Outdoor Adventures - Just making a point...

You can either watch it on TV or you can experience it for yourself. The choice to immerse yourself in the playground of the Cape is easy, affordable and accessible for novice adventure seekers or hard core adrenalin addicts. The Cape Point Route spans 2 coastlines wrapped around a National Park and runs from HoutBay along the Atlantic Coastline to Cape Point itself, then back along the False Bay Coastline to Muizenberg.

The Cape Point Route is well aware that its’ natural resources and its local people with their hospitality are unsurpassed, but the secret lies in the action. With dramatic mountain ranges, and long ocean fronts, this is the stuff that you see in the movies. So couch potatoes keep watching the screen and everyone else can come and play.

Hop on a bike and do it with wheels - road or mountain bike the entire Cape Point Route (or part thereof) with the wind in your hair, mountains on one side and sea on the other. It beats National Geographic even on a plasma screen! One of the top picks is a meander of anything up to 45km through Cape Point Nature Reserve, an easy ride along a network of tarred roads at the southwestern tip of Africa. And a great moderate to difficult ride, but not too technical takes you about 30km through Silvermine Nature Reserve. For visitors bike hire is available at Noordhoek Farm Village, at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive. Grab some refreshments for the trip from the farmstall or come back afterwards for some pub grub.

Aqua action abounds for waterbabies. Scuba dive into the ocean depths and discover huge kelp forests, reefs and ghostly shipwrecks. For braver souls shark cage diving is one of the ultimate adrenalin rushes. For a more leisurely look at the sharks and the seals and the whales and the dolphins there are boat trips to Seal island in the middle of False Bay. Get a bigger rush on a high speed hobie cat in False Bay and feel the salt spray as you fly past Ark rock and Roman Rock lighthouse – the only lighthouse on a rock in South Africa. Experienced windsurfers should try Kommetjie for world class windsurfing and one of the biggest drops in the peninsula.

For a sensational penguin viewing experience head to Simon’s Town waterfront and sea kayak south from the harbour to Boulders Beach to see the penguins from the water. Seals will wave their flippers at you and the birdlife is astounding. You don’t have to be a professional – the sea kayaks are stable and safe.

For more info on where to stay, eat, shop and play, contact the Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Do it on the Cape Point Route......

There is expectancy in the air as we head into spring. Our spirits soar with the rise in temperature and we actually start planning our weekends. It’s time to dust off the outdoor gear and acknowledge that the surf’s up! If your brain is as rusty as your winter body, you may need some assistance with fresh ideas or some help with planning Cousin Sue and Uncle Bob’s annual holiday visit.

You’ll be surprised how much there is to see and do on the Cape Point Route, but if you don’t know or if the choices are overwhelming then let the Cape Point Route team help ease you into the outdoor bustle of summer. They’ve been there and done that, and have the local knowledge and experience to select the best wave breaking beaches,
hiking trails, adrenalin activities or romantic getaways to suit your needs.

Winnie the Pooh once said "When you see someone putting on big boots, you can be sure an adventure is about to happen". That’s almost a guarantee if you tackle the mountains of the peninsula – be it hiking from Hout Bay, clambering to a Kalk Bay Cave, wandering the wetlands or a meandering stroll along the catwalk. Professional guides can take you to some lesser known mountain locations. Grab a bike and do it on wheels – wind in your hair, mountains on one side, sea on the other- biking on the road or the mountains is a great way to get in summer shape whilst experiencing the magnificence of the Cape Point Route. There’s horse riding on Noordhoek Beach, golf, tennis, sand boarding and adventure courses, or experience the area from a WWII vintage sidecar!

On the water the easy option is a boat or Jet Ski trip. Trips go to Seal Island and Cape Point, around Simon’s Town harbour and there’s still time to do a whale watching trip. Try jet-skiing in Hout Bay for a new thrill. For more action try surfing. Lessons available in Muizenberg or find a new surf spot, sea kayak to the penguins, head out on a fishing trip to bag a big one or learn to kite surf. If getting wet isn’t your idea of fun, get the thrills of kite surfing with a land sailing encounter! It is worth immersing yourself in the water by taking a dive course and discovering the kelp forests, shipwrecks, coral gardens and deep reefs that surround our coastline.

Families should consider scratching for gemstones at Scratch Patch or climbing to the top of Slangkoppunt lighthouse in Kommetjie. Whizz up to the lighthouse at Cape Point in the funicular or take the kids to Imhoff Farm or Noordhoek Farm Village where parents can relax while the kids play safely.

