Around About Cars Travel Blog

The 2012 Origin Festival is a three day outdoor electronic music experience that gets the ball for the new year rolling under the summer skies. With two dance floors and an array of top shelf international and local DJs there something for everyone; from Psy trance to Balkan – all wrapped up in Vitamin D and washed down with good times.

Origin Festival 2012 lineup

• Tristan (Nano UK)
• Killerwatts (Nano UK)
• D-Nox (sprout Germany)
• Shane Gobi ( Alchemy UK)
• Tarka Sands (UK)
• Commercial Hippies
• Headroom
• Broken Toy
• Toby2Shoes
• Ivan Turanjanin

And many more

Origin 2012 Venue

The new venue, Elandskloof Farm, boasts two dance floors each flanked by new dams and oak forest and can be found between Bot River and Caledon (that’s only 125km from Cape Town.) So easy no need for directions…

Date: 27 Jan 2012 – 29 Jan 2012
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
Venue: Elandskloof Farm
Location: Between Botriver and Caledon
Price: TBC

Source: Cape Town Magazine

Building upon the success of three great years in the Mother City, the Southern Ink Xposure (SIX), the 4th Annual Cape Town International Tattoo Convention, is quickly becoming the best, friendliest little tattoo expo in the world. And we’re planning an even better one for next year!

This year’s show saw a very successful move from the CTICC to the much more intimate and friendly Pavilion Conference Centre. The fourth instalment of the Cape Town International Tattoo Convention will again be at the Pavilion from January 27th – 29th 2012. The expo promises more great international artists, more pre-convention parties, an expanded on-floor entertainment programme, and much more.

The Cape Town International Tattoo Convention is proudly brought to you by SixLove Events.

Dates:
27 January 17h00 – 22h00
28 January 11h00 – 22h00
29 January 12h00 – 20h00

Venues:
Pavilion Conference Centre
V&A Waterfront

Tickets:
R100 per adult per day pass
(R120 at the door)
R250 per adult per weekend pass
Kids under 16 enter free

Source: Cape Tattoo Convention

Neutral Colours:

If you don’t own any clothing in neutral colours, it is not really necessary to buy it just for the safari, unless you are intending to do a walking safari where the ranger will expect you to dress appropriately ie no white or bright colours.

However if you are staying at one of the smarter game lodges, many fellow guests will have the classic safari gear (in khaki or green) and you may want to blend in with your fellow guests and not just the wildlife. This is a matter of personal preference.

Washing at bush camps:

Remember that laundry is included at many of the camps in Botswana and Zambia, when you are restricted by luggage allowance and so may well need to have clothes washed. But washing is often done by hand by the camp staff, and will probably not be ironed. You may want to think twice before bringing the silk blouse or the linen trousers. Some of the newer materials are very crease- proof and ideal for a real bush safari.

Spring:

The ‘shoulder months’ of Spring and Autumn are always a tricky one as far as packing is concerned. Temperatures may vary wildly within an average two week holiday period as you never know when Winter will change to Spring or Spring to Summer…

Spring-like weather starts in late August – later in Cape Town and along the Garden Route, but there is no guarantee of this. As in Europe and the States, spring often brings variable weather – beautiful for days and then a bit cold and rainy for day or two. Rain might occur if you are in the Cape so bring a rainproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Hats and umbrellas can be purchased easily here if needed.

Even if the days are warm and sunny, night time temperatures will be noticeably cooler so have a warmer jacket for the evenings – pashminas for women work well.

If you are spending some time on safari, be prepared for low temperatures once the sun has set, and also in the early morning.

So bring a variety of clothes- both warm and hot weather options – t-shirts, short-sleeved tops, pedal pushers, swim gear – especially if you are spending time in the Kruger but be ready for temperatures to change quite suddenly.

Summer:

Summer in South Africa is generally hot to very hot – with the occasional cooler day in and around Cape Town and the Garden Route.

In the northern provinces of KwaZulu Natal and Kruger, or hotter areas like the Cedarberg or Northern Cape, the day time temperatures will often be in the high 30’s. So bring plenty of hot weather clothing.

The northern part of the country has a summer rainfall pattern. This generally takes the form of a cooling late afternoon shower – welcome relief from the heat – but occasionally it can rain for 2-3 days so have a couple of warmer items just in case.

Remember that we recommend long trousers and long sleeved shirts in the evenings – if you can bear it – to guard against mosquitos. (Remember that Malaria is only an issue in the Kruger and far northern KwaZulu Natal – the rest of the country is malaria-free. ) Alternatively liberally smother yourself in mosquito repellant. It’s your choice!

Autumn:

Again Autumn is a tricky one to call as far as packing is concerned. Temperatures vary wildly within an average two week holiday period so be prepared.

Bring plenty of hot weather clothing – especially if you are spending time in the Kruger and KwaZulu Natal – but also be ready for temperatures to change quite suddenly.

Night time temperatures will start getting noticeably cooler so have a warmer jacket for the evenings. If you are spending some time on safari, be prepared for a sudden downturn in temperature once the sun has set. It’s not be uncommon to start a game drive at 4.00pm feeling distinctly hot and end it three hours later feeling on the cold side. You may feel vaguely silly bringing hats and warm jackets to the game vehicle when it’s so hot, but you won’t regret it later.

Winter:

I have lived in South Africa for 18 years and have noticed that South Africans, particularly those living in the bush, tend to ignore the fact that they have a winter. However our guests, used to wall to wall central heating, certainly feel it.

During winter, you will need to pack a range of clothing as the South African winter varies in intensity from province to province.

In the Cape, where the winters are similar to Mediterranean Europe (think Spain or Italy) or Southern USA, the hotels and lodges are reasonably well-equipped with underfloor heating, fireplaces even electric blankets. However South African lodges do not have central heating and it’s fair to say that buildings are not generally heated to the same degree as in Europe or the US. You also might have some rain in the Cape so come prepared with a rainproof jacket

The rest of the country has dry winter with pleasant sunny days. It is not uncommon for the daytime temperatures to be 25°c so bring some lightweight shirts and t-shirts as well.

However it’s the diurnal range in winter which usually flummoxes visitors. A South African can say that it’s 25°c during the day but he won’t say that the day could have started at 5°c! In fact it’s the warm sunny days which produce the sudden downturn in temperatures in the evening as there is no cloud cover. If you are on safari in June, you will need to come fully prepared with hats, gloves – the lot!

