Down on the Farm - Noordhoek Farm Village

There are many compelling reasons to head to Noordhoek. The lush valley has a laid-back equine feel and a seemingly endless beach stretches into the horizon; white sand contrasting with a glacial-blue sea. Dogs bound in the surf, beachcombers search for shells; horses canter, families stroll and locals greet each other with a wave. But one of the main attractions lies in the heart of Noordhoek, under some shady oak trees- Noordhoek Farm Village.

Set amongst the paddocks of Noordhoek, the whitewashed farm buildings and open grassy area exude an air of relaxed country charm. It may be tranquil but this is not a sleepy backwater that’s off the beaten track. A mere 30 minutes to Cape Town city centre, this is more than an outing, it’s a destination worth staying at. The artists are cutting edge, the restaurants are amongst the top-ranked eating establishments in the country and the De Noordhoek hotel is the first Western Cape Hotel to employ solar heating for all its hot water needs.

The carbon footprint is important to the Noordhoek Farm Village tenants and the hotel is committed to responsible tourism with energy saving lightbulbs, water-saving showers and waste separation which is easily recycled at the on-site depot. The Worm Farm near the kids’ playground draws much attention –all 3 restaurants process their organic kitchen waste for the earthworms to munch on. The worms produce rich compost for use in the gardens.

Noordhoek Farm Village is a kid-friendly zone with a Capital K. In addition to the well-equipped playground, you’ll often find the kids visiting the roosters and pot-bellied pigs at the (yes –organic) Nursery. The restaurants have kid-friendly meals, every Saturday free kids activities are hosted near the bandstand and I’m still not sure whether it’s the adults or the children who love the store where candy is sold the old-fashioned way. Debates on the cost of a Chappies chewing gum is one of the most frequent discussions overheard by parents who are relaxing over coffee, casually monitoring their kids amusing themselves on the jungle gym.

If you are allergic to kids- book a table in the thatched extension of the Food Barn for a culinary sensation. Franck Dangereux and his team offer sublime food blending traditional French cuisine with South African ingredients to such perfection, you’ll have booked your next meal before you finish your current one. If you can’t get a table then Café Roux is happy alternative. Run by the Le Roux family, they serve South African dishes with a twist. Specials are chalked up on the board and devoured by patrons in the cleverly enclosed outdoor seating area. There is a quaint courtyard for more intimate dining in a completely adult environment. The relaxed country-feel interior has a glorious fireplace for chillier days. Next door is the Toad in the Village which has just been taken over by ex Springbok Bob Skinstad. Famed for their Sunday spit roast and some of the best eisbein this side of Germany as well as live music in the evenings – it’s no surprise that these restaurants draw a regular crowd.

Visitors to the Noordhoek Farm Village happily rummage through the art and craft shops. All stores are originals and have intriguing names like the Pompous Fly and Zimbalooba. They make look unassuming but the stock is real stuff, the kind of stuff you get down at the farm.

You’ll probably want to book a beauty treatment or massage to retain your relaxed persona and if you’re not full already take a basket of fresh bread and homemade jam home with you from the deli. Collect you hand washed car and sigh contentedly as you leave the green zone. It comes as no surprise to learn the colour green signifies growth, renewal and health; as if you needed another compelling reason to visit Noordhoek Farm Village.

Visit: www.noordhoekvillage.co.za or call 021 789 2812 for more village information. For are information contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za

Take a Hike on the Cape Point Route....

When you see someone putting on big boots, you can be sure adventure is about to happen,’ Winnie the Pooh once said. He was a pretty smart bear. He would have liked the Cape Point Route.

With two coastlines sweeping the edges of a national park, the Cape Point Route is a hiker’s paradise with adventure at every turn. The range of trails takes you through a botanical treasure trove of unspoilt views. Set out on coastal walks, beach strolls, wetland wanderings, boulder scrambles, river rambles, bumpy mountains, lofty peaks and even steep cliffside ascents. You’re sure to get maximum returns for minimum effort – even on one of the short hikes.

The Cape Point Route has hiking options to suit all tastes and fitness levels. For an easy start to the day, try an early morning stroll on the vast white expanse of Noordhoek Beach – and pop into Noordhoek Farm Village for breakfast afterwards. If you’re feeling bold, why not pack a sleeping bag and spend a night at one of the Table Mountain National Park tented camps? Set off during daytime on the Hoerikwaggo Trail – comprising the Cape of Good Hope trail, the Silvermine trail and the Orange Kloof Trail. Hoerikwaggo is the original Khoisan word for ‘mountain in the sea’ which is just what you’ll experience while rambling along.

