How to spend 10 Days in South Africa

You arrive in South Africa landing on the hot sticky tarmac of Cape Town International Airport. The sun bounces off the glass surrounding the terminal creating a shimmering box in which to collect your luggage. The rigmarole of checking in to South Africa is swift and unimposing, you get to the exit, coaches and taxis waiting. Let the holiday begin!!"

The hustle of Cape Town is something to be savoured, so simply passing through would be a missed opportunity. The Cape Grace Hotel is a perfect place to start your luxury holiday. The hotel is classically inspired and encapsulates the enchantment and intrigue of South Africa perfectly making it the only possible place to start your holiday.

The Cape Grace Hotel

The hotel is situated on the harbour offering stunning panoramic views across the quay and into the ocean. Cape Town is steeped in history with evidence of the apartheid years still visible as tourist attractions which act as a shocking reminder of years gone by.

A particular point of interest is Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town. Robben Island in recent

history was primarily used as a prison to segregate political prisoners and activists. Nelson Mandela was held here for 27years. It is a sobering experience, but also a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit and one that shouldn't be missed.

Cape Town offers all the modern amenities, with a great market and contemporary retailers. The tourism industry is thriving in Cape Town and you can therefore benefit from great service and facilities.

"After a couple of days perusing through the streets of Cape Town sampling fresh seafood and exquisite local cuisine it is time to set off further into the African savannah to sample more of what South Africa has to offer.

How about north to, "Wine Country"...hmmm...There's an idea." Franschhoek is about 2-3 hours north of Cape Town closer to the interior rather than the coast. The landscape appears more "European" than African; luckily the heat will remind you instantly where you are. Franschhoek is a large rural area filled with grapes and vineyards. South Africa has now confirmed to the world that it is a serious competitor in new world of wines. Australia, South America and South Africa are becoming the core countries pursuing winemaker's recognition.

Le Quartier François is one of  the finest hotels in the world let alone Africa. The restaurant was voted 37th in the reputable S.Pallegrino "best restaurant" award. The food is therefore out of this world, and the accommodation itself lives up to its Michelin star counterpart. The rooms are elegantly designed with a great feel of contemporary design. The rooms each have a traditional wood burning fireplace to give a wonderful balance between old and new. ICi is one of the restaurants on the resort offering an incredible breakfast each and every morning. Once you have taken breakfast the rest of the day is up to you. You can explore the region of Franschhoek visiting individual winemakers and vineyards sampling South Africa's finest export, or you can go to

* Môreson, Bread and Wine, for the ultimate wine and food experience

* Golf courses within fifteen minutes drive - Pearl valley and Paarl Golf Course

* Tennis courts

* Hiking and biking excursions

* Horse-riding and wine tasting on horseback

* Paragliding and helicopter trips

* Chocolate tasting

* Great restaurants and wineries to visit

I think because of its produce the area of Franschhoek is certainly an adult's playground offering the finest luxuries no matter what your request. "After a couple of days soaking up the sun, atmosphere and wine,

it's time to head out to the plains of Africa. The real Africa is waiting, the chance for safari. Heading further north will bring you to the largest National Park in Africa Kruger National Park.

Leaving Franschhoek is the first step to a genuine adventure, a chance to explore some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Keep the camera on standby or at least within arm's reach. The difficult thing about an incredible moment is that they are easily missed. Pack the camera!!"

Setting off to Kruger fills you with excitement, the chance to release the "inner-Attenborough". Game lodges are dotted throughout Kruger National Park, each with its own incomparable views and game drives. Wildlife is rife throughout the park, giving you the opportunity to see the big 5 as well as exceptional birdlife.

The Royal Malewane lodge is one of the finest lodges in the entire park. It is a place for people who want to get away from modern life and really engage themselves with Africa. All suites are based in the African bush in an unspoilt environment giving astonishing views of landscape and wildlife alike. Game drives are held throughout the day giving you a chance to see a plethora of wildlife, from Lions and elephants to exquisite bush and tree dwellers, what more would you need from a luxury safari in South Africa.

The Lodge manages to bring luxury to the most bucolic place on earth, the combination of opulence and the sounds of wildlife calling throughout the night is a combination like no other.

South Africa is a place that you will be talking about for years after you leave. It's an emotional thing. I can't imagine bonding with London, New York, Tokyo etc in a way you can bond with South Africa. It has everything!

Discover the possible potential for a South African Safari.

About the author:

Michael Jessop 

Unexpected adventure in South Africa: a marriage preposal...

Why stay single, and where to find happiness? In order to answer this question, read a personal successful story My Tour to South Africa. How a divorced woman overcame her depression and decided to go to visit far away land South Africa.   

Maria lay languidly on the chez-lounge on the balcony of the villa as she gazed out onto the splendid Table Mountain. Maybe it is my destiny to live here, in South Africa, she thought. Being honest with herself, she was not very keen on going back.

After getting divorced from her alcoholic husband and after the scandals and squabbles that she found so hard to bear, she had decided to invest in a private holiday to get away from it all. This was how she ended up here, at the Earth's edge: South Africa...

Hiring an apartment in one of the villas on the coast had been remarkably straightforward and actually quite fun.

As Maria inhaled the dewy scent of the ocean, she immediately began to dream about the landlord of the villa. His outer appearance was nothing to write home about, but what a character he had! Maria was not used to this type of attitude.

He approached her as delicately as though he was holding a fragile vase from the time of the ancient Chinese emperors and had a gleeful look in his eyes that showed no hint of lust or judgment. No doubt this was how he looked on all foreign visitors and also at the stars... he was called Ashvin, a very pleasant sounding name.

"Madam, wake up!" - A hand gently touched her shoulder - "it's time for dinner madam..." Ashvin's dark eyes seemed to be filled with gold that gently glistened in the light and Maria's heart quickened and felt as though it were on fire.

Oh, what a holiday this was!

The town had begun to blossom as though it were a flower. Maria was not very interested in shopping malls, she preferred to enjoy untouched African nature, sand beach, warm waves of the ocean and stunning gardens.

She had always loved the ocean with its surfers in bright, multi-colors, its yachts and screeching seagulls. She loved to go for a run in the mornings when it seemed as though the whole town was brimming with a wonderful zest for life. The delightful, widely ramified palm trees and the seals that quietly rested on the shore, the magical oceanarium, the ancient mosques, the exotic eastern bazaars; Maria loved all of it, and of course, Ashvin.

