Teambuilding on the Cape Point Route!

With a winter chill descending on the Cape Point Route, many of us withdraw into a cocoon of hibernation. This is the time to take advantage of the natural assets of our region and explore and discover our own backyards. With plenty of winter specials on offer, individuals can have a sneaky “getaway” in their own backyard.

This is also a fantastic period for businesses to boost team morale and motivate staff through group events. Having a high performance team with clear focused goals and good interpersonal relationships gives that extra edge in the business environment.

Keeping your company teambuilding event local has the added benefit of being more cost effective and the compliance in participation is enhanced. There are some superb team building events and activities to be found in the area – each with a variable focus. Some are based on finding the balance between personality types; some promote strategic thinking and some are just plain fun for facilitating group interaction.

Challenge the rest of your group on an adventure orienteering course to score the most points. The group has to work out calculated tactics as a single unit. Working with a selection of puzzles, mental tests and other brain teasers in a Mind Muncher situation will keep your team occupied for hours on end. Exploring the surrounding mountainside with a thrilling subterranean caving experience is an outstanding event for group relationships. Try an “amazing race” adventure rally round the Cape Peninsula, or attempt deep sea fishing. How about going to Cape Point on a Harley? Or simply surrendering to a wellness package?

Whether you need to motivate your team, get Management to think 'outside the box', or simply host a relaxed corporate event to say 'thank you', the Cape Point Route team have the knowledge and experience to design a team building event to suit your company objectives. For local area suggestions on conference venues or teambuilding activities to motivate your staff and beat the winter blues, please contact the Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za

Teambuilding Options on the Cape Point Route:
Abseiling & Rock Climbing
Adventure Challenge
Beach Olympics
Coastal Amazing Race
Conference & Teambuilding
Cook-a-teering
Corporate Breakaway
The Masterpiece

Row, row, row your boat on the Cape Point Route!

What an amazing day on the Cape Point Route, perfect weather for jumping into a sea kayak in Simon's Town and exploring False Bay!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To enhance your kayaking experience, we recommend spending a night or more on the Cape Point Route, trying out some of the great restaurants, browsing the shops, museums and galleries, going for long ambling walks and soaking up the sights, sounds and smells. For more fun ideas of what to do and where to go, contact the Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Art for Madiba on the Cape Point Route

Nelson Mandela celebrates his 91st birthday on Saturday 18th July. Our beloved Madiba is a multi faceted man that sought out beauty in the face of adversity and drew pleasure from gardening and art during his incarceration on Robben Island. We recommend celebrating Madiba’s birthday with an exploration of some of the fascinating art galleries and museums housing religious, political and social works of art from the Cape Point Route region. Supporting local artists whose work depict the context of our lives in Southern African is something Madiba would enjoy.

The Cape Point Route which extends from Muizenberg to Hout Bay has a vast collection of interesting and informative museums, as well as modern contemporary art galleries that reflect the spirit of our area. What’s more, it’s a great activity on a chilly winters day!

Muizenberg was once a seaside resort for the rich and famous and the “Millionaire’s Mile” of large stone houses along Main Road now forms part of a seaside museum walk incorporating the Natale Labia, which houses temporary and permanent collections of art works. This is a “living museum” where poetry readings, musical evenings and writers’ workshops are held on a regular basis. Viewing is by appointment only.

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

Simon’s Town is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa and home to some superb galleries with the Bronze Age Sculpture House hosting one of the finest exhibitions of bronze sculptures in South Africa as well as a complete working forge. Heather Auer Art and Sculpture Gallery in the Simon’s Town waterfront displays original paintings and bronze sculptures by leading South African artists and also features some Township art and Shona Sculptures.

On the Atlantic side art lovers should stop at Noordhoek Farm Village, a delightful sojourn in its own right, but a paradise for those who appreciate painting, drawing and sculpture. Browse through the galleries that dwell in the Cellars section of the Village, including the Noordhoek Art Gallery, Art Attack, the Eatwell Gallery and the Light from Africa Foundation.

In the picturesque village of Hout Bay is the Sembach Gallery which is housed in one (if not the) oldest restored cottages in the Cape. Victoria Road has two well established galleries and a visit to Imizamu Yethu will open up a vibrant discovery of township artists and sculptors. Imizamu Yethu is fondly referred to as Mandela Park so a fitting way to celebrate Nelson Mandelas birthday and one of his hobbies.

Call the Cape Point Route (021 782 9356) for more information on art galleries and museums and enjoy the fascinating world of colour, texture, design and social commentary or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

What's on this weekend....