Extra tip:

I also throw in a hot water bottle (easily purchased at any chemist in South Africa) just in case your hotel bed does not have an electric blanket. These are also very handy for early morning game drives and alfresco Boma dinners (though many of the more switched-on game lodges now provide them)

Packing list:

• Warm jacket (winter) or sleeveless jacket for the start and end of the day
• Lighter shirts, including short sleeves, and perhaps pedal pushers for the day
• Winter safari on open vehicle – gloves, scarf, hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Long trousers for evening (both in case of mosquitos or cooler weather)
• Neutral colours if you intend to do a walking safari
• Non-crease clothing (not white) if staying at Bush Camps

Other non-clothing items:

• Small torch or headlight – surprisingly useful
• Hand sanitizer (very useful after a loo stop in the bush)
• Pocket sized animal identification book (so that you don’t have to borrow the rangers)
• Binoculars –essential, ideally one per person
• Ideally one ‘serious’ camera and one point and shoot so that all options are covered on safari (plus you may not always want to lug heavy cameras around when sight seeing)
• Journal or notebook
• South African adaptor plug
• Six pack Cooler bag for drinks in the car whilst on a self-drive

Source: cedarberg-travel.com

As thousands descend on Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday January 28 for the J&B Met, the largest annual outdoor social event in Cape Town, some will be looking at more than just the racehorses. In this instance the show ponies on display will be the fashionistas.

Cape Town Tourism is offering a fantastic special for those planning a trip to Cape Town for the horse racing gala. Visit our dedicated J&B Met page for more information, updates and specials.

The fashion aspect and, more importantly, the Most Elegant Couple competition are the most highly regarded and anticipated events of the J&B Met. Here, designers are either reaffirmed or introduced, and those who have designed the winning garments in the past have gone on to become members of the fashion elite.

MADE DIFFERENT

The theme for this year’s event is Made Different, with organisers calling on designers and fashion fundis to challenge the status quo and break the rules of fashion. Make your outfit from something truly different, wear what traditionally should not be worn; whatever you wear, make sure it’s different.

If you are still looking for that perfect outfit, local shopping centres and fashion boutiques are participating in various promotions, and will assist patrons in what to wear to the Met. This stimulates the fashion industry in one of its quietest months.

We caught up with Cape Town-based designers KLuK CGDT on what fashion to expect at this year’s Met.

Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit and Malcolm Kluk of KLuK CGDT dress many celebrities and guests every year and 2012 is no different. But they are presently keeping mum on who they will be swathing in an incredible KLuK CGDT creation this year. There are whispers they will dress one of the judges, Roxy Louw.

The designers agree the J&B Met is an important showcase of local fashion talent. “It’s important to have a presence as South African, and more specifically Capetonian, designers, and with many ways to interpret the Made Different theme it allows us the opportunity to show KLuK CGDT’s creativity,” says Malcolm.

And what trends to expect this year? “I think the point is to expect the unexpected – lots of interesting prints, dresses made out of unusual material – denim, plastic, brocades and curtaining – styles one wouldn’t normally wear to the horse races,” says Christiaan. “Taking a conventional outfit and inversing it. Hats will also be used to express the theme more boldly.”

And the designers have their own ideas and interpretation of Made Different: “We love using unconventional materials for classic styles in order to keep garments special and unique,” says Malcolm. “n our pret-a-porter range we use brocade for skirts and pants and, for KLuK CGDT couture, we love using viscose lycra and mesh for evening wear .”

MOST ELEGANT COUPLE COMPETITION

Couples will be put through their paces by celebrity judges Roxy Louw, Phat Joe, Bujy, Ayanda Tini, Katlego Maboe and J&B Met executive Richard Brodrick. Photo courtesy Eddy Cassar PR
The competition has two stages, pre-judging and the finals.

The pre-judging competition was introduced to cope with the hundreds of fashion-savvy couples who compete for the coveted title. Fashion spotters from the Fashion Design Department of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology hand out invitations to elegantly dressed couples, inviting them to the pre-judging. Only invited couples are allowed to enter.

The pre-judging panel consists of Good Hope FM presenters Ayanda Tini, Leigh Ann Williams and Meegan Kieffer who will whittle down the hundreds of couples to a final 16.

YFM twins Hlelo and Ntando Masina (pictured) will host the final judging when surfer/model Roxy Louw and radio personalities Phat Joe, Bujy, Ayanda Tini, Katlego Maboe and J&B Met executive Richard Brodrick decide the winner.

PRIZES

First prize:
An all-inclusive three-night stay for two at the Tinga Private Game Lodge in the Kruger National Park to the value of R40 000.

The couple also receives two Givenchy vouchers, each valued at R2 500. A Carlton Hair hamper of Carlton products and vouchers is also included.

Second Prize:
The couple will receive two R5 000 gift vouchers from Cavendish Square, the official shopping centre for the J&B Met.

The couple also receives two Givenchy vouchers each valued at R2 500, and a Carlton Hair hamper of Carlton products and vouchers.

Third Prize:
The couple will receive two R2 500 gift vouchers from Cavendish Square, the official shopping centre for the J&B Met.

The couple also receives two Givenchy vouchers, each valued at R2 500, and a Carlton Hair hamper of Carlton products and vouchers.

Fourth prize:
The couple will receive two vouchers to be pampered in true style at the International Academy of Health and Skincare.

The couple also receives two Givenchy vouchers each valued at R2 500, and a Carlton Hair hamper of Carlton products and vouchers.

J&B Most Elegant Couple – Best-Themed Couple wins a Grand Weekend Getaway at GrandWest valued at R6 000 that includes:

Two nights’ accommodation for two at the Grand Hotel, including breakfast.

Show tickets for two to an international show at the Grand Arena.

Two dinner vouchers each.

The couple also receives two R1 000 gift vouchers from Cavendish Square, the official shopping centre for the J&B Met.

Tickets for the J&B Met are available through Gold Circle offices and designated tote outlets throughout the country, and at the Kenilworth Racecourse or from www.webtickets.co.za

Source: capetown.travel

The Kruger National Park has reopened its gates after severe flooding damaged roads, cutting off dozens of tourists, officials said on Friday.

“Everything is back to normal now, all the gates have been opened. We are receiving visitors again,” park spokesman William Mabasa said.

Heavy rains this week pounded the northern part of South Africa for days, forcing park officials to evacuate 60 visitors who were stranded on safari drives.

“The mop-up operation is still continuing, some roads were temporarily fixed yesterday,” said Mabasa.

The Kruger park, which is about the size of the Netherlands, is the country’s premier safari destination and attracts 1.3 million visitors every year from all over the world.

Mabasa said no animals were affected by the flooding.

No deaths or serious injuries were reported, though six foreign tourists –four Italian and two British – were washed away in their car and had to be taken to park doctors for treatment, he said.

In neighbouring Mozambique, five people died and about 4000 homes were flooded as the storm swept across the region.

