark conservationist from Save our Seas Foundation in Kalk Bay is reported to have said, “The first script that we got sounded very much like it had a thriller aspect to it and a personal kind of aspect to it as well. But fighting off a shark, or surviving a shark attack - we couldn't see the positive side of that, as much as we tried to. After reading the script we decided it was not something we would like to put our names to. Obviously our mandate is to try to change people's perceptions of sharks, and the situation in Cape Town is quite sensitive.”

The Filmmakers do have a permit from Marine and Coastal Management and scenes are being shot in Simon’s Town harbour and a local team of marine professionals have been hired to provide support during filming. Local stunt co-ordinators have also been contracted.
For the movie, a tent town of caravans and marquees has been set up in the parking lot of Simon’s Town’s Seaforth Beach. The area is popular for its natural bays which are ideal for swimming. It is also situated next to Boulders Beach - one of the only places where people can swim alongside African penguins and a major tourist attraction on the Cape Point Route.
For shark cage diving bookings please contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or email: info@capepointroute.co.za

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

All images from Google Images

2 Wine Evenings on the Cape Point Route this weekend

2010-07-26T13:08:00.007+02:00

There are 2 great wine and food pairing evenings taking place on the Cape Point Route this weekend. Friday night 30 July 2010 sees Rodwell House in St James host Cathy Marshall and Saturday night 31 July 2010 sees the Foodbarn Restaurant at Noordhoek Farm Village host a food-wine pairing with Tierhoek wines.

Special Wine-Maker’s Evening with Wine-maker Cathy Marshall

Date: Friday 30 July 2010

Time: 19h30

Price: R245 pp

Venue: Titanium Bistro at Rodwell House, St James

Reservations: 021 787 9880
Email: info@rodwellhouse.co.za

The event will informally approach wine tastin & food pairing unde the expert eye of wine maker, Cathy Marshall. She will dine with the group, which is limited to 16 people and details will be teased out with an added twist of fun...

Come and meet this extraordinary wine-maker and let her tell us about what inspires her to produce the beautifully poised and elegant wines that she does.

4 Course meal, carefully paired with Cathy Marshall’s superb wines, prepared by Executive Chef, Ivan Cameron.

Menu:
Canapés on arrival
Avocado mousse with poached prawn
Goats milk cheese with chives in phyllo pastry
Baked mushroom with a filling of crème fraishe and calamata olive
Cathy Marshall Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Starter
Pastry basket with spinach, egg plant and mushroom
A delicious blend of vegetables in a creamy egg custard, baked until crisp
Cathy Marshall Pinot 2009

Mains
Roasted warthog loin with caramelized apple and red wine sauce
Marinated overnight in red wine and fresh herbs, slow roasted, carved and served with crispy roast potatoes and in-season vegetables
Cathy Marshall Pinot Reserve 2009

Dessert
Double cream camembert with pears and walnuts
Camembert filled with a mixture of pears cooked in brandy and nuts, and drizzled with a warm sweet cranberry sauce
Myriad

After serving her apprenticeships in numerous South African wineries, Cathy Marshall undertook specialised training in France, Oregon, California and Australia. Apart from being resident winemaker for Meinert Winery, Ken Forrester Wines, Old Vines and Amani, Cathy was also Cellarmaster at the well-known Ridgeback Winery. Here she garnered a maiden vintage 5 star rating (John Platter) for the Ridgeback Shiraz in 2001. This helped the winery to obtain premium status. Whilst managing operations for her own wine company, she now acts as technical advisor to both Ridgeback and Lindhorst Wineries.

July 2010 Winter Wine Evening at the Foodbarn Restaurant

Date: Saturday 31 July 2010

Time: 19h30

Price: R250 pp

Venue: The Foodbarn Restaurant, Noordhoek Farm Village

Reservations: 021 787 1390
Email: info@thefoodbarn.co.za

The Foodbarn Restaurant in association with Tierhoek wines and de Noordhoek Hotel
presents their july 2010 winter wine evening. Franck has put together a delicious menu and paired each course with a Tierhoek Wine.

Menu:

fynbos smoked mussels served with watercress soup
tierhoek sauvignon blanc

thai spiced crusted kingklip , served with pak-choi and a lemongrass cream
tierhoek chenin blanc

a strawberry, red grenache and wild rosemary drinking sorbet

springbok tenderloin 'noisettes' grilled, served with beetroots, and a semi-dried apricot 'tatin', finished with a rich fig and buchu jus
tierhoek grenache rouge

pear and apple galette served hot with orange peel ice-cream
tierhoek vin de paille

please note: vegetarian option available on request

Additional Note: Special discounted rates avaialable at de Noordhoek Hotel for the event. Contact De Noordhoek 0n 021 789 2760 for reservations.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Post Bastille- Day - meet the French on the Cape Point Route

2010-07-21T16:16:00.003+02:00

This past weekend saw many Bastille Day Celebrations. Bastille Day is the French national holiday which is celebrated on 14 July each year. It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution. Festivities are held on the morning of 14 July, on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic.

In South Africa - French celebrations traditionally take place over the weekend closest to the 14th July and Cape Point Route was tasting cheese, wine and good food and in honour of the things that the French do best!

We have our own little piece of France on the Cape Point Route that is not limited to Bastille Celebrations, but a year round acknowledgement of the activity that the French do best (arguably but in our humble opinion!) - and that's FOOD!

The Foodbarn Restaurant and Deli at Noordhoek Farm Village has at its helm - Frenchman Franck Dangereux, and his partner Pete de Bruin with their talented team. There is always thre is something cooking at the Foodbarn and Franck and Pete look foward to spoiling you.