Sat 18th: Friends of the Ocean kiddies event at Noordhoek Farm Village.
Time: 10h30 - 12h30 Cost: FREE Contact: 021 789 2812
Sun 19th: Sunday Sundowner Jazz Concerts at Simons in Constantia.
Time: 16h00 - 20h00 Contact: 021 794 1143

Local is lekker on the Cape Point Route!!

If you can’t afford an overseas holiday this year there are some superb alternatives on the Cape Point Route. Check out these local equivalents.

Inca Trail, Peru: You just can’t beat the views from the Hoerikwaggo Trail in Table Mountain National Park. 3 different sections of the trail are open. We recommend the Cape of Good Hope section in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The overnight huts are fantastic and you can sneak in a great meal at the Two Oceans Restaurant, or whiz up the funicular to the lighthouse. Slack packing rules! This one is good for fitness fanatics; good mates, reunions.

Great Barrier Reef in Oz: Try scuba diving on the False Bay coast with Pisces Divers. Kelp forests, shipwrecks, great viz and for the braver souls there’s shark cage diving or viewing as well. This one is good for adrenalin junkies and water babies. Look out for seals, dolphins and whales.

Paris: Well there’s the Slangkoppunt lighthouse in Kommetjie if you want a tower with fabulous views, but for cute sidewalk cafes and classy art – Kalk Bay rates as Number one. Good for winter romantics; shoppers; chilling out and art aficionados.

Wedding in a Tuscan Villa: There may not be gorgeous Italians but if you’re planning your wedding you want be wanting one! There is no comparison for the seaside setting of Villa St James- an historically acclaimed grand mansion. And “gourmet Italian” won’t be missed with superb catering and fine wines.

For more local ideas or great getaways contact the Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za

Feather your nest on the Cape Point Route

Penguin mania hit Hollywood recently with popular movies Madagascar, March of the Penguins and Happy Feet. As a result penguins are a star attraction and the Cape Point Route offers arguably the best viewing of penguins in the world. Just past Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast is Boulders Beach – a charming beach with tranquil pools, giant boulders and penguins. A visit to Tuxedo Junction is a must do activity in Cape Town – you can view the penguins from elevated boardwalks or for a truly remarkably experience go down to Boulders Beach itself and swim with these endearing creatures.

There is some brilliant birding along the route, complete with scenic splendour and superb restaurants. Cape Point Nature Reserve is one of the hottest bird watching spots on the peninsula. The endemic Cape Sugarbird is often found with flowering proteas and look out for the striking Orange- breasted Sunbird –one of 3 sunbird species. You will find a variety of sea and shore birds in the reserve as well as some of the highest cliffs and freshest sea air.

Near the entrance to the reserve you will find another famous and fascinating bird – the ostrich! Ostriches are also flightless and have the added accolade of being Africa’s largest birds. The Cape Point Ostrich Farm, is a great spot to learn about the entire life cycle of these enormous birds and during breeding season there is a strong likelihood of experiencing the hatching of an ostrich chick and well worth the visit.

A world renowned birding experience is a pelagic boat trip off Cape Point, famed for its seabirds. You set off at first light from Simon’s Town waterfront and watch dawn unfold over the Hottentot Holland mountains. Add to this the rugged beauty of Cape Point, a sunrise and a nautical trip to the continental shelf where you are likely to see more than 20 different offshore sea birds species (for this is the essence of the pelagic trip) and you have a near perfect day. You don’t have to be a serious birder to be awed by the Albatrosses, Shearwaters and Petrels. Keep your eyes open for fur seals, Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde's Whales as well as dolphins and sharks.

Throughout the peninsula you will see Cape and Hartlaub’s gulls and with the cold Benguela current on the rocky Atlantic coast it is possible to find most of the endemic species. A stop in Kommetjie is not only a winter wonderland it also has some of the best bird viewing with over 71 recorded species including all 4 species of Commorant, Cape Gannet, Antarctic and Artic Terns and the shoreline foraging African Black Oystercatcher.

We also suggest a cruise over Chapman’s Peak Drive to the World of Birds in Hout Bay which is Africa’s largest bird park. There are more than 4000 bird species from buzzards to vultures in carious walk through aviaries but it is a birding extravaganza for those with kids. They have other creatures at the park too but the highlight for most kids is the Monkey Jungle where the inquisitive and very cute Squirrel Monkeys climb all over the visitors. Kids adore the encounter.

