#Gansbaai Harbour

[jandby]

South Africa

Cape Town is a hip but touristy town. The helicopter ride was a great way to put the city in perspective. We had an excellent dinner of wild game (kudu) at a harbour restaurant and loved walking around in their autumn weather. But of course being on the coast we also enjoyed some fresh fish. I wanted to do a cage dive out of Gansbaai about two hours from the city, but there weren't any great white sharks sighted that week. Another perspective of the city and environs from Table Mountain.

[applifam]

#Applifam29Nov is live at the @applifam and @jvdt (High-resolution photo) profile links! 🎨❤️ Photo of Gansbaai Harbour provided copyright-restriction free by Johan du Toit. 🎨 Theme suggestions: 1. Impressions of the setting sun 2. Détails 3. Modern Art 4. Words to uplift 5. Your favorite theme suggestion! ❤️ ENJOY!

[suetravelblog]

De Kelders Coastline – WhereToStay

De Kelders is a nearby fishing village in Walker Bay Nature Reserve. It’s one of the Overberg’s best places for whale watching and is almost too gorgeous for words! I’ve visited De Kelders previously but wanted to return and spend more relaxed time there. Somehow, the seaside village escaped the chaos of tourism and remains a quiet, peaceful place known for fresh seafood. This post uses media shots, as during this long trip, I’ve become photography weary.

De Kelders Cave – SilverPanther

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“Whales come within metres of the rocks lining De Kelders kelp beds, never ceasing to elicit delight.”

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Cave De Kelders – Flickr

Caves and Beaches

The De Kelders (Dutch for “the cellars”) coast has “distinctive geological features in the form of a series of underground caves beneath its cliffs”. The caves contain stalactites and stalagmites and “crystal-clear pools of water perfect for swimming”.

De Kelders – realtorsinternational.co.za

Further up the coast, some of the oldest remains of modern man were found in Klipgat Cave. When the coastline was still kilometers away, the area was home to Middle Stone Age People and the Khoikhoi. Stretching between Hermanus and Stanford, white-sand beaches like Die Platt, Franskraal, and Stanfords Bay cover over ten miles of extraordinary coast surrounded by lowland coastal fynbos (strandveld) and sand dunes.

Khoikhoi Bushmen – str8talkmagazine.com

Cape Whale Coast Danger Point Lighthouse

Danger Point

Danger Point is a peninsula on the southern point of Walker Bay made dramatic and dangerous by the “reefs and rocks under its surface”. Today, the point is embellished by a 60 ft. octagonal lighthouse with “revolving electrical light emitting three flashes every 40 seconds”. The lighthouse “serves as a powerful warning and commemoration to the thousands of lives claimed by this stretch of sea over the centuries”. The light can be seen for approximately 25 sea miles.

De Kelders – hotel.com.au

Romans Bay Beach Gansbaai – Xplorio

Cliffs De Kelders

De Kelders Sunset – franskraalbandb.co.za

Overberg Beach and Limestone Fynbos – denelotr.co.za

De Kelders

Flying Dutchman – Michael Zeno Diemer Der fliegende Holländer

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“Few other coasts boast the dubious reputation for being the final resting place of many ships and the place where the Flying Dutchman was first spotted.”

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Kranskraal Beach Stanfords Bay De Kelders – sa-venues

The lighthouse was built in 1894, “44 years after the legendary British ship HMS Birkenhead met her doom on a rock just off Danger Point”. The “women and children first protocol” was first applied on the Birkenhead shipwreck. An estimated 193 of the 643 passengers on board survived, including 7 women and 13 children.

Limestone Fynbos – ispotnature.org

Fauna

De Kelders is fantastic for bird watchers! There are over 300 species in the area including the threatened Blue Crane (South Africa’s national bird), Black Harrier, Cape Vulture, and Agulhas Long-Billed Lark.

Blue Crane – 123countries.com

Cape Vulture – hluhluwegamereserve.com

Black Harrier – theflacks.co.za

Agulhas Long Billed Lark – Flickr

Bontebok, leopard, clawless otter, fox, bushbuck, duiker, grysbok, steenbok, and the African wildcat are some of the mammals living in the area. Buffalo and hippo became extinct in the Overberg long ago but are said to have returned to certain areas – I’ve never seen them. Amphibians and reptiles living near the fynbos and dunes include the ghost frog, Cape Cobra, and Spotted Skaapsteker.