Source: travel.iafrica

Starts: 20 January 2012 @ 17h30
Ends: 20 January 2012 @ 22h00

Intro: Unwind every Friday night at The Woodmill Music Market after a long week. Come and enjoy different artists performing while indulginging in an array of different cuisines, wine tastings, micro-breweries and crafts.

Cost: Free
Location: The Woodmill, Vredenburg Road, Stellenbosch

Description: Bring family and friends this Friday to taste Knorhoek Privates Cellars award winning wines while enjoying the sounds of live music.

Entrance is Free with ample parking.

Kiddies corner provided!

Contact: Connie
Phone: +27.786257388
eMail: admin@adam-eve.co.za
URL: www.thewoodmill.co.za

Despite increased law enforcement efforts, rhino poaching accelerated in South Africa last year. The country lost 448 rhinos to poaching in 2011, official government statistics reveal. The total includes 19 critically endangered black rhinos, of which fewer than 5,000 remain in the wild. In 2010, 333 South African rhinos were killed by poachers, nearly three times the number killed in 2009.

“The rate of poaching increase may appear to be faltering, but the bottom line is more rhinos than ever were poached in 2011,” said Dr Colman O Criodain, WWF’s wildlife trade policy analyst. “If left unchecked, poaching gangs could put the survival of these iconic species in jeopardy.”

More than half of South Africa’s rhino deaths occurred in world-famous Kruger National Park. The popular safari destination lost 252 rhinos in 2011, and witnessed the poaching of an additional eight rhinos in the first weeks of the new year, according to authorities from South Africa National Parks.

South African law enforcement officials made 232 poaching-related arrests in 2011, compared to 165 the previous year. Sentences imposed for rhino crimes have also increased in recent years, with poachers and horn smugglers receiving as long as 16 years in prison.

“Rhino poaching is being conducted by sophisticated international criminal syndicates that smuggle horns to Asia,” said Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF-South Africa. “It’s not enough to bust the little guy; investigators need to shut down the kingpins organising these criminal operations. Governments in Africa and Asia must work together across borders to stop the illegal trade.”

The recent upsurge in rhino poaching has been tied to increased demand for rhino horn in Asia, particularly Vietnam, where it carries prestige as a luxury item, as a post-partying cleanser, and also as a purported cancer cure.

“Rhino horn has gained popularity among wealthy Vietnamese elites and business people to give as a gift, when currying political favour, or taking as an antidote to overindulgence,” said Tom Milliken, TRAFFIC’s rhino trade expert. “But killing endangered rhinos to mitigate a hangover is a criminal way to see in the New Year.”

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine experts, rhino horn has no proven cancer treating properties. Contrary to popular myth, it has never been used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has found that consumer demand in Vietnam is driving much of the rhino poaching. CITES has also ruled that Vietnam needs to show progress in curtailing illegal trade in rhino parts and derivatives.

“So far we have yet to see Vietnam respond to this ruling from CITES,” says O Criodain. “For that matter, CITES must put pressure on Vietnam to respond meaningfully, as it has done with other countries whose compliance with the Convention has been called into question.”

Because it is home to most of world’s rhinos, South Africa has been the epicentre of poaching. However, rhinos in other African and Asian range countries are also being targeted by poachers.

In October, WWF announced the extinction of rhinos in Vietnam. The last Javan rhinoceros in the country was killed by poachers and its horn removed. In Nepal, however, strong conservation and law enforcement efforts ensured that no rhinos were lost to poaching in 2011.

In both Africa and Asia, WWF and TRAFFIC are providing assistance to field rangers, criminal investigators, prosecutors, and customs authorities. Additionally, TRAFFIC has facilitated visits between South African and Vietnamese government officials to discuss deepening cooperation on law enforcement.

A bilateral treaty to ramp up law enforcement collaboration between South Africa and Vietnam was negotiated in September 2011 but still remains unsigned.

Source: WWF South Africa

• Excellent value for money
• Flexibility – adapt our tours to suit you
• Change your accommodation if you want
• Select what type of car group you want
• Freedom to explore at your own pace, setting off & stopping where you want
• Driving is on the left
• Car rental is straightforward with offices throughout South Africa
• The roads are good and all the road signs are in English
• Route maps, detailed directions and a comprehensive travel itinerary are provided by most car rental agencies

A lifelong dream for many, a South African safari can take as many forms as the multitude of creatures you encounter in the wild. From a remote escape in a bush camp to a luxurious idyll, the range of experiences can suit all tastes and budgets. And just like a giraffe picking and choosing amongst the canopy of leaves for the perfect snack, you’ll be rewarded for taking the time to create a safari that’s perfect for you. Here are 8 tips to plan and enjoy the best trip:

1. When to go
For wildlife watching, winter (June to September) is ideal as many trees and shrubs are leafless, which aids spotting. Limited food and water also means that animals are out in the open more often foraging, hunting or grabbing a drink at a waterhole. South Africa’s summer (December to February) sees the countryside at its most lush, but animals can be lost in dense shadows. Most common at this time are holiday makers from Europe, who come in herds for the hot temps.

2. Choosing a National Park
South Africa has over 600 parks and reserves. You can find one offering any kind of experience you want, from utter desolation, to verdant savannah rich with life in all forms. You can join guided safaris, set out on your own or find serenity at a campsite far from others. They also cater to travellers on all budgets which makes them both affordable but also often crowded in parts. Most have good roads you can tour in your own rental car. For your first safari, two parks stand out:

Kruger National Park. The national park for safaris. Yes parts can get crowded, but given that it’s the size of Wales, you can easily escape to a remote corner. Every iconic – and not-so-iconic – African animal is found here. You can stay in the park in everything from isolated campsites to bungalows and cottages in busy compounds. Surrounding the park are towns like Nelspruit which have hotels, hostels and resorts for every budget. The downside is that early morning safaris become very early owing to commutes into the park that can take an hour or more.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Combines lush scenery with all the expected wildlife. Located in the heart of Zululand, the famous culture of the namesake tribe is prevalent. Beaches along the nearby Elephant Coast are among South Africa’s finest, so you can see wildlife and go for a dip. The park is especially noted for its network of hiking trails that include multi-day itineraries and camping deep in the bush.

3. Choosing a private reserve
There are two main reasons not to choose a private wildlife reserve: cost and too much comfort. These are not places for people on a tight budget, nor are they places for travellers who want to live frills-free – at some private lodges ‘roughing it’ means the champagne served post-safari comes without fresh strawberries. But for people who want the ultimate safari-experience, a lodge in a private reserve offers:

Close proximity to wildlife. Not only do you avoid long drives before your safari starts but that bump you hear in the night may be an elephant looking in your window. Sabi Sand , which adjoins Kruger National Park, is widely considered to be the best place in Africa for spotting animals.