So, feathered friends, get down to the Cape Point Route for some birding action- some of the most diverse and exciting on the African continent. With coastal, mountain, forest and wetland habitats there is something for both novice birders or serious twitchers. There is more than enough entertainment with the comical antics of the African Penguin and the scenic attractions to keep you on the Cape Point Route for days.
Call the Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 for more information or visit: www.capepointroute.co.za

Bastille Day Salute on the Cape Point Route

The French as a nation have some magnificent traditions and in many ways have perfected the art of good living incorporating excellent food, fine wine, art, literature and sport into their daily living. In honour of their national holiday, Bastille Day, which takes place today the 14th July, we share how you can access the finest French- style cultures on the Cape Point Route.

Wine – an age old French classic. Wine is alive and well on the Cape Point Route with specialist wine stores in HoutBay, Noordhoek, Glencairn and KalkBay. Manuka wine boutique at Noordhoek Farm Village is open 7 days a week. The wine shop at Mariners Wharf is also open on a Sunday and they have a vast collection that is stored alphabetically!

La Vallée Deli and wine shop in Glencairn has a comprehensive wine cellar and a deli to make the French proud. Croissants and breads, cheeses and homemade produce are begging to be bought and savoured in true French tradition. The well known Olympic Bakery is another great spot to pick up French type breads or try the Food Barn at Noordhoek Farm Village and the Meeting Place in Simon’s Town for great deli options. For cheese – head for the Cheesery at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie!

For sit-down dining, The Foodbarn at Noordhoek Farm Village specializes in French cuisine. The Two Oceans Restaurant in the Cape Point Nature reserve offers superb fare and an almost unbeatable view. Fish Hoek Galley offers some of the best Seafood platters on the south side of the equator – the French can do escargot but the Galley can do it all.

So celebrate Bastille Day on the Cape Point Route – you don’t have to be French to enjoy the crème de le crème of the region, and you can have loads of fun trying! For more information on Joie de vive on the Cape Peninsula – call 021 782 9356 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Canter the Cape

Noordhoek beach is best explored on the back of a big horse.

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding a pony along a pristine white beach, there is an easy way to make your fantasy a reality. And you get to ride a real horse, so you can leave the ponies for the school fete. One of the most popular activities on the Cape Point Route is horse riding on Noordhoek beach. One of the best beach horse rides in South Africa, the route takes you on a 2-hour trot along the wide white swathe of Kommetjie and Noordhoek beach. It’s easily accessible for complete novices and enjoyable for accomplished riders too.

There are three commercial horse-riding establishments in the area and it’s advisable to book at least 24 hours in advance as they’re all popular. Imhoff Equestrian Centre is located at Imhoff Farm just outside Kommetjie and offers three rides each day – at 9am, 12 noon and a 4pm sunset ride. Times vary according to the season, so check in advance. Bring long pants and closed shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen.

On arrival you’ll be kitted out with a compulsory helmet and introduced to your trusty steed, chosen according to your level of experience. The horses at Imhoff are fit, friendly and well-cared for. The guides are professional and as safety is a priority, the ride begins with a brief riding orientation as the stirrups are adjusted.

The journey starts with a gentle stroll through Imhoff Farm and the Noordhoek wetlands. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the cry of the fish eagles and witness the powerful circling motion of these beautiful birds. There is an abundance of bird life in the bush section of the ride, particularly water birds, ibis and cranes. You’ll encounter flocks of seabirds when you get to the beach – seagulls and many black oystercatchers scurrying around the shoreline, foraging for food with their distinctive red beaks.

Arriving on the beach is a jaw-dropping experience – the contrast of white sand, blue water and open space will take your breath away. The rhythmic motion of the horse and the gentle lapping sound of the waves is therapeutic and will help you unwind from the hassles of everyday life. A unique feature of this ride is that it takes you past the wreck of the Kakapo – a ship that was stranded on the beach in 1900.
The scene is framed by the distinctive Sentinel guarding Hout Bay and the dramatic cliffs of Chapman’s Peak Drive.

This relaxing ride combines the beauty of bush and beach in a naturalist’s paradise and is a great way to hit the beach, while gaining respect for the graceful creatures who carry you. Contact 082 774 1191

For more information on activities, places to eat or stay on the Cape Point Route visit: www.capepointroute.co.za

HORSE-RIDING CENTRES
Imhoff Equestrian Centre
Sleepy Hollow
Dunes

RESTAURANTS AFTER YOUR RIDE:
Blue Water Cafe at Imhoff Farm
Rioja on Kommetjie Road
Café Roux at Noordhoek Farm Village
The Food Barn at Noordhoek Farm Village
The Toad at Noordhoek Farm Village