If Table Mountain seems too much of a challenge, there are loads of other trails to tackle. A favourite is the Chapman’s Peak hike, as you get to drive along the famous marine road before ascending the peak. At the top, you’ll be met by dramatic views of Hout Bay and gaze out across the peninsula and False Bay.

Silvermine Nature Reserve has great views and a range of hikes across a fascinating landscape of rock formations and fynbos. Walk beside the Silvermine river before heading upwards to Noordhoek peak – undoubtedly one of the best lookout points in the peninsula. From here, you can do the Silvermine circuit.

On the False Bay coastline, you can’t beat the walk to Tartarus Cave. It starts on Boyes Drive and offers a bit of everything. There’s a cave, a kloof, an indigenous milkwood forest, an incredible array of flowers and panoramic views of False Bay and its colourful beach houses in St James. The whales will soon be in the bay – and this is a great spot to watch them frolic about.

There are many more hikes on the Cape Point Route – each offering its own unique views and challenges. There are excellent mountain guides and books available in local bookstores, but feel free to call the Cape Point Route for ideas, suggestions or advice on hiking and where to eat or stay while you’re in the area.

Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to hike safely. Take enough water with you, remember your sunscreen and pack your rain gear as Cape Town is known to have four seasons in one day. And of course, follow the age-old hiking tradition – take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.
Now go and put on those big boots and set off on your adventure.

For more information:
Tel: 021 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za
Website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Snorkelling with Seals.....

I had the distinct sensation that I was being watched and with a glance to my right, I saw the big brown puppy-dog eyes of a Cape Fur Seal hanging upside down in the water next to me. My new marine friend was begging me to come and play. With a casual roll he (or was it she?) flipped over and darted around me. With a lazy kick of my flippers I glided through the water and did my own mini somersault, only to be followed and mimicked by a decidedly more graceful maneuver. With burning lungs I headed for the surface to expel water from my snorkel, realizing that I do not having the stamina or diving prowess of the seals frolicking around me.

Snorkeling with seals was my most recent adventure. Trips are organized all year round by Scuba Shack and allow you to go sightseeing on the Cape Point Route under the water. The great part is you don’t need any diving experience but you do need to know how to swim! We met at Hout Bay harbour and were given a superb briefing by the Scuba Shack PADI dive master, who carefully explained the day’s proceedings and gave us some good snorkeling tips as well. We were kitted out with wetsuits (the Cape’s Atlantic waters can be a little chilly!), weight belts, fins, masks and snorkels. We only had to bring our costumes, a towel, sunblock, an underwater camera is a great idea and of course some money!

We left Hout Bay harbour for a fun boat ride to Duiker Island (often called Seal Island) – with fabulous views of Chapman’s Peak and the impressive Sentinel which presides over Hout Bay. Duiker Island is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals. It’s not a breeding colony as the sea can be rough and the pups get swept off the rocks. Cape Fur Seals are named for their thick pelt, unlike true seals which only have a thin covering of hair. Despite their size (between 1.5 and 2 metres in length) the seals are amazingly agile on both land and water.

Although the seals can be timid on land, once in the water they are bold, friendly and incredibly inquisitive. The young pups were particularly curious, darting up to us and frolicking above, below and next to us. They were perhaps more curious about us than we were about them. Some larger, more heavily whiskered seals were slightly more aloof and I had the sense that these were the mothers and aunts keeping a watchful non-aggressive eye on their charming children. The pups antics were so entertaining and amusing that I actually burst out laughing – which is not a good idea when underwater and I had to rush to the surface coughing and spluttering.

Scuba Shack organizes snorkeling with seal trips most Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, but will happily head out if there are a minimum of 5 passengers. The trips are either in Hout Bay or in False Bay depending on the weather conditions. If you want an up close and personal interaction with seals at their friendly most appealing best - call Scuba Shack on (021) 785 6742.

The trip is an easy, fun way to experience aquatic life. Check out seal "hydrobatics" on the Scuba Shack video clip on their website if you need any convincing! www.scubashack.co.za . Put on your flippers, take the plunge and let the seals show you how it’s done.

For more information on what to do, where to stay, where to eat, and where to play in the peninsula visit: www.capepointroute.co.za or call 021 782 9356.

Get Hooked... on the Cape Point Route!

A day on the water and you’ll fall for fishing in the Cape – hook, line and sinker...

Fishing isn’t everyone’s forte. There are always tall stories of the one that got away, tales of warriors battling giant fish, and size scandals. But fishing is one of the most popular activities on the Cape Point Route, and with good reason.