Fewer crowds. Safari jeeps may hold only six people compared to a dozen or more in big parks, guides will be able to give you individual attention and when, say, a pride with lion cubs is spotted there won’t be a feeding frenzy of jeeps.

Luxury. Some of the private reserve lodges are merely comfortable but others, such as Ulusaba in Sabi Sand are the retreats of the famous, such as the owner Richard Branson, and feature every amenity.

Customisation. Since you’re staying amidst the wildlife, you can easily create your own menu of activities on the fly, such as guided walks through the bush or tours that focus on particular species. At Samara Private Game Reserve in a verdant valley amidst desert in the Eastern Cape, there are treks to track cheetahs on foot.

One way to save on the costs of a private reserve is to spend just a few nights at one at the start of your trip. Take advantage of the talented guides and abundance of wildlife to see a lot of animals quickly and learn a lot about South Africa’s wildlife. Then, with your wildlife urges somewhat sated, try a completely different experience in a national park, where you can concentrate more on appreciating the rhythms of life and natural beauty.

4. Use a guide
The first time your guide shows you easily-missed leopard tracks crossing your path, you’ll be glad you’re not wandering aimlessly on your own. Although guides can keep you safe from marauding lions, their great value is simply in explaining the vast complexities and subtleties of the African bush. Animals carry the colours they do so they will be easy to miss. In private reserves guides are usually part of the price but in a national park you may be tempted to go DIY. You may get lucky (like we did in Kruger one day and have several prides of lions wander past), but as a novice you’ll simply miss much.

5. Don’t be a ‘Big Five’ cliché
Sure, it’s great – and a reason to go – to see lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes and rhinos. And you’ll see the phrase (which was coined by white hunters in the 1920s to validate their self-proclaimed bravery) on everything from businesses to buses. But there are obviously far more critters out there: zebras, hippos and giraffes are just a few and the list goes on. Read up on the animals you’re likely to see and make a list of the less famous ones and try to spot those. You can’t appreciate the beguiling ugliness of a warthog until you’ve seen one; a herd of twitchy impalas reminds you that danger can lurk anywhere amidst the pastoral beauty.

6. Drive or fly
You can fly close to Kruger park, connecting from Cape Town or Johannesburg. If you’re pressed for time this is essential for having plenty of safari time. Most other parks and reserves are equally well served by local flights and you can work out itineraries where resorts or lodges handle all your transfers. But if you can afford the time, driving in South Africa is rewarding. Outside of parks and reserves there are wine regions, spectacular natural beauty and all manner of interesting small towns and cultural attractions. As an example, from Johannesburg you can reach Kruger or Sabi Sand in a full day of driving or you can break the journey at Pilgrim’s Rest , a charmer of an 1880s gold-rush town that hasn’t been over-restored.

7. Bring the right stuff
Dawn safaris during the winter in and around Kruger can be surprisingly cold; layers (even gloves and a warm hat) can be shed as the sun and temp goes up. Binoculars are an obvious choice and don’t expect your lodge or guides to provide them. A compact pair will let you see that big cat skulking in the distance. Don’t count on wi-fi in the bush, so a good book about the land and life around you is essential.

8. Just relax
Besides shivering in the cold dawn air you should be ready to simply chill out. Guides will be doing their best to hit a checklist of animals but this doesn’t always happen. Take time to appreciate the land around you, the beauty of a deserted waterhole reflecting the vast African sky or the sounds of a bird far in the distance. Don’t fret about picking off a checklist of critters and certainly don’t spend all your time hunting for them through a tiny viewfinder. Get out of your vehicle and simply revel in the quiet. Sometimes the most magical moment on safari is when you see nothing at all.