For more info call the team on 021 782 9356 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Classic driving in a motor classic continued.....

The Cape Point Route experience begins in Hout Bay, a picturesque village set in a fold of sea lapped mountains, converging at a lively fishing harbour hosting many tourism activities. Soaring out of the town is Chapman’s Peak Drive - a winding 9 kilometer stretch of asphalt with 114 curves and breathtaking views over the vast Atlantic ocean. In a Jaguar E-type this is a motoring marvel, a fantasy come true. To get the most out of your trip, pull over frequently and view the phenomenon of jagged mountains plunging down into the pounding surf. The rocks have been shaped by the elements and are richly coloured for spectacular photography.

Noordhoek’s wide white swathe of Long Beach opens up in front of you. Noordhoek is known as South Africa’s rural gem and one of the best place to enjoy sundowners, or horse riding. We pulled into Noordhoek Farm village for some refreshments and to browse the quirky shops. One should always allow time to truly enjoy a journey so pack patience and slow down.

From Noordhoek one deviates slightly from the coast until you turn right along Kommetjie Road, passing the communities of Masiphumele and Ocean View. You will notice camels next to the road at Imhoff Farm – another fabulous tea stop or a place to pick up some country produce or cheese from the cheesery for a picnic. On reaching Kommetjie, known for being one of the surfing hotspots and a great bird watching area, make sure you do not leave without visiting South Africa’s tallest cast iron lighthouse – the Slangkoppunt Lighthouse. Take a tour and climb to the top to see Cape Point Nature Reserve and Hout Bay.

With the chilly Atlantic on your side, the road winds past the tiny hamlets of Misty Cliffs (another popular surf spot) and Scarborough, a beautiful Atlantic seaside village surrounded by Table Mountain National Park with views of the Cape Of Good Hope. A sense of freedom settles in comfortably with the wind blowing through your hair and being surrounded by spectacular terrain. Marianne Faithfull’s ballad of Lucy Jordan was used in the soundtrack for an American movie classic “Thelma and Louise” – the story of 2 women who leave their troubled home lives and embark on a lengthy road trip in Louise’s green convertible. They were escaping disillusionment in search of a romantic dream. I think that maybe they just wanted the freedom of a road trip?

Unlike the desert journey of Thelma and Louise, storied surf spots, rugged coastlines, jaw dropping views and raw beauty are the substance of the Cape Point Route. At the forked junction after Scarborough you will notice a curio menagerie. We veered left here over Red Hill for mountain meandering in our motor classic. Continuing straight leads you past Cape Point Ostrich Farm and to the entrance of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Red Hill is an undisclosed treasure for automobile enthusiasts, after all a rare car deserves a rare road. On the steep descent to the False Bay coastline there are some glorious hairpin bends and panoramic views of Simon’s Town and the naval dockyard.
Turning right brings you to the charming naval town of Simon’s Town. The area known as the “Historic Mile”, the heart of the town, boasts a great variety of architecturally interesting buildings, good restaurants (seafood is the speciality), antique shops and fine walks. Boats head off in different directions from the jetty. Make the time for a 40 – minute harbour cruise or a voyage right into the middle of False Bay to Seal Island. Probably the most spectacular trip is to cruise right down the Peninsula to the dramatic tip at Cape Point.

On the outskirts of Simon’s Town is Boulders Beach Penguin colony. These quirky birds have gained star status on the Cape Point Route and a visit to the region is not complete without a stop at tuxedo junction. The main entrance is at Seaforth Beach with a boardwalk leading through the nesting area. If you want to get your feet in the sand stop on the Boulders Beach side and have a swim with the penguins. Being one of the top attractions of the Cape Point Route there were many visitors and the E-type Jaguar sparked numerous conversations with travelers and locals alike. I am unaccustomed to sports cars or the sex appeal of the culture, but I rapidly rose to the occasion of MY car being a celebrity sensation. Sports cars are provocative and discussions around the 4200 CC; the 6 cylinders and 265 HP of the E-type were as suggestive as a crowded singles bar.

The road beckoned however and the call of the Cape of Good Hope echoed in my head.
Learning about Cape Point in school geography does not equate to being at the south-western tip of Africa. Despite the summons I managed to slow down to explore the magnificent route past Miller’s Point and Smitswinkel Bay discovering hidden coves and bays along the way. Scuba divers will delight in the knowledge that 6 shipwrecks lie in the bay at Smits and the wreck dives are a nirvana for divers.