The scenic stretch of the Peninsula from Hout Bay to Cape Point and up the False Bay coastline to Muizenberg has several good fishing spots. Kalk Bay is a fishing village with a quaint but contemporary atmosphere and an operational harbour where you can bait up and cast out.

If you want to drop anchor a little further from the shore, Hout Bay is the place to visit. An early start in the Hout Bay mist will see you setting off to sea with Captain Sean of Hooked on Africa. The company operates fishing charters from the harbour and will take you on an unforgettable in-shore fishing experience. In-shore means that you can still see the shore and aren’t drifting far out at sea. Deep sea fishing means, well, that you’re in really deep water and can’t see the shore.

As you’ll find out on the trip, there’s a lot to learn about the science of fishing – what fish are running and where, the correct rods and lures to use and how to pick a spot in the fishing grounds, just for a start. There’s also the technique of getting a fish off the hook, which you’ll find out when you land a snoek that’s bigger than you. Good thing the locals are there to help out.

It doesn’t matter if the only experience you’ve had with fish involves your pet goldfish. The Captain will show you the ropes and you’ll drop your lines on his orders (and you’ll learn how to do that too). You’ll be taught the technique of releasing the line and reeling it back in. As you get confident you’ll begin to enjoy the calm repetitive motion … until there is a sudden violent yank on your rod and an eruption of excitement on the boat. There’s no gentle nibbling to warn you that a fish is ready for the fight – he’s on the end of your line in a flash.

Adrenaline flows, you pull, he pulls, you reel, he reels, you fight, he fights right back but gradually (with some guidance) you reel in the shiny silver beast. There is more action on board a fishing boat than in a high-speed Hollywood car chase. The Captain and his crew will help get the fish off the line, which is no mean feat as the silvery creatures are about a metre long and weigh about 8 – 9kg. Not to mention their huge jaws and ferocious teeth.

Once you’ve been out on the waters, you’ll understand why fishermen keep going back for more. The adrenaline and challenge with each catch is a conquest. Soon you’ll be tempted to head out into deeper waters to bag that 70kg yellowtail.

As you cook your snoek over the braai with a smug sense of satisfaction, you’ll be the one talking about the size of the fish that was stolen from your line by a Cape Fur Seal and telling the tales about the dolphins and the view of the mountains from the sea.

For more information on fishing charters, places to eat or stay on the Cape Point Route please visit: www.capepointroute.co.za.
Tel: 021 782 9346

TOP AQUA ACTIVITIES ON THE CAPE POINT ROUTE:
Fishing Charters: Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters, Hout Bay
Big Blue Fishing Charters, Simon's Town
Seal Island Cruises: Drumbeat Charters, Hout Bay
High speed boat trips: Simon’s Town Boat Company
Shark Eco-tours: Apex Shark Expeditions

Cape Point Route in the Star Newspaper...

Hey all,

GREAT NEWS.... Journalist Georgina Haupt from the STAR newspaper was a guest on Cape Point Route and wrote a fantastic article on the Southern Peninsula.

"Take a boat trip - The Boat Company in Simon's Town offers trips on a motor boat or 8m catamaran to Seal Island and Cape Point, whale watching or high-sea adventures. All are tempting, but seeing, smelling and hearing the seals up close is an unbelievably rewarding experience

Ride a Horse on Noordhoek Beach - Noordhoek beach rides are legendary in the area. Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding is located on a smallholding stocked with horses and ponies. The animals are well-schooled and extremely tame.........."CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

For information on other attractions and accommodation options, contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Baboons Matter....

One of the most fascinating yet misunderstood creatures of the Cape Point Route are the Chacma baboons. There has been a lot of recent media coverage about wandering and roaming baboons so we thought we should find the real story.

Eric the baboon has made many headlines in the past as the disposed Alpha male from Kommetjie’s Slangkop troop of baboons. When dispersing males reach sexual maturity, they leave their natal troop and go in search of new females. Eric left his troop in May 2007 with his son, Anele and went cruising the Cape Point Route. He traveled through Fish Hoek and Clovelly, visited the artsy village of Kalk Bay and roamed through St James to Muizenberg where he spent a week enjoying the rich pickings of this well known seaside town. After his beach holiday he moved back to the mountains and Silvermine Nature Reserve before causing a few disruptions by crossing Ou Kaapseweg during rush hour traffic on his way to Noordhoek. Eric and Anele split up in Noordhoek and Anele has made his way back to Kommetjie but Eric is still discovering the Cape Point Route and is currently in Hout Bay sampling the offerings of this gorgeous town.