Franck does regular cooking demonstrations during winter. Get this all the demo's are FREE with your lunch/dinner booking. So Cape Point Route recommends booking now for Tuesday 20 July & Thursday 22 July @ 11h30 or Wednesday 21 July @18h30

Francks demo's for this week (ending 25 July 2010) are:

Potato and celeriac rosti with brie and peppered salad, and

Seared venison with shallot fondant and gooseberry cream, and

Cabbage and potato soup with chorizo

Winter Special 2010:
As always the Foodbarn runs an amazing winter Bistro menu which has to be one of the best bargains ever. For just R185pp you get a 3 course meal and a glass of wine!

Delicious new items on the restaurant menu

The increasingly popular "Andouillette" ... spicy pork belly with chitterlings sausage ... makes a welcome return

Franck has created a superb new dish with the Springbok that Danie (our biltong supplier at the Deli) is supplying us

Escargot will be back on the menu early next week

The Foodbarn Deli has also been hard at work ...

Chef Jos is luring people back with home-made soups made fresh every day

We are using all the Springbok that Danie delivers and will have a Venison Pie by the end of this week

Franck on radio:

Every weekday at around 2:55pm, catch Franck talking food on Cape Talk 567 ... some delicious recipes to cook at home in the evenings ... all recipes posted on the Foodbarn website each day

A cooking tip from Franck:

Microwave a lemon for 15 seconds before squeezing and double the juice you get !

We recommend reservations: Calle the Foodbarn on 021 789 1390 or email info@thefoodbarn.co.za

Winter Weekend Special- Villa St James

2010-07-19T12:22:00.004+02:00

Villa St James is an exclusive private villa in St James, Cape Town and accommodates up to 16 guests. They are running a Winter Weekend Special!

PRICE: R6500
Two nights for the price of one!

8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 1 guest toilet
Fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, barbecue facilities,
Lounge, TV Room, Billiard Room, Dining Room (22 seater)
Housekeeping, Wireless Internet, Concierge Services.

Valid until 30 September 2010.

Enquire now

Quote "Cape Point Route" to qualify for this special.

Villa St James is an historical National monument in the coastal town of St James.
Ideal for a lavish seaside holiday accommodating 16 guests and/or a magnificent venue for wedding, special occasions and corporate functions for up to 30 guests.

Tel: 021 782 9356 or 082 784 8000 for enquiries.
Email: reservations@villastjames.com

Check out www.capepointroute.co.za for more accommodation options in St James as well as things to do in St James and surrounds.

Caption Competition - Bafana Bafana Shark

2010-07-15T18:05:00.006+02:00

The Scenic South is a south peninsula community website with a vision to promote a sustainable, safe, informed, involved and united community here on the Cape Point Route.

They have been running a competition for the best caption for the Save Our Seas Great White Shark in Bafana Bafana kit outside their centre in St James (pictured above). The funniest or cleverest caption for the photo stands a chance to win a magnificent coffee table book "Wild Seas, Secret Shores" by Thomas Peschak, which has been sponsored by Save Our Seas.

The competition aims to create awareness about the Scenic South Website which celebrates the people and the natural environment of the south peninsula.. and yes to create a positive buzz about sharks. See the full article here

Cape Point Route supports, endorses and works in conjunction with the scenic south.

So find your friends who love the sea, defrost your energy and send an email to kim@scenicsouth.co.za

Final date for submission of entries is 21 July 2010.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Surfing with Whales!

2010-07-14T15:17:00.010+02:00

The whales are here! Whilst it is still not peak whale watching season, one of our favourite creatures in the south peninsula have returned to our shores in their annual migration. As Grete from the Southern Right Hotel recently said “ I am so glad the southern right whales have arrived. I cant wait to hear them blow, can't think of anything better to replace the sound of the Vuvuzela's.”

So yes despite the World Cup aftermath, there is lots to do. It’s one of the best times to go surfing, especially in Muizenberg which has amongst the best waves for learning to surf or perfecting ones skills.

It is also whale season and whilst land based whale watching is spectacular all along the Cape Point Route, there is nothing that beats getting up close and personal on a whale watching boat trip from Simon’s Town. You do not have to drive to Hermanus as many people think. The whales are on our doorstep – just drive 30 minutes south of the city centre to the Cape Point Route and you’ll find them! There are plenty of other boat trips from Simon’s Town as well – all worth the ride!

If you are really lucky you can go surfing with whales. Seriously this is not an activity to try randomly at home! But we just love these pictures taken yesterday by Dave Jones from the wonderful Empire Café in Muizenberg who manages to combine fantastic food (and some great specials) with loads of surfing and loving and living life on the Cape Point Route! (become his friend on facebook for regular updates on all things happening in Muizenberg and at Empire Café).

Whilst you at it – make sure you join the Cape Point Route fan page on Facebook for updates on the Cape Point Route!

As so many of our visitors to the World Cup discovered, one of the unique attractions in the Cape is shark cage diving and viewing. Boats leave from Simon’s Town on a morning or afternoon boat trip to seal island in False Bay – home to the breaching great white sharks.

So yes it’s back to work and school and reality but hey – this is work! Cape Point Route gets to tell everyone how amazing Cape Town and the south peninsula really is! Not a bad job! Let me get back to work now!

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Post World Cup - South Africa is a winner

2010-07-13T16:55:00.004+02:00

The shouting and excitement is over – the 2010 World Cup has come to an end.
Congratulations to Spain who have emerged as the champions after defeating the Netherlands in a scrappy 1-0 final at Soccer City.
Congratulations to Diego Forlan from Uruguay who wins the Golden Ball Award for the world cup’s best player.
Congratulations to Thomas Müller from Germany who wins the Golden Boot Award for the top scorer in the tournament and was also named as the young player of the tournament.

Farewell World Cup but thank you FIFA for giving us the chance and whilst Spain may be the football champs, South Africa is the winner. We were given the opportunity to welcome the world and we said “Ayoba”! We did it.