Before Maria was planning to leave, he said to her...

"I am a well-known person here, Maria. The regular renting business gives me a reasonably income and a prosperous life..... In spite of all these, I am lacking the most essential thing in my life, a wife and children. Now I am double sure, this is so because it was in my destiny to meet you… Maria. You are my destiny! I would like to ask for your hand in marriage."

He opened a tiny box and there, in the velvet box, sat a blue sapphire ring whose watery stones glistened as if they had been formed from the ocean itself...

Article Tags: South Africa

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lilia is an educational articles expert who loves to assist with useful TIPS for those who are single. Discover new matrimonial and marriage ideas. 

Eight wonderful days traveling to Cape Town

The first leg of the trip from Jo’burg was overcast and rainy; however we were in high spirits, as we would spend our first night in the thriving metropolis of Winburg!

My daughter had just spent the last two years studying in Paris. When she returned and told me that she was going to be living and working in Cape Town, it was mutually decided that we would use the opportunity for a road trip. We had not seen each other during the time she was away, so we planned a trip that would give us time to reconnect.

The small town seemed to be stuck in the old South Africa, with the bar at the hotel overrun with memorabilia from the past. It seems the town has survived only to serve the local farming community.

It was freezing cold but our guest house was very pleasant and our host cheerful and welcoming, which is precisely why I enjoy small towns.

For my daughter, who is a vegetarian, dinner consisted of a Greek salad... not the ideal meal on a cold winter's night. But for the carnivores there was plenty to sink your teeth into. The dining room at the guesthouse also doubles as the local museum, although there is another museum in the town.

After a leisurely Sunday breakfast it was time to brave the mist and the rain and head off for our next overnight stop in Graaff-Reinet...

Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that stops on a Sunday in this part of South Africa have to be planned in advance as most of the places we wanted to visit en route were closed. We did, however, stop off for lunch in Nieu-Bethesda, which is always worth a visit as the coffee shop near the Owl House offers great food at reasonable prices (and they are vegetarian-friendly).

Those who remember the General Dealer in the centre of town will be sad to know that the 21st century eventually arrived here and it was turned into a bookstore and art gallery. Neither of these ventures succeeded and the building was empty and for sale.

If you take the back road out of Nieu-Bethesda, the scenery is more spectacular and the road is in far better condition.

Our accommodation in Graaff-Reinet’s was an eye-opener. We had an entire house to ourselves. Without sounding like an estate agent, it was everything I would want in a retirement property.

The Victorian bath was extremely welcoming and the bed with its mound of pillows and warm duvet was so comfortable that I did not even get to read before falling asleep. With two warm and welcoming bedrooms, this was a great self-catering venue. It was a pity that we only had one night there.

A little known fact is that this area is the centre of tequila production in South Africa. Here, we also managed to find a family restaurant that was open on a Sunday and catered for vegetarians. There are guesthouses in abundance here, and I am sure that travelers will find something to suit their pockets.

As it was a clear winter's night, we were able to do a little star-gazing before turning in for the night.

With a plethora of small shops and museums to visit we spent the morning exploring the town before embarking on the next leg of our journey.

In order to get to Oudtshoorn we used the N9 and traveled via Aberdeen, Willowmore and De Rust.

This was a well-maintained alternative to the N1 and we stopped off in each town along the way rather than whizzing past as most holiday-makers seem to do. Each town had a charm of its own and while it was difficult to ascertain what kept their economies buoyant, there were coffee shops and antique stores in each town which provide tourists with a reason to stop and visit.

My dad grew up in Oudtshoorn, an ideal place to spend a few days, or an entire holiday. The town and surrounding area have more things to do and places to visit than you could imagine. The main street of the town had more coffee shops and places to eat than several major cities I have visited, and there were the crocodile and, of course, ostrich farms, as well as the spectacular Cango Caves. The standard route was astounding with its formations varying in age from 1.2 million years to baby formations of around 400 years old, while more daring visitors might enjoy the adventure tour.

A breeding pair of ostriches also kept me entertained, as the male seemed to be the only one interested in the eggs. He spent both day and night on the eggs, while his "partner" patrolled the fence.

We based ourselves at the Cul-de-sac B&B, where Derrick and Amanda proved to be superb hosts. The accommodation consisted of either double accommodation, or self-catering apartments that sleep four: (In total they can accommodate 28 guests.)

We used the Swartberg Pass route to reach Prince Albert. The pass was breathtaking and an absolute must if you visit the area.

It seemed as if this tiny hamlet consisted solely of coffee shops, craft dealers and B&B establishments, but it must have been doing something right as there were also three estate agents in the main street. According to a lady at the gallery, the locals have an awesome social life. For those who have the time, a visit to Die Hel is also worth the 37km drive which took us two hours in total.

We returned to Oudtshoorn via Klaarwater and De Rust as the road is tarred all the way. The attraction of this route was that it crossed the Meiringspoort River 27 times.

Our remaining time in Oudtshoorn was spent looking through antique shops and finding my dad's nursery and high schools. The latter has been converted to a wonderful and informative museum.

Later, approaching Paarl via Swellendam meant that the road was less busy than the N2 with no toll roads... and only about 10km longer than the toll road. By missing the Huguenot Tunnel we were able to enjoy the stunning scenery that the Du Toits Kloof Pass had to offer.

The Paarl guesthouse we stayed in was built in 1812 and the building that currently houses guestrooms used to contain an indoor swimming pool.

Paarl, like most of the other towns we visited, seemed to be filled with coffee shops, art galleries and antique shops. As my mother was born here, I did some investigating and we were able to find her family home.

We found some great art and some not so good food. We had the worst meal of our entire trip here. But we did find a great fudge shop, which eradicated all memories of that meal.

Our last official day on the road was to Klienmond and Arabella Western Hotel and Spa, a 5-star luxury establishment in the "middle of nowhere”. We spent the morning at the spa and after a wonderful massage and their signature "Rain Forest" treatment; it was time to face the last leg of our epic road trip.

To get to Cape Town we used the coastal road via Pringle Bay and Gordon's Bay in order to try to see some Southern Right Whales in Walker Bay. Although there were a lot of whale watching boats to be seen, the whales proved elusive.

Cape Town rolled out the red carpet for us, with a full military parade... well there was a parade, but it was not actually for us, but we like to believe that it was.