Dispersing Alpha male baboons are vulnerable during this searching period which can take about 2 months of journeying. Many people think these lone males are rogue baboons, which is not the case at all. During this lone phase they need to eat, and will weigh up the choice of foraging against the risk of raiding a home for easily available food in return for the more instantaneous reward.

Residents should be aware that baboons will only defend themselves when cornered – either by humans or their dogs and it is advisable to contain their rubbish bins either by using a baboon proof lock or securing their waste disposal in a secure enclosed space e.g. the garage. Do not ever feed a baboon! Should a baboon enter your kitchen, calmly back away and ensure that the baboon has an exit. Don’t try and remove any food from them (would you like someone to take the chocolate bar in your hand?) and one of the most effective methods of chasing the baboon out of your home is to bang loudly on pots.

Residents in living in baboon territories should become more familiar with their natural behaviour patterns. Baboon Matters is an organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of the Southern Peninsula’s Chacma baboons and they are inviting interested residents to join them on a Walking with Baboons excursion which is both informative and fascinating and will most certainly change your perception of these misunderstood primates. The Walking with Baboons experience is found nowhere else on the globe and visitors to the area are enthralled by the encounter. You spend 2 – 3 hours observing the baboons in their natural habitat on the beautiful fynbos mountains of the Southern Peninsula on the Cape Point Route. Residents can call Baboon Matters on 021 782 2015 to book.

Cape Point Route encourages residents of Cape Town to discover the gems on their doorstep, from the sharks to the baboons, from the art to the antiques. We live, work and play in one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet and have the opportunity to have a daily voyage of discovery. Please call the Cape Point Route for suggestions on other enthralling activities and attractions in the area on 021 782 9356 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Winter along the Cape Point Route....

I am a summer kind of girl…I adore the headiness of sun, sand, sea and mountains. I also love winter. There is something about the sound of rain falling on the roof, cuddling up around a cozy fireplace, drinking hot chocolate or sipping a fine red wine. I love winter until I get a severe case of cabin fever! If like me, you suffer from either F.O.M.O (Fear of Missing Out) or Cabin Fever syndrome, you may be anxious about visiting Cape Town in winter. Do not despair – symptomatic treatment is available from your Cape Point Route doctor.

So you have a list of things you have to see in Cape Town. V&A Waterfront is easy to tick off the list for shopping and dining, an overcast day is ideal for popping out for a grape escape in the winelands to sample some splendid vintages. Hopefully you’ve been lucky enough to get some insight into South Africa’s history by visiting Robben Island. It’s likely that you strolled through the proteas at Kirstenbosch while you waited for a gap in the cloud cover to dash up Table Mountain for one of the best views on the planet. Did you squeeze in a peninsula day tour and get the obligatory snapshot of the lighthouse and the signpost showing how far away from home you are? Did you do the waddle on the boardwalk in Simon’s Town to get some seriously cute pictures of the penguins before heading back to the city saying you’ve seen Cape Town? Congratulations, now let’s treat those syndromes!

Light up your Life and discover the lighthouses on the Cape Point Route. Did you know that the lighthouse at Cape Point has the most powerful beam in the country? Walk past the lighthouse at the top, stroll along a windy dramatic path to the second lighthouse further down. That’s it! In Simon’s Town you will find the only lighthouse in South Africa to be built on a rock! Remember that oil rig looking thing near the penguins? That is Roman Rock lighthouse. For the best views in Cape Town head to Slangkoppunt Lighthouse in Kommetjie, the tallest cast iron lighthouse in the country. Walk to the top with the lighthouse keeper see the inner workings of a lighthouse and take in the 360 degree views of the back of Table Mountain, Hout Bay Sentinel, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point Nature Reserve and of course the Atlantic Ocean! There is a seriously good chance of whale spotting from the top too!

Whale spotting: Winter is whale season after all! Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales and Brydes whales are the most common. I have the luxury of calling myself a whale snob due to close up almost-daily sightings. Land based whale watching from the entire coastline is sensational with Chapman’s Peak Drive & Cape Point being amongst the most spectacular spots to observe these giants of the sea.

Whale watching boat trips will get you even closer to these giant mammals, where you can see the callosities on their heads. There is a strong possibility of seeing dolphins, seals and penguins. Alternatives are to do a high speed boat trip to Cape Point; an exhilarating adventure to view the sheer cliffs of Cape Point from the sea. Boat trips head to Duiker Island in Hout Bay or to Seal Island in False Bay –both home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and the latter is breeding ground of the great white shark.