Cape Point Nature Reserve is striking and one could contentedly spend an entire day in the park alone. Getting off the beaten track on the side routes is sheer driving pleasure, especially in an open top vehicle. With minimal traffic, hoards of space, clear skies, fresh air, lack of congestion, and unparalleled splendour, the sense of joy and freedom prevail. We indulged at the Two Oceans restaurant, then whizzed up 238 metres in the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the old lighthouse presiding over Cape Point.
The unhurried consciousness of cruising led along the meandering False Bay coastline. In whale season from July – November there are exceptional view points along the entire coast. Southern Right and Humpback whales return to the shores every year with a visual display of tail waving and spouting that beats a box office hit.

The False Bay seaboard has a collection of eclectic seaside villages, historical buildings, beaches, art culture and shopping. Pick of the Cape Point Route seaside villages for foodies is Kalk Bay – a town that gravitates around the fishing harbour at its centre, but Fish Hoek, St James and Muizenberg have their own unique characters and attractions- each worth a lengthy stop or overnight sojourn.

Reluctantly steering away from the bustle in my left hand drive chariot, I headed up Boyes Drive. If ever there is a reason to take the long route, Boyes Drive is it. The road cuts a path on the mountainside above the towns of Muizenberg, St. James and Kalk Bay, with most of the drive above human settlement. There are spectacular views of False Bay you won’t want to miss with numerous places to stop. Look out for the shark spotters on the road and the hardy surfers balancing on the waves below. Shark cage diving and viewing has become a sought after activity in False Bay and surfing has long been a popular pursuit with most beginner lessons being given at Muizenberg.

Rounding each curve and corner of the Cape Point Route brought a discovery of fascinating activities and magnetic scenery. Despite the lure of the open road in an immortal vehicle, the appeal of each town forced a deliberate lingering and the need for a protracted stay. Natural beauty is reason enough to journey on the Cape Point Route, doing so in a motor classic is beyond imagination. With a mountainous national park framed by two oceans in a picture perfect image, the Cape Point Route will be one of the most memorable vacations you have ever treated yourself to. The saying goes “it’s the journey not the destination” but there is an amendment in this case as the destination is also journey.

For more information on attractions, activities, restaurants and places to stay on the Cape Point Route please visit: www.capepointroute.co.za

To hire the E-type jaguar or a classic car please contact Motor Classics:
1 Waterloo Street, Vredehoek, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: +27 (0)21 461 73 43
www.motorclassic.co.za

To view this article in its orginal format in the SA Top Spots magazine. click here Article is on Page 34- 39.

Cape Point Route Spring Splash - Sunday 6 Sept 09

With the official start of spring, destination marketing company, Cape Point Route (CPR) aims to resuscitate the South Peninsula with an invitation to the people of Cape Town to join them for a group swim on Sunday 6 September at 15h30 on Fish Hoek Beach.

The 3rd consecutive CPR Spring Splash welcomes Spring and the start of season – a season of festivals, regattas, whales, flowers, swimming, hiking diving, kayaking, biking, riding, running and playing. Tourism is everyone’s business and we encourage all people living in Cape Town to celebrate and share this beautiful part of the world in which we live, work and play by joining together in a group swim - just because you can!

The swim will take place in front of the Fish Hoek Galley rain or shine, we will gather for a group photo, there will be an official countdown and with much yelping and yahoo-ing there will be a mad dash for the water. You can run in and out, you can hang out and body surf, its up to you.

So, shrug off the winter coats and blues and come down to Fish Hoek Beach on Sunday 6 September at 15h30 for a refreshing start to the season. There is no entrance fee, no registration, no fundraising and no charity to support – this is just for fun! Just bring your friends, your family, your staff, your boss, your neighbour, your kids, your grandparents, swimming gear and loads of attitude!

For more info on the Cape Point Route visit www.capepointroute.co.za or Call 021 782 9356

Classic Driving in a Motor Classic on the Cape Point Route....

“…she realized she’d never ride through Paris in a sports car with the warm wind in her hair” crooned Marianne Faithfull in 1979 in the Ballad of Lucy Jordan. The song has come to exemplify a romantic escape from the mundane chores of domestic life. But let’s be honest there aren’t many of us who will drive through Paris in a sports car!