Source: Lonely Planet

2. Visit Cape Point, where 2 oceans meet

3. Enjoy a romantic picnic while watching the sunset from Chapman’s Peak

4. Visit Noordhoek’s Farm Village

5. Dinner at the Cape Town Fish Market (fresh fish & sushi), Steenberg

6. Walk to Chapmans Peak from Silvermine nature reserve

7. Boat cruise from Hout Bay to see Cape Fur Seals

8. Eat with renowned chef Frank Dangeraux at the Food Barn , Noordhoek

9. Swimming at Fish Hoek Beach

10. Bird & Hippo watching at Rondevlei

11. Visit the Simon’s Town Waterfront

12. Surf at Long Beach, Noordhoek

13. Catch crayfish at Kommetjie

14. Watch the trek fisherman at Fish Hoek Beach

15. Seafood lunch at Chapman’s Peak Hotel

16. Deep sea fishing for tuna from Hout Bay

17. Take a 7km beach walk on Noordhoek beach

18. Camel riding at Imhoff’s Gift

19. Walk in the arboretum at Tokai

20. Swim with African Penguins at Boulders Beach

21. Take a “Topless bus tour” of the Peninsula

22. Sunset champagne beach ride on Noordhoek beach

23. Pick mussels from the rocks at low tide at Scarborough

24. Abseil from Chapman’s Peak

25. Open air concert at Kirstenbosch

26. Whale watching from False Bay coastline

27. Visit Groot Constantia historic wine estate & picnic under the oaks

28. Walk up Table Mountain (there are many routes)

29. Dinner at La Colombe – Uitsig wine estate, Constantia (booking essential)

30. Seabirdwatching at Kommetjie

31. Fynbos walk at Cape Point Nature Reserve

32. Rioja Restaurant – African lodge theme excellent food from varied menu.

33. Play golf at Clovelly Country Club

34. Take a yacht charter from the V&A waterfront

35. Visit the toy museum at Simon’s Town

36. Walk in the Bo-Kaap area above Cape Town

37. Shopping at the V&A Waterfront

38. Visit the gemstone factory and scratch patch near Simon’s Town

39. Scuba Diving in False Bay marine reserve

40. Visit the VOC Castle in Cape Town

41. Body surf at Muizenburg

42. Visit the old-world fishing harbor at Kalk Bay

43. Picnic at the Tokai forest

44. Take a 3hr tour to Robben Island

45. Visit Masiphumelele informal settlement (walk about tour with Charlotte)

46. Walk to historic stone-age cave site – Peer’s Cave in Fish Hoek

47. Golf at Simon’s Town

48. Dinner at Mariner’s Wharf in SA’s original Waterfront, Hout Bay

49. Scenic coastal train ride from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town

50. Swim at St. James tidal pool

51. Tennis at Fish Hoek

52. Birdwatching at Cape Flats Wastewater Plant (Flamingos a highlight!)

53. Visit Windmill Beach, one of False Bays secret hideaways.

54. Picnic lunch at Buitenverwachting, Constantia

55. Cycle tour of Cape Point

56. Visit the Simon’s Town Maritime Museum

57. Thursday evening at Cafe Roux, Noordhoek – braai/potjie plus live music.

58. Visit Noordhoek artists by appointment

59. Go caving in the Kalk Bay Mountains

60. Walk up Elsie’s Peak, Fish Hoek

61. Snorkelling off Sunnycove, Fish Hoek

62. Visit Sandy Bay (nudist beach) via Llandudno

63. Spend the morning enjoying the sparkling pool at Afton Grove

64. Evening at the Theatre on the Bay, Camps Bay

65. Visit the antique route at Kalk Bay

66. Walk in Kirstenbosch Gardens

67. Visit Hout Bay’s lively working harbour

68. Evening at “Nag’s Head” pub and restaurant, Noordhoek

69. Dinner at Cathrinas @ Steenberg Wine Estate

70. Search for Knysna Warbler at Constantia Greenbelts.

71. Walk along the Jagger walk between Fish Hoek and Sunny Cove

72. Rock angling at Rooikrans, Cape of Good Hope

73. Visit the fascinating Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront

74. Shop till you drop at Cavendish Square, Claremont

75. Morning tea at the Barnyard – an experience not to be missed

76. Visit Butterfly World

77. Enjoy tea under the oaks at Noordhoek Farm Village

78. Touch the cheetahs at Spier Wine Estate

79. Ballet at Artscape theater

80. World of Birds, Hout Bay

81. Visit the Reptile park at Kommetjie

82. Sea Kayak from Simon’s Town to Boulders Beach

83. Indoor Grand Prix at Kenilworth race track

84. Moyo dining and cultural experience at Spier

85. Visit the ostrich farm at Cape Point

86. Do the “four museum walk” through the heart of Cape Town

87. Stargaze at Cape Towns Planetarium

88. Visit the crocodile farm near Paarl

89. Wine tasting – taste any of 200 plus Cape wines at Winesense, Kalk Bay

90. Walk up to Just Nuisance grave in Simon’s Town

91. Take a helicopter flip around the Peninsula

92. Shopping at Greenmarket Square – local arts and clothing

93. Great White Shark safari, Simon’s Town

94. Take a ride on a night train from Spier Wine Estate

95. Walk with baboons in Glencairn

96. Maynardville / Spier / Oude Libertas open-air concerts at night

97. A favorite – 5 course lunch at Boschendal (booking essential)

98. Horse ride on Noordhoek beach

99. Walk to the waterfall at Silvermine – take a cold shower

100. Sundowners on Cape Towns own Signal Hill

Source: Afton Grove

Love and Light with Neelix

On Saturday the 14 January 2012 Love and Light welcomes the likes of superstar; Neelix, Symphonix and South Africa’s leading underground electronic dance music artists for a 12 hour party experience.

Building on last year’s success this one day festival will be at a scenic venue a mere 63km from Cape Town and will have a fresh water dam and river to chill out in. That’s just far enough to get out the hustle and bustle without having to make too much of a mission.

Lineup:
Neelix (Live)
Symphonix (Live and DJ)
Connecto
Lox
Gandalf
Ivan Turanjanin (Killer Robot)
Anthea Scholtz
The Fog Show

Tickets:
R200p/p pre-sold from Webtickets and selected outlets | R250p/p at the door.

Dont forget that Trinity will be hosting the official Love and Light afterparty for those that just can’t get enough can get a second round of Symphonix!

Venue details are still to be confirmed.

Source: Cape Town Magazine

So this year over the Festive Season, why not try to explore the city as a tour­ist. Here is my choice list of things we’d like to do – not all of them fall in the Top 10 Things to do in Cape Town, but then they’ve also got to appeal to those who have lived here a while …

Explore your own city:

Drive the Cape in a side­car
Seriously, tell me you’ve not yearned to have a whirl in one of these before your more sens­ible side kicks in, and warns of the rather obvi­ous per­ils involved. Bet you didn’t know that you can organ­ise a chauf­feured tour in a vin­tage World War II side­car through the Cape wine routes, along the pen­in­su­lar or you can cre­ate your own itin­er­ary – the choice is yours. A two-hour drive is prob­ably going to set you back about a grand (they don’t appear to offer cheaper, shorter rides), but wow, I think it’s worth it – a mar­vel­lous birth­day or Christmas gift idea for a spe­cial someone in your life. Or a self-treat, for a year well done.

Cape Malay Cooking Safari, Bo-Kaap
Andulela offers a series of cul­tural and culin­ary tours, one of which is a Cape Malay cook­ing safari priced at about R500 per per­son. Starting at the Bo-Kaap Museum you get to know the his­tory of the area, take a stroll through the more his­toric streets, fol­lowed by a ‘hands-on’ informal cook­ing work­shop in a local Bo-Kaap fam­ily home. You’ll learn how to mix mas­ala, fold sam­oo­sas and how best to pro­duce a Cape Malay curry, after which you dig in and exper­i­ence the meal for your­self. Fun? I think so. (Contact: +27(0)21 790‑2592)

Climbing Lion’s Head at Full Moon
My all-time favour­ite activ­ity des­pite hav­ing still to do it (which is prob­ably why it’s still a favour­ite; once I’ve seen the heights I am to scale, I may change my mind). Lion’s Head is renowned for the incred­ible views out over Robben Island, the Atlantic Seaboard and the Blouberg beaches. The hour-long walk is extremely pop­u­lar dur­ing the full moon. The climb though is pretty strenu­ous, and there are sec­tions where your fear of heights and your rather tenu­ous grip on the moun­tain may res­ult in early ter­min­a­tion of said climb. But by all accounts it is worth it.

Sandboarding on the dunes of Atlantis or Silversands in Betty’s Bay
This one is a rather act­ive activ­ity and one which, given that I’ve waited this long to give it a whirl, I reserve the right to back out of given my level of fit­ness. But I have to say that the idea appeals. I’ve not snow­boarded, but they say that you require roughly the same skills to achieve sand­board­ing (how much can there be to it?) and both dunes are well worth trav­el­ling for. For the young-at-heart and the super fit, this is a tre­mend­ously fun outing.

Cape Town by foot
You can do this in a couple of ways, either by book­ing a tour guide through Cape Town Tourism, or you can pick up a couple of free self-guided walks that take one through the CBD, Sea Point and Vredehoek and do it your­self. Either way, you will get to exper­i­ence a side of Cape Town that even the aver­age local knows little about. You can pick up the maps at Cape Town Tourism on Hout Street.

Visit the Berlin Wall
I did not even know that Cape Town had a bit of the Berlin Wall (seg­ments of the Berlin Wall have been given to vari­ous insti­tu­tions and coun­tries since 1989). Our bit was at St George’s Mall given to Nelson Mandela dur­ing the 1990s and placed out­side the Mandela Rhodes Foundation at 150 St George’s Mall. Judging by the online pic­tures and descrip­tions of the bit of wall, it has now moved to the Waterfront. It now lies bey­ond the Aquarium and V&A Hotel, past Mitchell’s Brewery and then down a side street… worth going to find?

