Cape Point Route on Peninsula tour- Part 1

We live here, we work here and we play here but it is not every day that we put it all together and go on “tour”! Yesterday (Wednesday 14 April, 2010) was quite a special day for Cape Point Route. We gathered a bunch of Cape Point Routers who will be coming up to Durban with us for the Indaba trade show in May 2010 and we went on a Cape Point Route tour.

And what a day it was! Our driver/guide was Barbaros Kotoglu from Southern Routes who offered us his guiding services and vehicle for the day. It was an exquisite Cape Town day and our first stop was Muizenberg where we visited Belinda at Whale Watchers and gazed in awe at the long stretch of Muizenberg beach from the balcony of one of the sea facing units at Whale Watchers. Muizenberg beach was a hive of activity with surfers dashing in and out of the water.

We decided to drive the scenic route to Simon’s Town, travelling over Boyes Drive and through Fish Hoek & Glencairn (where we waved at Calders Hotel and Conference Centre on Fish Hoek Beach front and Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn – we didn’t stop because we visit both properties for other Indaba meetings!) and ended up at Simon’s Town waterfront to visit Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel. We were met by GM Elbe and Conference Manager Gideon and a welcome coffee and muffin for a site inspection. We checked out all the boat departures from Simon's Town waterfront but sadly didn't have time to do a boat trip.

Simon’s Town was buzzing and it turns out that almost all the places we visited in Simon’s Town were bursting at the seems to accommodate SA Navy personnel or contractors. The penguins are not the only reason Simon’ s Town is black and white! From Quayside we went up to the gorgeous Grosvenor and then strolled a short distance up the hill to neighbouring Mariner Guest House. From there is was a stop at Boulders Beach Lodge – where we received warm penguin greetings from Janine and her team. Fruit cocktails and fresh fruit accompanied our visit and we did a dash to look at the feathered black and white friends on Boulders Beach. Our final Simon’s Town stop was Whale View Manor and Spa – the new (ish) spa is fabulous and all in all we can highly recommend any of the Simon’s Town establishments – fantastic views, service, attention to detail and each place has it’s own special and very personal touch. Thank you all for the welcome.

Dolphins in False Bay

Yesterday was a peach of a day in Cape Town – there was no wind, temperature was just right and the sea was perfectly calm. We were treated to a school of dolphins playing happily in Glencairn Bay, Simon's Town. Easy viewing and a good distraction from the office! How lucky we are to be able to watch dolphins playing from our office!

Whilst I was dreaming of being out in False Bay with the dolphins, the dive boys from Pisces Divers next door to us were out in False Bay and supplied us with this photograph of the dolphins. Thanks to Jacques de Vos who took the shot! I’m not sure from the photo which species of dolphins these ones were but common dolphin species in the region include bottlenose dolphins and dusky dolphins. It is not uncommon to see these playful creatures if you are out on a boat trip in False Bay, which you can book through Cape Point Route.

Dolphins are marine mammals and are closely related to whales. Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals and their friendly nature and playful attitude have made them popular in human culture. Dolphins are social creatures and can live in pods ranging from a dozen individuals to thousands! Their main source of food is fish and squid and dolphins will typically “herd” a school of fish into a group (known as a bait ball), then take turns plowing through the the ball of fish and feed on the stunned fish! One of the most incredible traits of dolphins is their vocalization – whistles, clicks and burst- pulsating sounds. Fascinating and beautiful if you have the luck to hear them communicating. Dolphins have very few natural enemies – only the larger species of shark like the great white shark prey on dolphins.

Did You Know? How did False Bay get its’ name?

False Bay was given its name by pioneering navigators who mistook the vast natural bay for Table Bay when seeking to replenish their supplies. In reality though, False Bay is the largest true bay along the South African coast and is considered to be one of the great bays of the world.

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 for details or information on the South Peninsula.

Boost tourism in the South Peninsula

Check out the article in the People's Post (False Bay edition) on 06 April 2010. Corporate sponsorship packages with value added benefits are available from Cape Point Route. Businesses and corporates are welcome to contact Barbara or Sally on info@capepointroute.co.za for more details on corporate sponsorship packages to help promote and market the south peninsula.

