I ♥ Britannia Bay

Hi, I’m Lucille Byrnes from Dolphin B&B+S/C in Britannia Bay a suburb of the town St Helena Bay up South Africa’s Cape West Coast.

Britannia Bay IS BEST KNOWN FOR long stretches of pristine beaches, “heaven” and “hell” surfer’s corners and the wreck after which the bay is named.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the deck of my house (where do you get sea and surf in the foreground and backdrop of the Winterberge in one photograph?). From Britannica Heights one can see north to Baboon Point at Elandsbaai, a natural heritage site, and south to the first working lighthouse after you cross the equator at Cape Columbine near Paternoster.

THE BEST wedding PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Sea Trader, the ideal spot to get married on the rocks.

I ♥ Britannia Bay

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the beautiful grounds of Shelley Point Hotel Spa & Country Club or on horseback riding the shoreline.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO watch dolphins and seasonal whales in the bay and birds foraging in the rock pools.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO knuckle down and read up about our wonderful marine life in Dr Peter Best’s book, Whales & Dolphins of the Southern African Subregion.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS winter months; we call this our “secret season”, BECAUSE the wind has abated and the bay is like a mirror. The nights can be chilly but the days are crystal-clear. And of course after good winter rains there’s the spectacle of seeing many hundreds of species of indigenous veld flowers that abound here in springtime.

I ♥ Britannia Bay

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS right here at Dolphin B&B+S/C of course!.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Groenveld, a restored fishing vessel in Sandy Point Harbour.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS the Swiss Deli & Bistro, TRY THE Daniel's Greek salad and those yummy mussel crepes, otherwise Connie at Beira Mar makes a great espatado.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Gull & Bell Pub & Grill it is also a great place TO MEET LOCALS.
MY FAVOURITE special dinner SPOT IS a table for two at Cattle Baron.

Britannia Bay’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the long stretch of pristine coastline that attracts dozens of African Black Oystercatchers, one of the many species of migratory Palaerctic seabirds that breed here.

I ♥ Britannia Bay

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS go bird watching and tick up the myriad species that can be identified in the many nature reserves the West Coast has to offer.

FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO GO TO visit the West Coast Fossil Park and gaze through the window of antiquity at the remains of sabre-toothed tigers and the first bear found south of sub-Sahara.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO focus my telescope skywards and count the stars (and my luck!)..

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY diving for kreef (crayfish), walk the coastline through the Groot Paternoster Private Nature Reserve to Paternoster, or try and beat that little white ball (and your partner!) at a round of golf on the nearby 9-hole links.

I ♥ Britannia Bay

MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS through West Coast National Park or to Tietiesbaai in Cape Columbine Nature Reserve.
MY FAVOURITE gift SHOP IS Lazy Catz Décor, run by Judy, where I might find a special piece of silver made by Karin of i-Treasure or one of Maggie’s handcrafted pottery bowls.

MY FAVOURITE whale and dolphin WATCHING SPOT IS Sandy Point Harbour.
IF YOU'RE HERE AT Easter or at the end of August, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the St Helena Bay Arts & Crafts & Food Markets. Winter visitors can marvel at the dexterity of the local fisherwomen vlekking seasonal snoek. Their cultural heritage is unique and the quaint tongue of the locals will bring a smile to the face of those who stop to savour their vernacular.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS beacon perched on a rocky outcrop at Shelly Point.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS paint-balling at the Weskus Mall.

I ♥ Britannia Bay

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS looking for shells on the 7 km stretch of beach at Britannia Bay...
WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO be pampered at the wellness centre at the Shelley Point Hotel.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE are the granite rocks that enfold the town and are dotted in the calm waters of the bay.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS escaping to the stark and beautiful Cederberg Mountains, only a couple of hours’ drive away or Bird Island in Lambert’s Bay.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I work in a local soup kitchen. Last December the children put on the most wonderful carol-signing concert at Shelley Point Hotel which was their way of saying thanks to the community for its annual contributions.

I ♥ Britannia Bay BECAUSE whether it is to wonder at the splash of spring flowers and whales mid-year, or to amble along pristine beaches in summer, the holidaymaker can be assured of a ‘Weskus’ welcome … and you’re sure to have a whale of a time!

Dolphin B&B + S/C

Dolphin B&B+S/C

Dolphin B&B is the ideal base from which to explore the barren and yet fascinating West Coast. Whether it be to wonder at the splash of spring flowers and whales mid-year, or to amble along pristine beaches in summer, the holidaymaker can be assured of a ‘Weskus’ welcome.  The West Coast is renowned for its hospitality and seafood. It is also home to the ‘veldkool’ (Trachyandra ciliata) and ‘gousblom’ (Gazania krebsiana), two of the fine species of indigenous veld flowers that abound here in springtime.

Visit Dolphin B&B + S/C
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Cape Columbine Lighthouse: +27 (0)21 449‑2400
Sea Trader: +27 (0)83 744‑1133
Shelley Point Hotel: +27 (0)22 742‑1508
Swiss Deli and Bistro: +27 (0)76 798‑5182
Cattle Baron: +27 (0)22 742‑1394
Gull & Bell Pub & Grill: +27 (0)22 736‑1917
West Coast Fossil Park: +27 (0)22 766‑1606
West Coast National Park: +27 (0)22 772‑2144 / 5
Lazy Catz Décor: +27 (0)76 886‑4440

Have you vis­ited Britannia Bay? Why not tell us what you thought by sub­mit­ting a review. See: Britannia Bay Reviews

Britannia Bay Links:
Britannia Bay Attractions
Things to Do in Cape West Coast
Britannia Bay Self Catering
Britannia Bay Accommodation
Cape West Coast Events
Western Cape Accommodation
Western Cape Hotels

I ♥ Beaufort West

Hi, I’m Elsolique from Old House Guesthouse in Beaufort West.

Beaufort West IS BEST KNOWN FOR its unique Karoo hospitality.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Chris Barnard Museum; Chris Barnard was the famous heart surgeon who performed the worlds first heart transplant.

THE BEST Karoo PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Karoo National Park.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT our beautiful pear trees on the Main Road.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO be outside in the fresh Karoo air.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO visit friends.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS in the winter, BECAUSE our summers have extreme heat.

I ♥ Beaufort West

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS the local Wimpy — you cannot go wrong with a Wimpy breakfast!

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Karushi.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Old Thatch, TRY THE seafood and hunchback steak.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Steers.

MY FAVOURITE relaxing SPOT IS on top of the Nuweveld Mountains.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY the Old Thatch.

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the Old Thatch.

I ♥ Beaufort West

Beaufort West’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS our lovely olives — you will have to try them!