We had superb stadiums, efficient organization, effective transport, we had crowd enthusiasm and we hosted a stunning, secure tournament. Congratulations South Africa on a job well done! I was humbled as the final whistle blew to get an sms from a friend in Holland which read, “South Africa! Thank you for a great World Cup. Too bad for our final ending but what wonderful international support”

We depart this world cup with our heads held high and hearts full of pride. Africa is not the dark continent many thought it was – so many people around the world have discovered South Africa and so many South Africans have discovered themselves. I believe that it is the South African people who have made this World Cup a success. The friendship, the welcome, the enthusiasm, the humour, the support, the comaraderie, the unity, and the confidence of South Africans is the true legacy that many will remember. There is no price that can be attached to a nation coming together. Our very own world icon Nelson Mandela (Madiba) made his entrance to Soccer City at the 2010 World Cup final on Sunday night 11 July 2010 to a standing ovation. Madiba once said, "Through football, we can celebrate the humanity of the African continent and share it with the rest of the world." This event was his dream and with it came so many dreams of world peace and a better life for all.

It is the first time a host nation has been knocked out of the tournament in the first round and many thought that would impact on the success of the tournament. Not here – we were too excited! We picked new teams, we dressed in different colours and in fact I overheard a friend declare supporting a new team because he needed a new outfit!

Who would have thought our vuvuzela’s would become brand South Africa’s biggest export? I loved the chirp that went “I hate it when I go to a vuvuzela concert and people start playing soccer”. Love them or hate them, when you hear a vuvuzela you will always be reminded of World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

The most famous animal in South Africa was not one of the Big Five – it turned out to be an octopus who lives in Germany! Marine life topped the charts in Cape Town too as shark cage diving and viewing proved to be the most popular activity for visiting fans that booked through Cape Point Route.

Questions of morality were raised. Faced with a few seconds left, Luis Suarez of Uruguay defended a certain Ghana goal by using his hands. He cheated! He was duly punished and his team was lucky but faced with the same challenge of cheating to save your country – would you do it?

The tournament was not without drama and disappointment: There was a “disabled” Italian who breached security by miraculously leaping out of his wheelchair and running onto the field. There was a fan who walked into the England team’s changing rooms and a journalist was accused of orchestrating this. There was the small matter of an airport fiasco at the semi-final in Durban. The referees did not crown themselves in glory and the debate to use technology has arisen more fiercely than ever before. France and Italy proved to be massive disappointments, England did not deliver and the Green goalkeeping error against the USA was one of the biggest blunders of the tournament. Brazil did not produce the beautiful game they are hailed to represent and the final produced more cards than any other final ever.

But the thrills outweigh the spills. Can any South African forget the opening goal of the tournament by Tshabalala that lifted the spirits of the entire nation? With 150 million You tube views, Shakira’s Waka Waka song (This Time for Africa) featuring Freshly Ground is the No 1 single in 15 countries! I have no doubt there are more statistics and figures that will emerge in the post mortem.

We don’t have final visitor numbers but the fans who came to South Africa in spite of propaganda reports in the media, all said they would be back. They met beautiful beaming faces, shining bright eyes, warm welcoming arms, and a crazy burst of colour from the Rainbow nation. South Africans showed the world the biggest soccer party on earth. Those that didn’t come wished they had. Even if only a tiny portion of the estimated 700 million people who watched the final come to visit South Africa, we know they will leave will the same impression as the fans that did come!

What Now? What Next? These questions may be on everyone’s lips but I have goosebumps thinking about South Africa’s achievements. I am so proud and I believe this is the start of great things to come. The hearts and minds and perceptions of South Africa have changed and the hearts and minds of South Africans have changed. Thank you South Africa for hosting the first World Cup on African soil and proving the naysayers wrong. I challenge the global community to come and experience Ubuntu for yourselves. I challenge South Africans to experience their own country like our visitors did. I challenge you to get out there and explore. We have so much to offer and so much happening.

If in doubt contact the Cape Point Route for some of our favourite activities and things to do. Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Football Finals! Netherlands vs Spain

2010-07-09T15:40:00.004+02:00

Well we're down to the wire with the 2010 World Cup Final this Sunday at 20h30 at Soccer City! Netherlands face Spain in the finals and Uruguay meet Germany in the 3rd-4th play-off on Saturday evening in Port Elizabeth at 20h30.

What a tournament it has been, with some incredible football, phenomenal fans, some highs & some lows depending on which team you have been supporting. Without doubt the excitement and the vibe and the "gees" have been palpable all over South Africa (and in fact the world!).

Cape Point Route has never felt so proud of South Africa and bing South African. We have successfully hosted one of the greatest shows on earth with the final blitz happening this weekend. It is so hard to imagine what we will all do without the football fever on our doorstep! We do know that the world has watched and taken notice of who we are and what we can do and it is without exception that every visitor we have spoken to is planning to return to our country and explore more with their families and friends. So many myths about Africa, African efficiency, African safety, African people and the African landscape have been dismissed with the reality that it is not wild, dangerous, ridiculously deadly, primitive, scary, crazy or mad.

South Africa does have WILD beauty (if you didn't go to Cape Point you have to come back!), DANGEROUS progress (did you see our stadiums, the Gautrain, the roads!); RIDICULOUS luxury (our hotels, resorts and restaurants are world class); DEADLY wildlife (go on safari!); PRIMITIVE pleasures; SCARY contrasts (open space to crowded city centres); CRAZY scenery; MAD locals (take one look at the fans!) and yes we do claim to be a World in One Country.