Cape Cobra – africansnakebiteinstitute.com Johan Marais

Ghost Frog – Vincent Carruthers httpwww.edgeofexistence.org

Steenbok – African Sky

Spotted Skaapsteker – africansnakebiteinstitute.com

Sharpe’s Grysbok – Flickr

Cape Fox – hphpublishing.co.za

African Wildcat – fromthegrapevine.com

Activities

Outdoor activities include rock climbing, beach and trail jogging, and exploring coastal tide pools rich with sea life. Sheltered Stanfords Bay has Milkwood thickets (groot bos) and cliffs that make it a popular, safe place for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and picnicking. There are several hiking trails, including a beautiful coastal trail from Gansbaai Harbour that passes rock pools, caves, and limestone fynbos. As the weather gets warmer and days longer, it’s a hike on my list.

Milkwood Tree – Atlas Obscura

Milkwood Tree – Rain Africa

Milkwood Tree – Roddy Fox Photography

There are many things to see and do in the Overberg – a place of incredible natural beauty! One exciting activity I hope to experience is viewing the area like a bird while tandem paragliding. Paragliding is very popular in South Africa and coastline and mountain vistas make Hermanus an exceptional area for it!

Fishing Trawlers at Gansbaai Harbour – South African Artists

Gansbaai Harbour – Dawid Toua

De Kelders Overberg South Africa De Kelders is a nearby fishing village in Walker Bay Nature Reserve. It's one of the Overberg's best places for whale watching and is almost too gorgeous for words!

[minerva7]

#Applifam29Nov is live at the @applifam and @jvdt (High-resolution photo) profile links! 🎨❤️ Photo of Gansbaai Harbour provided copyright-restriction free by Johan du Toit. 🎨 Theme suggestions: 1. Impressions of the setting sun 2. Détails 3. Modern Art 4. Words to uplift 5. Your favorite theme suggestion! ❤️ ENJOY! (at Oakland, Maine) https://www.instagram.com/p/CILVVGuFvJk/?igshid=19dppp13ygask

[siysir]

Harbor Harbour (at Gansbaai Harbour) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4wzUlhHTX8/?igshid=1ahkfzkf2ibz3

[gertlouw]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gert Louw | ONLINE COACH (@gertfitness)

#Gansbaai #fishing #harbour with my #drone (at Gansbaai, Western Cape) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cHfhbgd3G/?igshid=1hbxl1gcuhl8i

[thefabulousgroup]

Gansbaai Harbour has long struggled with excessive pollution. However, thanks to a little inspiration from Australia and the dedicated efforts of Wildfred Chivell, founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, this area finally has a hope of fighting back against plastic pollution. https://ift.tt/2O0Jr9k

[our-trangantravel-blog]