The hotel we stayed at was opened in March, but unfortunately their signage is still not up and we drove around in ever decreasing circles until we found it, more by accident than design. However, the staff at reception was very friendly and this did help to diffuse the situation.

Was it worth the cost in petrol and mileage? You bet it was.

Not only did we get to see parts of what makes South Africa great but we got to spend eight wonderful days together.

Key Words: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Walker Bay Pringle Bay, Gordon’s Bay, Klienmond, Paarl, Swellendam, Oudtshoorn,

Article courtesy The Saturday Star

Flights to Cape Town - Affordable Prices for FIFA World Cup 2010

Soccer world cup 2010 has been scheduled to be held in South Africa. Cape Town has gain popularity in terms of tourism due to its sporting and cultural events. One of such grand sports event FIFA world cup 2010 will be held in Cape Town. This grand event will be held between 11th June 2010 and 11th July 2010. Cape Town is one of the hosting cities in South Africa.

An estimate of more than 75,000 visitors will be visiting Cape Town from UK. Matches in Cape Town will be held at The Cape Town Stadium. This stadium has the capacity of more than 70,000 spectators. The people of Cape Town have done lots of preparations for both the players and visitors for the FIFA world cup. Cape Town is a diverse city and is regarded as the melting point for various different cultures in South Africa.

We offer a wide range of cheap airfares and cheap flights for your travel to Cape Town. With us you can book cheap Flights to Cape Town with various airlines. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways, Emirates, Qatar, etc are our partner airlines with which you can book your flights to Cape Town online at cheap prices. Airfares are not only cheap for economic class but also very cheap for business and premium class. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways are the direct flights to Cape Town.

All flights to Cape Town depart from London Heathrow Airport and will arrive at Cape Town International Airport. British Airways departs from London, Heathrow at 19:20pm and arrives at Cape Town Airport at 08:50am.

South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic leaves from London, Heathrow at 20:15pm and reach Cape Town at 10:25am Qatar leaves from London, Heathrow at 20:30pm and reaches Doha at 06:10 am and then from Doha it departs at 06:45am and reaches Cape Town at 17:40pm (next day arrival).

Emirates leave from London, Heathrow at 20:00pm and reaches Dubai at 06:45am and then from Dubai it departs at 08:35am and reaches Cape Town at 16:15pm (next day arrival).

With us you will also get a wide range of cheap package deals. If you choose a package, your problem of getting low cost accommodation, will be solved. There are various other things that we offer for your convenience. So please contact us.

About the author: Robert Moore has been offering Cheap Flights and Cape Town Flights for quite some time. To find Cheap Flights to Cape Town, Flights to Cape Town, FIFA World Cup Flights, London to Cape Town Flights for FIFA World Cup that best suits your needs visit www.cheapflightst ocapetown.org.uk

World Cup starts at the draw

FIFA World Cup draw in Cape Town on December 4, the path to glory at the first African World Cup will be a familiar one. Whatever surprises the draw for South Africa 2010 provides.

Fifa's decision to take its prized asset outside Europe and the Americas for only the second time will make for a momentous event with organisers viewing the draw at the International Convention Centre as the tournament's start.

While there will be a new and distinctly African flavour to the June 11-July 11 competition, with vuvuzela trumpets blaring from every venue, there is no such novelty in the 32-team line-up.

In contrast to the last World Cup in Germany in 2006, when there were four debutants from Africa alone, this time every one of the teams has prior experience, albeit in former guises in the case of one or two.

Among the nations being drawn in a ceremony that will be broadcast to hundreds of millions of TV viewers from the city famous for its Table Mountain will be all seven previous champions.

"Not only for South Africa but for the whole world this is the beginning of the World Cup," local organising committee chief executive Danny Jordaan told Reuters in a recent interview.

"I think it's going to be a huge occasion. We've worked hard to produce a spectacular draw."

For the first time there are six African teams involved, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria and the hosts, and they have all been here before.

The "home" stage means there is a good chance an African team can win the greatest prize in football for the first time.

'We've worked hard to produce a spectacular draw' Joining the likes of 2006 winners Italy and five-times champions Brazil are a bunch of teams emerging from a spell in the footballing wilderness.

They include North Korea, who reached the quarter-finals on their only previous appearance in England in 1966, Honduras and New Zealand, who have only qualified once before in Spain in 1982.

Other teams have been here before under different names: Slovakia have experience as the former Czechoslovakia and Serbia appeared in Germany as Serbia & Montenegro and going back further as Yugoslavia.

The tournament, which will take place at 10 venues in nine cities, will feature eight groups of four teams in the first stage followed by a series of knockout rounds.

Soccer's ruling body Fifa has still not announced the seedings for the draw which will begin at 1700 GMT in front of 2,000 guests in the hall.

The one certainty is South Africa will be assigned the top position in Group A and will play the tournament's first match at Soccer City in Johannesburg on June 11.

Brazil, Italy and European champions Spain are all but certain to join South Africa among the batch of top seeds, with the likes of Netherlands, Germany, France and Argentina among the heavyweights hoping to join them.

Once the match schedule has been finalised, team officials will be pouring over meteorological data as well as their opponents' playing statistics.

The venues are split between the high veldt, where cold temperatures and high altitude will be a factor, to warm coastal locations and the small cities of Nelspruit and Polokwane.

It is the first winter World Cup since Argentina in 1978 when the home side won.

It will almost certainly be beyond South Africa, affectionately known as Bafana Bafana, to match that achievement with a place in the second round the realistic target for a team ranked 86th in the world. - Reuters

Camps Bay: Cape Town's Trendiest Suburb

Camps Bay is an area not to be missed while on a Cape Town holiday - one of the trendiest, most beautiful suburbs found in the Mother City. With a stretch of beach no less breathtaking than a postcard and some of the cities best bars and restaurants, it is no small wonder people flock to this seaside hubbub come rain or shine.

The Beach and Promenade

Camps Bay beach hosts Cape Town's most beautiful people throughout the summer (northern hemisphere winter), with tanned bodies spread across the entire beach whenever the sun is out. This is the place to see and be seen, so be sure to wear your favourite pair of Gucci sun glasses if you want to fit in with this fashionable crowd.

If you want to catch a tan on your Cape Town holiday, this beach is just the place. You can spend hours lounging on the soft white sand, and when the sun gets too hot, you can take a quick dip in the sparking Atlantic Ocean water. Be warned, however, this part of the ocean is freezing, and only the brave few can last in the water for more than a few minutes, but it's just the thing to cool off.