Well done SA, and well done to Cape Town. For those of you who don't know Cape Town has scooped another prestigious honour at the World Travel Awards (WTA), being named Africa’s Leading Destination for a third year running. The awards, dubbed the travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars, were held in Johannesburg on the 7th July 2010.

Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold says, “These awards are an incredible endorsement; being recognised by the industry makes all the hard work we put into hosting the FIFA World Cup™ in Cape Town so worthwhile.

“We do believe that Cape Town is one of the greatest cities to live, visit, study and invest in. It’s a place of a lifetime, and it just keeps on getting better. We are looking forward to marketing Cape Town beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and we are committed to working with all stakeholders in order to double the economic impact of tourism for the city by 2020.”

IMAGES:
Taken of Dutch supporters and friends in the Cape Town sea of Orange!

Hooked?

2010-06-30T16:53:00.005+02:00

Hooked on football or hooked on fishing!? Whilst most South Africans, and without doubt our visiting fans, are completely hooked on football, there are some fans who have become hooked on fishing!

Wednesday and Thursday are rest days in the tournament. The next soccer feast starts on Friday 2 July 2010 when the Quarter finals kick off:
Holland meet Brazil in PE at 16:00
Uruguay meet Ghana in JHb, (Soccer City) at 20h30

Saturday 3 July 2010:
Argentina meet Germany at 16:00 in Cape Town
Paraguay meet Spain at 20:30 in Jhb (Ellis Park)

We recommended grabbing a rod and trying to catch some fish while the weather holds and you can have your own feast caught with your own hand. Forecast for Cape Town is rain free for the next 7 days (subject to change of course!) so conditions look excellent for getting out on the water. Why not try your hand at deep sea fishing or perhaps inshore fishing with Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters.

Hooked on Africa have been catching some BIG yellowfin tuna (75- 95kg). The tuna season usually runs from September to June but the great news is that the tuna are still running and the end of the season can be the best time to bag a big one! Most trips are headed out past Cape Point – so a great opportunity to see this famous natural landmark from the water and at a new angle!

A day out in the deep will long be remembered as it brings you in contact with one of the world’s toughest fighting fish as well as a diverse eco-system. It’s likely that in the warm water current you will see Albatross, Killer Whales (Orca) and Dusky Dolphins. Whale season has just begun so a good chance of seeing Southern Right Whales as well.

Snoek are the predominant fish available in winter and the snoek are running big time for the inshore trips. Snoek are an underrated game fish which move in huge quantities during the months of May – September so we can almost guarantee a catch. They are usually 15 – 20 meters deep and weigh about 5 – 7 kg. Even a novice can manage this!

Daiwa stand up rods with both Penn International and Shimano reels are supplied for conventional fishing.

Hooked on Africa are based in Hout Bay and their World Cup special is a per person rate at R1350 for the day. That’s great news as you don’t need a group to charter the boat!

Fishing Trips and Bookings can be made through Cape Point Route: info@capepointroute.co.za and as always subject to availability. Tel: 021 782 9356.

There are alternative options for fishing charters running from Simon’s Town so contact Cape Point Route for assistance or look at the Cape Point Route website for more details and other activity suggestions.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Fishing Article Posted on Cape Point Route blogspot - July 2009

Images courtesy of Hooked on Africa (from their Facebook group)
1. Sean and Mike with some MASSIVE tuna- taken this June 2010
2. Beautiful Snoek Specimen- June 2010
3. More tuna fishing in June 2010
4. Dorado - all 13kg of it! June 2010

Cape Point Shark Adventure Tour

2010-06-28T13:40:00.005+02:00

Some teams go home, some fans stay to explore.

After Friday 25 June, teams from Switzerland, Honduras, Denmark and Cameroon packed their bags and headed home as the Group stages of the World Cup came to a conclusion. We are now in the middle of the Round of 16 and the Korea Republic, USA, Mexico and England are joining the exodus from South Africa as they were elminated by Uruguay, Ghana, Mexico and Germany respectively. Despite the teams leaving South Africa we hope the fans decide to stay and play a little longer and take the opportunity to explore Cape Town and South Africa.

The Netherlands take on Slovakia in Durban today at 16:00 and Brazil face Chile at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in a South American clash at 20:30. Portuguese and Spanish fans are descending on Cape Town ahead of the European clash at Cape Town stadium tomorow evening and in the other Round of 16 Match, Paraguay take on Japan at 16:00 in Pretoria.

There are literally hundreds of things to do in Cape Town and it can be very difficult to select which tour or activity best suits the time you have available. Cape Point Route is always available to offer suggestions and give recommendations to enhance your experience in Cape Town. One of the most popular excursions is the visit to the most south-western tip of the African continent - Cape Point. One of the most popular activities is Shark Cage Diving. Now you can combine a visit to Cape Point and Boulders Penguin colony with an adventure of a lifetime - shark cage diving...

See details and itinerary below.

1 day Cape Point Shark Adventure Tour:
A full day adventure tour in Simon's Town, South Africa.

Experience It
08:30 Pick up from your hotel

09:30 Arrive Cape Point –Witness the majestic meeting of the two oceans. Breathe in the cleanest air and see the cleanest ocean. The area is of rich cultural and historical significance and includes monuments to early explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Bartholomeu Dias. Visit the curio shops and restaurants or relax.

11:30 Arrive Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – Home to 3000 Jackass penguins, so called for their hilarious braying. See these delightful creatures up close and personal in their own inhabitant.

12:30 Arrive Simons Town – Apex Shark Expeditions shop – Afternoon Shark trip
The sole focus of this afternoon trip is cage diving and surface viewing. Although you stand a chance of seeing the natural predation and breaching, this behavior mostly takes place in the early morning. We do on most days observe good numbers of sharks around the boat and this is a great opportunity for cage diving and surface viewing.

13:00: Meet crew at Simon’s Town Pier.
Guests are welcomed aboard and a full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.

