Traveltrips

Cape Town Self Catering - When you need a break

Camps Bay SA's priciest suburb

Camps Bay Beach

Camps Bay nirvana

Camps Bay, Cape Town

The Bungalow Restaurant in Camps Bay

Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands Travel Guide

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Experience South Africa

Traveltrips

Cape Town Self Catering - When you need a break

Camps Bay SA's priciest suburb

Camps Bay Beach

Camps Bay nirvana

Camps Bay, Cape Town

The Bungalow Restaurant in Camps Bay

Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands Travel Guide

Dorp Street - Stellenbosch

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Experience South Africa

Bontebok National Park - Accommodation in the Western Cape - South Africa

Five South Africa Tourism suggestions:

* Explore South Africa in Cape Town

* Explore South Africa in Durban

* Big Five, Wildlife and Safari Experiences in South Africa

* Wild Coast – taking a step back in time

* The Garden Route – fragrant and scenic

Five South Africa Tourism suggestions:

* Explore South Africa in Cape Town

* Explore South Africa in Durban

* Big Five, Wildlife and Safari Experiences in South Africa

* Wild Coast – taking a step back in time

* The Garden Route – fragrant and scenic

2009-10-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

Every now and again you come to a point when you just need a break. A time-out from the busy daily grind and hustle and bustle of city life. Usually around September you notice more accidents, more road rage and that people tend to get annoyed quicker with one another. Itâ€™s the post-winter blues as I like to call it. When you simply have had enough of gloomy winter and are ready for basking in the summer sun. This is usually the time of year when I seek out a self catering sanctuary in Cape Town.

A little more than work
As a freelancer your work definitely has a few perks that others unfortunately cannot enjoy. One of these is having your own schedule. There is no dreaded 9 to 5 working hours, no boss looking over your shoulder and you donâ€™t have to waste your life sitting in traffic.

So when I secured a freelance job in Cape Town I decided that this would also be a good time to have a little time on my own. I use the relaxation as an excuse for inspiration to my creativity, and what better place to stay than in Camps Bay. I was lucky that an old friend of mine in Cape Town recommended Rontree, a self catering accommodation situated in the heart of Camps Bay.

A day in the sun
Surrounded by views of white sandy beaches with the majestic Twelve Apostle mountain range, Camps Bay is nothing more than inspiration for a sonnet. But I wasnâ€™t here to write poetry or even a novel. I was here to give an old friend, Sue, advice on her newest project. She opened a new health centre that included Pilates, Body Talk and Chinese meridian massages. My role was to have a look through all the branding and ads written for the clinic. It was more of a favour for a friend really than a job, but nonetheless I agreed that I would fly down and advise as much as possible.

So after my late breakfast I strolled down to the Camps Bay beach with all that Sue has given me in one hand and in the other my holiday bag. While sitting on the beach, reading through a brochure I suddenly became aware of people pointing to a spot on the ocean. I saw it earlier but wrote it off as a rock, but it was in actual fact a whale.

Every year during September and December the whales come down the South African shores. Itâ€™s their breeding season. Soon enough a second whale was spotted. Personally I wasnâ€™t aware that the whales came so close to the shore, so this was a wonderful surprise. Amazing how much excitement whale-watching can cause, because everyone probably stood and watched them for about an hour. After awhile a sat back down and enjoyed the view of the ocean and the fresh sea-breeze.

A weekâ€™s gone by
The rest of my week was spent pretty much in the same manner, sleeping in, enjoying a late breakfast and then go down to the beach. Of course I also did some sight-seeing and I even joined Sue on a hike up Lionâ€™s head. But it was on this beach where I found my sanctity. I was able to work my way through all Sue gave me, making notes on a few minor things and explaining to Sue why I made these suggestions. She was happy and so was I, because even though I wasnâ€™t totally on a work-free holiday, it still felt like I was. It made me wonder exactly how people get their work done here in Cape Town. It just seemed so easy to be able to drift off in a dream world when you are surrounded with such tranquilising beauty. It reminded me of what someone once told me. They said that a lot of people that came for a visit to Cape Town simply never left. Well, on my way back home, I understood why and I myself felt like staying longer. Cape Town really is mesmerizing and Iâ€™m sure that from now on the Mothercity would be seeing more of me.