If you want to stretch your legs instead of lying on the sand all day, a picturesque promenade borders the beach. Roller-skaters glide on by, couples eating ice creams admire the view, and those who want to strut their stuff parade down the sidewalk. If you fancy sampling some of the world's best ice cream, Sinful Ice Cream parlour is known by all the locals. Delicious flavours from cookies and cream to pistachio and praline await you, and you can enjoy this creamy wonder as you stroll along the beachfront.

The Restaurants and Bars

Camps Bay is known for its vibrant restaurants and bars. There are few better things to do when on a Cape Town holiday than enjoy a fresh seafood meal whilst gazing out over the Camps Bay waters, smelling the salt in the air and watching the crowds strut by. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, and you can take your pick of tables in the sun as you enjoy seafood and cocktails.

At night the area becomes even more vibrant, with numerous trendy bars hosting the city's elite along the beachfront. If you're there on a Sunday afternoon, La Med is the place to be. With a relaxed atmosphere and a sunny outdoor area, this is one of the most popular choices along the beach.

Camps Bay Sunset: One of a Kind

Camps Bay has a reputation for having the most beautiful and picturesque sunset in Cape Town. And a tailor-made holiday in Cape Town will not be complete until you have spent at least one evening watching the sun go down over the sea. Each evening, picnickers flock down to the beach, and enjoy sundowners and snacks while sitting on the sand. Camps Bay is one of the best beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard for sunsets, where the sun literally appears to be sinking into the sea, against a pink and purple sky.

About the author: 

Rachel Hill is a specialist consultant with Southern Africa Travel, a company offering Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote. http://www.southernafricatravel.co.uk/destination.jsp?destinatio 

Holiday in South Africa, starting from Cape Town

I met a European couple (the guy from the Netherlands and the girl from UK) in Australia a couple of years ago. They are now planning to come visit South Africa later this year and I thought it may be useful for European travelers to hear a South African’s opinion of a holiday in South Africa.

Firstly you need to understand that I’m an outdoor man. Although I live in a city, everything I do for pleasure will be to get away from city life. While in Australia, I read somewhere that “If you can’t get lucky in Darwin, you should stop trying”. So if you’re looking for big, busy cities to party, don’t follow my advice and if you want to get lucky, go to Darwin.

I believe anybody coming to visit South Africa should try to spend a couple of days in Knysna and the Drakensberg. Although there are many other places worth visiting, these two are my favorites.

Most international flights in South Africa arrive or depart in Johannesburg or Cape Town and I would recommend you arriving in Cape Town and departing from Jo’burg. For a bit of wine tasting, do a 1 or 2 day wine trip to Stellenbosch or something around Cape Town (I recommend a minimal stay of 7 days in Cape Town) and then head off to Mossel Bay (personally I would spend 1-2 days in Hartenbos, just outside of Mossel Bay). Cape Town waters are pretty cold due to the Atlantic Ocean, so if you want to spend some time on the beach and swim, don’t even bother before Mossel Bay. However, I would save my beach-time for Plettenberg bay and Jeffrey’s bay. Mossel Bay is around 400Kms from Cape Town. From Mossel Bay, I’d go straight to Knysna (+/- 120Kms), although there are a couple of beautiful places along the way, so it depends on your time and budget.

I grew up in Knysna and though it is a much bigger and commercialized town now, it is still a stunning place to visit. If you like hiking, spend time in Knysna. When I was a little boy, our family got lost on a hiking trail and at some point we had to cut through an immensely dense fern growth. Being too young to know the dangers, I thought it was the most amazing thing because we were walking (or crawling) on top of these ferns probably 1 meter or so above the ground and ever so often I would see our little fox terrier down on the ground looking up at us. The Knysna forest has an amazing variety of plants and trees and on many of the hiking trails you will constantly be covered by a huge tree-top covering. In my opinion it is beautiful and I can spend many hours just enjoying the beauty in a small area. The town itself is now well developed and has many activities for tourist. Many stunning restaurants on the waterfront and make sure you have a couple of drinks on a sun-downer trip on the lagoon. Try to spend at least 2 days in Knysna.

Your next stop must be Plettenberg Bay. It’s only about 60Kms from Knysna and with its stunning beaches, Plett is one of my favorite bird-watching destinations those would be the bikini-clad type of birds, of course. I must admit that I only know Plett for its beaches, but just for my love of beaches and “birds”, I would gladly spend 2-3 days in Plett.

After Plett you may want to look into Storms River mouth, but I’ve only been there twice many years ago. There is a friggin big tree there in case you’re interested in seeing an 800 year-old Outeniqua Yellowwood. It is also a beautiful area for hiking similar to the Knysna forests.

Many year ago I used to go spear fishing in Oyster Bay, +/- 120Kms from Plett and only a couple of kilometers from Jeffrey’s Bay (world famous surfing destination) and recently I developed a website for Oyster Bay Lodge. On my second visit to Oyster Bay Lodge, I was a couple of hours too early, so I went for a walk on the beach and I was reminded of what a beautiful area this is. While walking next to the water, I had a seal following me for a long time in the wave’s just meters from me. Okay, I know a wild seal couldn’t care less about some human walking on dry land, but we must have accidentally been moving at the same speed. The beach just stretches on for miles and miles. On the one side there are some rocks for fishing and spear fishing, but to the other side you just see kilometers of sandy beach. After my walk on the beach I went up to the lodge, but the owner had gone out, so I went for another walk in the bush on the lodge itself. I had only spent a couple of hours there, but the impression I get is that you can spend many hours of hiking and not get bored. Oyster Bay is very secluded and is ideal for people who really want to get away into nature. It is, however, only a couple of minutes drive from Jeffrey’s bay, St Francis and Humansdorp if you’re looking for shops or more people.

Your next move will depend on how much you like the outdoors compared to cities. Port Elizabeth is a fairly small city by most standards and it’s around 80 Kms from Oyster Bay, so most places you’d want to visit in the area can be reached from both locations. Whichever way, make sure you visit the Addo Elephant park and Shamwari game reserve for a bit of a safari and the big five.

From Port Elizabeth, I would fly up to Jo’burg and head out of the country, or if your time/budget allows, jump on a plane to Durban and work your way up to Jo’burg.