13:15: Depart for Seal Island. (25 to 35 minute boat ride)

13:30 to 16:30: We decide the best spot to anchor up based on weather conditions and we attract sharks to our vessel. Once a shark approaches our boat, a bait is placed in the water to keep the sharks interested and around the boat for identification and viewing purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled. We do not use shark livers or any other attractants that have a negative impact on the environment and all efforts are made to avoid the sharks coming into contact with our vessel. If the weather conditions are favourable, i.e. good visibility and workable seas, the cage is lowered into the water for cage diving.

Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to the diver wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. So for those not wishing to dive they will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.
Snacks accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water are available throughout the course of the afternoon.

17:00: Boat will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbour depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

18:00 Arrive at your hotel

Price
R1999 per person

Includes
Transport
Cape Point entrance fees
Boulders Penguin Colony entrance fees
Great White Afternoon trip

Terms & Conditions
Price is quoted in South African Rands
Price is subject to availability
Full payment required 7 days prior to booking
Full cancellation fee applicable 7 days prior to booking.

BOOK NOW

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA including Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Scarborough, Cape of Good Hope, Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, St. James, Muizenberg.

Can't find what you are looking for? Please complete our Personal Planner form and we will advise you on Accommodation and Venues, as well as Activities and other Things to Do in on the Cape Point Route based on your interests.

Cape Town in Orange

2010-06-25T15:19:00.001+02:00

WOW! Cape Town definitely turned orange last night (24 June 2010) with Dutch fans dominating the crowd and the city as thousands flocked to the stadium and surrounds for the Netherlands versus Cameroon match at Cape Town stadium! Cape Point Route has officially recruited the entire Dutch nation as CPR representatives!

As with the rest of the tournament so far I continue to be awed and amazed at the spirit in Cape Town and am so proudly South African. In our quest as hosts we have tried to meet and interact with as many nationalities as possible to welcome them and share the spirit of Ubuntu. It is heart warming to hear every single person enthuse about their experience and without hesitation declare their intent on returning to our city and our country, bringing back family and friends.

Netherlands beat Cameroon 2:1 in a match that wasn’t going to change the standings in Group E despite a gutsy performance from the colourfully clad Cameroon team – and their enthusiastic supporters. Japan beat Denmark 3:1 in the other Group E match and that result sees the Danes heading home with Cameroon.

Group E: Final standings
Netherlands – 9
Japan – 6
Denmark – 3
Cameroon – 0

Group F: Final standings
Paraguay – 5
Slovakia – 4
New Zealand – 3
Italy – 2

So with only Group G and Group H left to play their final Group stage matches today (25 June 2010) the scene is set for the round of 16 which begins tomorrow Saturday 26 June 2010.

Kick off for Portugal – Brazil in Durban is at 16h00 today
Korea DPR – Ivory Coast also kicks off at 16h00 in Nelspruit today

Chile take on Spain at 20h30 in Pretoria this evening
Switzerland face Honduras at 20h30 in Bloemfontein this evening.

OTHER MATCHES THIS WEEKEND.

Saturday 26 June 2010

Uruguay – Korea Republic at 16h00 in Port Elizabeth
USA – Ghana at 20h30 in Rustenburg

Sunday 27 June 2010

Germany – England at 16h00 in Bloemfontein
Argentina – Mexico at 20h30 in Johannesburg (soccer city)

Cape Point Route goes Dutch

2010-06-24T15:20:00.003+02:00

It’s MATCH Day in Cape Town and the city has gone Orange! Cape Point Route LOVES this as orange is our favourite colour. Cape Point Route welcomes all the Dutch & Cameroon supporters who are in Cape Town for the Netherlands- Cameroon game this evening at Cape Town stadium. The Dutch are dominating the fans with orange splashed all over the city and creating a “Koningingedag” in Cape Town. Kick off is at 08h30 pm at Cape Town Stadium.

The Group Stages of the World Cup are drawing to a close and we already know that 8 teams are headed home, sadly our very own Bafana Bafana amongst them. What we can verify is that the spirit of the South African national team has not been dampened by their exit from the tournament and the fans are cheering for the visitors!

Current Results:

Group A:
Uruguay – 7 (GD + 4)
Mexico – 4 (GD +1)
South Africa – 4 (GD -2)
France – 1 (GD -3)

Group B:
Argentina – 9 (GD+6)
Korea Republic 4 (GD +1)
Greece – 3 (GD -3)
Nigeria – 1 (GD -2)

Group C:
USA – 5 (GD +1)
England – 5 (GD +1)
Slovenia – 4 (GD 0)
Algeria – 1 (GD -2)

Group D:
Germany – 6 (GD +4)
Ghana – 4 (GD 0)
Australia – 4 (GD -3)
Serbia – 3 (GD -1)

In the remaining groups decisions will be determined in the next few days.

Group E:
Netherlands – 6
Japan – 3
Denmark – 3
Cameroon – 3

Group F:
Paraguay – 4
Italy – 2
New Zealand – 2
Slovakia – 2

Group G:
Brazil – 6
Portugal – 6
Côte d’Ivoire – 1
Korea DPR – 0

Group H:
Chile – 6
Spain – 3
Switzerland – 3
Honduras – 0

Upcoming matches are as follows:

Thursday 24 June 2010:
Slovakia vs Italy at 16h00 in Johanesburg – Ellis Park
Paraguay vs New Zealand at 16h00 in Polokwane

Denmark vs Japan at 20h30 in Rustenburg
Cameroon vs Netherlands at 20h30 in CAPE TOWN

Friday 25 June 2010:

Portugal vs Brazil at 16h00 in Durban
Korea DPR v Ivory Coast at 16h00 in Nelspruit

Chile vs Spain at 20h30 in Pretoria
Switzerland vs Honduras at 20h30 in Bloemfontein

Cape Point wishes everyone well and PAINT Cape Town orange tonight and all fans are welcome to paint Cape Point Route ORANGE from tomorrow!