Sowing the Seeds Music Festival Cape Farmhouse

The Cape Farmhouse on the Cape Point Route is playing host to Sowing the Seeds Music Festival this weekend - Saturday 10th April 2010. The Cape Farmhouse Restaurant is a family-run concern near Scarborough, on route to the Cape Point Nature reserve.

Situated in a sheltered valley and surrounded by old oak trees, Cape Farmhouse offers the unique opportunity for guests to sit under the oaks with the squirrels while enjoying a tasty farm-style meal from our a la carte menu. The 250-year-old farmhouse offers relaxing al fresco dining - or if the weather is unpleasant, indoors in the historic old farm building. On Saturday afternoons they feature outdoor concerts of South African musicians in their FARMHOUSE ROCKS. The Cape Farmhouse is one of Cape Town’s most enjoyed music venues adding personality to any music event with a craft market and art gallery on site as well as food and cash bar.

Sowing the Seeds is an exciting teaser event to give you a taste of what to look forward to at Rocking the Daisies 2010, which will be held on Cloof Wine Estate from 8 – 10 October.

EVENT: Sowing the Seeds
MUSIC: Dirty Skirts, 7th Son, The Little Kings, Circuswing and Funafuji
DATE: Saturday 10 April 8, 2010
TIME: 12 noon – 19h00
TICKETS: R90 pre sales; R100 at the door. (Children under 12 – Free)
BRING: Blankets to sit on
PLEASE DON’T BRING: Illegal substances, alcohol, firearms, weapons, glass, glass bottles, litter, pets.

DIRECTIONS: The Cape Farmhouse is 3km from Scarborough at the bottom of Red Hill – Junction M66 and M65. Click on the Google Earth link for more details.

If you are heading down to the area why not explore Scarborough and do consider staying the night in Scarborough (or nearby Kommetjie) at one of the fine accommodation establishments if you are coming from slightly further afield.
Contact Cape Point Route if you need assistance with accommodation or things to do in and around Scarborough.

Don’t be Fooled – Whale Tales in Glencairn

PICTURES:
1. A real whale tail in False Bay (Photo: Dave Hurwitz)
2. Whale Tail Buoy in Glencairn
3. Another view of the whale tail buoy in Glencairn

It may not be April Fool’s Day but many a resident and visitor to Glencairn has been hooked into what could have been a perfect joke for 1 April 2010. A whale tail has been erected in the bay at Glencairn. Cape Point Route has been hugely entertained over the past few days as cars, buses, walkers and runners in the south peninsula have stopped near Glencairn Beach to gaze at the tail of a whale lobtailing in Glen Bay.

(Lobtailing is the act of a whale lifting its flukes out of the water and then bringing them down onto the surface of the water hard and fast in order to make a loud slap. Large whales tend to lobtail by positioning themselves vertically downwards into the water and then slapping the surface by bending the tail stock).

Whales can be seen in our local waters from as early as May but the peak period is around September and October, hence the surprise to see a whale tail bobbing in the bay in April! What could and has been quite easily mistaken for a real whale is actually a fibreglass whale tail which is meant to guide sailors and yachtsmen during regattas. The tail is in fact a buoy that is used as a race marker during regattas hosted by the False Bay Yacht Club in Simon’s Town. The whale tail buoy is the brainchild of Southern Right Hotel, who sponsored the buoy.

Operational manager at Southern Right Hotel and Boulders Beach Lodge Janine Genade says, “You will always be able to see a whale from the deck of the Southern Right Hotel”. The Whale Tail Buoy was crafted onto a buoy and has been permanently moored, 200 metres from Glencairn beach. Janine Genade said that the Southern Right Hotel prides itself on being involved with unique community projects like this and that is exciting to put a landmark in the ocean. The False Bay Yacht Club manager said that the location of the whale tail buoy will improve the racing courses and add a new dimension to yacht racing.

Whales can also be seen in season on a whale watching boat trip but there are some great marine adventures and boat trips to be had all year round.