Những điều bạn nhất định phải thử ở Hermanus, Western Cape, Nam Phi

Hermanus là địa điểm chiêm ngưỡng cá voi hàng đầu du khách nên ghé thăm khi đi du lịch Nam Phi. Trên thực tế, bạn không cần phải đi xa, vì du khách có thể nhìn thấy cá voi từ những vách đá gần trung tâm thị trấn, bắt đầu từ tháng Sáu đến đầu tháng Mười hai mỗi năm. Ngoài ra, đến đây, bạn còn có thể đến tham quan những bảo tàng, khu mua sắm, phòng trưng bày nghệ thuật, quán ăn và nhiều địa danh du lịch khác. Dưới đây, Tràng An Travel sẽ giới thiệu những trải nghiệm tốt nhất du khách nhất định phải thử khi tới Hermanus. 1. Xem cá voi trên đất liền Nơi đây tự hào là khu vực đầu tiên trên thế giới có đội ngũ Người báo hiệu cá voi. Nhiệm vụ của người báo hiệu cá voi là thổi còi để thông báo sự xuất hiện của cá voi Nam Cực đến bờ biển Hermanus. Nơi tuyệt vời nhất để ngắm nhìn cá voi là từ các vách đá, ngay cạnh trung tâm Hermanus. 2. Con đường vách đá Hermanus và Khu bảo tồn Thiên nhiên Fernkloof Ngoài chiêm ngưỡng cá voi, bạn còn có thể đi dạo trên các con đường vách đá kéo dài 14km (8,6 dặm) để hít thở không khí biển trong lành, ngắm nhìn cảnh quan ngoạn mục của Hermanus và Fernkloof, khu bảo tồn thiên nhiên xinh đẹp, và là một trong những vương quốc hoa nổi tiếng nhất thế giới. 3. Ngắm nhìn cá voi, cá heo và cá mập trên biển Đối với những du khách yêu thích biển cả, du khách có thể chiêm ngưỡng cá voi, cá mập và cá heo trên biển Hermanus bằng các tour du lịch bằng thuyền trải dài khoảng 2 giờ. Trải nghiệm hành trình này, bạn sẽ được đi qua đảo Gansbaai và đảo Dyer để chiêm ngưỡng cá voi, chim cánh cụt Châu Phi, và cá mập trắng lớn. Bên cạnh đó, du khách còn được lắng nghe những hướng dẫn viên có kinh nghiệm chia sẻ các câu chuyện thú vị về Hermanus, và giải thích tầm quan trọng của khu bảo tồn. 4. Các môn thể thao mạo hiểm ở Hermanus Đối với những người đam mê mạo hiểm, du khách có thể tham gia những môn thể thao dưới nước thú vị ở Hermanus như chèo thuyền kayak, đi dù lượn và lặn biển. 5. Tour du lịch rượu vang Hermanus Đất nước Nam Phi đặc biệt với các loại rượu vang hảo hạng và hiện là nhà sản xuất rượu vang lớn thứ bảy trên hành tinh. Đặc biệt, Hermanus sở hữu hơn 70 nhà máy rượu vang, tất cả đều tọa lạc trong khu vực vùng núi và ven biển tuyệt đẹp. Hãy tham gia chuyến tham quan những trang trại rượu vang ở thung lũng Hemel en Aarde (thiên đàng trên mặt đất) để thưởng thức rượu vang, ăn bữa trưa ngon miệng ở một trong những nhà máy rượu vang trước khi quay trở lại Hermanus. 6. Xem các loài chim ở Hermanus và những khu vực xung quanh Tới Hermanus, bạn có thể ngắm nhìn khoảng hàng trăm loài chim đang trú ngụ trong Khu bảo tồn thiên nhiên Fernkloof, bao gồm chim bã trầu, chim thanh tước bụng vàng cam, chim chích Victorin và những loài chim khác. 7. Phòng triển lãm nghệ thuật và điêu khắc ở Hermanus Những du khách yêu thích nghệ thuật có thể đến các phòng trưng bày nghệ thuật và các tác phẩm điêu khắc ngoài trời ở Hermanus. Phòng trưng bày nghệ thuật Vịnh Walker là nơi trưng bày các công trình nghệ thuật đương đại của đất nước. Hơn hết, các công trình điêu khắc nghệ thuật đặc biệt được sắp đặt xung quanh thị trấn. 8. Bảo tàng và lịch sử của Hermanus Bảo tàng Old Harbour là nơi chứa những hiện vật của ngành công nghiệp đánh bắt cá voi của Hermanus. Bảo tàng ảnh De Wetshuis là nơi trưng bày các bức ảnh mô tả lịch sử của thị trấn. Bảo tàng Cá voi là nơi bạn có thể chiêm ngưỡng những bộ xương cá voi, nghe thuyết trình về vòng đời của cá voi và tầm quan trọng của việc bảo tồn cá voi. 9. Chợ thủ công ở Hermanus Nơi đây sở hữu hàng loạt khu chợ để bạn ghé thăm và khám phá. Chợ quê Hermanus là địa điểm bán đồ nướng, nữ trang, đồ nội thất và những mặt hàng địa phương vào thứ 7 mỗi tuần. Chợ thủ công Onrus được tổ chức vào thứ Bảy đầu tiên của mỗi tháng. Chợ Làng chài bán hàng vào cuối tuần, đây là nơi bày bán những mặt hàng thủ công sáng tạo và cung cấp các loại rượu vang miễn phí. 10. Nơi vui chơi của trẻ em ở Hermanus Nơi đây nổi tiếng với những bãi biển tuyệt đẹp như biển Grotto, Voëlklip, và Onrus. Du khách nhí sẽ được tham gia nhiều hoạt động hấp dẫn ở công viên như bập bênh, và xích đu. Điểm du lịch nổi tiếng của Hermanus là Rocklands Petting Farm nằm ngay bên ngoài thị trấn. Tới đây, trẻ em có thể gặp gỡ đà điểu Úc, thỏ và các loài động vật khác, còn bố mẹ có thể nghỉ ngơi tại vườn trà trong khuôn viên.