Taking the Topless Bus
My six-year old is con­stantly ask­ing me to take him on the double-decker red bus he sees around town, and the hop-on-hop-off bus is a won­der­ful way in which to see the city, vis­itor or local. A one-day ticket costs between R110 and R150 (depend­ing on whether or not there is a spe­cial on) and includes 17 great stops around the city. Considering the traffic in town, a seat at the top of one of these is worth every cent.

Tea at Mount Nelson
If you haven’t done this, you have not yet lived. Tea at the Mount Nelson is an insti­tu­tion, and one that every vis­itor and local alike should exper­i­ence. Served daily between 2.30pm and 5pm the array of cucum­ber sand­wiches, cakes and pastries accom­pan­ied by loose leaf teas, will keep you hap­pily ensconced on the ver­anda for hours. I’ve already been, but try and keep me away…

Horse rid­ing on Noordhoek beach
There are a couple of horse-riding com­pan­ies who make ponies avail­able for rid­ing on Noordhoek beach, one from Imhoff Farm close to the little vil­lage of Kommetjie that offer three rides daily from the Kommetjie side of Long Beach, and the other from the foot of Chapman’s Peak that take rides onto the beach at Noordhoek via a series of wet­lands. The ride will set you back roughly R400. (See Things to Do in Noordhoek)

Picnic at Vergelegen
Vergelegen wine estate is one of the old­est in Somerset West and provides a gor­geous set­ting under a forest of cam­phor trees in sum­mer. Booking your pre-prepared pic­nic is essen­tial, but the romance of the flow­ing white table cloths, the sound of water, the incred­ible ponds and streams and faerie world atmo­sphere is worth every cent. A won­der­ful out­ing for a spe­cial occa­sion or just to meet up with friends.

Sunset at Camps Bay
You can­not live in Cape Town and not exper­i­ence at least an annual sun­set on the Atlantic Ocean, prefer­ably on one of the more beau­ti­ful beaches like Camps Bay and Llundudno. The Cape Doctor aside, head out on a good even­ing with sun­down­ers and snacks and you will not be dis­ap­poin­ted at Camps Bay Beach.

Learn to surf at Big Bay
This bay, near Table View, is said to be one of the best bays in which to learn to surf, and at least one of the surf­ing schools in the vicin­ity claims to get you stand­ing and surf­ing within a day. A full-day pro­gramme will set you back between R500-R700.

Source: blog.sa-venues.com

Don’t miss the famous Cape Town Jazzathon and its fabulous artists in the waterfront of Cape Town! Contact the local tourism office in Cape Town for more information.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Alderman Nomaindia Mfeketo, will officially open the Cape Town Jazzathon 2006. This annual event, a highlight on the calendar of the City’s many jazz-lovers, is being held at the Amphitheatre and the Clocktower in the V & A Waterfront from 12 15 January 2006.

Read more about the 2009 Cape Town Jazzathon here.

Date: 12 Jan 2006 – 15 Jan 2006

Source: Cape Town Magazine

If you’re a die-hard soccer fan, you’re probably salivating at the prospect of flying to the southern tip of the African continent this summer.

But in case you’ve been living under a rock, here’s the deal: from June 11th to July 11th, the Soccer World Cup will be held in South Africa for the first time ever.

Although the games will probably take up most of your time, you’ll surely have a moment available to discover some of South Africa’s hidden charms. Heck, even if you don’t like watching men kicking balls back and forth, visiting South Africa this summer is totally worthwhile, as the nation boasts a rich heritage, vibrant culture, and remarkable natural attractions. Here are the top 10 things to do while you’re in South Africa.

1. Elephant Back Safari
Several game reserves in South Africa offer guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride on the back of an African elephant. A giant of the animal kingdom, the African elephant has a majestic presence. The Elephant Sanctuary, which has three different branches in South Africa, allows visitors to ride, walk, feed, and groom elephants.

2. Apartheid Museum
Visiting the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is practically obligatory if you want to leave South Africa with a deeper understanding of its culture and history. A visit to this graphic, powerful museum kicks off when you are given a ticket that denotes whether you’re “white” or “non-white.”

121 nooses dangle from the museum’s roof, symbolizing the political prisoners that were executed during the apartheid era. Additional artifacts in the museum that serve as memories of South Africa’s dark history of racial segregation include racially tagged identity cards, weapons security forces used to enforce segregation, and blown-up photographs that illustrate the rise and fall of the apartheid.

3. Shark Cage Diving
If you’d like to see a great white shark up close and personal without getting your arm bitten off, you’ll love the new adventure sport known as shark cage diving. In Gansbaai and Mosselbaai, Western Cape, brave folks have the rare opportunity to encounter great white sharks in their natural habitat by venturing underwater in jaw-proof cages.

First, you’ll head out to sea in a boat, and the crew will throw some fish heads and livers into the water to lure the sharks. Once the sharks are circling the boat, you’ll hop into a specially designed diving cage and be lowered into the water. The cage features a tube that goes up to the boat for you to breathe out of, so you don’t have to use an oxygen tank.

4. Cape Wine Tours
There are 13 major wine regions in South Africa, where you can savor some of the world’s finest wines. Most of South Africa’s picturesque wineries are nestled in the Western Cape and can be accessed on a day trip from Cape Town.

During wine tours, you can meet the winemakers, learn more about the winemaking process, and afterwards, enjoy wine tasting and fine dining while admiring the picturesque scenery of South African wine country.

5. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a grandiose, flat-topped mountain covered in unique vegetation that serves as Cape Town’s beautiful backdrop. Climb or take the Aerial Cableway to the top of Table Mountain, from which you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

6. Kruger National Park
One of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the largest national parks in the world, Kruger National Park has more species of mammals than any other game reserve in Africa. On a safari or self-guided drive through Kruger National Park, you’ll see wild animals including hyenas, lions, leopards, hippos, and cheetahs, to name a few.

7. Robben Island
From the end of the 17th century, Robben Island, an island in Table Bay, was used as a prison. After helping end apartheid in South Africa and establishing a democratic government, Nelson Mandela inaugurated Robben Island as a national monument. Mandela himself was imprisoned there for 18 years.

When you visit the Robben Island Museum, a leg of your tour is led by an ex-political prisoner, who gives you a firsthand account of life on Robben Island. You are also taken on a tour of the maximum security prison where Mandela and other political prisoners were held.

8. Whale-Watching
From June and throughout the winter months, migrating whales make their way along the South African coast. Walker Bay in Hermanus, South Africa happens to be one of the top 12 whale watching locations in the world. Southern Right whales can be seen just 33 feet from the shore at Walker Bay.