As much as I loved Durban many years ago, I personally would not spend any more time there. Do your own research about Durban. Beautiful beaches, hot waters and hot weather almost all year long, but… I would rather go up north for some scuba diving in Sodwana. Enough on that, from Durban I would rent a car and travel up to Jo’burg, with a 3-5 day stop in the Drakensberg.

I spent a couple of days in the Drakensberg with a friend once and on the first morning I went for a walk before sunrise. When I got back to the camp a couple of hours later, my friend had woken up and was standing at the side of the tent and waved for me to be quiet. He was busy taking photographs of a couple of guinifowl and was amazed that we were so close to “nature”. I was amazed that he would be impressed by something so small. During my first walk I had sat on the top of a little hill to watch the sunrise and had a deer walking around a couple of meters from me. I had also watched a falcon gracefully flying around between the hills, seen quite a few rabbits and “dassies” (don’t know their English name) and monkeys and I have had a swim in a natural pool below a fair-sized waterfall. If you like waterfalls and little mountain streams, the Drakensberg is a must!! The world’s second highest waterfall can be found in the Drakensberg. The Drakensberg is about halfway between Johannesburg and Durban. Very roughly, it’s about 350KMs in either direction.

This is just one possible trip if you’re planning to visit South Africa. As I mentioned, there are many other beautiful and interesting places to visit in our country. If your main objective is a safari and seeing the big five, then look into the Kruger National Park and surrounding game reserves. If you want to go scuba diving there is absolutely NO choice, go to Sodwana bay.

Article Tags: South Africa, Cape Town

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dirk Wessels
Travel Articles

Dirk Wessels is a keen traveller and outdoor enthusiast and is also the web designer for Oyster Bay Lodge. You may freely use this article.

Table Mountain, nominated as “One of The New 7 Natural Wonders”

Table Mountain: it's big, it's beautiful, and it’s free and on its way to becoming one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World. This iconic landmark has battled its way through to the last leg of the campaign to join an elite group of 28 finalists along with other famous sites such as America’s Grand Canyon and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. After all, we Capetonians are very proud of our "mountain" and we've been vigorously voting - along with the rest of South Africa - to ensure that Table Mountain gets the prestige it deserves by becoming one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

Table Mountain - along with Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro- are the only 2 African sites to make it through to the final leg of the competition, which aims to document monuments and conservation efforts worldwide.

See Table Mountain ... Before You Die

It's also easy to see why Table Mountain is in the running: according to popular travel website MSN Travel UK it's one of the "50 Places to See before You Die".

"Few world cities can compete with the natural backdrop of Cape Town. This beautiful city sits below the immense bulk of Table Mountain, is fringed by gorgeous beaches and cushioned by productive vineyards. But really all it takes is a ride up the mountain in Cape Town's iconic cable car and you'll understand why the city is so high on the list of places to see before you die."

Drink from Untouched Waterfalls & Rivers is what really makes Table Mountain so special.

We've all seen images of the classic flat-top Table Mountain from Cape Town's city centre and some of us have even been to the top of the mountain and down again in a cable car. But hidden away on the other side of the mountain is her enchanting Central and Back Table - a completely unspoilt natural wonderland just waiting to be discovered.

Here you can walk among secret forests and bizarre rock formations, and you can kick your shoes off and slip your feet into the clearest mountain streams. You can even drink water straight from the waterfalls - I've been told the water is so pure and the taste is so sensational that you'll never want to drink water out of a tap again.

Home to over 1 500 species of plants - more than the entire United Kingdom - you're sure to come across the most exquisite flowers that South Africa has to offer. You might even catch a glimpse of the rare Table Mountain ghost frog which is found in streams and dripping, forested gorges, or observe the many birds endemic to the region such as the Cape sugarbird and orange-breasted Sunbird.

It's worth mentioning that Table Mountain falls under the protection of the Table Mountain National Park which is recognised globally for its diverse and unique fauna and flora. With its sandstone flats, sheer cliffs and jagged peaks, there aren't many other places in the world where such extraordinary beauty and bio-diversity thrive within such a large city.

Adventure on the Mountain

Hiking on Table Mountain is popular among locals and tourists, and a number of trails of varying difficulty are available. For beginner hikers we recommend going up the steep but uncomplicated Platteklip Gorge hike, or the slightly less steep - but more challenging - Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge hike - both start at the lovely Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

If you're feeling up to it you can choose to hike down the mountain too but we recommend you take a scenic, relaxing cable car ride down the mountain instead - believe it or not it's often easier to hike up rather than down! Should you be a true adrenalin junkie and hiking is a little on the tame side for you, there's no shortage of heart-pounding adventure on Table Mountain: try your hand at rock climbing, abseiling or paragliding off the mountain.

So we're all holding thumbs for Table Mountain to become one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Is it worthy of its nomination? We like to think so but perhaps you'd better come and see for yourself.

Travel fact file

When coming to see Table Mountain, you'll want to wake up every morning with a great view of the mountain from wherever you choose to stay. This is why we recommend the following hotels that will provide you with the best Table Mountain views:

Boutique Manolo - a modern boutique hotel set on the slopes of Signal Hill with amazing views overlooking Table Mountain.

Cape Town Hollow - ideally situated in the shadow of Table Mountain, this small and private boutique hotel places special emphasis on its exceptional service standards and superior product.

One&Only Cape Town - this urban-chic island-style luxury resort is located in the Waterfront district of Cape Town and provides superb views of the marina and Table Mountain.

Park Inn Greenmarket Square - located in Greenmarket Square in the centre of Cape Town, you can enjoy the heated swimming pool and sundeck, fitness centre and 2 saunas which all come with spectacular views of Table Mountain.

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is open daily (weather-permitting) and departs every 10 to 15 minutes from the Table Mountain Lower Station. Opening and closing times vary from season to season - in summer the cable car is open from 8am to 9pm, and in winter it's open from 8am to 6pm. The ride up the mountain takes about 10 minutes at a speed of 10 metres per second, and one cable car can hold up to 65 passengers.

The cable car ride rotates and provides a 360 degree view of Cape Town as you make your way to the top of the mountain. To get to the cable car visitors can take a City Sightseeing Bus or a taxi. Tickets cannot be prebooked and can be bought on the day you visit at the Lower Station ticket office.

The Table Mountain Cafe on top of the mountain is a self-service style canteen which can accommodate about 110 seated visitors indoors and 100 seated outside under shaded canopies. The cafe serves traditional South African cuisine, pizzas, burgers, pre-packed light meals, pastries, tea and coffee. The Table Mountain Cafe closes about 30 minutes before the cable car closes for the day.