Article Source

Fullham Lodge - Camps Bay Accommodation

2009-09-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

Johannesburg - It appears that wealthy investors still have plenty of appetite for big-ticket properties with prices in some of SA's swankiest suburbs still rising at double-digit rates.

This is according to the latest data from real estate portal South African Property Transfer Guide (SAPTG).

The Atlantic seaboard suburb of Camps Bay saw average house prices surge by 56% over the past year to R7m in March 2008, up from an average sales value of R4.48m in March 2007.

That places Camps Bay as SA's most expensive suburb in SAPTG's monthly top 10 survey of highest average sales value achieved.

SAPTG's data, which is sourced from the Deeds Office, applies only to property transfers of up to R20m.The survey is divided between suburbs were 10 or more sales are achieved per month and suburbs with less than 10 sales.

The Cape Town suburb of Constantia ranked second after Camps Bay as the highest-priced residential neighbourhood in SA (10 or more sales) with an average sales value of R 5.95m. Posh golf resort Zimbali on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast claimed third spot in March, with an average sales value of R3.65m. That's growth of 21% in 12 months.

In the "less than ten sales" category, Cape Town again boasted the highest priced suburb in SA, with Fresnaye on the Atlantic seaboard taking top slot with an average sales value of R6.9m.

Not hit hard by credit act

That's followed by Gauteng's exclusive Hyde Park where properties changed hands at an average R4.78m in March this year 17% up from the average price tag of R4m achieved in Hyde Park a year ago.

SAPTG's house price trends for top-end suburbs are in stark contrast to what is happening in middle-income areas. Standard Bank's latest data shows that median house prices in SA dropped by 5.2% in the year to March 2008 from R580 000 to R550 000.

That's the first time in eight years that median house prices have actually dropped in nominal terms. And property economists expect the overall market to stay in the doldrums for at least the next 12 to 18 months. More so, if interest rates are hiked yet again later this week.

Estate agents confirm that luxury suburbs have been far less affected by higher interest rates and the National Credit Act (NCA) than the middle and lower priced end of the market.

Laurie Wener, MD of Pam Golding Properties (PGP) in the Western Cape, says top-end suburbs remain active despite the general slowdown. PGP recorded a number of record sales in the past three months on the Atlantic Seaboard. Many of these sales are going to cash buyers who are not affected by higher rates and the NCA.

Recent record sales deals include a penthouse apartment in Clifton for R48m, an apartment at the V&A Waterfront for R22.5m and a three-bedroom home in Camps Bay for R16.5m. Wener says foreigners are still showing a keen interest in the area, but at least 60% of sales are going to South Africans - both Capetonians and upcountry buyers.

Jared Gottschalk of the Alliance Group says they recently sold a "moderate" Camps Bay beachfront property to an upcountry buyer for R44m, proving once again just how strong demand for prime properties in this area of Cape Town still is.

Article Source

2009-07-31T01:51:00.000-07:00

Regarded as one of the most scenic and popular beaches in Cape Town, Camps Bay beach is a long stretch of white sand lined with palm trees, lawns and hip, trendy restaurants and shops along Victoria road (Beach road). Framed from behind by the towering and dramatic twelve apostle mountains which extend all the way from Table mountain to Lundudno beach and Hout Bay, people regular stand gaping with camera in hand at the stunning natural beauty of Camps Bay beach.

Despite all its popularity and trendiness, Camps Bay beach still has a wild beauty and energy about it. The ocean can one day be as still as a lake and azure blue, and then another day it can be more moody and tumultuous, pounding large beach dumper waves on the sands and washing the beach clean of any previous traces of humans.