Shark cage diving: 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 from Simon’s Town. Best experienced in winter, when the sharks in False Bay have been known to breach in a spectacular display by leaping out of the water for their prey. 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

Aqua Action: Cape Town is well known for its’ surfing, boasting 40 breaks within an hour of the city centre. Beginners still head for Muizenberg, thrill seekers head for the reefs off Kommetjie and Scarborough and lunatics head for Dungeons off Hout Bay (particularly in winter when there are seriously big waves). Winter is the best time to learn as the NW winds bring superb conditions to False Bay. Kitsesurfing – why not combine your surfing skills, with some kiting? Lessons & courses are available at Muizenberg beach to get you started with this adrenaline filled sport. If you already have the basics, why not go with an expert to some of the less frequented kitesurfing spots like Witsands and get a real slice of the action! Grab a paddle. Sea kayaking trips are often best undertaken during the Cape Town winter, when the False Bay waters are calmer. Encounter penguins, whales, seals and dolphins from your safe stable sea craft – no previous experience is necessary! Snorkel with Seals: This is one of the most accessible ways to interact with the coastal wildlife. Big eyed seals will play cheerfully with you as you snorkel (in a wetsuit!) and they often imitate your somersaults in the water. They are as curious about you as you are about them.

Scuba Dive: The Coastline of the Cape Point Route is littered with shipwrecks making it a treasure chest for scuba divers. Discover the best of the Cape of Storms by meandering through mysterious kelp forests and coral reefs with sea plants and fish that are only accessible to divers. If you have FOMO why not take a course and get your open water certificate?

Saddle Up: ride a horse along the seemingly endless Noordhoek Beach. Cantering across white sand, your horses’ hooves slicing up the water of the shoreline. I bet you didn’t know you can do a camel ride through the fynbos too? Whilst in the saddle – try riding an old Dutch bicycle (recycled from the canals of Amsterdam!) through Masiphumelele township. I have always been slightly suspicious of township tours, so was delighted and surprised to pedal my way through Masi with some locals – meeting their friends, their shops, their schools, their homes and their traditions. This was welcoming, interactive and a whole lot of fun.

Retail therapy: If all else fails go shopping! The Cape Point Route has a distinctive lack of Chain stores and franchises making your shopping a unique and personal experience. Kalk Bay is one of the hot spots with everything from Seventeenth Century sea maps to coffee sets and everything inbetween, including a fabulous bookstore for post activity relaxing! There is also a superb second hand bookstore at the Foodbarn Deli at Noordhoek Farm Village – combined with a steaming mug of coffee and some deli delights.

Whilst at Noordhoek Farm Village, visit some of the shops & galleries and definitely make a plan to eat there – all 3 restaurants are superb. Dinner in a converted barn with a world acclaimed chef is probably the finest food for best value worldwide! You just can’t beat the relaxed style with classy fare at Café Roux and if a pub vibe is what you are craving – make sure you hang out at the Toad in the Village. Owned by former Rugby Springbok Bob Skinstad – sport, and in particular rugby, gets prime viewing on the big screen. Both Café Roux and the Toad have real fireplaces! With so much to do in the village and surrounds, why not stay a few nights at De Noordhoek Hotel.

One of the things I love about winter is being able to get out into the natural environment without dying of hypothermia, and then warming up in a comfortable, cozy corner with a fireplace. If there is great food and some live South African music playing so much the better! Some of my personal fireplace picks: The Cape Farmhouse, which is literally in an old farmhouse with roaring log fire. Great for tea or lunch or during the winter concerts. Rioja in Kommetjie is a gem – situated in Solole Nature Reserve, the homely atmosphere is enhanced by an excellent wine list, two fireplaces and a third on the way! In Simon’s Town you can pop out of a winter dive and straight into Boulders Beach Restaurant – superb Pacific Rim cuisine, a warm sherry and you guessed it… a log fire! The Meeting Place will warm you up after a paddle to the penguins! Kalk Bay hot spots with my criteria are Harbour House and Polana, both have great views over the harbour and located right on the ocean!

So the much feared Cabin Fever syndrome in the Cape of Storms with never ending rain and an average winter daily temperature of 18°C (not so bad really?) can be easily treated with hiking, biking or diving. F.O.M.O-itis can be tackled by sea kayaking or boat trips and if in doubt there is plenty of red wine or warm beverages.

Call the Cape Point Route central bookings office for ideas of where to go, what to see, how to get there, where to eat or where to stay. Tel: +27 (0)21 782 9356, Email info@capepointroute.co.za or visit their website www.capepointroute.co.za