[craiglotter]

Hermanus is probably the best place for land based whale watching in the Western Cape (which is why we find ourselves visiting at least once a year), and its beautifully maintained Cliff Path makes this relaxing activity all that more better.

Although originally constructed by the Hermanus Botanical Society, these days the path is cared for by the volunteer Cliff Path Management Group (CPMG), who have done a fantastic job in improving, making accessible, and enhancing the walkway such that it remains one of the more popular Hermanus tourist attractions.

Wedged between the Kleinriviersberg mountain range in the north and the broad expanse of Walker Bay to the south, the official walkway meanders for almost eleven kilometres along Hermanus’ rugged and beautiful coastline, stretching from the New Harbour in the west and snaking all the way through to the estuary at the mouth of the Klein River in the east.

In addition to being great for whale watching, the path is super interesting for nature lovers as well, winding through a diversity of vegetation types (complemented by some informative signage along the Biodiversity Walk stretch). It takes you past a number of fascinating points of interest, including both the historic Old and New harbours, as well as the village market square. Follow it for long enough and near the wooden footbridge at the mouth of the Mossel River, you’ll even find signs depicting the graves of two southern right whales that beached at that point!

Beyond the river mouth, the path continues around the Langbaai bathing beach, on to the Kammabaai and Voëlklip beaches and right up to the magnificent main Grotto beach – which itself sweeps for nineteen kilometers around Walker Bay to De Kelders and Gansbaai!

Last year August saw us in town for a spot of whale watching (and of course lunch), and naturally we took the time to stroll a small section of this brilliant walkway on the day. It will still be a few years until we can walk the whole thing in one go (the girls moan far too much at the prospect of walking any real sort of distance at the moment), but once everyone is ready (i.e. a little more grown up) it is definitely something I’m going to make us do!

Anyway, Hermanus always makes for a good day trip, and seeing as whale season is soon upon us once again, I guess we’ll be back in the area sooner than later…

Related Link: Hermanus Cliff Path | Hermanus

Following the Cliff Path of the Hermanus Biodiversity Walk (2017-08-09) Hermanus is probably the best place for land based whale watching in the Western Cape (which is why we find ourselves visiting at least once a year), and its beautifully maintained…

[arcuxrius-blog]

The enthusiasm and energy of a new, proud nation comes to life on the streets and in the City Centre of Cape Town in the Western Cape, South Africa. A rich diversity of shopping opportunities, art, music, cuisine, theatre, entertainment and nightlife awaits the visitor. And for the sporty and adventurous, there is something to suit everybody's adrenaline rush - from all kinds of conventional sports to water sports to helicopter flips.

The beautiful Mother City has so much to offer, but since it is not our intention to present a comprehensive tourism brochure - rather consult the various tourism information bureaus for detailed information - we'll stick to wetting your appetite with our Travel Information and some highly recommended attractions and things to do:

CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE: Built between 1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fort is the oldest colonial and best preserved structure of its kind in South Africa. Guided tours daily - experience cultural exhibitions, military history and colourful ceremonies, the dungeons, blacksmith, fine wines and Cape Malay cuisine.

THE GARDENS: Established in 1962 by Jan van Riebeeck, the first colonial governor in South Africa, to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to passing ships, the Company Gardens is a green, peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling modern city, worthy of a stroll and house the SA Museum and Planetarium, the SA Cultural History Museum, the SA Jewish Museum, the SA National Gallery with contemporary works of art.

CRAFT MARKETS: Get a taste of Africa at Green Market Square and the pedestrian walk at St George's Mall where vendors sell anything from African crafts to clothes, jewelery and books to bric-a-brac. Visit also the craft markets of Greenpoint, Noordhoek and Khayelitsha.

CABLE CAR UP TABLE MOUNTAIN: The summit of Table Mountain is more than 1 000 meters high, provide spectacular views and sports a restaurant, shop, telescopes and walkways.

CAPE MALAY QUARTER: Also called the Bo-Kaap, guided walking tours will give you insight into the influence of the colourful Malay culture on the SA cuisine and architecture in Cape Town.

LONG STREET: Famous for all kinds of fascinating shops selling antiques, collectibles, clothing and books, a vibrant nightlife and good restaurants.