Fortunately an open top, long nosed sporty convertible is infinitely more attainable than a dream and give me the Cape Point Route rather than Paris anyday. I am a fan of a good coastal cruise and losing oneself in the scale and enormity of nature. Beats Parisian traffic jams if you ask me. A good coastal drive should involve some hairpin bends hugging dramatic cliffs, waves crashing on jagged rocks below and preferably a narrow road with an exhilarating edge between land and sea. But for any truly great coastal journey one must not overlook the importance of the right car and the right companion! A great convertible and a great passenger are two crucial ingredients for a great coastal smorgasbord.

The convertible for driving yourself round the Cape Point Route can be obtained from Motor Classics in Waterloo Street, Cape Town. Motor Classics is an automobile paradise with a stage of classic cars. Beautiful Bentleys, Royal Rolls; zippy Alfa Spiders, vintage Crossley, a TVR Chimaera convertible, Austin Healeys, Mercedes and Range Rovers grace the showroom and all are available for hire. But the 1970 E-type Jaguar 4,2 roadster in racy red was just too irresistible for me.

The unique long bonnet, the unforgettable sound, the curvaceous elegant lines are enough to turn a non-car lovers head in wonderment. It’s no surprise that the UK’s Daily Telegraph ranked the Jaguar E-type first in its March 2008 list of “100 most beautiful cars of all time”. Like great art, a classic car escapes the design influences of trendy fashion and is judged on pure merit. In addition to seriously good looks, the engine purrs, the car hugs the road and the drive is a meeting place of highway and heaven.

As frequently as heads turn to look at you in your sports car, your head will be turned in equal wonderment with the landscape unfolding around you. The Cape Point Route spans two coastlines wrapped around a national park. With Hout Bay and Muizenberg as it’s “gateways”, the Cape Point Route hugs the coastline almost the entire way – enjoying the charming personalities of the towns that cling to it’s slopes. On the False Bay side there is a touristy buzz and plenty of history with old stone buildings, quaint homes and quirky shops overlooking beaches and tidal pools. The Atlantic side is wilder, with the mountain almost tripping over the serpentine coast down to the sea.

For more info on the Cape Point Route, call us on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Cape Town's Other Route....

Visitors have "flirted" with the Cape Point Route but now its time to get intimate and start a meaningful love affair – “we are not a one night stand, we are worth at least three!” so says the Cape Point Route Marketing Team.

The Cape Point Route contains an eclectic mix of seaside villages, two coastlines wrapped around a National Park, 18 beaches to choose from; art & cultural experiences; interesting people; historical buildings; outdoor activities; Cape fynbos; wildlife and much more!

Where else can you go surfing and belly dancing in quick succession, then pop into an art café for fine dining and off to a drum circle before cocktails with penguins and hot chocolate with buffalo? And how about moonlight hiking, sunrise kayaking, mountain biking followed by a massage or a yoga class. Or just a walk on the beach…?

With Hout Bay and Muizenberg as it’s “gateways”, the Cape Point Route hugs the coastline almost the entire way – enjoying the charming personalities of the towns that cling to it’s slopes. On the False Bay side there is a touristy buzz and plenty of history with old stone buildings, quaint homes and quirky shops looking over beaches and tidal pools. The Atlantic side is still wild, with the mountain almost tripping over the serpentine coast down to the sea.

For more info on where to go, where to stay, where to eat and what to do on the Cape Point Route, contact us on 021 782 9356 or visit our website wwww.capepointroute.co.za

The Cape Point Route for Kids....

"In America, there are two classes of travel. First class, and with children". I am not sure whether American humourist, Robert Benchley, actually had children or not. I am pretty certain however that he didn’t attempt traveling on the Cape Point Route - with or without kids, because Cape Town, and in particular the kingdom of the Cape Point Route, is a first class place to travel with kids and a perfect spot for a family holiday.

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.

Recently penguin mania has hit Hollywood with popular movies - Madagascar, March of the Penguins and Happy Feet. As a result penguins are the star attraction for kids! Just past Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast is Boulders Beach – a charming beach with giant boulders, tranquil pools and you guessed it- penguins! This is an absolute must do activity for the children as you can sit on the beach with the penguins, swim with the penguins or walk on the elevated boardwalks to view them. It is a truly remarkable experience, but for an extended appreciation of these quirky characters check into the family friendly Boulders Beach Lodge – self catering and B&B accommodation right at Boulders Beach. You will have penguins outside your window, a bed almost on the beach and there is an excellent kids menu at the restaurant and some not to be missed penguin curios at the downstairs shop! They even have “Ride a Penguin” which raises funds for SANCCOB.

For more information on the Cape Point Route, call us on 021 782 9356, send us an email at info@capepointroute.co.za or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za