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.

Flip your switch - Cape Point Route supports Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a WWF sustainability initiative that challenges individuals, businesses, schools, universities, towns and cities to join millions of people across the world in forming part of a global action against Climate Change. By getting involved in Earth Hour 2010, you are pledging to switch off your lights for 1 hour at 8:30pm on 27 March, to show our governments and world leaders that we are serious about tackling Climate Change.

Last year, approximately 3 million South Africans participated in Earth Hour. The official press statement released by Eskom revealed that, from an environmental angle, a staggering 400 tons of carbon dioxide, 224 tons of coal and 576 kilolitres of water was saved due to a staggering 400MW of electricity culmitively conserved during Earth Hour. In laymans terms, this translates into 6,7 million 60W bulbs being switched off.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has again been deemed South African patron of Earth Hour, and other celebrities who share his passion for this vital initiative and who have pledged to get involved include The Parlotones, Deon Meyer, Charlene Truter, Dave Pepler, Hannes Van Wyk, Jo-Ann Strauss, Marc Lottering, Ryk Neethling, Derek Van Dam, Francios Groepe, The Moroka Swallows and The Stormers.

Earth Hour 2010 aims to recruit as many people as possible to stand together and convince world leaders to deliver a fair, effective and binding climate deal this December at the UN Climate Summit in Mexico. Visit www.wwf.org.za now to join the Earth Hour initiative, pledge to reduce your carbon footprint and become part of the global movement towards a happier, healthier planet.

SA comedian and 2010 Earth Hour Ambassador Marc Lottering says it best: "There is nothing funny about Climate Change. It will ultimately affect us all in a bad way if we don?t consciously act. This year, South Africans will once again have the opportunity to join the rest of the world in doing something positive: So turn your lights off on Saturday, 27 March at 8h30pm for 1 hour. If you want to turn me on, turn your lights off."

All it takes is a flip of a switch.
Click here to act now.

Cape Point Route challenges all accommodation establishments in the Sout Peninsula to switch off your lights for Earth Hour 2010.

Cape Point Route challenges all restaurants in the South Peninsula to switch off their lights during Earth Hour 2010 - after all we love candlelit dinners.

Noordhoek Beach Horse Riding on TV Tonight

Noordhoek Beach Horse Riding will be featured on Top Billing this evening (Thursday 25 March 2010). Show starts at 19:30 on SABC3.

If you have ever dreamt of riding a horse along a pristine white beach, with tranquil blue waters and the footprints in the sand belonging to your horse, then there is an easy solution to make your aspirations come true. One of the most popular activities on the Cape Point Route is horse riding on Noordhoek Beach. Arguably one of the best beach horse rides on the planet – a 2 hour sojourn along the wide white swathe of Kommetjie and Noordhoek beach is easily accessible for complete novices or accomplished riders.

There are 3 commercial horse-riding establishments in the area and it is advisable to book a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Cape Point Route will happily assist with your reservations.
Sleepy Hollow Horse-riding is located in Noordhoek and they offer 3 beach trail rides per day- at 09:00; 13:00 and 16:30. Times vary according to season so best to check with us in advance. The trail is limited to 6 people with an experienced trail guide. Bring long pants or jeans, closed shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen!

On arrival you will be kitted out with a compulsory helmet and introduced to your trusty stead, chosen for your level of experience. The horses at Sleepy Hollow are fit, friendly and obviously lovingly cared for. The guides are very 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 the leafy residential lanes of Noordhoek, before turning down towards the beach. Arriving on the beach is a jaw-dropping experience- the contrast of white sand, blue water and open space quite literally takes your breath away. The rhythmic motion of the horse and the gentle lapping sound of the waves, is instant therapy to unwind from the hassles of everyday life. A unique feature of this ride is going past the wreck of the Kakapo – a ship that was stranded on the beach in 1900.

On the sandy stretch of coastline the horses are allowed to trot into the open expanse of kilometers of beach. The scene is framed by the distinctive Sentinel guarding Hout Bay and the dramatic cliffs of Chapman’s Peak Drive. The thrill of cantering along a beach so soft and white it’s like snow, with the wind in your hair is unsurpassed. To top it all off there is an incredible array of indigenous bird life including black oystercatchers who scurry along the beach with their bright red beaks. If you are lucky you could catch a glimpse of the Verreaux Eagles that live in the area.

