For more than two centuries, Simon’s Town has been an anchorage for the British Navy and boasts a wealth of historic and strategic interest. The history of Simon’s Town is told in beautiful historic buildings, a great military past, and a very diverse and rich heritage. Audio Tour of Simon’s Town Start the day off by getting some coffee and doing the audio tour to get a sense of the place. The tour itself will start at the station, then move on to the now called “historical mile” and then finish in the village centre. At under $2 this adventure is super affordable and is narrated by the author Maureen Miller. You can take a listen to the tour here. Coffee and pastries The tour ends just in time at some great places to grab a bite to eat. The Sweetest Thing offers a perfect variety of things to eat from pastries, cakes to pies and
A trip to Cape Town would be sad without a visit to the iconic Bo-Kaap. Hanging down the lower slopes of Signal Hill, on the edge of the CBD, the Bo-Kaap sits with colourful enthusiasm. Famous for its brightly-painted Cape Dutch houses that stand in line like individual soldiers along cobbled streets. This place is definitely a must-see for any new travellers in the city of Cape Town. This area with a 260-year old history has welcomed many Instagram photos in the past, thanks to its ultimately unique streets. 1. Visit the Bo-Kaap museum Begin your sight-seeing in the Bo-Kaap museum which is located in the oldest building in the Bo-Kaap. This beautiful home was built by the developer of the Bo-Kaap, Jan De Waal, in the 1760’s. Now a national monument, this home/museum welcomes all visitors to browse the history of the Bo-Kaap for only R20. 2. Meander through the streets After soaking in
Welcome to the highway that is the equivalent to the iconic Route 66 in America. Our Route 62 boasts incredible places to stop and majestic Karoo scenery. A definite must when driving inland is to drive along this route because of all of the unique experiences waiting for you. In this blog post we will be highlighting some of the most iconic stops on this road, ranging from ostrich riding to tasting some of the best food. 1. Meerkat Magic This is a conservation and research project that delves into how these wonderful meerkats live, by using techniques to gain their trust without taming them. Visitors can learn the language of these meerkats, play with them and even join in a grooming session. Or if you prefer, just watch and snap pictures of them. 2. Cango caves Take your pick. You can try the heritage tour or the adventure tour. They both have the same
The scenery around you while driving on Route 62 in the Klein Karoo will slowly start transform from lush green grass that stampedes the hills to arid, semi-desert colours like beautiful browns and vibrant yellows. When most people travel to South Africa, they visit Kruger Park, Johannesburg, Cape Town, the Western Cape Winelands and the Garden Route. However, the Klein Karoo doesn’t get as much attention from visitors. One of the best kept secrets in South Africa lies at the heart of the Klein Karoo. This stretch of land is situated within Western Cape and consists of a string of little, magical towns and villages that lay invitingly along Route 62 in the Klein Karoo. 1. Fauna and flora in the Klein Karoo The Klein Karoo contributes to the Succulent Karoo Biome, which is ranked among the top 26 areas in the world for biological diversity. The fauna and flora is absolutely mind-blowing when you
It’s time to look out for more than the Big 5 on your Cape Town Safari. People from all over the world often flock to South Africa in order to see the “Big 5” in action, but little do they know that there is a “Small 5” waiting for them on their Cape Town Safari as well. This should be just as celebrated and perhaps even more since they are part of the ecosystem which keeps the Big 5 alive. It’s time to make an addition to your to-do list and find out what exactly constitutes the Small 5. Elephant Shrew – Cape Town Safari The Elephant Shrew or the Elephantulus Myurus, truly is a magnificent creature. it gets its name from from its long snout which resembles an elephant’s trunk and can reach a size of 25cm and weigh 60 grams. They feed on nuts, fruit, seeds and insects and are the food of larger
Know why giraffes are threatened before going on your Cape Town Safari It won’t do damage to learn about a specific subject before you encounter that specific thing. So learning about how giraffe numbers are plummeting before going on your Cape Town Safari is probably a wise thing to do. The decline of giraffes is a complex and multifaceted problem that threatens the future of an iconic and beautiful species. The combined impacts of civil unrest, habitat degradation, poaching and disease are what threaten the remaining giraffe numbers. Threats arise because of competition for resources with humans and their livestock. There are many conflicts between humans and giraffes, including crop loss, damage, disease transmission from cohabitating with domestic livestock, and being struck by vehicles and trains. Limiting Factors Since giraffes have a wide-ranging, diverse diet, they don’t need to compete for food with other wild animals, or the livestock of local farmers. Although they can be