If the wind turns to a strong south easter in the summer, Camps Bay beach can turn into a large stretch of sandblasting sand. The majority of the time you can rent chairs and umbrellas on Camps Bay beach and enjoy beautiful sunsets or even stay the evening for the moon rise (during the right time of the month). Take your chair and table down to Camps Bay beach and have a sunset picnic.

Beach Volleyball is played on Camps Bay beach as it traditionally has been since the late 80’s. You’ll find professional beach volleyball players there in the summers mostly on the weekends. Similar to the beaches in California, volleyball players play with players of their own experience level but anyone is welcome to take their own net down to the beach and have a game with their friends.

Frisbees, beach bats and swimming are the other activities commonly found on Camps Bay beach. During the busy summer months there are always lifeguards on duty with areas demarcated for swimming. Commonly the water is cold but there are the rare occasions when the water warms up to bathwater temperatures.

Early in the morning from 6 am - 8am you will find the early risers and dog walkers strolling up and down the beach. On a good weather day, Camps Bay beach will get crowded starting around 11 am with umbrellas, chairs and sun-seeking bodies.

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Fullham Lodge - Camps Bay Accommodation

2009-06-25T04:12:00.000-07:00

Outside of a jacuzzi with Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie, it’s hard to think of a better place to have been yesterday than the Camps Bay Football Club: blue skies, an exquisite setting, and a blur of bikinis, all set against an endless stream of cold Heineken. Throw in some surprisingly impressive five-a-side football, and I’m not sure I’ll have a better day this year…

Every year, David Raad, the thickset Lebanese bouncer who owns Caprice, Camps Bay’s temple to hedonistic summer living, and Socrates Georgiades (who’ll be remembered by a string of hen’s nights as ‘Greek Lightning’), the former Cape Town Spurs ‘keeper turned DJ, throw together a five-a-side soccer tournament for the city’s bars, clubs and restaurants. The result is 32 teams, legions of minimally attired supporters, and a celebration of the beautiful game that brings out some of Cape Town’s more colourful characters.

This year’s crowd included Ajax Cape Town owner John Comitis (hair almost as grey as Robbie Fleck’s), playing for Raad’s Caprice team; Benni McCarthy’s portly brother Jerome, playing for Claremont shebeen Wadda; Flat Stanley front man Andy Mac, who’s waiting for confirmation as support act on next month’s Vanilla Ice comeback tour; and, at 198 kilograms, Tyrone from Heineken, officially the biggest man in history to have played a five-a-side tournament, and who kept getting mistaken by small children for a jumping castle.

The football got quite heated, the first punch landed well before lunch, and Bang Bang Club ‘keeper Dale Jackson — controversially signed from Ignite for a new five-a-side transfer record for three cases of Black Label quarts, and a year’s subscription to Loslyf — got the day’s first red card, the diminutive barman stretching up and headbutting an opponent in the knee. Zimbabwean Yaron Weisenbacher got the only other sending off, provoking the use of an obscure and little-known FIFA law that prohibits the making of inappropriate romantic advances to the referee.

Last year’s champions were Saints Bar from Bree Street, led by the aforementioned Georgiades; the same team, playing under the Wadda banner this year, saw off Caprice in the semifinal, while Douglas Oberwortmanhausenfonteinstein and Denzil Solomons, co-owner of Hemisphere, won an ill-tempered clash with Bang Bang Club to set up a cracking final; four goals from a Hemisphere side who weren’t, contrary to rumours, on ten grams a goal, meant the trophy is headed to the 31st floor of the Absa building, and the best view of any nightclub on the planet.

After some grim fare in the Super 14 (Blues-Crusaders final looking a good bet), and the under-19 cricket disappointment at the death, a healthy dose of good cheer was much needed yesterday; Ernie sealed it with a mildly surprising win, but the football made the day. Bring on next year, by which stage my constitution should have just about repaired itself.