Explore the city on the open-top bus and get to know more about the history and culture of the Mother City.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town is a working habour that has been turned into South Africa's most visited tourist attraction. It has over 270 contemporary stores, street entertainers, live music shows at the open air amphitheatre, 11 cinemas, an Imax theater, 7 hotels, the Two Oceans Aquarium where you can swim with the sharks, boat trips, harbour cruises, helicopter charters, art and craft markets, designer clothes, African souvenirs and jewelery shops, a variety of top restaurants, historic sites, a working brewery - to mention a few.

Robben Island

The departure point for ferries and a tour of the maximum-security prison on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, is at the Clock Tower.

Things to do in Cape Town Central, South Africa

* Visit the V&A Waterfront for excellent restaurants and shopping * Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront * Take a trip to Robben Island from the V&A Waterfront * Take a harbour sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront * Visit the oldest building in the country, the Castle of Good Hope * Spend some time in the historic Company Gardens * Visits the craft stalls at Green Market Square for a taste of Africa * Explore the Bo-Kaap with its Cape Malay flavour * Take the cable car up Table Mountain * Take a helicopter trip over the Peninsula * Visit Long Street with its antique and book shops * Explore the city on the open-top bus * Drive the scenic coastal road from Green Point to Chapman's Peak * Hike up Table Mountain * Take a charter cruise from the harbour

The Southern Suburbs

* Visit Mostert's Mill, one of only two Dutch windmills in the Cape, in Rosebank * Visit Rodes Memorial on the slopes of Table Mountain where antelope roam freely * Newlands Stadium and cricket fields * Have a picnic in the Newlands Forest with its an amazing tapestry of trees * Shop at award-winning Cavendish Square Shopping Centre in Claremont * Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - over 5 000 species of indigenous flora * Visit Constantia Valley and the wine estates

Atlantic Coast, Cape Town, South Africa

* Do one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world - the Chapman's Peak Drive * Visit the Green Point craft market on Sundays * Stroll along Sea Point Beachfront Promenade * Swim in the Olympic-sized swimming pool at Sea Point * Visit the four elite beaches amongst the boulders of Clifton * Enjoy the view from a restaurant at Camps Bay * Visit Llandudno for surfing and scuba diving * Tan at Sandy Bay, South Africa's only nudist beach * Visit the Hout Bay harbour with its Yacht Club Marina and Mariner's Wharf * Sunset cruises from Hout Bay harbour * Scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing * Abseil from Chapman's Peak * Cruise from Hout Bay to see the seals

Window Cleaning the Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa

* Take a train ride from Simonstown to Muizenberg * Swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town * Visit the Toy Museum and Maritime Museum in Simon's Town * Visit Gemstone Factory in Simon's Town * Visit Just Nuisance's Grave in Simon's Town * Swim at Fish Hoek beach * Snorkel off Sunnycove beach in Fish Hoek * Golf at Clovelly * Go caving in the mountains near Kalk Bay * Browse amongst antique shops in Kalk Bay * Visit the old fashioned fishing harbour in Kalk Bay * Horse riding at 8 km Long Beach near Noordhoek * For excellent surfing, angling, crayfish boat trips visit Kommetjie * Visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve * Take a walk at Cape Point to see the Fynbos (indigenous flora} * Visit the ostrich farm - camel rides * Walk in Silvermine Nature Reserve * Surf at "The Hoek" or walk along the beach at Noorhoek * Sunset beach rides - with champagne at Noordhoek * Scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, power boating * Blaauwberg Region, Cape Town Metro, South Africa * Enjoy the view of Table Mountain from 48 km of white, sandy beaches * Top angling spots as well as surfing, wind and kite surfing * Shop at Canal Walk, the biggest shopping centre on the continent * Sail on the Rietvlei Dam in the Nature Reserve * Milnerton Golf Club * Visit Sanccob, famous rescue centre for polluted marine birds and penquins. * Watch whales (July to September) and year-round dolphin watching at Bloubergstrand * Visit Melkbosstrand, the gateway to the West Coast * Koeberg Power Station and Nature Reserve * Tygerberg Region, Cape Town, South Africa * Visit the Grand West Casino Complex with 2 hotels, Olympic sized ice rink, 60 restaurants * Take a township tour to Khayelitsha on the Cape Flats * Entertainment and sport at the Velodrome * Shop at the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre in Bellville * The Durbanville Wine Route has six wine estates open for tastings * Durbanville Golf Club