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS to drive quad bikes.

FOR SOME CULTURE , I LIKE TO GO TO Karushi where they can organise KwaMadlenkosi Cultural Tours.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY the 4 x 4 rides in the Karoo National Park.

MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS through the Karoo National Park.

MY FAVOURITE local artist SHOP IS Yster Plyster Gallery.

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS the Karoo National Park.

I ♥ Beaufort West

IF YOU'RE HERE IN March, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Beaufort West Agricultural Show.

MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS the Chris Barnard Museum. CHECK OUT THE tools used in the first heart transplant.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the City Hall, FOR ITS age.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS the local Spur.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS paintball at Paint Ball Adventure.

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO drive into the mountains and stop to have a picnic wherever I want!

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Mossel Bay.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I give them work.

I ♥ Beaufort West BECAUSE it's home.

Old House Guesthouse

Old House Luxury Guesthouse

Close your eyes and take a deep breath, can you feel it? The fresh air, it’s like you can’t get enough. Can you smell it? It’s the fresh flowers in our beautiful garden. Have a delicious breakfast looking out over the garden watching birds bathing in the fountain, hearing the bee’s buzz in the trees. At Old House Luxury Guest House everyone will go out of their way to make you feel at home. Have a fabulous dinner in our dining room, or braai under the bright stars, like you’ve never seen before. You can have a good nights rest in a room that will make you feel like a King.

Visit Old House Luxury Guesthouse
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Chris Barnard Museum: +27 (0)23 415‑2308
Karushi: +27 (0)87 751‑9748
Old Thatch: +27 (0)23 414‑2209

Have you vis­ited Beaufort West? Why not tell us what you thought by sub­mit­ting a review. See: Beaufort West Reviews

Useful Links:
Beaufort West Guest Houses
Beaufort West Self Catering
Beaufort West Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation
Western Cape Hotels
Karoo Accommodation

West Coast Beach

Think West Coast, think sand, heat, sea and little fresh water. And you wouldn't be far off the mark. The West Coast is arid, wild and windswept, but it does have water.

And one of the major sources of water available that makes farming possible, in the arid Sandveld and undulating hills of the Swartland, is the Berg River — its source in the Drakenstein Mountains just south of Franschhoek and its mouth at Laaiplek on the Atlantic Ocean.

In the presence of the Berg River (more commonly known amongst locals as the Bergrivier – one word) the towns of the West Coast between Velddrif and Elands Bay and their inland counterparts – Aurora, Redelingshuys, Goedverwacht, Eendekuil, Piketberg, Porterville and Wittewater — are awash with beautiful mountains, lush vineyards, wheat fields and picturesque villages; a complete contrast to the picture one holds of the West Coast and its accompanying sandscapes.

A Lazy Day in Laaiplek

A weekend away in the Berg River Region is simply a case of packing the car and heading up the R27 without a stop until one reaches the town of Velddrif – a trip of little more than a couple of hours. The new(ish) Weskus Mall in Vredenburg means that you don't even have to stock up with essentials beforehand.

Conversely, the N7 to Piketberg or Porterville is an equally easy drive and delivers one to the heart of the Swartland, parallel to the accompanying West Coast town of Velddrif, joined at the hip to Piketberg by the R399.

Between these two towns is a weekend of adventure filled with wine farms, a mission village or two, hiking trails, bike and 4X4 trails, the chance to paraglide off a mountain, and consistent sightings of the blue crane.

In short, here is what you can expect from some of the little towns in the region:

Aurora

Beautiful Aurora

An incredibly pretty little Sandveld village, Aurora lies just inland from Velddrif, popular amongst retirees and weekend visitors. It isn't big, but it is worth a visit, not just for its location but also for its history – it is named after the first Dutch Reformed minister's daughter, Ceylonia Aurora Ferreira.

• Find out about how the French astronomer-geodesist,  Abbé Nicolas de le Caille, set up an observatory here in which he asserted that the shape of the Earth is pear-shaped
• Take a hike through and around town and look out for the protea canary or the vibrant bee-eaters
• Check out the stars – lie on your back at night and breathe in the heavens
• Seek out Aurora's home-made rusks and find a cup of coffee in which to dunk them
• Eat at Helmut Wokalek's restaurant
• Stroll the streets and look out for pretty little Sandveld huisies

For more information about Aurora read here: Aurora — A Visitors Perspective

Goedverwacht

Klok se Poort

The Eden-like Moravian mission village of Goedverwacht lies in an enviable position right on its very own little stream that springs out of the surrounding hills. The coloured village's saving grace is the focus on community life and the village's youth, most of whom return, after a brief stint in Cape Town to gather some form of higher education, to the town. The church, the school and many of the buildings through the village are over 100 years old.

• Head to the Snoek en Patat coffee shop – for information, chats with the locals and keys to the old Water Mill Museum
• Hike the Peerboom (pear tree) hiking route – specially developed by locals to include the old graveyard, the mountains behind the old village and on to the nearby village of Wittewater (ask for a guide)
• Although not well sign posted, ask about self-catering accommodation, the village recently built a couple of wonderful spots
• Hike the Klok se Poort hiking route
• Visit the town's incredible gardens – including a myriad fruit trees – and organic vegetable gardens
• Visit in time for the annual June Snoek en Patat Fees – this year attracted 10 000 visitors

For accommodation near Goedverwacht see: Swartland Accommodation

Eendekuil

The Cape West Coast

More honestly described in terms of a hamlet than a town, Eendekuil (not called 'duck pond' for nothing) is nonetheless worth a visit, if for nothing other than the incredible views of the surrounds from here.  On the R365 north of Piketberg, Eendekuil lies just below the Swartberg along the railway line (not the rather noisy Saldanha Sishen line) that was originally built as a link between the copper mines at O'Kiep in Namaqualand and Cape Town. History books show that another team got there first, linking O'Kiep to Port Nolloth. Nonetheless, a passenger train called the 'Doekvoet Flyer' regularly carried a great many people to and from Eendekuil.

• Breathe in the views
• Stay in the vicinity of the railway line with only the occasional Eendekuil church bell ring to disturb you
• Visit two of the original farms in the area – Goedemanskraal and Rhenosterhoek
• Visit the local cheese factory – well known for cheddar and gouda. Milk is delivered from local dairy farms
• The Eendekuil hotel is a popular spot for bikers

For accommodation near Eedekuil see: Swartland Accommodation

Piketberg

Perfect Piketberg

Originally called Piquetberg, Piketberg lies just off the N7 in the foothills of the Piketberg Mountains, a low range of sandstone mountains on the top of which one can grow fruit and rooibos tea; the bottom is more suited to wheat farming as the local farms prove. The area is steeped in San history and rock paintings are easily viewable in the surrounding hills and mountains. The town serves as a business hub for surrounding farmers and smaller towns in the area (residents of Goedverwacht, for instance, work in Piketberg and Porterville).