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

First whale spotted from CPR office!

2010-06-23T16:48:00.004+02:00

It’s a gorgeous Cape Town day, the sea in False Bay is glassy and it was with great excitement that we saw our first whale from our office in Glencairn! So although some other whales have been spotted, this is our first sighting and it means that whale season has officially started.

Most of the whales that we spot are Southern Right Whales, though it is not uncommon to find humpback whales or occasionally Brydes whales. The Cape Point Route has some of the best land based whale watching in South Africa but it is a treat to take a boat into the bay to get up close and personal.

Whales are the giants of the sea and approximately the same size as 12 elephants! If you are lucky you may even experience some cool whale behaviour.
•Breaching – whale clears the surface with two-thirds or more of its body, often with a twisting motion! Amazing!
•Blowing – normal exhalation and inhalation pattern at the surface. Look for the spray!
•Spy hopping – whale rises vertically to a point where the eyes are above the water, then spins round to look at the area.
•Pectoral slap – whale rolls onto the side and slaps its pectoral (side) fins against the water.
•Lobtailing or tail slap - whale lifts its flukes (whale tail) out of the water and brings them down onto the water hard and fast. The sound can be heard for miles!

Whale watching boat trips leave Simon’s Town harbour daily at 09h00, 12h00 and 14h30 and the trip lasts for 2 hours. It is advisable to book in advance, but please be aware that all trips are subject to weather conditions. Trip costs R800 per adult and R550 for children under the age of 12.

You can book you whale watching trip with Cape Point Route.

Read about the "permanent" whale tail in Glencairn here or our 2007 boat trip to Cape Point where we saw a huge pod of humpback whales.

The longest night!

2010-06-21T13:30:00.005+02:00

Today is the 21st June and the Winter Solstice – making it the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Southern hemisphere. It could quite possibly feel like the longest night of their lives in the Bafana Bafana team camp.

The final games of the Group stages take place from tomorrow the 22nd June 2010 and it’s crunch time with half the 32 teams heading back to their home countries by the end of the round. The games kick off with Bafana Bafana playing against France at 4pm and Uruguay play Mexico at the same time in the Group A games. As most South Africans are well aware, Bafana Bafana has a mammoth task ahead to get through to the Round of 16 but we are confident that will put up the biggest fight of their lives, with the country behind them 100%!

The situation is not a positive one on paper for Bafana Bafana but there is a chance that they can still make the Round of 16. It will be tough for sure but this is the World Cup and there have been more surprises and upsets than it would have appeared on paper at the start of the tournament. Home crowd advantage, incredible guts and spirit and a whole lot of luck could see a miracle happen. I am not a football journalist and I am not a football analyst but I am a fan and I am copying an article on iafrica.com that helped me make sense of the situation that Bafana Bafana find themselves in and the chances that they have to progress further in the Tournament. Click here for the original article with thanks!

We need (six) Miracles
Bafana Bafana still have hope. It’s slim, hell it’s less than that, but no matter how small the chance, the World Cup hosts still have an opportunity to qualify for the second round of the tournament on Tuesday when they face France.

The 3-0 loss to Uruguay, however, did little to help their chances and unfortunately for South Africans, the team needs more than a win against France to qualify… they need a big victory. And even if they do win big, it may not be enough if the Mexico-Uruguay result does not go their way.

So what do they need to happen on Tuesday? We bring you a couple of scenarios.

How they stand:
Uruguay currently tops the group on four points. Mexico sits in second place on four points (they are behind on goal-difference). France is third on one point, just pipping South Africa (also on one) on goal-difference.

What Bafana need:
Effectively, Bafana Bafana are competing with Mexico for second place in the group. If Bafana beat France, the latter are out. If Bafana lose, they too are out of the tournament.
So, Bafana Bafana have to beat France. But they also need to beat them by a healthy margin to catch up on Mexico’s goal difference (GD) as a win will draw them level on points, but not on GD.
Bafana Bafana currently have a GD of -3, while Mexico have +2.
This effectively means that Bafana Bafana must make up a goal difference of six. For example, if they win 3-0, Mexico have to lose 3-0 to Uruguay. If Bafana Bafana only manage a 1-0 victory, Mexico would have to lose 5-0 for the World Cup hosts to go through…

You get the picture, South Africa need a miracle to qualify for the second round.

But then, when you consider the meltdown in the France camp at present, we may have just been handed one. Now if only Mexico and Uruguay play ball...

If you would like to spend the longest night (or any other night) on the Cape Point Route please contact Cape Point Route for suggestions on accommodation, activities, attractions, restaurants, shops, tours or packages in the south peninsula. We also offer assistance for Cape Town and Beyond!

Good luck Bafana Bafana - our nation is behind you, Cape Point Route is behind you and no matter what happens we are proud of your efforts and the spirit ("gees") you have generated in our nation. We hope that the phsyical length of the night does not reflect your spirits this evening!

Images:
All Bafana Bafana images found on Google images!...But we liked them - remember that dance after the Tsabalala goal, the joy on the players faces and their positive, confident body language, how proudly we sang the national anthem on 11 June 2010? And the final image is outside the Cape Point Route office with that glorious Vuvuzela moment on the 9 June 2010 when we united together to support our team. Let's not forget!

Father’s Day ... & More Football

2010-06-18T14:26:00.005+02:00

Father’s Day is on Sunday 20 June 2010 and whilst it is a day to honour fathers and all they do for their children, Father’s Day in South Africa 2010 is being a little overshadowed by football fever. The idea is to express gratitude to your dad for all his love and support, be it through spending time with your dad, having a meal together and giving a card or a gift or a treat!