Congratulations to the Southern Right Hotel for their innovative marker off the beach in Glencairn – hope the rest of you aren’t fooled! Please let us know if you do see a real whale and book your trip to visit the Cape Point Route in Whale Season (August - November)

New Accommodation Establishments listed on Cape Point Route Website

Pictures:
1. The Mountain House, Clovelly
2. Kalk Bay Quays, Kalk Bay
3. Hout Bay View, Hout Bay
4. Mantis House, Noordhoek
5. The Boat House, Simon's Town

Cape Point Route is pleased to welcome some new accommodation establishments on our website. Cape Point Route runs from Hout Bay on the Atlantic seaboard down to Cape Point and up the False Bay coastline to Muizenberg. The accommodation on the Cape Point Route is diverse and the variety means there is something to suit most tastes - be it hotel accommodation, bed and breakfast accommodation, self- catering accommodation or guesthouse accommodation. The choice ranges from 5 star luxury accommodation to secluded self catering cottages. Some accommodation establishments are right in the middle of the coastal villages and some are tucked away on the mountainside with spectacular views of sea, sand and mountains. If you can't find what you are looking for then contact Cape Point Route and allow us to advise you on your accommodation choices that will suit your individual needs.

There are some fantastic accommodation establishments on the Cape Point Route and we are delighted to have some new accommodation spots to recommend.

In Simon's Town, the Boat House is a 4 star tranquil guesthouse set in the beautiful Red Hill mountains. The Boat House has 3 individually furnished suites - the Lower Deck which is a 2 bedroom apartment (Queen and double bunk); the Upper deck which has a large room with twin beds and the Cabin with is also one room with kitchenette. One of the delightful features is the solar heated indoor swimming pool!

Mantis House in Noordhoek has 2 double size apartments set in a private, semi-rural Noordhoek estate. With views, private verandahs, barbeque facilities and a swimming pool, this is a delightful getaway and very reasonably priced!

Hout Bay View is unsurprisingly situated in Hout Bay with 8 bedrooms and close to all the action in Hout Bay. This Bed and Breakfast establishment also has a heated pool and a jacuzzi to complement the additional facilities and views! Got to love it.

Kalk Bay Quays is in the charming fishing village of Kalk Bay. It's a 2 bedroomed self catering establishment with a cosy fieplace and has access to a gym, pool and spa as well as being close to the Kalk Bay action!

Clovelly borders on Fish Hoek and the Mountain House is a contempory styled self -catering house in this quaint suburb close to the Clovelly Golf Course. 2 bedrooms, a zen like space and state of the art appliances and facilities. Yet another magical spot on the Cape Point Route!

Check out these and more accommodation options on the Cape Point Route if you are looking for your next getaway, close to Cape Town.

Cape Point Route welcomes Two Oceans Marathon Runners

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has earned a reputation as the world’s most beautiful marathon. The first race was held in 1970 and saw 26 runners line up to face the unknown challenge. Since then, the race has become a national institution and a firm favourite with local, upcountry, and international athletes. Participants can choose from various distances – the scenic 56km ultra marathon or popular 21km half marathon and the 5km or 2.5km fun runs. The event attracts close to 26 000 participants across all the distances and provides them with a mixture of breathtaking scenery, a gruelling test of fitness for both the elite and recreational runner, and an unrivalled race organisation and atmosphere.

Participants consistently vote it as one of the best in South Africa and it continues to attract strong fields and an increasing number of international entrants. The event has become synonymous with the Easter Weekend in Cape Town, with the pre-race activities at the expo, family day, and fun runs on Easter Friday. En-route entertainment on the race day provides fun, excitement, and a unique experience to runners, family, friends, and spectators alike.

The Two Oceans Ultra Marathon route, follows a large piece of the Cape Point Route, coming into Muizenberg the runners follow the False Bay Coastline, through the towns of St James, Kalk Bay and Clovelly. At Fish Hoek they bear off on the Kommetjie Road towards Noordhoek, where the runners wind their way past Noordhoek Farm Village and up over Chapman's Peak Drive to Hout Bay and the final slog to UCT over Constantia Nek.

Spectators are encouraged to support the athletes but please bear in mind some of the road closures that will be in existance. The majority of the roads on the Cape Point Route will be opened up by 10h30am. Click here for Road closures.

Cape Point Route wishes all runners an excellent race and hope you enjoy pounding the pavements as you follow the Cape Point Route. It's no wonder the race has been called the World's Most Beautiful Marathon.. .it's in the World's Most Beautiful Place (but then we are a little biased!). We invite you all to come back and play after the run with your families and supporters. If you have any queries about the area please do not hesitate to contact us.