9. Ride an Ostrich
Ostrich riding isn’t an activity for the faint of art, but if you’re up for the challenge, you can give it a go at an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, often referred to as the Ostrich Capital of South Africa. If you find yourself getting the hang of ostrich riding pretty quickly, feel free to join one of the regular races that are held in the area. But if you feel uncomfortable hopping on an ostrich, no worries; watching the professional ostrich jockeys race each other is sufficiently amusing.

10. Ride a Luxury Train
If you feel like pampering yourself after watching a string of intense soccer games, why not take embark on an opulent getaway on one of South Africa’s luxury trains? The Rovos Rail, which claims to be, “the most luxurious train in the world,” boasts dining, lounge, and observation cars that are complete with traditional furnishings and décor, reminding you of a bygone era. The Blue Train serves world-class cuisine and features five-star accommodations. Even if the team you’re rooting for doesn’t end up winning the World Cup, you’ll leave South Africa fully satisfied by concluding your trip with a luxury train ride.

Source: blog.besttraveldeals.net

Please note: Ensure that you read your terms and conditions thoroughly when signing your contract as they may vary according to suppliers. Below are just general guidelines. We have taken every precaution to ensure that the terms and conditions are current for all our suppliers.

Terms and Conditions
Please note that you have to produce your credit card, unendorsed driver’s license and passport when receiving the rental-vehicle.
South African Debit Cards are accepted. A BIN number (first 6 digits on the debit card) and account number is required to refund deposits via EFT into the correct account.
Rates Include:
Free pick up in SA in a 25 km radius from our branches
Cell-phones are only available at airports from CELLUCITY
Unlimited kilometres
One free additional driver
Airport delivery and drop off
Theft waiver
Collision damage waiver
14% VAT
Tourism levy and airport surcharges
Personal Accident Insurance is included in the rate

Cross Border Travelling:
Cross border fees for Namibia: R 1000, Botswana & Mozambique: R500 Swaziland: R 200, Lesotho : R 400
A letter of authorization must be requested at the time of reservation
Authorized countries are Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and Mozambique
Unauthorized countries are Angola and Zambia, Zimbabwe
Rates Exclude:
Refundable deposit (fuel & extra’s): (amount is car group dependant)
Contract fee of R 43
Delivery and collection fees (during office hours)- 0-35 km’s : R 220 35kms+ : Please enquire.
After hours & weekend delivery/collection fees- R 440 per delivery/collection
One Way Drop Off: Cpt/ Jhb / Dbn/ PE/ Grge & Return
R 400 Per One Way
Young drivers surcharges of R 100 per day (under 23)
Excess (Super Cover does not include acts of negligence, tyres, hub caps, windscreens and torn upholstery)
Fine handling fee: R400
Extension rates (if you extend your rental without approval)
Baby seat per rental R 50 per day maximum -R 200
Undercarriage Damage
Glass and Tyre insurance can be bought at the counter on arrival – R 15per day. (All glass and 4 tyres)
The above charges are subject to change without prior notice

Insurance Cover :
Standard cover in case of any damage to or theft of the vehicle:
In South Africa the client will be liable for the maximum amount of the excess according to the car group.
Super cover (executive cover or excess waiver) in case of accident or theft of the vehicle: In South Africa the client will be covered (liable for administration fee).
Breach of Contract:
All related and unrelated costs shall be borne by the Renter in the case of Breach of Contract.
Examples of Breach of Contract are:-
**Accident occurring after vehicle is due back
**Driving under the influence of alcohol
**Accident due to traffic violations
**Negligence
**Unauthorized drivers
**Damage to windows, tyres, rims, hubcaps, radios(you can take the face off all radios)
**Breach of contract

ADMIN CLAIM FEES
If any accident costs exceed R1000.00 a R400.00 admin claim fee will be charged to the client’s account.

ASSESSORS FEE
Should the damage to a vehicle be R5000.00 or more, an Assessors Fee of R342.00 will be applicable and charged to the client’s account.

STORAGE FEE
Should the vehicle be involved in an accident and is not drivable, the client will be liable for the storage fees. This fee depends on the number of days the vehicle will be kept in storage.

TOWING COSTS
Should the vehicle be involved in an accident and needs to be towed, the client will be liable for the Towing costs.

EXCEPTIONS LIABILITY
Should the vehicle be involved in an accident, and the damage exceeds R50 000.00 the client is liable for an Exceptions Excess amount – this applies to both STANDARD and SUPER COVER. An Exceptions Excess is 2.5 times the normal Standard or Super Cover Excess amount.

FUEL DEPOSIT
A pre-bill fuel deposit of R1000.00 will be taken on all rentals and charged to the client’s credit card on collection of the vehicle. This fuel deposit will be refunded should the vehicle be returned full with proof (receipt) thereof. Should the vehicle need to be re-fuelled the standard fuel amount will be charged with a R20.00 Fuel Levy. Eg. Refuel Amount R350.00 + R20.00 Fuel Levy = R370.00 . R630.00 will be refunded to the client.

3RD PARTY CLAIMS
Damage or Loss caused by the client to another (private) vehicle. The client will be liable for all 3rd party claims.
Should a third party cause an accident to a rented vehicle, the client will be liable for the rented vehicle’s Costs. Should our Insurance Company be able to recover the money from the 3rd parties insurance, for both vehicles, our client will be refunded.

EXCESS AMOUNTS
The excess amounts for Around About’s clients are as follows:

Standard Cover Excess – International Clients
Groups T – I: R 4500.00
Group X – R 4300.00
Group E – R 10000.00
Group Panelvan – R 21000.00

Standard Cover excess – Local Clients
Group T – R 9500.00
Group B – R 13000.00
Group C – R 13000.00
Group D – R 14000.00
Group I – R 15000.00
Group X – R 12000.00
Group Panelvan – R 21000.00
Group E – R 23000.00

Super Cover Excess – Local Clients
Group T – R 2000.00
Group B – R 3000.00
Group C – R 3500.00
Group D – R 4000.00
Group I – R 4300.00
Group X – R 4300.00
Group Panelvan – R 5000.00
Group E – R 7800.00

Super Cover Excess – International Clients: 0

EXCESS WAIVERED
Excess will be waivered only if an international passport is provided and if the accident was not the client’s fault and there was a third party involved.
Even if there was a third party involved and the client does not give us the 3rd party details, the client will still be billed.
It is imperative that clients obtain 3rd party details when involved in an accident.

SECURITY AUTHORIZATION – A security deposit will be authorized on your credit card at the beginning of the rental.

