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
Conversations about spotting the Big 5 in South Africa have always been massive, but did you know that the oceans surrounding South Africa are home to a different kind of Big 5? South Africa’s Marine Big 5 consists of the whale, shark, seal, penguin and dolphin. These extraordinary animals have to be ticked-off your bucket list as you travel around the southern tip of Africa. 1. African Penguin / Marine Big 5 These cute creatures with black and white plumage were almost extinct at one point. But now you can spot them in the thousands at places like Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town, Dassen Island, Dyer Island, Bird Island, Robben Island and St Croix Island. 2. Cape Fur Seal / Marine Big 5 One of the biggest marine tourist attractions in Cape Town, the Cape Fur Seal will put on a show for you in places like Hout Bay and Kalk Bay harbour. You can even go snorkelling with these seals
When it comes to spotting birds of prey, you don’t have to go further than Cape Town. Birds of prey ranging from the Verreaux’s Eagle, the Jackal Buzzard, the Black Harrier, the African Goshawk, the Kite and the Rock Kestrel all inhabit Cape Town. All of these beautiful predatory birds can be found when taking your own safari drive around places like the Winelands and Cape Point. Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle / Cape Town Safari This black beauty can be found in the more mountainous regions of Cape Town with rocky cliffs. They breed between April and July and feed primarily on Rock Hyraxes. The scientific name for this raptor is ‘Aquila verrauxii’. With a wingspan of 2.3 metres, these birds of prey can be seen from below with a white Y underneath their wings. Jackal Buzzard / Cape Town Safari The Buteo rufofuscus has ominous dark red and brown eyes which can be seen if
The Cape Peninsula is a place that offers some superb year-round attractions, from its stupendous beaches and dramatic scenery to some of the best hiking in the world. Pack your bag for adventure because exploring this majestic region offers plenty of fun and excitement. Take a drive around Chapman’s Peak Chapman’s Peak is definitely one of the most scenic drives in the world. It’s an oceanic drive that links Hout Bay with Noordhoek and is sure to amaze you with its stunning views. The road is definitely an adventure as it was gently cut out of the cliff. The stretch is also a beautiful place to go on a long-distance cycle because of the sea breeze and the winding turns. The rugged beauty of Chapman’s Peak Drive has been attracting travellers for years; a breathtaking part of the Atlantic Seaboard that is also home to many hidden gems and scenic vistas that you will not
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, which 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 snakes. You can be sure that if you spot one of these little ones, you game
With our special list of lesser known activities and things to do in Cape Town, you’ll be able to live your only life to the fullest, by seizing the day with quite unusual things to do around Cape Town. This is not only for tourists but for those locals who have done all of the mainstream activities, looking for something new and exciting to do. You don’t have to fly overseas to be captured by creativity, adventure and excitement. The Mother City still offers it all. 1. Japanese “ChitChat” evenings / Cape Town The Japanese word for “ChitChat” is PechaKucha. This is a platform similar to that of ‘Ted Talks’ where people have 20 slides to share with an audience where they talk about and exchange ideas, what keeps this fun and entertaining is the fact that each speaker only gets about 20 seconds for each slide. This is an idea that was developed in
If you think you’ve turned every stone in Cape Town, you’re in for a surprise. With locals and tourists hogging the main beaches around Cape Town, you’re probably wondering where you could have your own private beach? You’ve come to the right place. We’re here to tell you exactly where you can find these hidden gems in and around the Cape. 1. Diaz Beach – Cape Point Nature Reserve The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a beautiful part of the Table Mountain National Park, and is the place where you will find Diaz beach. It can be accessed by taking a hike from the parking bay of Cape Point Nature Reserve, and requires a steep walk down a wooden staircase to the beach. It is a pleasant gem which can be enjoyed by you and your family as well. 2. Water’s Edge Simon’s Town / Cape Town Beaches This beach is so secret that we
Formerly known as the Cape of Storms, Cape Town’s first settlers came in 1652 with the arrival of Jan Van Riebeeck and other employees from the Dutch East India Company in order to establish a halfway station for ships travelling to and fro from the Dutch East Indies to Cape Town. The influence of the Dutch is certainly evident in the culture and the architecture of the Cape. Cape Town is definitely a place for discovery and history, so if you’re keen on being enriched by the Cape and what its history has to offer then this is the article for you! 1. Castle of Good Hope The Castle of Good Hope is by far the oldest structure in the whole country and is a perfect example of a ‘bastion fort’. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, The Castle of Good Hope is an amazing piece of architecture filled