• Visit Voelvleibos for a perfect picnic setting in amongst a wood of wild olive trees
• Attend the Piket-Bo-Berg farmers' market on the last Saturday of every month
• Visit the Piketberg Museum with a series of rather impressive archives, Anglo-Boer War exhibits and incredible accounts of the town's past
• Drive the Versveld Pass for the amazing views
• Taste local buchu brandy

For accommodation near Piketberg see: Swartland Accommodation

Velddrif

Gorgeous Velddrif Sunset

Velddrif is a rather large, vibey fishing town that virtually merges with the village of Laaiplek that nabs access to the Atlantic and literally functions as somewhere for fishing vessels to offload their merchandise. Velddrif is famous not only for its mounds of salt in the salt pans that line the R27 as it crosses the Berg River into town, but also for its bokkoms (dried fish).

• Drive down Bokkom Avenue alongside the Berg River and you're in for a treat (take your camera along as it is rather picturesque)
• Look out for flamingos and other birds – Velddrif is part of the Flamingo Bird Route and the Berg River estuary is home to some 30 000 birds
• Head off to the Rocherpan Nature Reserve, 25 km from Velddrif, where there is silence and bird hides
• Use the Berg River to sail, kayak or kitesurf
• Take a boat trip up or down the river
• Visit Pelican Harbour, a renovated fishing factory
• Take a tour of the salt factory
• Take a hike from Kliphout Krans
• See the whales from the beaches just north of here
• Browse a series of shops, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants

For accommodation in Velddrif see: Velddrif Accommodation

Useful Links

Aurora Attractions
Velddrif Accommodation
West Coast Accommodation
Swartland Accommodation
Swartland Hotels
Western Cape Accommodation

Harvest Festival

If you are looking for a fantastic experience on the weekend of 17 and 18 March 2012 why not take a drive to Wellington for their annual Wellington Harvest Festival. Purchase your access pass at your first port of call or at the Wellington Tourism Office. Your pass allows you free wine tasting at participating cellars otherwise it is a pay-as-you-go system.

Wondering where your first stop should be, why not stop at the Bosman Family Vinerard as they have joined together with Fairtrade Label South Africa and hope to show visitors to the festival the true meaning of Fairtrade. Lunch will be a deliciously long affair and you will find out all of the details below ...

Bosman Family Vineyards promises a Celebration in Fairtrade at their Long Lunch during the annual Wellington Harvest Festival on 17 & 18 March 2012.  Kick off your working shoes and enjoy a leisurely, festive summer lunch set against the backdrop of elegant Cape Dutch buildings, spreading oaks and soaring mountains.

This 8th  generation family winery is partnering with Fairtrade Label South Africa and significant South African Fairtrade producers during this year's Wellington Harvest Festival in order to give South Africans a glimpse into the world of Fairtrade.

Fairtrade is a trading partnership, based on a progressive set of social and environmental criteria and seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by allocating part of the price for this cause.

The Bosman family invites you to a feast of country food paired with their boutique-style wines in the captivating Bovlei Valley of Wellington. Savour the slow beat of ambient live music from various local entertainers including the Bosman Farming Choir, play the ancient game of boules, take a guided cellar tour, look at an antique tractor display, or watch the kids playing in the supervised kiddies area.

Sip away on ice cold rosé made from 33 grape varieties, the Mont Bay Sauvignon Blanc from our De Bos vineyards near Hermanus, the Sur Lie Chenin Blanc ‒ a gem made from our Lelienfontein Chenin Blanc grapes ‒ and enjoy delicious food prepared by Marc’s Restaurant and other local delicatessens.

Bosman Family Vineyards will be joining hands with Pebbles, an NGO actively involved in the communities of the wine growing regions within the South African Wine industry. A percentage of the Long Lunch proceeds will go towards supporting this Cape winelands charity.

LONG LUNCH DETAILS:

Starts: 17 March 2012 from 10h00 — 17h00
Ends: 18 March 2012 from 10h00 — 17h00
Cost: R80 per person
Space:  400 people per day
Location: Lelienfontein, Wellington
Reservations: Not necessary.

Buy your ticket at the gate or any Computicket outlet.  Tickets include a Wellington Harvest Festival pass and a tasting glass.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Antonia Bosman
Phone: +27 (0)21 873‑3170

Useful Wellington Links:

Things to Do in Wellington
Wellington Attractions
Wellington Hotels
Wellington Accommodation
Cape Winelands Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation
Western Cape Hotels

Cape leopards are special – for one, they're incredibly beautiful, but they're also much smaller than those found in other parts of Africa, and they are the top predator in the mountains of the Cape. Their extinction can have an impact on the entire ecosystem. What this means is that the leopard is the apex predator in the Western Cape ecosystem. It thus acts as an 'umbrella species'. By protecting the leopard, one is also helping conserve smaller predators, as well as other animals occurring in the system.

The range of area each leopard needs in order to hunt and live is understandably threatened by development, but also by people who kill them to protect their farm animals. Today there are the Trust focuses on using information on the ecology of these predators to show that killing or relocation of them is not a solution to conflict situation. Some mitigating measure can be used such as livestock guardian dogs (like Anatolian shepherd dogs) and especially herders. The Trust currently has an experimental farm where they themselves are testing farming with herders and dogs while monitoring the behaviour of the predators (leopards, caracals and jackals) in the same area.

There are the added natural threats to the leopard especially when they are young, like snakes, disease, black eagles, malnutrition and, as their territories shrink, vying for territory with one another — sometimes to the death.

Leopards are very different from cheetahs, with whom they are often confused. Spots aside (cheetahs have individual spots whilst leopards have rings of spots called rosettes) leopards stalk their prey and need to get really close to them, when they pounce. In bushveld savanna, leopards then drag their prey up trees, however, in the mountains they have no suitable trees to hoist their prey into – so the generally find a comfy place with a good view to take their time and eat their meal. They are stockier and stronger as a result, whilst cheetahs are leaner and built for speed, chasing their prey over huge distances.

Quinton has shown that male leopards in the Cederberg have home ranges of between 200km² in the Fynbos and 1000km² in the Karoo. The Trust's website suggests that in comparison Kruger National Park male leopards have ranges of between 25 and 50km². This equates to densities being much lower in the Cederberg, as leopards are solitary cats with exclusive home ranges. Males have exclusive ranges, each with 2 – 3 females having their own exclusive ranges within these.