The country’s top amateur golfers are at Royal Durban this week for the Glacier South African Amateur Championship, taking on a course with some of the most frightening rough I’ve come across (I almost dislocated my shoulder twice trying to get back onto the fairways on Saturday). If you’re at a loose end and you’re in the area, drop by and check out some of the finest young talent in the country. And on a golfing note, pro-am specialist Zanosi Kunene has launched a new father-son event at Fancourt, four rounds across the courses from March28-20. Should be a great trip; drop Mari Leach a line if you’d like to find out more about it. Rumours that Herschelle Gibbs and Steve Hofmeyr have three fourballs each haven’t been confirmed…

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Fullham Lodge - Camps Bay Accommodation

2009-05-28T00:19:00.000-07:00

Camps Bay is the premier tourist destination in South Africa, and is magnificently located on the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and adjacent to Table Mountain.

Camps Bay is a suburb of Cape Town, with a village feel, offering a convenient location only 15 minutes drive to the city center, 20 minutes from the V&A Waterfront, 30 minutes from the airport, 40 minutes from the Cape Winelands and 60 minutes from Cape Point. You can safely walk to the Camps Bay beachfront during the day and at night.

Camps Bay is well appointed with more than 20 restaurants, some internationally acclaimed and more than 20 accommodation establishments offering typical South African hospitality and spectacular views. With a multitude of activities and attractions on your doorstep, Camps Bay is an ideal location from which to explore Cape Town, South Africa's "Mother City".

Couples from around the world are choosing Cape Town as their fairytale wedding venue and Camps Bay is just the spot to make every wedding dream come true. Camp Bay is a favourite wedding destination, and many romantic couples have given each other their vows on Camps Bay beach, in the Rotunda at the Bay Hotel, at a guest house in Camps Bay, or even on top of Table Mountain looking down onto Camps Bay.

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2009-04-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

This fantastic new upmarket restaurant in Camps Bay brings summer to Cape Town's luxury bay

Restaurant maverick Paul Kovensky has added another two jewels to his growing crown of restaurants in Cape Town. Bungalow and The Kove are Paul's latest restaurants, situated along the prime Camps Bay beachfront strip, and both opened in December 2008.

"When conceptualising my business, I first think about where and what I would want to eat, and the music I would want to listen to, and add to that elements of restaurants I've visited when travelling. Only then do I start thinking about it as an operator," says Paul.

Bungalow is a cutting edge, contemporary café and is Camps Bay’s new hot spot for chilling with friends. With beautiful white and blue décor and plush white couches and beds, guests are invited to relax and sip on a delicious cocktail off the extensive drinks menu.

Paul creates a relaxing, inviting, laidback and true Camps Bay atmosphere - designed to cater to anyone and everyone looking to dine in sophisticated but extremely relaxed environ - hence the blue tones and beds in Bungalow.

For Kovensky, the focus is always on the food and even the cocktails are designed around freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bungalow's carefully planned menu is described as cutting edge molecular gastronomy created by Chef Gabriel Le Roux.

With international experience from Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, India, Diaz Strand Hotel and Resort, The Emperors Palace Resort Hotel and the 2 Rosette 1 Michelin star Le Petit Blancin Cheltenham, UK, Gabriel received culinary qualifications from City & Guilds in London as well as the Culinary Arts Institute of Africa.

To maximise on the social aspect of Bungalow restaurant in Camps Bay, and give diners the opportunity to try numerous mouth watering dishes, Bungalow offers an extensive menu of Shared Dishes.

Gruyere fondue with tio pepe and ground cloves, Sautéed Norwegian salmon, served with grilled baby aubergine and pea sauce, Coconut tempura prawns with dipping sauce, Crayfish tail, poached new potatoes with vanilla-citrus spray, Smoked duck breast with warm goat’s cheese and walnut vinaigrette, Pan-fried foie gras, toasted walnut brioche with micro greens, and Beef burgers with guacamole and brie cheese are just some of these mouth watering dishes available to share.

Also look out for the Vanilla Smoked Butterfish with pineapple and fennel ravioli, Arborio crusted oysters with chilli jam and rocket leaves, Sautéed Norwegian salmon, grilled baby aubergine, pea sauce in addition to the shared dining menu.