Oostenberg Region, Cape Town Metro, South Africa

* Oostenberg has six own wine estates with wine tasting and hamper picnics * Visit the Tygerberg Zoo, Drakenstein Lion Park and Animalzone * Visit the Wijnland Auto Museum - biggest collection of classic and vintage cars in the country * Kuils River Golf Club offers an 18-hole course and welcomes visitors * Helderberg Region, Cape Town Metro, South Africa * Visit the Helderberg Wine Route, starting at Somerset West * Visit the Stellenbosch winelands * Swim at long, white, safe swimming beaches of Strand and Gordon's Bay * Visit the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West * Visit the Fynbos Biosphere near Betty's Bay * Magnificent coastal scenic Clarence Drive to Rooi Els * Watch whales from August to November from Gordon's Bay * Scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing in area * Shop at Somerset Mall, one of the biggest shopping malls in the Western Cape * Take a drive along the beautiful coastal False Bay road to Muizenberg * Visit historic Vergelegen Wine Estate * Visit Monkey Town with 24 species or monkeys * Golf at Erinvale, Somerset West and Strand Golf Clubs * Go for shark diving in Gansbaai further along the coast * See the cheetahs at Spier Wine Estate

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3253089

[theresasparks]

Cape Town!

@imliterallygarbage

Getting around:

Hire car (Rent a cheapie)

Uber

Myciti buses (need to get a card and load it with money)

Places to stay:

City (Sea Point, Greenpoint, Gardens, Tamboerskloof)

Woodstock - First 'suburb' outside of the city, practically part of the city (5 minutes drive) and where I have lived for 10 years (similar vibe to Williamsburg)

Airbnb prob your best bet (loads of my friends Airbnb if you want to stay in my street 😂) or a boutique hotel

Beaches:

Can't really go wrong with any beach in Cape Town

My favourites are Clifton (1st to 4th, there are 4 joined in a row), Camps Bay, Beta Beach (tiny little beach past camps bay which is my personal fav), Llandudno (can combine with Hout Bay harbour for fresh fish meal and a walk around)

Further out beaches to go for a day trip:

Kalk Bay, Simonstown, Muizenburg, these could be combined

Boulders Beach (penguins)

Activities:

Table mountain! Cable car

Hike up Lions head

Views form Signal Hill

Kirstenbosch Gardens

Lots of people do shark cave diving in Gansbaai (not my cup of tea) can do Hermanus at the same time if you go

Waterfront (shopping, boat trip, aquarium if you interested, go outside the main centre to the Foodshed and the Watershed)

My favourite street in the city is Bree street, amazing cafes and restaurants and shops

Walk around Long street (watch your bag!), Loop street, Bree street, Kloof Street

Zeitz Mocaa (modern art)

The Old Biscuit Mill - Neighbourgoods market (in Woodstock) on Saturdays 9-2pm

Day trips:

Trip to wine farm in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch or both! Wine tastings!

Constantia Glen for wine tasting and platters

Spice Route is pretty cool, can combine lunch, wine tastings, chocolate tastings etc

Babylonstoren and Boschendal are two I love

A picnic at Warwick Wine Estate is awesome

Day drive coastal road towards Betty's Bay

Boulders Beach - penguins

Kalk Bay and Simonstown cute seaside towns to walk around (could take a train there)

Robben Island

Bars/places to have a drink:

Power and the Glory

Village Idiot

Yours Truly

Clarkes / Hail Pizza

The Stack (fancy)

The Silo Hotel (fancy)

House of Machines

The Gin Bar

Sorrows

Hanks

Outrage of Modesty for cocktails

Orphanage for cocktails

Tjing Tjing

Arcade

La Parada

Harringtons

Sundowners:

La Perla

Anywhere on the Camps Bay strip (Victoria road)

Bungalow (above Clifton 4th beach)

Twelve Apostles Hotel bar outside

Restaurants:

El Burro Taqueria

Royale Eatery

Chefs Warehouse (can't book, go early!)

Thali (can't book, go early!)