Since 2004, Quinton studied the leopard in the Cederberg to ascertain their population status and vulnerability. He started the Trust and serves as its project manager and major researcher, completing his PhD in 2010 through the University of Bristol. Elizabeth Martins runs the Education and Outreach Programme that the team feels is essential for the future of the cat and nature conservation in general.

The Trust runs children's camps that teach them about the wilderness and themselves. Via a National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) grant the Trust provides sponsored camps and day trips to connect children to the wilderness. It also runs local environmental clubs such as the one at Eselbank, a local Cederberg school with whom the Trust actively works, and school presentations during which the Trust inspires children through a 45 minute presentation.

Ongoing leopard research in the Cederberg is, in the meantime, helping in a big way in managing and conserving the leopard population. Quinton has written his PhD on the ecology of leopards in the Cederberg, which gives researchers a reference to use in monitoring the movements of other leopard populations in similar mountainous terrain.

Quinton's approach has involved modern technology in the form of GPS satellite tracking devices and remote camera traps, which has brought him a little closer to establishing the needs of this unique cat population.

Part of the process has been to capture and collar adult leopards with GPS collars, allowing the Trust to collect data on their movements. This they've used to influence how best to manage predator/land owner relationships.

When the project began an average of seven leopards a year died in farmer-predator conflict. In the last seven years, only two have died in this way. Through the work of the Trust, the Cederberg Conservancy has supported leopard conservation and as a result, the Cederberg now has a stable leopard population the Trust can monitor over the long term.

The Trust keeps individual records of the leopards they tag. Most of them now have names. They have become individual cats to the team, not just numbers that form a statistic for science. They've identified 27 leopards in the Cederberg study over a six-year period – visit this page and then hover your mouse over Cederberg leopards.

Trapping any individual leopard to collar it is not a walk in the park. Traps have to be regularly checked — at least every two – three hours — so placing them way out of the way is counterproductive. At the same time, putting traps close to foot paths used regularly by hikers is also out of the question unless the trails are closed to the public.

The trapping process has been approved by the statutory conservation body and an ethics committee and a capture is always supervised by a vet. And the team test internationally acclaimed trapping techniques, such as the foot-loop traps revamped by American Dairen Simpson. Science has shown that these are the safest traps for large carnivores. The Trust is keen to use where possible, and are keeping records of their safety and efficacy.

If you do walk in the Cederberg and come upon a sign warning you of a leopard trapping in progress, you will be urged not to approach more – please take note and do not go near the traps as this could interfere with their hard work trying to capture these cats for conservation. Sometimes iti takes months to catch a targeted individual.

Of course finding a leopard in a vast and untamed area is anything but a walk in the park. Leopards are shy by nature and will go out of their way to avoid being seen. Very few people sight these wonderful cats at all. Which is why the Trust uses digital cameras with an infra-red sensors triggered by motion and heat.

This they call 'camera-trapping' – one can equate them to permanent fieldworkers — and it gives the team a good indication of the numbers of nocturnal leopards – a non-invasive and affordable option to capture. If two cameras are arranged at what's called a 'double station' – two cameras opposite one another – one is able to put together individual leopard identikits with photos of both the left and right flank of any individual cat.

The Trust is also involved in projects in Gouritz, the Boland mountains and Namaqualand.

Get Involved

If you want to get involved in the project there are a number of ways: you can raise awareness by buying (and wearing) a rather cool, hemp Cape Leopard Trust T-shirt, you can sponsor a camera trap, you can Adopt a Spot or if you are an organisation you can sponsor a school camp for disadvantaged children. Soon, leopard tracking trips in the Cederberg will become available to the hiking fit public. Register for updates on their website to be informed as soon as this happens – www.capeleopard.org.za

The team is happy to do presentations for any group, and they do school presentations at no charge.

Get in Touch

Email Elizabeth Martins on elizabeth@capeleopard.org.za

Useful Links

• Cederberg Attractions
• Things to Do in Cederberg
• Cederberg Accommodation
• Western Cape Accommodation

Five Bay Trail

It is just as well that when first reading the email inviting us to join one of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails that the rather obvious fact that I was going to have to actually walk the 28 km didn't register. Or I probably would have chickened out and sent my other half without me.

My eye, instead, homes into the word 'gentle' (used to describe the hiking trail) and the fact that we will not have to carry heavy packs, will have our food laid on for us, and be put up in a B&B in Paternoster. I need no further persuasion.

The Five Bay Trail is described as a walking trail. And for those who are seasoned hikers, it is possibly a walk in the park, although you'll more than get your exercise in. For those of you, like me, who walk occasionally and do not count yourselves as fit, you will manage, only just...

The trail, which starts and overnights on both evenings in Paternoster, and ends in Jacobsbaai, hugs the coast taking place mainly along the beaches of a myriad bays between the two villages. The weekend was to have many highlights, including delicious food, incredible views, and good conversation.

Arriving late afternoon on the Friday at Klein Paternoster self-catering lodges, Tracey welcomes us with an ice-cold beer and the chance to meet the rest of the group — a diverse and interesting bunch that because the hike is the last of the official launch of this particular trail, and geared towards the few journalists invited, means that we have a fauna and flora expert from the biosphere, and one of the original team involved in designing the trails along.

The Five Bay Trail is one of five trails designed within the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve. The others are the Darling Stagger, Eve's Trail, Wheels of Time, and the Berg River Canooze. Each of these aims to create awareness about the biosphere whilst at the same time contributing towards the socio-economic well-being of the communities through which it passes.

It's a feel-good hike, in other words, where proceeds of the cost of the hike go towards local guides, caterers, drivers and boosting the local economy. Responsible Tourism at its best.

I have to bring only a willingness to walk, a pair of hardy walking shoes (and even that wasn't necessary as Sven, the journalist from Go mag proves after doing almost the entire trail barefoot) sunscreen, a hat and a swimming costume.

The trail begins with a preliminary stroll along the beach of Paternoster to our dinner across on the other side of town, where Oep Ve Koep chef, Kobus van der Merwe, hosts us for a meal in his B&B.

Part-way through supper we learn that one has to book even for breakfast at Oep Ve Koep (it might look like a general-dealer store, but it's obviously rather a lot more). No surprises there, as the meal is incredible.

Kobus is renowned as a local forager and our veges include interesting edible fynbos. The presentation is beautiful and the service, at our table d'ote in the heart of the home, professional. Home-made bread, springbok steak and dessert are highlights.