Readers' Comments:

Have you been up Table Mountain? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience on the mountain. Let us know.

Cape Town
Table Mountain
By Avril Field

Diving in South Africa

In the past, South Africa was often overlooked as a scuba diving location. But the Republic of South Africa which has over 1, 700 mile or 2,798 kilometers of coastline fronting both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Considered by many be one the best outdoor adventure capital of the world, South Africa has become a prime international dive spot.

While traveling from one exotic scuba diving South Africa location to another, feel free to take in the natural beauty along with discovering many of the rich cultural traditions. And of course don't be afraid to be awe-stuck with wealth and variety of the undersea wildlife.

Diving in South Africa offers the animal lover and underwater photographer hundreds of opportunities to go home with an adventure of a lifetime.

Diving South Africa Hot Spots

While not a traditional diving spot, you can certain that snorkeling or swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula will bring a smile on the face of even the most hard-core scuba addict.

Playing with the big ones - Cage Diving with Great White Sharks

Many divers come to South Africa solely to experience something few people can say they have ever done. Dive with a Great White. Cage diving is the only way I know that you can look into the eyes a Great White without losing an arm or leg to their ever hungry jaws.

Cage diving is fairly new undersea sport in South Africa. Since South Africa was discovered to be part of area known as "shark alley", researchers and adventurers alike have come to scuba dive in reinforced cages and study, take photographs and otherwise experience this fantastic animal in the flesh...so to speak.

Another opportunity to view an animal even most oceanographer have never seen is to book a dive to track down the elusive whale shark. Although most sightings are nearer to Mozambique, occasionally divers off the South African coast have caught glances of this magnificent animal.

Diving in South Africa also offers an opportunity to swim inside a sardine run. A Sardine run is what occurs when cold and warm water merge together. These currents create a rich undersea buffet and billions of Sardines, or pilchards come together to feed.

In turn predators such as thousands of Bottlenose and Common dolphins hungrily follow the sardine run along the coastal waters, providing divers a wonderful opportunity to photograph these wonderful big animals and just marvel at this never to be forgotten spectacle.

And let's not forget the Manta Rays. The manta ray is the largest species of in family of rays. Adult Manta Rays have been known to have a "wing" span of 25 feet across and can weigh in at close to 2 and half tons or 5000lbs (2, 300 kg). Typically these gentle giants are harmless but have even the most self-assured diver needs to wary of their barbed tail.

As you can see diving in South Africa can provide you with some the best opportunities you will ever if you want to experience diving with big animals.

Article Tags: South Africa, Great White, scuba, diving, location,

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Adam Carter 

Divetime.com provides the largest scuba diving site directory on the net with over 10 000 listed scuba dive sites, as well as one of the webs most extensive dive shop databases. Dive time also offers fresh article content, a gear shop, photos, videos and much more, the ultimate in scuba diving information.

Cape Town, Western Cape - the No.1 Golf Vacation Destination!

As courses in Europe and the USA become more exclusive and expensive, South Africa, an overnight flight with no jet lag, offers a great new alternative for a winter break. Cape Town has seen a huge increase in tourism and has more recently been ranked in the top ten most popular cities in the world.

As a PGA professional Brendan has played many courses around the world for both business and pleasure but Cape Town is the destination he has chosen for a second home. As a golfer access to and quality of courses was a critical factor in my selection. Having produced some of the best players in the world South Africa has a great history in golf and has much to shout about. New courses, sponsored and designed by some of the biggest names in the game are opening up on monthly basis. This only goes to reinforce the country's commitment to become a number one golfing destination.


Some of the most stunning courses are in and around the Western Cape and Cape Town provides the ideal base to explore these. You can play on the links course at Atlantic Beach with Table Mountain as your backdrop, or drive down the kikuyu fairways at Stellenbosch, the winelands on your doorstep beckoning you to call in for a tasting on your return from the 18th.


The courses are uncrowned and are all generally available to visitors. You will find the locals welcoming and willing to cater to all your needs. Caddies, usually a luxury even to the best of us, are widely available and provide not only invaluable advice on how best to play the course, but give you a unique insight into the culture of this diverse nation.


Brendan’s personal favorites and not to be missed on any visit to this great city are Royal Cape which is a majestic park land course and oldest golf club in South Africa dating back to 1885. Erinvale which has held The SA open for a number of years. Designed by Gary Player, it is a great test of golf for all standards with stunning scenery. The type of golf course, that even if you don't play your best, you still can't help having a great time. Another one not to miss out on would be Clovelley. It is a very picturesque and challenging course. Despite being relatively short in modern day terms, it still offers a great test and is one of Nick Price's favorite courses.


Further a field, but still within a two hour drive of Cape Town is Arabella Golf and Country Club, a six star hotel with championship course and Spa. This Peter Matkovich designed course encompasses mountain backdrops, lagoon frontage and forests that provide natural corridors to savor the natural beauty of the Klienmond estate. It is challenging enough to bring you back for more but enjoyable enough to make you not want to leave.


Ou Baai, the Ernie Els signature course at Herrods Bay close to George, with spectacular views across the Indian Ocean will add to the world class courses on this coast, and no article on golf in South Africa would be complete without due reverence to the five outstanding courses at Fancourt, host venue to the recent Presidents Cup, where the rest of the world managed to hold the USA to a draw. In this respect only, do the South Africans fall slightly short of European achievements.


Brendan's home, which is available for letting throughout the year has superb accommodation for golfing parties and can be found on Worldwide Holiday Homes (Property Ref 155025) and offers full details of the villa, and location along with rates for rental and photographs.


Brendan is also available to host tours of the Cape courses and provide valuable tips on improving your game and how to best avoid loosing your balls to the local wildlife. For further information on Pro escorted tours he can be contacted on through the advertisement.


You can visit our site by clicking on our website where you will find a wide range of self catering accommodation from around the World.

Article Tags: South Africa, Cape Town

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darren Cronian is the writer of various articles for holiday home owners and renters. Darren also runs and owns a UK-based holiday company called Worldwide Holiday Homes

My luxury weekend getaway to Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse, Western Cape

The Western Cape in South Africa offers superb luxury weekend getaways where time can be spent relaxing, taking in the sounds of nature and feasting a superb world class cuisine. This article chats about my weekend away to Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse, a guest house/farm.