The Cape Peninsula is the most beautiful place on earth (the locals will vouch for that) and has such a wide variety of activities that no matter your type of holiday you’ll be able to enjoy yourself. From highly adrenalin-fuelled activities to things that will just make you stop and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation, The Cape is the destination for you. Snorkel with seals on the Cape Peninsula Seal snorkelling in the Cape Peninsula is a once in a lifetime wildlife experience that you can’t afford to miss. This activity will expose you to the playful aquatic life up close and give you the chance of an intimate encounter with nature. You’re constantly surrounded by majestic Cape Fur Seals that want to play with you. They are attracted to your shiny snorkel equipment and like to jump, body splash and chase after you. The colony of seals that you’ll be snorkelling with
There are certainly a lot of things that experienced Safari-goers know about the place they’re going to and about safaris. But it doesn’t mean that you have to go on 20 safaris before you know what they know. Especially not if we can help it. If you are thinking about going on a safari while on holiday in Cape Town, you should definitely consider a Cape Town Safari. Whether it’s the flora and fauna, the various geographical formations or simply the vastness of it all that appeals to you, a Cape Town Safari is a must. This article is designed to assist you with helpful tips and equip you with all the knowledge you need before going on a Cape Town Safari, ensuring your experience is as memorable as possible. 1. No shouting When visiting animals on a safari, it is important to keep in mind that we are just guests in their homes. They
Although the African penguins are famous around the world, few people realise that their home is a beautiful beach within reach of Cape Town. Boulders beach, also known as ‘The Boulders’ or ‘Boulder’s Beach’ is one of Cape Town’s most visited beaches along the Cape Peninsula and the only place in the world where you get close to African Penguins. It is one of Table Mountain National Park’s many beautiful treasures hidden away on the south-western coastline which you can explore on a Cape Peninsula Tour. How it happened A couple of these beautiful birds came to rest here in 1982 on the soft sand of Boulder’s Beach. The beach is now home to about 2 to 3000 of these pretty creatures. The African Penguin , or Spheniscus demersus, is a species of penguin native to sub-Saharan Africa. Populations are declining due to over-fishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and irresponsible tourism activities. While a much loved
It is known as South Africa’s most popular coastal destination, the Cape Town Tour has a multitude of things to see and do. It also has a varied climate, which means that the trip can be enjoyed year round. Being the second largest city in South Africa, Cape Town is the leading tourist destination. However, unless you’ve visited Cape Town before, you might not know exactly what there is to do. For this, we’ve created this list of nine things you should know before you go there. This list will not only help you avoid missing out on anything cool when you visit, but it will also give some insight into local culture. 1. Wear comfortable walking shoes More and more people are visiting Cape Town with the dream of taking the 1000 steps to see this beautiful country. They’ve heard that walking is the best way to experience our city, and it’s true! There
The whales that you’ll see on the Cape Town Whale Tour are like the guardians of the oceans. It’s incredible how many creatures rely on them. In this article we’ll be exploring 9 fantastic facts about Southern Right Whales that will blow you away. 1. They are playful At first glance, the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) is very unappealing; they are often covered in scars, due to their unexpanded skin, which is thick and wrinkled. But once you’ve engaged with one of these playful creatures, you can’t help but fall in love with them. These marvellous mammals don’t only appear to be curious and intelligent — they are too. 2. One of the largest whales Southern right whales have big heads and rounded foreheads and there is no dorsal fin on the backs of these beings. Additionally, their coloring makes them easier to spot in a crowd: they are gray or even blackish, although
Have you ever thought about going on a Safari in Cape Town before? Well, let us tell you the reasons why you should go. You’ll be amazed to know about the beautiful wildlife that hang around there, and how enjoyable your safari can be, if you just follow one or two rules. We’ve made it a point to help you out with some of the things that you should be aware of before going on a safari in Cape Town. Imagine sitting inside your car and going through a lot of animals around you while having fun with your friends and family. Just imagine how beautiful it could be! But there are some things that you should consider before going on your safari and that’s why we’ve put this blog together for you. 1. How many guests are in a vehicle The only way you can enjoy the safari is if you are there. However,
