Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Excursions from Cape Town (part I)

The car is truly the star when visiting Cape Town, simply because of the wonder that surrounds, with two of the world’s greatest drives literally on your doorstep. Here is your guide to the points of interest outside of Cape Town no visit should go without:

Cape Peninsula and Cape Point


The Cape Peninsula runs from the most southern tip of South Africa at Cape Point to Cape Town itself in the north across 70km. The route you will take brings in some of the most formidable scenery in the continent – if not the world. Here you will experience awesome beaches, magnificent mountain ranges and beautiful forests capped off with an unforgettable view across the ocean as you stand at Cape Point.

Cape Point

Your journey will begin as you take the relaxing drive along the Atlantic and through Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay, until reaching the main M6 road. Consider taking a stop for something to eat at Chapman’s Peak to look out at the diverse territory ahead or at the beautiful Noordhoek Beach with its untainted 6km stretch of pure white sand.

Noordhoek Beach

After Noordhoek Beach, head for the M65, which takes in the charming village of Kommetije and the quaint Kommetije Bay. A rewarding walk along Lighthouse Road can be had which takes you to Snake’s Head Point Lighthouse (South African’s second most powerful), which sits majestically above the ocean.

kommetjie- western beaches!  (and home for two nights)

Take your sweet time in this beautiful seaside town where you will find some lovely small seafood restaurants should you want a bite to eat. When low tide is in, go and obtain a mussel permit from the post office and collect some fresh in from the Atlantic.

Your first true ‘attraction’ can be found as you head towards the Peninsula’s tip where you will pick up signs for the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This is a ‘must-do’ activity on any itinerary. The reserve is home to many animals including springboks, zebras, baboons, elands and also endangered plant species such as the extremely rare Fynbos. The reserve is also home to many bird species also and if lucky, you may spot the famous African Fish Eagles native to these parts. If you are feeling energetic, go on one of the scenic hiking trails, which truly uncovers the heart of this natural paradise. The Thomas Tucker Shipwreck Walk is particularly excellent, taking you along the coast to a boat shipwrecked in 1942 carrying military supplies to other parts of Africa.

Cape Point’s tip at Cape Maclear is next, with its name living up to its nature thanks to the awesome views across False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs upon which you gaze out from are among some of the highest in the world. The Two Oceans restaurant here is an ideal spot to sit down for a meal if you haven’t done so already.

This incredible journey continues as you head for the eastern side of the Peninsula at Boulders Beach, where you will see the famous colony of African Penguins congregating en-masse at the cliff edge and in the water.

The historic settlement of Simon’s Town draws you closer to Cape Town, where you will find the 200 year old navy base and South African Naval Museum. The town is a worthwhile stopping point if looking to do a spot of shopping with a number of craft stores on hand to provide you with the ideal momento of this journey.

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Cape Point

Stunning views...


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