Authorization Amounts – Standard Cover
Group T – R 3375.00
Group B – R 4250.00
Group C – R 4350.00
Group D – R 4500.00
Group I – R 4750.00
Group X – R 4750.00
Group E – R 6750.00
Group Panelvan – R 6250.00

Authorization Amounts – Super Cover
Group T – R2000.00
Group B – R 2500.00
Group C – R 3000.00
Group D – R 2700.00
Group I – R 3000.00
Group X – R 3000.00
Group E – R 6750.00 – for Local clients
Group E – R 4000.00 – for International clients
Group Panelvan – R 7800.00

Terms and Conditions and rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Around About Cars is not liable for any loss or damage caused by entering with any other car hire company.

Source: Around About Cars

Incredible photographs of Cape Town 2011 – photo by Daniel Lurie

Daniel Lurie says, “I have many personal favourite images of Cape Town, but this one of the city at night has a particular majestic quality. I love taking photos in Cape Town; it is such a photogenic place with such raw beauty and so many diverse scenes of people and places, not to mention the sunsets!”

In the southern hemisphere, the Christmas season is the time to go to the beach and Cape Town is the place to do it. You can ride a horse, fly a kite, watch penguins, sail a hobie cat, surf the waves, explore a shipwreck, snorkel in the shallows, dive in the deep or just lie in the sun!

Blouberg - Big Bay & Little Bay
Best for: kite surfing, windsurfing, hobie cats, paddle skiing, family outings, kite flying and Table Mountain views.

It’s from these long sandy beaches of Blouberg, 20km north of Cape Town, that you can photograph the classic view of Table Mountain. A strong south-easter gives the wave-jumping kite surfers and colourful hobie cats a chance to show off.

Boulders Beach, Simons Town
Best for: penguin watching, sheltered swimming and snorkelling.

Simons Town is a quaint old navy seaport at the terminus of the railway and the last town before Cape Point Nature Reserve. Boulders Beach is a few kilometres on and comes under the auspices of the National Parks board, so a small fee is charged to enter this delightful cove.

Giant granite boulders form several secluded beaches. As you walk along the path, you may be forgiven for thinking that a donkey is being massacred in the bushes.

It’s in fact an African Penguin living up to its name. About 800 of these little dinner-suited birds watch you while you paddle.

This is the most accessible breeding colony of African Penguins in the world and a sight not to be missed.

Camps Bay
Best for: family fun, sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, windsurfing and diving nearby.

The long stretch of fine sand and the palm-dotted lawn of Camps Bay are perfect for a family picnic. The busy road lined with shops and restaurants that runs along the whole length of the beach is fun to stroll along but parking can be frustrating.

The beach is a little exposed during a persistent south-easter but experienced surfers and windsurfers love the hard-breaking waves near the rocks at the northern end of the beach. Scuba-diving among inquisitive seals in Justin Caves on the road to Llandudno is superb.

Clifton Beach
Best for: seeing and being seen, sunbathing and watching paragliders land.

The glamour of beautiful bodies and the romance of cruising yachts moored in the shallows attract a lot of visitors here. Granite boulders divide the 4 white sandy beaches of Clifton sheltering them from the south-easter and offering safe bathing with a somewhat strong undertow.

Don’t be surprised to see rainbow-striped paragliders floating down towards you. They take off from the top of Lion’s Head and catch the thermal updrafts before coming in to land on the lawns of La Med bar at the Maiden’s Cove end of Clifton Beach.

Fish Hoek Beach
Best for: safe swimming, sailing, sunbathing, boogie boarding and family fun.

The warmer waters of False Bay and the safest swimming beach in the Cape make Fish Hoek very popular. Nimble little hobie cats with colourful sails are often launched and fishing boats can sometimes be seen coming and going. At the popular end is a cafe, children’s playground, bench seats and plenty of people.

At the other end are the boogie boarders, dog owners and solitary sunbathers. It’s only a short walk from the station and the bustling little town has everything you might need – except off-sale liquor! Fish Hoek has been ‘dry’ since 1810 and remains so, except for a few restaurants.

Hout Bay
Best for: swimming, paddle skiing, boogie boarding, fresh seafood and family entertainment.

The leafy village of Hout Bay with its kilometre-long, safe swimming beach and large fishing harbour offers everything you could want from a day by the sea. Launch trips to Seal Island are available and a San Franciso-style ‘Mariners Wharf’ houses gift and curio shops, restaurants and bars.

As the headquarters of the crayfishing (rock lobster) fleet and home of the June/July Snoek Festival, the seafood here is delicious.

Llandudno
Best for: surfing, body boarding, sheltered sunbathing, sandcastles and sunset picnics.

20km south of Cape Town, this is the perfect romantic spot for a sheltered sunset picnic after some serious sunbathing. A narrow road winds its way down through an exclusive hillside suburb where there’s not one shop.

The charming spotless Llandudno Beach is tucked between huge granite boulders and is beautiful from any angle. There is a resident lifesaving club but beware of the strong surf and backwash.

Sunset Beach and Surfer’s Corner, Muizenberg
Best for: swimming, learning to surf, young families and walking.

Popular among families and young surfers, the long gentle waves of Muizenberg Beach are perfect to learn on and swim in. There’s also a beach pavilion and children’s play area.

The beachfront, which used to be somewhat dilapidated, is undergoing some major renovations and redevelopment.

Noordhoek Beach
Best for: horse riding, kite flying, long walks and serious surfing.

This gorgeous 8km horseshoe curve of fine white sparkling sand is quite unspoilt and virtually deserted. Noordhoek Beach is the Cape’s widest beach with plenty of room for kite flying, horse riding, jogging or just strolling barefoot with the dog, which every resident of the area does every day.

About halfway along are the remains of the ‘Kakapo’ shipwreck, preserved in the sand since 1900. The captain was so confused by the deceiving foggy coastline, that he turned towards the beach by mistake and came so far onto it that the crew hardly got their feet wet as they stepped off.

Platboombay, Cape Point Nature Reserve
Best for: unique flora and fauna, rock pools, beachcombing and birds.

This long unspoilt beach is great for exploring rock pools. The surrounding dunes and rocky slopes are covered with fynbos of which there are 600 species of Ericas and 368 types of Protea, including South Africa’s national flower, the King Protea.

Birdwatchers won’t be disappointed when visiting the Cape Point Nature Reserve – black oystercatchers, avocets and brilliant coloured sunbirds are common. Watch out for sly baboons lurking around the car park to steal tasty morsels out of open cars.

Sandy Bay
Best for: getting an all-over tan.

The unofficial nudist beach of Sandy Bay is backed by steep dunes and mountain slopes and the only way to get to it is a 20-minute walk from the car park or a clamber over rocks from the southern end of Llandudno.

Narrow paths lead off the track, seaward to favourite sunbathing spots or inland to high sand dunes.

Source: Go2Africa