I love living in a country which is jam packed with things to see and do. I once again took advantage of my Cape Town based situation. One early afternoon I cut loose from work and headed off towards the Swartland wine area in the Western Cape, to visit an exclusive country lodge called Bartholomeus Klip. The Swartland wine area starts at Paardeberg near Wellington and heads north all the way to Piketberg with Malmesbury being the main business centre, an area of rolling wheat fields, blossoming vineyards and olive groves. With some 18 different cellars in the area, exciting award winning wines have emerged over recent years, and the area continues to produce world class port style wines.

Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse is situated on a private reserve at the base of the Elandskloof Mountains that is some 4000 hectares in size. It offers twice daily nature drives to view their 500 strong head of game including Cape Mountain zebra, black wildebeest, springbok, bontebok, ostrich, eland, and more than 160 species of birds and rare renosterveld and fynbos vegetation. It is also a working sheep and wheat farm, which adds a different dynamic to your visit and an opportunity to learn about South African farming. Mountain bikes are available for use as are some boats to enjoy a peaceful row across the large dam from the lovely boathouse.


The Country House is small, with only 5 rooms. The meals that are prepared here are exquisite! Every dish is prepared with care and love. They are delicious and even if you came here just to try their farmhouse cooking, it’s worth it! They do of course belong to the Good Cooks and Their Country Houses Association, an association of owner run guesthouses. Each property has been hand-picked for its high standard of personal service, relaxed atmosphere, simple elegance and of course, passion for good food and wine.


With so much to do on the estate and in the area, one could stay for at least 3 nights here. This is a great getaway spot well worth a visit!

Article Tags: Bartholomeus Klip, Klip Farmhouse

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claire Dinnie

Africa Tamed is a successful tour operator, based in Cape Town, South Africa offering unique, value added vacation packages to Southern Africa.  Contact them now to design your all inclusive vacations to Southern Africa.

On Safari with your Family in Southern Africa

Family life will never be the same at Riverdene Lodge situated in the world renowned Shamwari Game Reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa. In line with the worldwide trend of families “doing it together “, Adrian Gardiner, CEO of the reserve brings this concept into vivid reality. 

Riverdene Lodge embodies pure elegance in the wilderness with a traditional colonial African feel and ambience offering as experience designed specifically for families with its newly renovated accommodation focused on both adults and children alike.


Riverdene Lodge brings to the family vacation seeker nine inter-leading luxury family rooms accommodating a maximum of 24 guests including children. All luxury rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with televisions. Private balconies lead onto the landscaped garden. Riverdene Lodge has two expansive, elegantly furnished casual lounges and a glorious sunroom designed to maximise our life giving African sun. Loads of space for families to be together and yet sufficient space in between for a degree of peace & quiet! Their magnificent rim flow swimming pool is designed to entice guests to relax and restore their energies. With the outdoor life being an integral part of an African Safari, the Riverdene Lodge lounge opens onto a spacious outdoor braai (Afrikaans word meaning barbeque) area where the African stars at night can form the basis for your youngster’s love affair for Africa in such a real way!

What makes Riverdene such a great find for families? Each family will receive personal attention from their assigned ranger for the duration of their stay. To really appreciate and understand the African wilderness areas, you have to have an “interpreter “. This is where each ranger and tracker at Shamwari comes into their own. Highly trained and experienced in this art of being a part of the Cycle of Life, they impart their knowledge and personal Safari experiences to both parents and their children at a level both will learn and grow from. As an added value item at Riverdene, they have developed a really cool and effective children programme for the aspiring adults to get closer to understanding Mother Nature.

In supporting this family vacation drive, the newly renovated accommodation at Riverdene Lodge will feature two supervised playrooms for children activities. Supervised spacious green lawns with a jungle gym, and a sports and social programme such as soccer, cricket, treasure hunts and swimming will be arranged to entertain and teach children. A special children focused menu will be available, and dedicated child minders will be on hand at all times.

Upon arrival, each child will automatically receive a Born Free Foundation certificate. Special daily educational game drives on the Reserve for children with their parents will be organized with specific trips to the Born Free Center and the informative and fascinating Shamwari Film Studio.

The children will be introduced to the Shamwari Game Reserve and Born Free Foundation’s challenge to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a human and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

At the Shamwari Film Studio, the children will be shown where the popular international “Unearthed 2” series was filmed, produced and edited. ‘Unearthed 2’ is currently being aired on Animal Planet, plus they will also be exposed to the filming of the new wildlife series called ‘Shamwari: A Wild Life’ which is to be launched in September 2008.

Possibly one of the key aspects of the children’s program at Riverdene Lodge is found where children staying at the Riverdene Lodge will also be invited to take part in the special education programme at the Shamwari Animal Hospital  Rehabilitation Center. Here they will get in touch with the realities of animal rehabilitation. The limitations of mankind’s ability to succeed in this field and yet will leave knowing that dedicated folks have embraced Mother Nature and the much needed bonds between the two are growing stronger and stronger.

Article Tags: Riverdene Lodge Born Free 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

 Claire Dinnie

Africa Tamed is a successful tour operator, based in Cape Town, South Africa offering unique, value added all inclusive vacation packages to Southern Africa.  Contact them now to design your family vacations to Southern Africa.

Langebaan Holidays - South Africa

Tourism information and advice for Langebaan South Africa. 

Langebaan is situated 120 km north of Cape Town, just off the R27. It was founded in 1922 and used as a whaling station until the 1960's.

The white Caribbean like beaches surrounding the crystal clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon is one of the main attractions of Langebaan. The town has turned into a mecca for water sports enthusiasts.


Langebaan offers numerous excellent holiday facilities for the water sport enthusiasts who favor a weekend visit or holiday in Langebaan to enjoy the host of water sport and fishing opportunities this vibrant holiday resort town offers.


With it's protected lagoon it's the perfect place for sailing, kayaking and kite surfing. Flora and Fauna the West Coast National Park and Langebaan lagoon has much to offer the visitor whether he/she is interested in archaeology, flora and fauna, bird watching, fossils, history of the area or just wonderful sites and views.


Many visitors describe the display of wild flowers in the Park as breathtaking.
Areas of the Park are blanketed with flowers of many different shades and hues. The wild flower display can be seen anytime between July and October and the best time is very much dependent upon the weather. The time of year when the flowers are usually at their best is during the months of August and September.