This glorious ride along Noordhoek beach in a nautralist’s paradise is a fabulous way to hit the beach! Make sure you watch Top Billing this evening to see footage of the activity and the beautiful scenes of Noordhoek. To book a horse ride on Noordhoek Beach please call 021 782 9356 or click here to book.

Shark Cage Diving and Viewing

The Cape Point Route is home to the “flying” great white sharks of False Bay which is a term used for the great white sharks’ ability to breach out of the water. The great white sharks use the breach as a final effort in successful predation and this behavioural trait is seen more regularly at Seal Island in False Bay than anywhere else on the globe. The shark comes from the deep sea, aims at its prey then propels itself out of the water like a torpedo at the unsuspecting seal. The sight is a spectacle and will get your heart rate up and the adrenalin flowing. This phenomenon is best experienced in winter when the concentration of sharks is higher at Seal Island in False Bay - home to 64,000 Cape Fur Seals. June – September is peak time and Cape Point Route recommends booking early for the 2010 season for an educational shark cage diving or viewing trip from Simon’s Town. The boats that take a maximum of 12 people in an uncrowded environment on morning or afternoon trips.

The movie Jaws portrayed the Great White Shark as an evil killing machine. Despite extensive research these huge primeval creatures are little understood, yet remain a fascinating attraction for human mortals. Experience the grace, power and magic of these creatures on a shark cage diving (or viewing!) trip. If you’re not brave enough to dive with great whites, pop into the Save Our Seas centre in Kalk Bay and find out more about sharks and the marine life of South Africa.

If you are not able to experience the winter magic, consider a trip to Shark Alley in Gansbaai which operates all year round and well recommended as the summer alternative to come face to face with this awesome animal. Gansbaai is approximately 2 hours from Cape Town. The premier itinerary includes transport to and from Gansbaai but if you have your own transport the budget itinerary may be the best solution. (Cape Point Route can arrange car hire if you need wheels!). The trip includes the boat trip and all equipment as well as breakfast on arrival, snacks on board and lunch after your dive. Price for the premier itinerary is R1450 per person. Bookings can be made through Cape Point Route.

For additional information, accommodation, venues or activities please complete our Personal Planner and we can advise you on activities and other things to do on the Cape Point Route. Or call us on 021 782 9356

Shipwreck and Lighthouse Full Day Photographic Tour/Workshop Special

Not a lot of people realize that the famous movie Pirates of the Caribbean is actually based on our very own South African legend of The Flying Dutchman.

It all started way back in 1641, when captain Hendrik van der Decken, in the employ of the Dutch East India Company, left Batavia for Amsterdam on Good Friday. This was his first fatal mistake, as departing on a journey on this holy day was an absolute no-no on the list of seafarer’s superstitions...

A fierce southeaster started to blow as he tried to round the Cape of Good Hope, and his ship could not get round the peninsula that had already claimed so many lives. He tried and tried, but to no avail...

But Van der Decken was a fiery and stubborn man, so he strapped himself to the helm of his ship and made another big mistake: he vowed that he would sail around the Cape even if it took until doomsday. According to the legend, an Angel descended from the skies, proclaimed that for this blasphemy the captain would never know calm seas again. He was condemned to sail the oceans for all eternity, with a ghostly crew of dead men, ‘bringing death to all who sight your spectral ship, and never to make port or know a moment’s peace’.

Over the centuries the Cape of Storms have claimed about 2000 ships to a watery grave, with only about 800 of them named and recorded.

Join Peter Haarhoff from the Cape Photographic Company on his famous “Shipwreck and Lighthouse” photographic tour and workshop around Cape Point, as we revisit some of these shipwrecks of old on a funtastic limited offer. Peter always says:” If you want to take more interesting photographs, get your camera to more interesting places”

SHIPWRECK AND LIGHTHOUSE FULL DAY PHOTOGRAPHIC TOUR/ WORKSHOP SPECIAL PROMOTION

Normal Price R1200 Promotion Price ONLY R900 per person

DATES:
Wednesday 7 April 2010 and Sunday 25 April 2010

RESERVATIONS:
Call Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za
Click here to send enquiry

Meet for coffee and snacks at their premises in Capri Village, Noordhoek, where you will depart for the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and find out why Cape Point has two lighthouses and photograph the wreck of the Thomas T Tucker.