Now that you’ve decided to tick Cape Town Safari off your bucket list and go on a safari it’s important to know what to expect. This will ensure you have the best possible experience and get the best out of your trip while in Cape Town. 1. Late evenings and early wake-up calls Up with the birds and out on the road with your Cape Town safari guide. The early mornings are game viewing at its best because the days are clear. What makes this time of the day so wonderful is that there aren’t many people around. There’s a reason why you get up in the dark to set off on a Cape Town game drive. The first rays of the sun will illuminate your way and provide you with the best opportunity to spot the Big Five in all their glory. 2. Getting up close with animals on your Cape Town Safari Be
Animals play a vital role in our lives. They are our company, our entertainment and most of all, they are our friends. No matter the age, everybody has heard a rumour or myth about different animals. Safari myths are a popular subject amongst safari goers and everyone has their own favourites. But, just the same as the tale of the tortoise and the hare, some myths will outlive others. These are perhaps tested over time until they pass through the ‘test of time’ and become widely accepted as fact. The point is not to be skeptical when you hear about them, but rather to do your research so you can separate myth from reality when going on a Cape Town Safari. 1. Giraffes normally perform romantic ‘necking’ displays This is actually a spectacle of young males mock fighting. They strike each other using their horns followed by little jump. It is not unusual for animals to
If you are thinking about going on a safari while on holiday in Cape Town, you should definitely consider a Cape Town Safari. Whether its the flora and fauna, the various geographical formations or simply the vastness of it all that appeals to you, a Cape Town Safari is a must. This article is designed to assist you with helpful tips, making sure your experience is as memorable as possible. 1. No shouting When visiting animals on a safari, it is important to keep in mind that we are just guests in their home. They are not domesticated but rather free. Wildlife is inquisitive by nature and will naturally approach when curious. Being loud, waving your arms, or yelling is upsetting the animal and could throw him off his natural behaviour. 2. Dress the part Safari clothes aren’t just for fun; they actually serve a real purpose in the African bush. Safari clothing should be
Let’s say you’re heading to Cape Town for an exciting safari in one of the most diverse cities in the world. You’ve packed your swimsuits, camera gear and sunscreen, but how should you dress? What is appropriate clothing for a Cape Town Safari? How does a first-time safari goer dress? It’s only natural to want your first experience at a safari destination to be perfect. New travellers often worry about what to wear on their Cape Town Safari, and what equipment to bring. While researching the “right stuff,” it’s easy to become intimidated by insider terms (does anyone know what a “buffalo bar” is?) and cryptic misinformation (don’t believe everything you read about camouflage). To keep you from looking foolish in front of those who know better, here are some quick pointers for dressing for a safari. So, while it’s true that there are four seasons in Cape Town, you should dress up for a
Cape Town is called the “Mother City” due to its many magnificent natural attractions. It’s also a great place for tourists and offers a wide range of fun things to do. This makes it prime territory for anyone interested in going on a Cape Town safari. Cape Town Safaris allow you to see great wildlife shows The best experience to have while in Cape Town is a safari (though a wine tour is a close second). You will be able to see rhinos just laying around, hippos playing in the water, and lions eating their dinner. These animals are used to seeing vehicles driving around with people around and therefore don’t run away. There’s a reason people are still posting photos of lions eating their dinner. It’s one of the most iconic African experiences. But don’t just take my word for it: Experience it for yourself! A Cape Town Safari is an affordable experience A
At a glance, you can see the Cape Peninsula is a beautiful place. The rugged coastline is full of beautiful beaches and the mountains belly out into the sea. It’s an up-and-coming region of South Africa for tourism, but what about the food? If you were holidaying in one of these towns on the peninsula, what would be your destination restaurant? Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point The two oceans restaurant is the premier venue to dine with a view. There is no better place to enjoy a sundowner and admire the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Then to have that followed by a hearty meal served in the dining room which offers a 180-degree view of the setting sun on False Bay. Being open for business since 1995, new renovations have come, vastly improving the spectacle that is Two Oceans Restaurant. With new management and a renewed dedication to excellence, the restaurant will be