If your Dad is a football fan (or even if he is not) he’ll probably want to watch some football and it would probably a good idea to know that there are 3 matches being held on Sunday 20 June 2010. Plan your Father’s Day activities accordingly and be aware that most restaurants will be screening the games live.

1. 13h30 Slovakia play Paraguay in Bloemfontein
2. 16h00 Italy play New Zealand in Nelspruit
3. 20h30 Brazil play Ivory Coast in Johannesburg at Soccer City.

Saturday 19 June 2010 also features 3 matches if you were planning to make a weekend of it for your dad!

1. 13h30 Netherlands vs Japan in Durban
2. 16h00 Ghana vs Australia in Rustenburg
3. 20h30 Cameroon vs Denmark in Pretoria

There are many restaurants on the Cape Point Route offering Father’s Day specials, but it is worth bringing your Dad down to the Cape Peninsula for a great day out and hanging out with your Dad in Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, Scarborough; Kommetjie, Noordhoek or Hout Bay. The Cape Point Route is a great place for unique shopping so come south to look for a Fathers Day gift.

Thorfynns Restaurant at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek has a Sunday Roast special for Fathers Day for R85 per person. Reservations are highly recommended! Tel 021 789 8006

Café Roux, one of the restaurants at Noordhoek Farm Village in Noordhoek invite everyone to appreciate the special men in your life with a hearty breakfast or a wholesome lunch for Fathers Day...On the specials board we are going to do our delicious Lamb Pie with creamy mash and salad. Finish off with Fundi's awesome Chocolate Croissant Bread & Butter pudding. This dessert sells out every time...SO good on a winter's day. Me and Mr Brown will provide the music to entertain us into the late afternoon. Call 021 789 2538

At Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie, both the Blue Water Cafe and Free Range Coffee have just a few tables left. We are offering our full menu and specials on our Board. They don’t know what the specials are yet as they try to get the freshest ingredients possible! Cape Point Route suggests you book soon! Blue Water Cafe 021 7832007. Free Range Coffee Shop 021 7835048

The Cape Farmhouse Restaurant in Scarborough have such delightful treats, we are putting the whole lot down for you to check out! Yum Yum. Bookings on 021 780 1246

STARTERS
•Spicy lentil soup with coriander & yoghurt -35
•Farmhouse salad with mixed leaves, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, egg, avocado and croutons - 52
•Mussels with lime, ginger, basil, lemon grass and coconut milk - 45
•Snoek samoosas with relish and fruit chutney -40

MAIN COURSE
•Cajun line fish with rocket, avocado and bean salad and minted yoghurt dressing - 110
•Chicken a la King in white wine, thyme and cream sauce with poached leeks, carrots and potatoes - 85
•Roast lamb with rosemary jus, skordalia potatoes, pan-fried aubergine, slow roast tomato, roast peppers and courgettes - 98
•Samp and sweet potato rosti with mushroom, roast butternut, seasonal vegetables, red pepper coulis and lemon tahini dressing -78

DESSERT
•Homemade Malva Pudding with cream or ice-cream -38
•Lemon Tart - 35
•Chocolate Cake – 32

Keep the World Cup Flags Flying high, we are still supporting Bafana Bafana and we are still supporting this incredible event and we are still supporting our Dads! Happy Father’s Day! Cape Point Route is looking forward to another huge weekend – check out the World Cup Activities on the Cape Point Route in a previous blog.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of accommodation, activities, attractions, restaurants, venues, shops, tours and packages on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa. Call us for ideas and suggestions at the information office +27 (0)21 782 9356.

IMAGES:
1. Sally and her Dad (1973)
2. Sally and her Dad (2009)
3. Dad's at Noordhoek Farm Village
4. Ijs and Ole - Dutch dad and his son
5. Christophe with his dad and his kids - 3 generations of Frenchmen

South African Lingo and “isms” you should know

2010-06-17T16:04:00.004+02:00

South African “gees” is a little low today after the national team lost to Uruguay 3-0 last night. Gees is a word meaning “spirit” but there are many other South African –isms our visitors should know.

GEES has been clearly demonstrated over the past few days with vuvuzela blowing, flags waving, large smiles, singing and gesticulating. You’ll hear the word a lot – except possibly today! However South African’s are resilient and determined and the gees will return – after all we have stunning football stadiums, there is amazing football being played in them, all South Africans finally know the national anthem and sing it, languages from all over the world are being heard on our streets and we are hosting the biggest football tournament on the planet – successfully!

Here are some classic South African-isms and we hope the lingo guide will help you on your journey around South Africa. (thanks to Oliver Roberts on Times Live for the majority of the article).

AG (pronounced ach as in the German Achtung) – generally used at the beginning of a sentence, either to express resignation – as in “Ag well, I guess that’s just the way it is” – or to indicate irritation, as in “Ag no man! What did you do that for?”

BABBELAS (BUBBLE-US): Hangover. Usage: "Jeez, I had too many dops last night. I've got a hectic babbelas."

BLIKSEM (BLUK-SEM): If you're in a pub and you accidentally spill a beer belonging to a man with a thick neck, he may say: "Do you want me to bliksem you?" Don't respond. Just run. Run for your life. It's the Afrikaans word for hit or strike or punch.

BOET: Means "brother" in Afrikaans. An affectionate (though not too much) term for a friend. It's like saying "dude" or "buddy"."This guy is my boet!"

BRAAI (pronounced br-eye) - This is the popular South African version of a barbecue where meats such as steak, chicken and boerewors (boo-ruh-vorss) are cooked. Boerewors is a traditional spicy South African sausage made of beef or lamb and is also referred to as wors (vorss). Chances are that you will also be introduced to pap en sous (pup en sohss) at a braai. Pap is boiled corn meal, and sous is the sauce it is covered with, usually featuring tomato and onions. A South African might also indicate that he is feeling physically run down by saying "I'm pap." Translation: "I am feeling weak."