Making the spectacular summer days last even longer, at 11pm Bungalow transforms into a beach bar and will fill the sea air with sounds of organic deep house.

The Bungalow's finishing touches embrace the subtle nuances of a light, airy underwater theme that thread their way into the music, the atmosphere and the food.

Please contact: +27(0)21 438 0008 for reservations.

Apart from Bungalow and The Kove Restaurant, Kovensky's other Cape Town restaurants include Paranga Restaurant in Camps Bay, and Pepenero Restaurant in Green Point.

Article Source

Fullham Lodge - Camps Bay Accommodation

2009-03-01T23:47:00.000-08:00

Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. A 45-minute drive from Cape Town, the town and is nestled below gorgeous mountain ranges complimented by vineyards.

The town's biggest claim to fame is as the best wine production region in the country. The local wine estates produce excellent wines, offer tastings, cellar tours and some, gastronomic delights.

Stellenbosch is not just about wine, there is The University of Stellenbosch, the outdoor playground of the surrounding mountains, excellent restaurants, history, art and architecture.

Sip a drink at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes, admiring the town's architecture and discuss the history of one of South Africa's favourite towns under the shade of an old oak tree.


Dorp Street - Stellenbosch
Dorp means 'town' in Afrikaans and is one of the main, and oldest, streets in the winelands town of Stellenbosch. Stroll along historic Dorp Street and take in the towering oak trees, traditional and modern cape architecture, restaurants, art and antique shops.

Source: CTTG

Camps Bay Accommodation

2008-12-18T00:15:00.000-08:00

Cape Town has many wonderful historical landmarks that can be explored during your stay. Table Mountain is the obvious place to start - around the world if someone mentions Cape Town, Table Mountain is an instant thought. The mountain dominates Cape Town - the city wouldn't be so interesting if Table Mountain, Devils Peak, Signal Hill and Lion's Head were not there. Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains on earth. 800,000,000 years ago the first sandstone layers began to form under the sea. These were later strengthened by the formation of a granite base.

The mountain rose due to tectonic movements deflected down by the granite. The mountain has been slowly rising ever since, yet also eroded by the action of water, fire, wind and ice.

The mountain itself really isn't so big - it is only 1086 meters, Everest is 8,850m! - it is the positioning and shape that makes Table Mountain so spectacular. Situated on the coast there are no other large mountains close by to complete with, the sea has receded over the years and the area known as the cape flats surround the mountain.

The flat top of the mountain is a unique sight and when covered by the 'tablecloth' - a layer of cloud that just sits on the mountain - it really is a wonderful sight. The Table Mountain National Park is wonderful for walking and for those interested in flora of the area is a real treat. The mountain is home to approximately 1470 types of plants; more than the entire British Isles! Complimenting this vast array of flora is a amazing range of animal life, like the Table Mountain Ghost Frog which is found nowhere else in the world.

The initial cable car which carried tourists up and down the mountain was first built in 1929, extensive reconstruction took place in 1997, new equipment was installed which increased the passengers capacity by almost 3 times. On both the old and new cable cars there is an impeccable safety record. During clear days the cable cars are very busy, advance booking is advised after watching the daily weather! If you choose to walk up the mountain, be sure to tell someone where you are going and expected arrival time; remember the wind can pick up extremely quickly and clouds can bear down on the mountain as if from nowhere.

Source: Explore South Africa

Guest House Camps Bay

South Africa Tourism

From watching the Big Five in one of the world’s biggest national parks or enjoying night game drives at a private lodge to relaxing on one of the many Blue Flag Beaches or surfing some of the world’s best waves in two oceans, South Africa Tourism has action, adrenalin and visual beauty. All this will ensure that visitors to this country are always enthralled and return over and over again.

Choose from South Africa’s varied cultural and wine routes or opt to experience the varied World Heritage Sites. Tourists may come to South Africa for the sightseeing and for the wildlife but they leave with the sounds of South Africa ringing in their years, the taste of its cuisine on their tongues and the warm smiles of its people in their hearts.