Ash

Mink and Trout

Mulberry and Prince

Villa 47

Osteria Tarantino

Bocca

Sea Breeze

Hallelujah

The Black Sheep

High end restaurants-

Pot Luck Club

The Test Kitchen

Shortmarket club

Foxcroft

You generally always need to book for dinners out

High tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel is fun

Lunch out at The Table at De Meye

Lunch at Babel at Babylonstoren (need to book way in advance)

Local South African shops:

Dear Rae Jewelry (my best friend! But it's amazing)

Chapel (also my best friend haha - bags)

Woodstock Exchange

[nomadicframes]

Swimming with 3m long (15 feet) great white sharks in Kleinbaai, a small harbour town, part of Gansbaai in the Western Cape of South Africa.⠀ ⠀ I'm presently editing a long overdue video on shark cage diving. We dove with Marine Dynamics, who I can't recommend more. Super impressed with their Eco-Marine efforts. Stay tuned.⠀ ⠀ http://www.sharkwatchsa.com/⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #GreatWhiteShark #shark #SouthAfrica #Africa #diving #ttot #instatravel #traveling #touroftheworld #Travelandexplore #bbctravel #ventureout #global_hotshotz #huffingtonpostgram #worldtravelpics #travelandlife #passionpassport #destinavo #guardiantravelsnaps #intrepidtravel #travelstoke #joeredtravel #discoverglobe #mylpguide #athomeintheworld #nomadstories #trippyowl #CanonBringIt #Canon5DM3 @vacations (at Kleinbaai, Western Cape, South Africa)

[myandre-blog1]

Gansbaai harbour

[atravellingfoodie]

The Hermanus town centre was a five minute drive from our holiday villa in Sandbaai and we spent Saturday afternoon enjoying the sun and sea air while the kids cavorted on the swings. I must confess that I was surprised that the town centre appeared to be practically deserted by 5pm. The market stalls closed at 5:30pm and the retail stores inside The Village mall were also closed shortly after. The spectacular views from the whale watching lookout point on the cliffs allow one to see across the bay to the town of Gansbaai. Down below is the harbour where a few fishing boats are still in evidence. To restore our energies and revive our spirits we stopped for refreshments at one of the cafes. I had a caffe latte while others had milkshakes or soft drinks and dessert 🍮 .... What is your favorite beverage or snack after an excursion? Leave your answer in the comments. . . . . ____________________________________________________________ @igerscapetown @cntraveler @bbc_travel @natgeotravel @natgeopeopleasia #CelebrateCapeTown #welltravelled #justbackfrom #whatsinmybag #cntravelereats #passportexpress #passionpassport #traveldeeper #darlingescapes #Hermanus #travelandleisure #travelandlife #instapassport #luxurytravel #IAmATraveler #luxurylife #travelgram #instatravel #wanderlust #traveltheworld #igtravel #exploringtheglobe #beautifuldestinations #traveladdict #lonelyplanet #travelpics #doyoutravel #loveHermanus #travelerincapetown (at Hermanus Whalecoast)

[travelregistry]

Cape Town

There are few cities in the world that have more to offer than Cape Town. While it’s not biggest city, or the most international, or even prettiest, there is just so much on display that it easily emerges as one of the best cities in the world to visit.

Cape Town is located on the southwestern coast of Africa, flanked by the vast Atlantic to the north and west and the warmer Indian to the south. Rising above the glass buildings and colorful homes in downtown Cape Town is the stunning Table Mountain, an enormous flat-top mountain that is quite literally in the middle of the city. An offshoot of Table Mountain, very aptly named Lion’s Head, juts perfectly in between city center and the ritzy Camps Bay area, home to the most expensive real estate in all of South Africa. This unique convergence of sea and mountains not only makes Cape Town breathtakingly beautiful, but allows visitors to wake up in the morning and climb a legitimate mountain, before spending the afternoon relaxing at the beach, all without skipping lunch.

The view from Lion’s Head toward Table Mountain, with the downtown area to the left and Camps Bay to the right.

In additional to its natural beauty, Cape Town has a great deal of historical significance. Any visitor to South Africa is inevitably confronted by the country’s dark apartheid past, and I found it very valuable to learn about that history and how it has shaped the country today. A great way to do this is to visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. A half-day tour begins with a ferry pickup from the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, followed by a rather lackluster bus tour of the island itself. The real highlight of the trip is the walking tour of the prisoners’ cells, guided by an actual former prisoner. Additional walking tours (or self-guided tours) through the city can help visitors peel back some of the complex layers of the country’s racial dynamic.

