Just the Two of You this Easter

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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