Visitors can select how they prefer to travel – first class all the way with accommodation in luxury hotels, resorts and lodges or they can do it the family way in self-catering accommodation or budget hotels and B&B’s. Backpackers will be delighted with the excellent facilities across the country and caravaners and campers will tell you that the location of the caravan parks in South Africa are the best in the world.

Cape Town, known as the “Mother City,” sprawls at the foot of the African continent with Table Mountain towering above the city. Robben Island, in Table Bay was the home of former President Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners for many years during the apartheid regime – it is now open to visitors. This cosmopolitan city, with beaches on both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, is perfect as a base for tours of the Western Cape, the Winelands and the Garden Route.

Durban with its sub-tropical climate has 340 days a year sunshine. It’s a vibrant holiday city - beaches with white sand and rolling surf. This modern city of 3, 5 million, where East meets West in Africa is geared for tourists. Start here to explore Kwazulu-Natal.

Safaris, game parks, reserves - most visitors come to South Africa to experience the wildlife. There are as many ways to do this as there are rhino in the Umfolozi Game Park.

Self drive. Rent a car and drive yourself and your family through one of the Game Reserves like Kruger National Park or Umfolozi. Make sure you book in advance.
Visit a private lodge or game reserve. Fly in or drive to a private Game Lodge where you get pampered and taken on game drives.
Package tour. This could include either of these or a combination.

The Wild Coast, on the East Coast of South Africa is a place of unspoiled beauty where waterfalls tumble directly into the warm sea. The Wild Coast offers endless opportunities for adventure travelers and anglers. Relax into a slower way of life in the small coastal towns of Port St Johns and Coffee Bay. Accommodation ranges from fisherman’s hideaways to fully serviced hotels.

The Garden Route stretches on the southern coast from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River in the Cape Province. The region provides a study in contrasts. It is an eco-destination like few others in the world, situated about 280km from Cape Town and is one of South Africa's richest botanical treasures. Along the way, every kind of adventure activity is possible; scuba diving, abseiling, fishing and more.

Source: Suite101.com

Fullham Lodge

Camps Bay And The Beach

If one were interested in paying a visit to Cape Town, Camps Bay would be a prime area to find a place to stay temporarily as it offers some excellent accommodation that will put one somewhere between the Mountain and the beach. With a vast choice of villas, flats, cottages and guesthouses, one would not be deprived of finding perfectly suitable luxury lodging. The houses in Camps Bay stretch from the steeps down to the stunning beachfront. The scenery as you look down from Kloof Nek is breathtaking. The jagged and precipitous Twelve Apostles sweep down to a rocky shoreline. A long, wide and perfectly white beach breaks this shoreline. You feel that you would not be surprised to see a Spanish galleon taking provisions on board, moored in the bay. In contrast to the neighboring Clifton the beach is not hemmed in by steep slopes and has a very open atmosphere. Table Mountains, the cableway and the Twelve Apostles provide a majestic backdrop. The promenade of palm trees adds an ambience of a by-gone era where ladies carried parasols and held on to their lovers elbow. The beach is spacious and not usually very crowded. It is popular with families who can be seen with all their paraphernalia of happiness – deck chairs, cool boxes, colourful beach towels and umbrellas and children with their buckets and spades. A nearby sports field provides bored husbands with interest diversions, and the beach is backed by a number of shops, restaurants, chemists and banks to assuage your every need. There is as tidal pool beside a neatly mown grass verge, with shady trees and braai spots. A large tidal pool provides sheltered bathing for young children. This allows you to have the feeling of being on the beach without getting sand in your teeth and sandwiches.