The Cape Peninsula is the most beautiful place on earth (the locals will vouch for that) and has such a wide variety of activities that no matter your type of holiday you’ll be able to enjoy yourself. From highly adrenalin-fuelled activities to things that will just make you stop and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation, The Cape is the destination for you. Snorkel with seals on the Cape Peninsula Seal snorkelling in the Cape Peninsula is a once in a lifetime wildlife experience that you can’t afford to miss. This activity will expose you to the playful aquatic life up close and give you the chance of an intimate encounter with nature. You’re constantly surrounded by majestic Cape Fur Seals that want to play with you. They are attracted to your shiny snorkel equipment and like to jump, body splash and chase after you. The colony of seals that you’ll be snorkelling with
First time in South Africa? Or are you a local planning to visit Plettenberg Bay? These are 10 things to do in this beautiful town. Plettenberg Bay offers a gorgeous slice of nature, ripe with activities, sights, and tastes you’d only find in a place that’s so naturally beautiful. This is why everyone should make it a priority to visit this town on the Garden Route. 1. Beaches on the Garden Route Plettenberg Bay has a number of wonderful beaches, whether you’re looking for an untamed beach, or a beach with character. There’s something for everyone in Plett, and what better way to enjoy the good weather than by relaxing on the golden sands and refreshing in the cool waves? 2. Hike on the Garden Route Hiking is one of the best things to do to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Robberg Nature Reserve is a South African reserve between Plettenberg Bay
Going to Wilderness? Do you want to know what you can do there? This is a blog about things that are fun to do during your adventure in Wilderness. It doesn’t matter whether you’re staying at a hotel, going camping, or somewhere in between these two, there is something for everyone. 1. Hire a canoe At Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park, you have the option to hire a canoe and paddle up the Touw River. This seems like an obvious thing to do when visiting an area such as this. If you’ve paddled even just once before, then there’s no reason not to enjoy the surroundings and paddle leisurely on your own or with friends up to a couple of hours. The Touw River is one of the cleanest rivers in South Africa – it is spring-fed with rain water from local mountains and it
Chasing sunsets is definitely a romantic hobby and something you can do on weekends. Cape Town is luckily one of the best places to go chasing sunsets. You’ll come across lot’s of different spots and places to go for sundowners after reading this article. 1. Lion’s Head – Cape Town One of the most popular places to watch the sunset in the city is Lion’s Head. The Lion’s Head hike is an easy to medium difficulty hike and can get quite tricky near the top where you’ll have to climb a few ladders. You’ll be pleased with yourself once you get to the top in order to see the sun illuminate the ocean with its striking pink colour. 2. Signal Hill Another amazing spot to watch the sunset in Cape Town is at Signal Hill, a beautiful hill that cuddles Lion’s Head. Here you have views of Table Mountain, the entire CBD as well
The Knysna Elephant Park along the Garden Route is one of the most premier facilities in Southern Africa. The park, established in 1994, was the first and only place to house and care for orphaned African elephants. They spend their days relaxing in the mud baths and swimming pools, dusting and socialising. Here they are given the freedom they need to roam freely and graze in nature while coming back to their home base during the day to relax, socialise, or get medical care if needed. The park’s main purpose is to provide a home for elephants that would have otherwise been killed due to overpopulation, human-animal conflict or injury. Additionally, the park aims to educate visitors about these animals and raise awareness of conservation issues. The Experience Experience the elephants. We take you on an early morning nature walk and challenge you to do social distancing for 1 hour with our herd of 10
Treat yourself along the Garden Route, because we don’t think Johan intended to design a mere treehouse, we think he decided to design his dream. Something that could be complemented by roaming horses and the great Langeberg mountain range. What can be felt by this space is in the true sense of the meaning, an intimate nest, completely off the grid and in the poetics of space, a true dwelling. The Eco Treehouse offers the perfect break from a city-bound existence to something that can be felt within the realm of romance. Situated on a beautiful smallholding in the Hermitage Valley of Swellendam, this structure lends itself to the morning mist that dedicates itself to the sound of birds that bless the area. A wooden masterpiece to be enjoyed by you and your partner. The perfect space to work away from the city If you’re looking for the perfect space to sit down, open your laptop