BRU (pronounced brew) - A term of affection used among men, meaning "brother". An example would be "Hey, my bru, howzit?"

CAR GUARD: Found in most urban areas, a car guard's office is the parking lot. He keeps an eye on your car while you're at the match, in the mall or at the pub. You're expected to tip him when you return to your car and it hasn't been stolen or broken into. No. That's a lie. You'll be expected to tip him even if it has.
CAR WORDS - South Africans put petrol in their cars, not gasoline. Trunks are referred to as boots, while hoods are called bonnets.

CHINA - To most people China is the country with the largest population in the world, but to a South African it can mean something entirely different. "China" is a term of affection meaning good friend, as in "This oke's my china". It is term used in casual conversation, and would not be appropriate in more formal surroundings.

DINGES (DING-US): An indeterminate, nondescript thing or term for an object whose name you've momentarily forgotten. Like this: "Please pass me my dinges there." "What?" "My dinges. I want to blow it." "You mean your vuvuzela?" "Yes, my vuvuzela."

DOF: Stupid.

DOP: If someone says "Do you want to go for a dop?" always say yes. It means you'll be going for a drink.

DOSS: Slang for "sleep". Usage: "Is it cool if I doss at your place tonight?"

EINA (AY-NA): Expression of pain, as in "ouch". Usage: "Ooh, looks like Rooney just shattered his pelvis. Eina!"

EISH (AYSH): Common term that denotes a wide range of emotions from joy and surprise to confusion and anger. When in doubt, use it.

GATVOL: Literally means "hole fill" in Afrikaans. Means you've had enough of something that's making you angry. Usage: "Boet, I'm gatvol of this ref's bad decisions." Again with the harsh "g".

HOWZIT - A traditional South African greeting that translates roughly as "How are you?" or "How are things?"

HUNDREDS: Normally repeated twice in a sentence as in "Hundreds, bru, hundreds." It expresses either total agreement with what someone has just said, or confirmation that your life is all good (eg: "How are you?" "Ah, hundreds, man, hundreds"). Can also be used as a way of simply saying yes.

IS IT?: Actually pronounced "uzz ut" or as one word “izit” It's a casual way of saying "Oh really?" or “is that so?” Usage: "Dude, I saw Messi coming out of a ladies toilet yesterday." "Uzz ut?"

JA-WELL-NO-FINE: Nobody really knows what this means, because it doesn't really mean anything. But we like saying it.

JOL: Party. Can be used as either a noun or verb, as in "That was a lekker jol" or "I went jolling last night and ended up in Fabio Cannavaro's hotel room. It was great."

JUST NOW: An indeterminate amount of time. If a waiter says "I'll be with you just now", it could mean anything from five minutes, to 10, to never.

KAK (KUK): Literally "shit". Popular uses include "What a load of kak" and "Don't talk kak".

KE NAKO! Meaning “it’s time”. This term has been popularized by the start of the much anticipated football tournament happening in South Africa.

LADUMA: Celebratory exclamation when a goal is scored. For best effect, try to hold the "u" for as long as possible on one breath, so that the "ma" comes out as a desperate choke. Laduuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.ma.

LANK: Beyond cool is lank cool. Also means a large amount of, as in "There were lank vuvuzelas at the game last night."

LEKKER (LAKKA): Great, awesome, amazing and used to describe anything, as in “lekker dinner last night” to “the game was lekker hey?”

MAMPARA: Idiot.

MZANSI: Popular term for South Africa. Best describes our country's gritty energy and loud African spirit.

NOOIT (NOYT): Expression of disbelief or disdain. As in "Aah, nooit! There's chewing gum on my seat!" or "When I saw Khune being red carded, I just thought 'Nooit, bru!'"

NOW-NOW: Not to be confused with "Just now". Now-now is a much smaller indeterminate amount of time. Hmm. Don't worry - you'll get it.

OKE,OU - A colloquial reference to a man, similar to "guy", "chap" or "bloke". For example: "Do you know that oke?" The word "ou" (pronounced oh) can be used interchangeably.

PHUZA (POO-ZA): A drinking session. "Phuza Thursday" is a noble tradition in South Africa. Try to uphold it while you're here.

ROBOT: When you're asking for directions and someone says: "Left at the third robot," it is not because our streets are overrun with menacing cyborgs made by Japanese scientists. No. A robot is simply our word for traffic light.

SHARP-SHARP!: Okay. This is a complicated one. An expression of agreement. Or a greeting. Or a way of saying goodbye. Or a way of saying "Okay, sure." Or a way of ... forget it.

SIFF: Gross, disgusting. "Check, that guy is picking his nose." "Siff, boet."

SKINDER, SKINNER (pronounced skinner) - Gossip, as in: "Hey china, have you heard the latest skinner?" Someone who talks behind someone's back is known as a skinnerbek. Example: "Jislaaik bru, I'm going to donner that skinnerbek for skinnering about me." Translation: "Gee my friend, I'm going to hit that guy for gossiping about me behind my back."

STRUESBOB (pronounced s-true-zz-bob) - "As true as God", meaning it's the gospel truth. An example is: "I decided to bet just R10 on Brazil winning and struesbob I won R2 000."

ZHOOSH: Very fancy. A word normally utilised by well-kept women with French manicures who will never, ever understand the off-side rule. Use the word if you must (it feels nice in the mouth), but aggressively avoid these women.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of accommodation, activities, attractions, restaurants, venues, shops, tours and packages on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa. Call us for ideas and suggestions at the information office +27 (0)21 782 9356.