You can get to the beach from Kloof Nek if you take the main road that leads down to the Atlantic side. After winding backwards and forwards you will find yourself looking at a beach trough palm trees. Alternatively from Sea point, take the beach rd (Victoria) past Clifton through to Camps Bay. Parking can be found on the road that runs past the beach. Parking is at a premium and on good summer’s days be prepared to park in a side street and walk down. The beach is separated from the road by a short grassy verge. Activities such as swimming and sunbathing are the main pastimes on this beach. The surf is usually strong and the beach shelves steeply so keep an eye on children. Surfers usually congregate at the adjacent Glen Beach. At Camps Bay the waves dump and are useless for paddle skiers or surfers. Camps Bay has been the take off point for long haul windsurfers en route to Hout bay or Milnerton on regatta days. Even a competent board sailor would not attempt this trip without crew. The accommodation near the beach is more than abundant and prices range but can go quite low, considering what one gets from staying in this picturesque coastal suburb. The nightlife is fun and various clubs, restaurants and pubs remain open until late, to accommodate the thriving community.
By: Dylan
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

2008-10-22T04:24:00.000-07:00

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Fullham Lodge

Information on Cape Town, the winelands and cedarberg mountains, Western Cape, South Africa.

Information on Cape Town, the winelands and cedarberg mountains, Western Cape, South Africa.

Cape Town

Cape town is justly famous for its beaches, restaurants, V&A Waterfront and other tourist attractions.

No visit to this part of the world is complete without visiting the Boulders beach penguin colony, one of only two mainland breeding colonies of the African or Jackass Penguin.

False Bay

Boulders is in the historic naval town of Simonstown, a spectacular train ride or easy and picturesque car trip on well maintained roads. Simonstown is well served with restaurants, shops and beaches.

Cape Point nature reserve is a short drive away, first named "Cape of Storms" by early seafarers the reserve now boasts excellent tourist facilities.

The area known as the Western Cape has been settled since the 17th century and the land which once teemed with game such as elephant, lion, rhino, hippo and vast herds of antelope, has been subdued and put to the farmers plough.

The Cape Winelands

The Western Cape is synonymous with wine and the area bounded by the eastern mountains are the Cape Winelands. The early French Huguenot settlers brought their passion for wine-making with them and many of the wine estates carry their legacy with names such as L'Ormarins, L'Avenir, La Provence and Mont Rochelle.

This is a land of gentle green vines, towering mountains, snow capped in winter and trout filled streams and lakes.

The towns of Franschoek and Stellenbosch are at the centre of this wine growing area. Some world class wines have come out of the valleys and hills of the Cape and the annual Nederberg Wine Sales attract buyers from all over the world.

Cedarberg

The Cedarberg mountain range wilderness area is a two hour scenic drive from Cape Town. There are a number of day walks and short hikes to features such as the Maltese Cross and Wolfsberg Arch, these landmarks can also be taken in as part of longer hikes of two days or more.

Other popular hikes take in "Crystal Pool" or Sneeuberg, the highest peak in the Cedarberg range at 2027 metres above sea level. The mountain is frequently snow covered in winter.

Source

Located at the top of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town is probably the most popular destination in South Africa. Overlooking Cape Town is the prominent landmark of Table Mountain. Table Mountain is a level plateau with steep cliffs surrounding it which resembles a table. Frequently covered in clouds, these appear to hang over the edge of the mountain like a table cloth. There are some great beaches around Cape Town. Beaches on the Atlantic Coast have much cooler water than on the Indian Ocean Coast, with up to a 10 degree temperature difference. A short ferry ride away is Robben Island which served as a maximum security prison up until 1991, and is now a museam.

Cape Winelands

Close to Cape Town are The Winelands, popular with wine lovers and a great location for weddings. The Winelands are full of picturesque vineyards that produce some of the worlds best wines. There are six different wine regions, with the most famous being the Stellenbosch Wine region. It is well worth going on one of the many wine tours in the regions.

Garden Route

The Garden Route is a popular and scenic route along the south coast of South Africa, starting at Mossel Bay and finishing at Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park. The best way to enjoy the scenic route is to hire a car, to really open up the route to exploration in your own time. For those who would prefer not to drive, Africa's last remaining passenger steam train runs between Mossel Bay and George.