One of the finest stops along the Garden Route is Swellendam. If you’ve never been to Swellendam, then this article might be the encouragement you need. Caught up between the great Langeberg mountains and the Breede River, Swellendam has a heap of things to do. It is situated approximately 220km from both Cape Town and George and lies waiting for more visitors. 1. Romantic Getaway If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, then Swellendam is definitely a place to visit. With great mountains toppling over the quaint guesthouses, Swellendam is definitely the place to be on honeymoon or anniversary. Feel free to go on quiet and mesmerising hikes in the Marloth Nature reserve where you’ll be able to spot many waterfalls in the Winter months. You can also take your lover to a nice restaurant for dinner at a few of the available restaurants. 2. Nature & Hikes There’s nothing more beautiful
Is there any better way to enjoy South Africa than by going on a safari? One thing is that the Cape Town climate will be very different form the African bush, but some prefer it this way. You’ll still be able to see the big 5 up close: the lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and rhino which roam around in their wonderfully large and respective game reserves, just a few hours from the city. 1. Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve – Safari If you’re looking for a game reserve which boasts the big 5 within an hour from the city, then Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve is the place to visit. It isn’t as big as most reserves but will definitely give you the full experience. With a great lodge for those who wish to stay over and a restaurant for those who get hungry during the day, this game reserve certainly doesn’t lack anything. 2.
It’s been quite a while since you first heard you’re going on a Cape Town safari, now the time is here, and you’ll have to pack. Other than your phone which is an obvious thing to take with, what else will you pack? Below is a list of 10 things to pack for your special Cape Town Safari experience: 1. If you take prescription medication Not everyone takes prescription medication, but for those who do, remember to pack it in your hand luggage instead of in your check-in bag because if your check-in bag gets lost you’re going to be in a lot of trouble. 2. Ticket, passport, itinerary, travel insurance as well as any other essential documents It would be an absolute disaster if you were to forget one of the above items. 3. Sunglasses, hat and sunblock Always be sure to pack in two pairs of sunglasses in case the one pair happens
Hermanus / Southern Right Whales Hermanus is one of the best places for you to see the magnificent Southern Right Whale in its natural habitat. These migrating whales come to the coast between June and December and can be seen swimming just a few metres from the shore. Even though you can see whales all along the Whale Coast, this place is world-renowned for its whale watching and gives you some of the best spots to see them in action. Fernkloof Nature Reserve / Hermanus Witness the nature of one of the richest biodiversities in the world at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. There are about 1474 fynbos species that have already been identified. Perhaps you can be the one to identify new species when you go walking or hiking in the surrounding Fynbos. Antique Shopping / Hermanus If you’re on the lookout for something antique and a little more refined, look no further than Romantiques. This shop
Cape Point is a place of many names; Cape of Good Hope, Gateway to the West, Cape of Storms. The Cape is known for its natural beauty; with a soft coastline, the scenic Cape Peninsula, indigenous fynbos and spectacular views. What most people don’t know however is that beneath the captivating scenery lie countless other reasons why one should visit this place. Some history of Cape Point From historical WWII lookouts to eerie ghost stories, Cape Point has a rich history that cannot be missed. A very cool way to learn about the history of Cape Point is to make use of the VoiceMap audio tour. One option leads you meandering up the path to the summit while the second takes you on the amazing Flying Dutchman Funicular experience. The VoiceMap app will make use of your location in order to tell you the historical stories of what you see in front of you. The
Shark Cage diving shouldn’t just be avoided, it should be banned altogether. Below are a few reasons why we shouldn’t go shark cage diving: It is not authentic Sharks are extremely shy animals. The last thing that they would want to do is go and swim next to a cage of divers who are exploiting them for their own entertainment. We know that the only way we will be able to get White sharks as close as possible is with blood, so we attract these sharks with the use of chum, creating a very inauthentic experience for ourselves and the sharks. These inauthentic experiences should be very unfulfilling to us as we recreate something completely unnatural. It is not sustainable There are many different shark cage diving operations in South Africa, and in one town in particular about 5000 visitors per week. This means that there is a very unnatural amount of blood and