If you thought you were stuck in the city with nowhere to hike, look again. The Cape has much to offer with regards to beaten tracks and the wild. Below we’ll be talking about the 9 best hiking trails around Cape Town. So, before you put your boots on, read what we’ve got to say about the trails in and around the beautiful Mother City. 1. Lion’s Head If you’re ready to spend a few hours hiking clockwise around and up a mountain to the top with different views on each side, then Lion’s head is for you. This moderate trail has a total distance of 5km and can be hiked within 3 hours max. Hikers have gone up Lion’s head at midnight with a full moon, in the morning, and just before sunset in order to watch the sun go down from the top. The summit offers breathtaking views of Robben Island and
The hive of activity in recent years along the Garden Route has become pretty well known. As people begin to speak about the extraordinary things to do from kayak and lilo tours to black horse trails, the activities just become more and more. While there’s definitely no shortage of things to do in these wonderful places, the Garden Route will also offer you many awe-inspiring places to go to in order to just sit back, relax and take in each and every sunset with a few deep breaths as an activity. Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours / Garden Route Swing through the forest beneath a lush canopy of trees with the Tsitsikamma zipline while experiencing the secrets of this indigenous jungle. Zipline past giant Yellow Wood trees, Hard Pear trees and other interesting flora. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for the Knysna Loerie and the Narina Trogon as you traverse through the Tsitsikamma air. Kayak and Lilo Tours
Table Mountain is the symbol of Cape Town in the world. This mountain, named because of its flat top, protects the City Bowl and offers a fantastic view of it. When clouds cover the top, Capetonians use to say that the table is set, as it look like a table cloth. It is a Natural World Heritage Site but also one of the New 7 Wonder of Nature selected in 2011. To honour this wonder, the city of Cape Town decided to place yellow frames at 7 different locations to look at Table Mountain from every angle. Giant Yellow Frames This project took shape in partnership with the Cape Town’s World Design Capital 2014 programme. The purpose of the operation is to help tourists to take the best of this monument, but also to remind to the local people the beauty of their Mother City. It is the South African designer Porky Hefer who thought
1- Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock The vibrant Neighbourhood Market at Old Biscuit Mill is loved by tourists and locals alike, this is one of our favourite food markets for people watching and photography. It’s located in the heart of Woodstock.. The market is open every Saturday from 9:00am to 14:00pm. A post shared by The Old Biscuit Mill (@oldbiscuitmill) on Sep 16, 2016 at 4:54am PDT A post shared by The Old Biscuit Mill (@oldbiscuitmill) on Jan 13, 2017 at 11:02pm PST 2- Blue Bird Garage Market, Muizenberg Situated in the sleepy seaside surfer suburb of Muizenberg is The Blue Bird Food & Goods Market. This market is more of a local and community market, great food and music to be enjoyed. Market is every Friday 4 -10pm rain or sunshine in the heart of Muizenberg! 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg A post shared by Blue Bird Garage Market (@bluebirdgaragemarket) on Jun 7, 2016 at 1:14am
Each year, South Africa hosts hundreds of Southern Right Whales from July to November. These impressive creatures, playful, like to surprise us every time. The best spot to see them is Hermanus, in Western Cape, only 2 hours away from Cape Town on the beautiful coastal road. If you get a chance to do a Whale Route Tour this winter, see the behaviours of whales to look for in the Indian Ocean. Breaching It is one of the most spectacular behaviours to watch and involves a whale leaping clear of the wather and then landing again with an anormous splash. Scientists think that this behaviour could either be a form of courtship display, a means of communication or for the shear exuberance of the act. Spyhopping Southern Right Whales occasionally raise their heads vertically above the surface so that their eyes clear the water, sometimes rotating slowly as they do so. It has been suggested
If you come to Cape Town, discover the Garden Route during several days is a must. Its panoramic landscapes are breathtaking and you can do many activities such as discover National Parks, sunbathing on the beach, encouter animals,… However, you can also choose to try more unusual experiences. Discover our 5 original activities on the Garden Route to live a very memorable trip. Elephant Bush Walk At the Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, live the extraordinary adventure to walk with the biggest animal on earth: elephant! In addition to the walk, you will be able to touch them and feed them. A stroll “trunk in hand” is an unforgettable experience. Moreover, the healers will teach you the background of the elephants that you are going to meet and help you to understand their behavior. Animal lovers will fall in love and the others you will succomb to the charm of these smart creatures for sure! Waterfall Zipline