It is interesting to note that the color patterns change from week to week as flowers fade and other varieties come into bloom.


Archaeology Fossil deposits extending some 20 million years ago into the past have been found in the vicinity of the Park. The oldest human remains south of the Orange River have been found on the Farm Elandsfontein. More recently, some 117 000 years ago a lone female trudged down a steep dune to the lagoon leaving her footprints in the wet sand. Within a few hours the dune dried out and the wind filled in the footprints with sand encasing them. Over those thousands of years more layers of sand were deposited over the footprints. The sandstone cliff collapsed and exposed those footprints. They were discovered in 1995 and were named Eves' Footprints - Eve because she may have been the ancestor of modern woman. The site where the footprints were discovered may be seen today.


Konstabel Kop, one of the highest points in the Park, was very recently discovered to be an extinct volcano, which blew its top over 500 million years ago. History The area is rich in historical events from the first inhabitants, the Khoikhoi and San to the arrival of the Europeans. The first European to set foot on land was Vasco da Gama at St Helena Bay on the West Coast Peninsula in 1497. Antonia de Saldanha, after whom the bay is named, did not enter those waters at all. Juris van Spilbergen mistakenly named it in 1601 as Saldanha Bay; he thought that he had reached Cape Town - originally named Agoada de Saldanha. Although the Dutch were the first to claim ownership of the area, the French were frequent visitors. Countries would claim ownership by planting a post in the ground and formally declaring ownership. One of these 'posts' may be seen today near Geelbek claiming the land on behalf of the Dutch East India Company. European settlement was very limited because of the lack of water for 8 months of the year. However, many stirring events have occurred in the region over the centuries including two sea battles and a visit by the Confederate States of America's, Alabama, in 1863, the most feared warship of its day.


Even the 5 islands in the area, which are administered by the Park, have a history of their own, including battles for ownership, use as smallpox quarantine hospitals, exploits for guano, sealing centers and other activities. For more information please visit Langebaan Holidays: http://langebaan-accommodation.shen-qi.co.za

Article Tags: Langebaan Holidays

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 McConnachie Advice Articles

A local Langebaan resident

A Delightful Day In Simon's Town, Cape Town

Most tourists speed through Simon's Town on their Cape Point pilgrimage, but follow Richard Holmes's easy day-long itinerary and you'll discover a bay of plenty.

9am: It all began.

Named for Simon van der Stel, governor of the Cape colony in the late 1600s, Simon's Town is home to a few lovely museums exploring the heritage of this historic corner of Cape Town.

The Simon's Town Museum is a fairly dry look at the town's growth through the centuries and is best left for history buffs, but the South African Naval Museum next door is more family-friendly with its collection of navy bits and pieces. The Heritage Museum in Amlay House on King George Street highlights the history of the area's Muslim community.

10.30am: See a man about a dog

Simon's Town is perhaps most famous for Able Seaman "Just Nuisance", the only dog ever to be enlisted in the Royal Navy. A statue of the much-loved Great Dane is waiting to be patted in Jubilee Square, or you can visit the faithful hound's final resting place above town. Take the road up Red Hill and follow the signs to the Military Signals School, where the guard will show you the way.

11am: Hit the water

In a town that owes its existence to the sea, it's no surprise that the quayside abounds with aquatic activities. To get up close and personal with False Bay, a kayak tour is hard to beat. Kayak Cape Town (082-501-8930; www.kayakcapetown.co.za) runs two-hour kayak tours daily, with no experience necessary as they offer very stable kayaks perfect for beginners.

If that all sounds too adventurous, the Simon's Town Boat Company (083-257-7760; www.boatcompany.co.za) will keep you dry on the water. The affable Dave Hurwitz and his fleet of craft offer everything from high-speed runs to Cape Point to whale-watching excursions and cruises to Seal Island. The popular harbour cruise (R40 per adult) on the "Spirit of Just Nuisance" is a wonderful way to see Simon's Town from the water.

The Mellow Yellow Water Taxi (073-473-7684; www.watertaxi.co.za) is another option, offering regular shuttles across the bay to Kalk Bay harbour, with the chance to see whales en route in season. R150per person return.

12.30pm: Grab a bite

Come lunchtime, there's no shortage of options for filling a hungry seaman. Jubilee Square on the waterfront has a range of decent restaurants, with Bertha's a good bet for up market pub food. Just Sushi has some of the best sushi in the south, or head to the Salty Sea Dog for a parcel of fish 'n' chips to be enjoyed on the quayside. Watch out for scavenging seagulls! Up on the main road, The Meeting Place is a wonderful spot to grab a light meal and a decent coffee.

1.30pm: Take a stroll

Refilled and raring to go, the town centre is well worth a wander. Tourist kitsch is easy to spot (and avoid), but there are several intriguing antique and décor shops to explore. A short walk through the backstreets of town reveals quaint cobbled lanes and a quiet side of Simon's Town most day-trippers miss on the rush to Cape Point.

2.30pm: Peek at penguins

In the height of summer, you might have to fight the tour groups at Boulders Beach (Seaforth Road; 021-786-2329), but Cape Town's most famous penguin colony is still worth a visit. The picturesque beach is home to around 3000 African penguins, previously known as the Jackass penguin for their unmelodious braying call. R30 per person.

3.30pm:

After the honking penguins, you'll find a slice of serenity at the delightful Sophia Gallery & Tibetan Teahouse (2 Harrington Road; 021-786-1544; www.sopheagallery.com) which offers "food for body & soul". Apart from some lovely Tibetan art and décor, the teahouse is famous for its vegan menu, from egg-free carrot cake to lentil burgers and steaming chai tea. And remember, Tibetan folklore says: "Drinking tea from a wooden cup makes you handsome, popular and wise!"

4pm: Rest in Peace

End your day with a wander through the Old Burying Ground at the southern end of Runciman Drive, established in 1814 when the Royal Navy transferred its headquarters to what was then known as Simon's Bay.

Over 550 sailors lie buried here in the Garden of Remembrance, including many barely into their teens. Also keep an eye out for the graves of Boer War POWs, Italian stonemasons and Russian seamen, all of whom arrived in this picturesque port and never left.

Contact

·                     Simon's Town Tourism

·                     111 St George's Street

·                     Phone: 021-786-5880

·                     E-mail: info@simonstown.com

·                     Web: www.simonstown.com

Simple Simon

By Richard Holmes 

Article courtesy “The Times”

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