Jonkershoek - Stellenbosch
A short 30 minute drive outside the City of Cape Town, lies the wonderfully quaint university town of Stellenbosch - here you will find endless tree-lined avenues housing great examples of Cape Architecture.
And Jonkershoek Nature Reserve , a region of sprawling mountains and lush fynbos, is a must see. I visited in Autumn
(Cape Summers can be hot) especially when doing a 2 hour hike.
And hiking is a must. You can also bring along a swimming costume to cool off in the rock pools.
I'd recommend the Tweede Waterval trail (6,4km - approximately 2 hours). It's a relatively easy walk along the Eerste River, and you will get to experience this unique area,and see the spectacular Eerste Waterval as well. There is a small entry fee and you will be granted a permit to the reserve at the gate. A very knowledgeable gentleman mans the entrance so feel free to chat away.
If you start early, you can spend a lovely few hours after relaxing at the Postcard Cafe.
This outdoor dining venue offers superb food and desserts that you can enjoy on the sprawling lawns, in view of the lake, the mountain and other postcard views.
Remember, bookings are essential and the restaurant closes for 1 month between June and July.
Taalmonument - Paarl
The AfrikaansTaalmonument is one of those structures that offers the visitor many delightful surprises.
It's a marvel of architecture that blew my mind as I had only ever viewed it from the N1 (and once as a teenager
in the 80's, from the parking lot)
Then I found the structure imposing and it filled me with conflict as we were in the thick of the Apartheid years and the site itself proved to be controversial.
On my recent visit I ventured to Paarl to see the Taalmonument out of pure curiosity.
It filled me with wonder: had me running up the multitude of steps, running my hands over rough surfaces, running through the gardens like a child... I stood in awe overlooking the Paarl Valley below.
As the site itself is not very extensive and the restuarant offers basic refreshment, allow yourself a couple of hours to experience it, it will make a lovely stop on your way to Worcestor, Montagu or Franschoek.
But let the photo's speak to you, as my words lack the grandeur and elegance of this architectural masterpiece.
Betty's Bay
I chose to focus on the smaller, lesser known coastal area of Betty's Bay for two reason:
(1) The more popular and well-known Hermanus is close by and easy enough to get to, but overrun with tourists & touristy
things.(2) Betty's Bay is quaint in comparison and boasts the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens and a resident Penguin colony.
It is in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom therefore following the hiking trail from the gardens is a must - and the level
of dificulty is relatively easy, making it a pleasant, picture-perfect experience.
An hours drive from Cape Town will have you at home in this picturesque spot, and if peace & quiet is what you're after, spending a night or two here will be well worth it.
If you decide to turn off here on your way to Pringle Bay or Hermanus, do enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the Botanical Gardens
(I had a marvellous breakfast of poached eggs & haddock served with Hollandaise sauce) before you head out for a visit with the penguins.
Orange Kloof
Orange Kloof tented camp is in the heart of Hout Bay, but you could so easily miss the turn-off if you're not paying attention.
Everything about this camp is unexpected as it is so close to central Cape Town. You and your party of 10 - 12 can enjoy this as a private retreat. The forest can be yours for the duration of your stay - it is the ideal getaway for families, nature lovers and hikers.
The accommodation is self-catering, and endless braaiing & potjies are recommended, but the fully equipped kitchen can handle anything you'd prefer on the menu.
There's a four-sleeper family tent and four two-sleeper tents, complete with single beds, mattresses and sheets, as well as electric lighting. There are two communal ablution blocks within the camp, with hot and cold running water in the shower units.
Cell phone reception is limited, and there is no TV or WIfi so come prepared to switch off and enjoy mother nature at it's simplest.
Try:
Hiking the route from Orange Kloof up Disa Gorge towards Table Mountain and try to spot the rare Disa flower.
(And my favourite) the night hike to view the the lights of houses along Constantia Nek
Star-gazing; Bird watching; exploring the forest, or just lazing on the deck in good company is all possible.
Rates are reasonable, but book well in advance as it is quite popular.
Check the Sanspark site for more info about rates & bookings.
Cape Point
Cape Point with it's rugged rocks and spectacular cliffs is set in Southernmost point of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve.
It's an area rich in maritime history with unspoilt beaches and large areas of fynbos.
It boasts two lighthouses (one still in use today) and monuments to both Diaz and Da Gama.
There is a steep walk up to the viewing site at the old lighthouse, but if you'd prefer cruising up, the Funicular will save you the steep trek, while you enjoy panoramic views.
The rates are reasonable and there is an on site restaurant should you become peckish.
Better yet, pack a picnic basket and enjoy a lovely meal on one of the beaches whilst watching the waves crashing in.
But do take care as there are baboons roaming the streets, and I have even spotted an ostrich or two.
Pack comfy shoes so you can comfortably explore all Cape Point has to offer, and allow yourself a few hours
to explore this world-famous site.
The N2 Highway
The Road to Knysna.
I am in awe of Nature; perplexed by Man.
(Why do we choose to live our lives in crowded cities?)
This becomes even more pronounced for me as soon as I take the long road and head out of town, away from the concrete jungle; where the river of black takes me to vast open spaces, colourful fields, surreal silence & a peace that comes with the
whoosh of tyres on asphalt.
With the Carpenters playing softly on the radio ..."such a feelings coming over me, there is wonder in almost everything I see...lalala..." I believe nirvana is possible.
And all it took, was a few hours on the N2.
Yes, I can go on and on about the breathtaking vistas' the freshest oysters & seafood and the adrenaline filled experiences on offer in this wonderful region of the Western Cape.
And yes, the food on offer is fresh and yummy (Seafood Paella at R34 on special at the Marina!)
And yes, you will enjoy a kind of experience that is singular and memorable.
But for me, it was the vastness of the area along the highway: the short left turns leading to pristine, unspoilt beaches, the
lakes and lagoon that glowed silvery sweet...
All this that makes a trip to Knysna more than just a holiday. It truly is food for the soul.
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren
A mere 40 minutes drive outside of Cape Town, lies one of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms called Babylonstoren.
A visit to this unique spot affords the visitor a few rare pleasures and a welcome sense of bliss courtesy of mother nature.
Join me and together we can share a unique experience!