Up bright and early the next morning, a wonderful breakfast spread (but didn't we just eat?) of fruit salad, granola, yoghurt and what can only be described as Pikkie's aplomb — an egg, mushroom, cheese and bacon dish that puts shame to the average eggs sunny-side-up. Pikkie manages somehow never to run out of just-made plungers of coffee, a smile and the grace of a good hostess.

We pass through the town of Paternoster. It's the first weekend of crayfish season. Town is abustle with or without crayfish season, but the beaches alongside and all the way to Titiesbaai (in Cape Columbine Nature Reserve) are so full of campers all intent on hauling in their four crayfish a day to enjoy on an evening or morning braai, that we virtually trip over them. It's an interesting perspective – that of a hiker passing through...

In our backpacks are self-made sandwiches from food laid on for us that we enjoy on the rocks just beyond Titiesbaai. A passing whale and her baby appear as if to order and our feet enjoy a welcome respite from all the sand walking. The day is hot. I am glad of my long-sleeved linen shirt and wide-brimmed hat. Particularly when I see how burnt Rhett, who manages the biosphere's stewardship programme, has got.

But we've already lost enough time (I admit to taking too many pictures and asking a myriad questions about the various fynbos flowers we pass), and lunch is over. We press on.

The second half of the first day is difficult for me. The heat of the day and sore feet are nothing though compared with the views and the blue of the sea, the endless sandy curves of bays, shell middens, incredible fynbos and different colours of lichen that hug the hulking boulders of some of the bays.

Just as the heat gets to me, whilst walking against a cliff with little respite from the sun, we stumble across a perfect inlet that functions as a swimming hole. Decorum is flung to the winds as each of us strips down to the bare minimum before jumping into the icy water. For those who can stay in beyond a minute, the tide pulls hither and thither treating us in similar fashion to the large fingers of seaweed that line the rocks.

We trudge across Noordwesbaai to the Trekoskraal headland and the end of day one.  Despite the gorgeous food that evening at Skipskebys, we're all in bed by 9.30pm.

Day three dawns. The green bus (no more guilt trips), which has already met us partway with water, and at the end of yesterday, takes us back to Trekoskraal after another incredible Pikkie breakfast. This morning is foggy. It's just rained and is cooler than the day before.

It's slightly easier going. Despite this part of the coast not being part of a reserve, people are still camped along various parts, without facilities. Someone has placed a toilet (a chair with a toilet seat in it) in the middle of the fynbos with a view of the sea – just hope they've dug a hole beneath it, are my thoughts, even as I muse about the view from the loo.

The bays across which we traipse include the incredible dunes of Wesbaai where swales have hollowed out nests in the sandy cliffs overhead. As the wind has got hold of them so each has become deeper and more like the window of a human abode. It's a bird-version of Cappadocia, the cave dwellings in Turkey.

Morgan, one of our guides, shows me how to walk in the footsteps of others of the group ahead of me on the trail. It is both a practical lesson (it's a lot easier when walking in sand to walk in the footsteps of your fellow hikers) and a metaphysical one. Now tired, I find that I am the third person to have stepped in these particular sandy indentations, occasionally erased by an errant wave as the tide recedes.

It's our last bay before Jacobsbaai and the trail's end. Hospitaalbaai is named such not because, as I think, it is the nursing bay of whales and their calves, but because in the old days ships used to offload their sick in the bay en route to Table Bay where there were strict quarantines. If recovered, sailors could hope to reconnect with their ship on the way back.

We lunch at Weskusplek, renowned because Steve Hofmeyr is part-owner, his photograph none too subtly displayed. The food isn't great, but it's a wonderful setting.

The hike's members are sad to take their leave. Camaraderie when on a hike easily builds. Stories have been told, details disclosed, lives explored. The trail has been an incredible experience. On the journey back to Paternoster, Morgan, who can't resist a moment to play, begins singing 'I did it my way” in true Sinatra style, until he reaches the end and gleefully inserts “I did it five bays”.

Ja, nee...

Get in Touch
For further details please contact:
086 187 2456 (Trails)
022 492 2750 (Cape West Coast biosphere Central Office)
022 451 2648 (Cape West Coast biosphere Hub R27)

Useful Links

• Paternoster Accommodation
• Jacobsbaai Accommodation
• Cape West Coast Accommodation
• Western Cape Accommodation

The Cape in a side car

There are a lot of things I've not done in Cape Town that the average tourist has. Exploring Cape Town through the eyes of a tourist can be as good as going on holiday elsewhere, a lot cheaper, and will earn you greenie points for saving on carbon emissions and for contributing to the local economy.

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.

Things to Do in Cape Town

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.

Things to Do in Cape Town

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.

Things to Do in Cape Town

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.

Things to Do in Cape Town

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.

Useful Links:
Things to Do in Cape Town
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Hotels
Cape Town Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation

I ♥ Yzerfontein

Hi, I’m Myrna from the White House Beach Villa in Yzerfontein.

Yzerfontein IS BEST KNOWN FOR white sandy beaches, relaxed seaside living, whale spotting, birdlife, the September flower season, unforgettable golden sunsets, surfing and boating.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Pearl Bay, on the beach, a stone’s throw from the White House Beach Villa.

THE BEST midday PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN lying in a field of Spring flowers.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO take a long leisurely walk along the 16 mile beach or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the sound and smell of the ocean.

I ♥ Yzerfontein

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO curl up at the fireplace with a good book and a glass of red wine.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS throughout the year, BECAUSE staying on the beachfront, you will experience temperatures which are cooler in summer and warmer in winter than that of Cape Town.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Geelbek, in the West Coast National Park nearby.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Cloof wine farm, down a gravel road from Darling Cellars.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS !Khwa ttu, situated off the R27 towards Cape Town, TRY THE the Gemsbok pie or buffet lunches on a Sunday.

I ♥ Yzerfontein

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM cellar in the White House Beach Villa – savour some dark chilli chocolate and a nightcap of Groote Post Noble Late Harvest before retiring to bed.

MY FAVOURITE sundowner SPOT IS sitting on the dune and watching the spectacular sunset.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, take a stroll to the harbour and chat to the fishermen about their days catch.

Yzerfontein’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the area known as Pearl Bay which is situated on the quieter, windfree side of Yzerfontein.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS preparing dinner together with freshly caught fish and chilled wine from nearby cellars.

I ♥ Yzerfontein

FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO GO TO !Kwha ttu and take a cultural tour with the San people and learn about their history.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO take long,walks on the soft, sandy beaches and collect shells at my leisure.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY packing your backpack with plenty of water and walk the length of the 16 mile beach.

MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS visiting Allesverloren Estate, Babylon's Peak Private Cellar, Kloovenburg Vineyards, Riebeek Cellars and Pulpit Rock Winery along the Swartland Wine Route.