KwaZulu Natal and The Battlefields

KwaZulu Natal set against the Indian Ocean with a sub tropical climate, is a great all year round holiday destination. The Drakensberg Mountains (which translated means Dragon Mountains) are highest in the KwaZulu Natal region. With spectacular scenery, they are great for hiking or for biking. Zululand is home to the largest concentration of battle sites in South Africa, between the British, Boers and Zulus, and there are tours available of the historic sites. A visit to the region isn't complete unless you take in the culture and traditions of the hospitable Zulus.

South Africa Safari

South Africa is home to some great malaria free safaris. Sabi Sands Game Reserve situated on the western border of the Kruger National Park has excellent guides, luxury accommodation and fine cuisine. The Madikwe Game Reserve situated on the Botswana border, is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa, with many superb lodges to stay in. The Shamwari Game Reserve is located on the Garden Route with many great lodges to stay in. Safari's in Waterberg have some of the most exceptional scenery as a back drop to your wildlife experience.
Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com
Bontebok National Park - Accommodation in the Western Cape - South Africa

Click here to see Accommodation in Swellendam.

Bontebok National Park is a place of simplistic beauty and peaceful charm. The majestic Langeberg Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for this Park of colorful riches. A part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, now heralded as a world heritage site, Bontebok National Park always offers something in bloom.

The Park is proud to promote its achievements in biodiversity conservation, from the endangered fynbos veld type, coastal Renosterveld to the namesake bontebok! Once these colorful antelope numbered a mere 17, and through effective management we are proud to affirm that the present world population amounts to around 3000. The Park offers much more for nature lovers, from a diversity of indigenous animal life to over 200 remarkable bird species.

The Breede River provides an idyllic western border to the park and offers guests scenery, bird watching, fishing, and a refreshing swimming spot. Visitors can also get a profound familiarity of the Park’s endless sights and sounds while on one of the various hiking trails or on a winding bike trip. Furthermore, Bontebok provides its guests with an experience of South African culture.

Connect to the people of the past and learn about how the Khoisan lived and changed through local history. Come and enjoy all we have to offer, from adventure or a lazy day braai to a relaxing stay in a Park of natural and cultural tranquility.

Areas of Special Interest

Bontebok is an excellent place to use as a home base to visit:

The wine routes and historic buildings of Swellendam, Robertson, Montagu, Ashton and Bonnievale.
The hot springs in Montagu.
A six-day hiking trail that winds through the Langeberg Mountains in Marloth Nature Reserve and is rated amongst the top hiking trails in Southern Africa.
The Drostdy Museum that will transport you back through the history of the Swellendam area.

5 Things to seek

Bontebok
Cape Mountain Zebra
Stanley's Bustard
Breede River
Lang Elsie's Kraal

Did you know that.

The park was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the last 30 Bontebok left in the wild?
It is also one of the largest remaining 'renosterveld islands' containing several plant species found nowhere else in the world?
It is also the smallest of South Africa's 20 National Parks?
It has a high density of rare and endangered bird life, fynbos species and animal life?
The Breede River runs through it?
The rest camp is named after the 'Hessekwa' khoi-khoi chieftainess called Lang Elsie?
The Hessekwa traded with the first Dutch settlers who landed in Cape Town in 1652?
The park has a spectacular view of the Langeberg mountains?

Activities

Birding
Game viewing from own vehicle.
Two short nature-hiking trails, starting and ending in the rest camp area.
Bathing in the Breede River - in the Rest Camp Area and soon at Die Stroom.
Angling in the Breede River - anglers must be in possession of a valid angling permit, available for purchase at Park Reception.
Canoeing / Kayaking in the Breede River, with own equipment.
Biking opportunities available, regular and mountain biking, to increase with Parks project.

Facilities

Picnic and braai/barbecue sites with ablution facilities are available for day and overnight visitors.
A shop at the park entrance supplies basic commodities like beer, wine and curios can be purchased. Fresh produce and other groceries are available in Swellendam.
Please be informed that the fuel station in the park has closed down. The nearest fuel supply is in the town of Swellendam.