Cape Town is also the undisputed gastronomical capital of Africa, boasting a number of the continent’s best restaurants. There is no shortage of cutting edge fine dining, with the #22 restaurant in the world, The Test Kitchen, and its slightly more casual sister, The Pot Luck Club, leading the way. (Note: These restaurants are very popular, so make your reservations early.)

Just a few excerpts from our delicious 7-course tasting lunch at The Test Kitchen (might I add that, with drinks, the entire meal for 2 cost approximately $100 USD, thanks to an exceptionally favorable exchange rate).

Beyond central Cape Town are a number of equally interesting options for day or weekend trips. If you have time, do all of them - or if your time is limited, pick a few that speak to your interests. There is truly something for everyone.

Cape Peninsula

A true must do day trip from Cape Town is a loop around the Cape Peninsula directly south of the city. Many people choose to hire a guide or join an organized tour, but we preferred to rent a car and visit the many stops along the way at our own pace. Our first stop was Simon’s Town, home of Boulders Beach and its adorable colony of African Penguins.

Who knew penguins enjoy sunbathing in 75-degree summer heat as much as humans?

After exploring the beach and penguin boardwalk in Simon’s Town, we continued south into a lush green wonderland of rolling hills and rocky cliffs until we arrived at Cape Point. From the parking lot, there are several trails that lead to various viewpoints and even down to a secluded beach. Make sure to lock any food items in your car, as the area is frequented by aggressive baboons who love nothing more than to steal human-food.

Another short drive from Cape Point brought us to the Cape of Good Hope, styled (much to my husband’s chagrin) as “the most south-western point of the African Continent.” Another short hike to the top of Cape Point brought us to a pretty interesting view of the collision of two oceans.

How exactly does one measure the most “south-western” point? What if a point is further south but less westerly? What if a point is further west but less southerly?

After looping around the tip of the Cape Peninsula, we slowly meandered our way back towards civilization. The western coast of the Cape boasts a few world class beaches that no one has ever heard of. Chief among them is Noordhoek Beach, #2 on my personal (and very biased) list of the Top 5 Beaches in the World. Flanked to the north by the renown Chapman’s Peak Drive (a highly regarded sunset-viewing spot), it’s hard to imagine a prettier setting to lay down a towel and catch some rays.

Noordhoek Beach stretches for a massive 5 miles, with very few people. Don’t be surprised if you run into horses, as a couple local ranches offer horseback rides across the beach.

We rounded out a lovely (if not slightly tiring) day trip around the Cape Peninsula with a quaint dinner at the famous (and original) Harbour House restaurant overlooking Kalk Bay. Our table by the window brought us within a few feet of some ornery seals being slapped by the rising evening waves, and the food in Cape Town continued to impress. 

Wine Country

Another popular getaway from Cape Town is the Stellenbosch - Franschhoek wine route. There are numerous options for guided wine tours based out of Cape Town (including bike or horseback tours), but many people opt to spend a night or two in wine country. Because we only had about five days in Cape Town, and because I am not a heavy drinker, we decided to keep our rental car and do our own wine route as a day trip.

You can easily find a list of recommended wineries in the Stellebosch area, but part of the fun is just driving around and popping into random places. Don’t forget to bring a few bottles of wine home with you - South African wine, though highly regarded and very good, is not particularly popular in the United States, and the few vintages I’ve stumbled upon at Binny’s have been priced more than triple what they sold for locally. A bottle or two make an economical and delicious souvenir of what is sure to be a memorable trip.

The view from the elegant veranda at Delaire Graff Estate, a massive property overlooking rolling vineyards and surrounded by mountains.

The Garden Route

Now here I might be a bit out of my element, as we unfortunately did not have time to explore the beautiful coastline east of Cape Town; however, the Garden Route is a very popular multi-day road trip from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. There is no requirement to finish the lengthy route, and many people stop as early as Hermanus, a lovely coastal town famous for being the starting point of many whale watching adventures, or Gansbaai, the shark cage diving headquarters.  If you decide to go further, stop into Knysna Elephant Park near the pretty town of Plettenberg Bay to visit its herds of rescued and relocated elephants, or Tsitsikamma Reserve to explore some treacherous gorges or even zipline from the treetops.

In sum, of all of the cities I’ve seen in the world, it’s difficult to imagine one that offers more than Cape Town. From the sea to the mountains, from the wineries to the restaurants - this city truly has it all.