MY FAVOURITE gift SHOP IS Lemon Tree, opposite the Spar, near the petrol station.

I ♥ Yzerfontein

MY FAVOURITE whale watching WATCHING SPOT IS from the upstairs bedroom at the White House, overlooking the ocean.

IF YOU'RE HERE IN December, JOIN IN THE FUN AT fun at the Snoek Festival, which includes the Snoek Classic, where boats compete to catch the most or the heaviest snoek for the day.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS having a picnic on the beach, playing in the waves and building sandcastles together.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a day surfing and bathing at the blue flag beach.

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS right here at the White House Beach Villa where peace and tranquillity awaits you.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support the local people by providing employment.

I ♥ Yzerfontein BECAUSE it brings me closer to nature and keeps me grounded.

White House Beach Villa

White House Beach Villa

Situated on the Cape West Coast and positioned on the pristine Pearl Bay beachfront, the White House is situated less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town and 80 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. Boasting views of Dassen Island and the iconic Table Mountain across the bay, the White House is the perfect beach house getaway. The unspoilt Atlantic coastline is alive with characteristic west coast Fynbos vegetation and wildlife, where it is not uncommon to spot whales and dolphin from the spacious decks. A private boardwalk connects the house to a white sandy beach — a mere stone’s throw away.

Visit White House Beach Villa
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Geelbek: +27 (0)22–772-2134
West Coast National Park: +27 (0)22 772‑2144 / 5
Darling Cellars: +27 (0)22 492‑2276
!Khwa ttu: +27 (0)22 492‑2998

Useful Links:
Yzerfontein Attractions
Things to Do in Cape West Coast
Yzerfontein Guest Houses
Yzerfontein Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation
Western Cape Hotels

The Red Windmill

Eat, play, live at the nursery | garden shop | restaurant | play area | vintage shop ...

Just outside the town of Napier, en route to Bredasdorp, sits a beautiful old Cape Dutch farm house, just off the road, with a bright red roof and white gables and walls. To the side of it stands a red windmill, admittedly minus its blades, but that's a story for later.

The Red Windmill isn't the farmstall it first appears to be. Instead its something of a collection or collaboration of four independent shops under the umbrella of Red Windmill. I bump into Dee Robinson. She's drinking coffee on the stoep with Erica (of Dave's Country Kitchen) and Lesley (of Cool Beans sweets shop). Everyone's laughing and generally having a rather festive time. If this is what collaboration looks like, count me in.

It's late in the afternoon on a Sunday and the lunch rush is over. Dee explains how she just had to have the house when it came up for hire last year. “I've had my eye on this building since we arrived in Napier from Cape Town,” she smiles. “I didn't know what we were going to do with it, but I knew something would emerge.”

And emerge it has. Dee and husband Neal run a nursery and landscaping business that they brought with them from Cape Town from the side of the beautiful old house, since April 2010. Dee also runs a trendy antique clothing boutique filled with items from the 40s through to the 80s in one wing of the house, called Vintage, which she says attracts the young girls. You can pick up some gorgeous creations at really good prices.

“Our collaboration is really a wonderful idea,” elaborates Dee. “The minute Dave and Erica were available, we convinced them to come in with us at the Red Windmill, and it's great, as all of us bounce ideas off one another, and no one individual feels the stress of having to get it all right, there's a team spirit going on here.”

She is right. Friends and patrons alike are now seated outside under red umbrellas in amongst the scatter cushions on which Dee's two little jack russels are spreadeagled out in the sun. There is a relaxed atmosphere to the place that extends indoors where another group have settled in for afternoon tea.

Dave Spilhaus, of Dave's Country Kitchen has brought an added dimension to the affair, for what is a farmstall without food to sit and eat. A selection of breakfasts, tea time treats and lunch fare, including one of the only country menus I know offerring a bunny chow (home made bun filled with lamb curry), all served in a totally unpretentious environment, makes a stop here far more than a stroll through an indigenous nursery.

I follow Dee outside. She has countless ideas for the place and I sense that there is a large element of play to the way the team approach their days here at Red Windmill. Dee walks me through her, admittedly little, indigenouse and succulent nursery. “We do quite a bit of landscaping of gardens in the village,” she explains. I've already caught a glimpse of the feature Tuis&Home did about them, on the walls of the nursery.

We stroll (because in the country you don't walk anywhere briskly) past a water feature her husband Neal has just whipped together to beyond the nursery to a small forest of blue gum trees. “The farm is a working sweet potato and red onion farm,” she explains, “so it's a real working farm.” I agree that this gives it a sense of added vibrancy as we look out yonder to surrounding fields of wheat.

“Just here,” Dee indicates a clearing they've just made in a natural circle evident in amongst the trees, “is where we're going to lay the labyrinth.” Dee explains how every time she ventured out in amongst the trees it seemed to her that natural circles became evident, and that they were calling out for some sort of creation. “I woke one night and just realised that we had to put a labyrinth in here for people to walk. With these views out over the farm lands, it will just lovely.”

I agree, thinking back to the other labyrinths I've walked already – Boondocks just outside Nelspruit, The Edge in Hogsback, Bodhi Khaya just outside Gansbaai, all of them based on the Chatres Cathedral as Dee intends doing, and I wonder if each of their creators has been called to place them around the country; if they are to play a very necessary role in reconnecting us with our selves in an age where almost every other activity diverts us from the connection.

Whilst I imagine, Dee is already pointing to the out buildings where she wants to add a wine tasting element, and probably another shop as well as a couple of donkeys for children. Speaking of children. I nip round the front to see how the other parts of my family are doing, to find my son at play in amongst the jungle gyms and see saw with Jessica, Dave and Erica's two-year old. For the first time in memory, my son is displaying a gentleness I've not seen when interacting with other children, and I'm relieved to see it.

Back inside the house I explore Cool Beans. It's a lot as I imagine an old-fashioned sweet shop must have looked – glass jars filled with brightly coloured balls and other shapes and size sweets. I can imagine the average child easily gets lost in here, emerging with a brimming brown paper bag.

Inside the main building the nursery has also added a 'kitchen table', which is what gives the place its 'farmstall' element, filled with local jams, pickles, olive oils, free range eggs (if and when Dee's Koek Koek hens feel up to the occasion) etc. And one can hire the whole Red Windmill space for an event, where the space and wonderful food, the atmosphere of candle lit nights would make this positively unique.

And the headless windmill? Well, it took Dave and Neal long enough just to move the base to where it is. The blades will just have to wait until a certain truck is available. And this is the country. It could take a while...