After a picnic lunch at Cape Point, and learning more about composition and depth of field at Slangkop lighthouse in Kommetjie, we visit the wreck of the Kakapo.

The Kakapo ran aground in 1900 after the captain mistook Chapman’s Peak for Cape Point and ordered the ship full steam ahead. He hit the beach at full steam and the crew could get off without getting their feet wet!

THE WAY PETER SEES IT...
There is this story of a radio conversation that happened between a US Naval ship and the Canadian authorities. On a foggy evening a US Navy ship spotted a light in the gloom, and worked out that a collision was likely unless the other vessel changed its course. So they send a radio message.

US ship: Please divert your course 0.5 degrees south to avoid a collision.
Reply: Recommended you divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

US ship: This is the captain of a US Navy Ship. I say again, you divert your course.
Reply: Negative. I say again, you divert YOUR course!

US ship: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER ‘USS WAKA WAKA WHAT YOU TALK’. WE ARE A LARGE WARSHIP OF THE US NAVY. DIVERT YOUR COURSE NOW!!!
Reply: This is a lighthouse. Your call.

PHOTOGRAPHIC NOTES:
(all photos courtesy of Cape Photographic company - Peter Haarhof)
1. The way Peter sees it from the top of Slangkoppunt lighthouse
2. Wreck of the Thomas T Tucker, taken on a shutter speed of 1/160 and aperture f6.3 on a 100 ISO.
3. This photograph of Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie demonstrates foreground interest, as well as rules of third. The photograph was taken using selective focusing to ensure the foreground is in focus with an aperture of f20 for maximum depth of field; and a polarizer filter was attached to the lens to saturate the blue sky.
4. Kakapo Shipwreck in May 1900
5. Kakapo Shipwreck today (a feast for photographers). The photograph was taken demonstating "worms view" photography with an aperture of f10 and a shutter speed of 1/400 and a 100 ISO

1960’s surfers' reunion in Muizenberg, Cape Town.

Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg has long been known as a hot spot of surfing culture and this weekend will be a memorable one with a reunion of surfers, lifesavers, girls, beachbums, musicians and others from the 1960’s.

Venue: Muizenberg Pavillion
Date: Friday 19 March 2010
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm
Dress: The dress for the reunion will be casual with a hint of Hawaii. Guys can wear floral shirts and leis and ladies can wear leis (flower garlands) and a flower behind one ear. In Hawaii a flower behind the left ear means being taken, or married. A flower behind the right ear means still available.

Programme of Events:

Arrival and Registration followed by Hula Dancing.
Welcome by Paul Botha, with a toast to “the Oom” John Whitmore and other absent friends, followed by a video tribute.
At 8pm a documentary produced by Carlos Feyder will be screened “you should have been here yesterday” – the Surfer’s Corner Story.
Then it’s party time – live music and raffle of some incredible prizes!

The organisers have been overwhelmed by the response. They were expecting a casual gathering of a 100 people or so, but the event has turned into a confirmed guestlist of around 500 people flying in from all over the country and the globe.

The reunion details can be found on the Facebook group “Surfers Corner Sixties Reunion” with a wonderful collection of photos and old stories emerging. We have taken the liberty of pulling a selection of photographs from the contributions on the Facebook group to give you an idea of the life and times of surfing in Muizenberg in the 1960’s! Friendships are being rekindled and the hey day of surfing in Muizenberg is on everyone’s lips.

Muizenberg is still THE place to learn to surf in Cape Town. If you want to learn how to surf please contact Cape Point Route who can book surf lessons for those wanting in on the action.
If you can't find what you are looking for then please complete our personal planner form and we will advise you on activities and other things to do in Muizenberg based on your interests, We can also advise you on accommodation and venues in Muizenberg and the surrounding area. Alternatively check out our adventure packages for suggestions or visit our website for ideas www.capepointroute.co.za