Where to find them:

Addresss:  Sanddrif Farm, 3km from Napier en route Bredasdorp, Napier, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)28 423‑3576

Useful Links:

Napier Attractions
Things to Do in Napier
Napier Accommodation
Napier Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
Cape Agulhas Accommodation
Western Cape Hotels
Western Cape Accommodation

There are a wide variety of roses and they are available for pick-your-own (a bucket and secateurs are provided) or alternatively you can purchase the blooms ready picked.  It is lovely though to wander the terraces, admiring the gorgeous colours on display and taking in the views of the Constantia Valley.  The cost to pick your own is R4 per stem Monday to Saturday.  Sunday picking is half price; R2 per stem.  Already picked roses are R5.50 per stem.

Being a farm, the farm stall offers fresh, seasonal farm produce which include lemons, limes, grapes, veges and chestnuts.  For the keen gardeners compost and mulch are available to purchase per bag. If you need larger quantities a bulk delivery could be arranged.

The views are there to be enjoyed and what better way to do that than by stopping for tea at The Terrace Coffee Shop.  Home-made cakes as well as breakfast and lunch are served between 9am to 4.30pm (with last orders at 4.00pm) daily.

We really enjoyed our trip to Chart Farm and will definitely go back again.

Cape Town Links:

Things to Do in Cape Town

Constantia Valley Accommodation

Cape Town Hotels

Find Accommodation in Cape Town

I ♥ Greyton

Hi, I’m Gemma Downing from The Farmhouse in Greyton.

Greyton IS BEST KNOWN FOR its oak tree lined streets and magnificent Riviersonderend Mountains.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN whilst bobbing about in the Gobos River — so refreshing.

THE BEST still life PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN in the surrounding mountains early in the morning when the spider webs are dripping with dew. Its magical!

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS all over the village ... including the Saturday morning market.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO work in the garden — there is always so much to be done.

I ♥ Greyton

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO have coffee next to the log fire at The Post House.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year around BECAUSE the summer is perfect for braaing and hanging out with friends and the winter is made special with cosy log fires and an abundance of Von Geusau chocolates.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS The Post House — their Eggs Benedict are delicious.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Driefontein, 17km from the village and set in their farmhouse overlooking the wheatfields. They're only open on Sundays and offer a set lunch with around five courses and are not licensed so bring your own.

I ♥ Greyton

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Peccadillos, TRY Rupert's home-made Gnochhi followed by Lemon Pavlova.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM my own fridge.

MY FAVOURITE retail therapy SPOT IS Vintage and Vogue — I never leave empty handed.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY The Post House pub ... its so tiny and quaint and you'll be sure to make new friends. It's home to the famous Bells whiskey advert — 'give that man a Bells'!

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the Saturday morning market.

Greyton’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS Lismore Wine Estate — I love the breaktaking views of the Overberg from Sam's balcony, coupled with a glass or two of her fabulous Lismore Chardonnay. Sublime.

I ♥ Greyton

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS to enjoy a meal together. Greyton is an extremely social village and not a weekend goes by without us all getting together over a good (local) bottle of wine!

FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO jazz events at The Post House or attend the annual Greyton Jazz Festival in July.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO take our dogs for a walk along the Gobos River banks and am constantly reminded of why my husband and I chose to raise our children in this special little village.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY try swimming in the gorge — ask the locals; they'll direct you.

MY FAVOURITE HIKE would be from Greyton to McGregor and back, but Im far too lazy and prefer an explorative stroll in the river beds.

I ♥ Greyton

MY FAVOURITE clothing SHOP IS Wild Cherry.

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS right on my doorstep as we have a resident Vlei Street Jackal Buzzard who thankfully, keeps the snakes away.

IF YOU'RE HERE IN November, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Genandendal Mission MTB and Trail Run event.

MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS in Genadendal, a town home to the first school in South Africa.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS home to Osmans and Sons General Dealers on the Main Road FOR ITS character. I remember visiting Mr Osman each Saturday with my 2c pocket money and walking out with a waxy bag filled with Chappies and liquorice balls!

I ♥ Greyton

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS a picnic on the banks of the Gobos River — bring fishing nets! For the more energetic book an outing with Rockhopper Adventures for an amazing guided mountain bike ride through the local forest and river area.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS having one of Davida's lemon curd pancakes from the market.

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO visit High Hopes Healing Energy Centre for a massage.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS cattle or donkey's causing the odd traffic jam or two!

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Cape Town — getting a good dose of city life with great friends.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support our local Red Cross, Animal Welfare and Nature Conservation societies.

I ♥ Greyton BECAUSE of its amazing community spirit and its love of nature.

The Farmhouse

The Farmhouse

The Farmhouse is tucked away beneath the majestic Riviersonderend Mountains in the quaint village of Greyton. Situated on the edge of a nature reserve, the homestead is a cosy home away from home, offering you peace and tranquility. A brief stroll from the village centre with its restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and shops, The Farmhouse is conveniently located yet entirely private. Originally a mud brick farmhouse, the building is simple yet elegant, offering a relaxed weekend in the country.

Visit The Farmhouse
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

The Post House — +27 (0)28 254‑9995
Peccadillos — +27 (0)28 254‑9066
Lismore Estate Vineyards — +27 (0)82 343‑7913
High Hopes Healing Energy Centre — +27 (0)28 254‑9898

Greyton Links:
Greyton Attractions
Greyton Accommodation
Cape Overberg Accommodation
Western Cape Hotels
Western Cape Accommodation

City Bowl Market

Is it just me, or has the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town become ridiculously busy, over priced and just plain unpleasant if you happen to arrive at any time past 9am, and who doesn't?

I'm the last one to knock the Neighbourgoods. They're a first-rate market — they've outlasted the very best, they've set the benchmark as far as excellent food markets go, and could rival any similar European market. But enough already. It's really time for another market in the city bowl...

Enter stage left – the City Bowl Market — situated on the rather obscure Hope Street in Gardens, which, not being a city bowl dweller myself, I managed to capably miss for twenty minutes before finally finding it (but I did get to drive around Gardens, which was lovely).

I must admit to being a little sceptical on setting out for the market. Cape Town has a lot of weekend food markets. Some of them have come and gone with alarming speed, whilst the stalwarts – like the Earthfair Market, the Porter Estate Market and the Neighbourgoods Market — have gone the distance. How can one more market carve a niche for itself?

That said, I arrive to find it housed in an absolutely gorgeous period building with a fantastic atmosphere – it's really unpretentious and relaxed, and people spill out of here as early as 10am with their baskets already filled with vegetables and fruit. Best of all, there is easy parking.

“We really welcome everyone,” says Madelen Johannson, the market's organiser who hails from Sweden, pointing out an enormous greyhound lurking around the vegetables with a smile. “Big or small, dog or cat, children and friends, this is not a niche market aimed at only a select segment of society.”

Madelen must be doing something right. For a market that's only been running for six months the place is heaving by lunch time, but not enough to make you want to grab your bag and make a run for it. There is a pleasant, laid-back feel to the way people shop here, and the space has an almost serene atmosphere about it.

I'm not surprised to learn that the building, which was built in 1926 and now belongs to Madelen's partner – Pug Roux – has served as a Jewish Synagogue and has been used as a meeting place for Jehovah's Witnesses, Hindus and most recently, by a Christian church who hire the hall from Pug during the week and on Sundays. Their combined efforts have created a building with a serene presence that definitely adds something to the market.

Trendy but unobtrusive music plays in the background, whilst the hall and the building have been cleverly used to make the most of the facilities. In the hall itself, the 20 to 25 stallholders' tables are laid out around a central eating area, where you can collapse on a series of hessian straw cushions at trestle tables, which are using doors as table tops, with your plate of food.

Upstairs in the gallery, originally used for the women of the Jewish Synagogue, they're serving Darling brew and wine, whilst there is another chill out area to the side of the hall with further shady nooks and crannies in which to sit and sip. I like the inner-city feel to the place.

Outside along the back of the hall, Madelen has put in a rather unobtrusive flat-screen television so that rugby and sports' fans don't have to miss out, and there's a collection of people and their dogs taking in the World Cup along the wall outside a little fashion stall that doesn't appear to be doing any business.

Out another door on the opposite side of the hall is a little garden with a children's jungle gym, and upstairs there's a further banquet hall, chandeliers hung from the ceiling, that hosts the once-a-month Fashion Market (held at the same time as the food market), which adds further sparkle and allure to the weekly event (reminder to self to attend the next one).

The food market's intention is for visitors to go home with all their weekly food needs satisfied. With local food markets like these, you'll only need the likes of Pick n Pay once a month, if you plan it right.

The vegetable and fruit stall ight at the front of the hall claims to handpick from farmers growing as organically and naturally as possible, but not necessarily certified. By the time I select my carton of strawberries and sweet potatoes there is a queue to pay for goods. I'm intrigued to see how they'll solve my dilemma: I've left my shopping bag in the car, but the stallholder smiles and offers me a cardboard box.

Just behind the vegetable and fruit stall there is an area for children where today they're doing sand art, in similar style to the Earthfair market in Tokai, whilst to my right is Cherene organics where we pick up a strawberry plant for my son's little vege patch at home.

Simply Wholesome sell free range chickens and other meat, Mich's Pantry is an ingenious glass jar mix for crunchies, choc chip cookies and brownies to which you need only add eggs, butter and milk and voila, you've a batch to take to the oven. She also sells the mix in glass jars, making them easily recyclable.

I pick up a few fish cakes that serve as lunch a little later, that come without egg or flour, from Havah Catering just below the coffee stall that has found its spot on stage, where Bean There coffee is poured liberally for a growing number of visitors intent on their morning fix. Some of them sit in groups on cushions on the stage.

A little further along on I come across Saszali's homemade chocolates, which, although a little pricey, seem worth every penny particularly as they come boxed and beautifully wrapped – ideal for Christmas gifts, if anyone needs any prompting. Saszali has also a range of specially designed cards, to match the individual flavour of the chocolates.

Calvin from Sashimi Tuna Steaks is a find, not only because his tuna steaks sell at really reasonable prices but because he's also really good at typography and while I chat to Madelen, he draws my son's name in larger-than-life letters.

There are breads, cheeses, take-away food, jams, Dr Juice who make a mean smoothie, Tai noodles, and a myriad other mouth-watering breakfast and lunch temptations, including a wonderful icecream stall where you can get a cone or tub for just R10.

As Madelen says, what the Neighbourgoods Market has done for Woodstock, this market could do for Gardens. As we leave, we drive down a narrow little avenue known as Glynville Terrace, filled with Victorian style terrace homes. Admittedly the neighbourhood needs a little work, but the prices of property here already reflect the general trend, and fashionable design studios and little restaurants are already making their presence felt.

It's not long now before Hope Street becomes a pivotal part of the scene in Cape Town, a place at which to meet up with friends, a trendy spot at which to hang out.

Where You Will Find It:

Address: 14 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)73 270‑8043
Opening hours: Every Saturday between 9am and 2pm

Useful Links:

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Cape Town Guest Houses
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Taim-Go-Loer

The first thing to grab my attention, other than the obvious prettiness of our accommodation, is the name of the place we choose to stay just outside of Napier — a little town in the Overberg close enough to Caledon not to feel like a trek-and-a-half for a weekend break.

It's called Taim-go-loer.

I love words, and can't resist playing with this obviously lovingly selected phrase to describe our self-catering venue. Time to go and look, time for a walkabout? It sounds a little like pidgin English. That it has something to do with time standing still is obvious, as no sooner are our bags on the floor of the bedroom than time slows.

Ilze Vos, whose farm it is on which we stay and who also owns and runs the acclaimed Napier farmstall, suggests that it's Gaelic for something to do with time. On closer inspection 'go loer' are loan words from Irish and imply 'lots of', or 'galore'. So it's safe to assume that 'taim-go-loer' is Irishgaelic for 'time aplenty'.

Much later during our stay, over a glass of wine, Ilze will explain just how bad cell phone reception at Taim-go-loer is. “We fortunately didn't have to cut down any trees, but there's now a hole through the thicket of blue gums on the edge of the property that allows us access to a tower up on the hill behind it.”

Rest assured that you will have every excuse not to hook up to your Facebook and email accounts whilst staying on Ilze's farm, giving full credence to the plenty of time analogy. Whilst this is anathema to many, for me it is the saving grace of staying on a farm – a valid excuse for not checking-in with anyone. “Sorry, I'm out of cell phone range” has to be top of my list of requirements when going away on a down-tools break.

There are other elements too that always make time away a pleasure – like whether or not your hostess has provided you with a coffee plunger and quality ground coffee, cotton percale bedding, a down duvet, soft towels (and plenty of them), extra blankets, body lotion and soap in the bathroom, enough cutlery and crockery so that you don't have to wash the four only plates to enable you to eat the next meal, freshly cut flowers and access to a supply of fire wood.

All of these Ilze meets with gracious ease. Her years in the hospitality and food industry, as well as the thirteen spent creating the Napier farmstall, mean that she knows what will make her guests yearn to return.

By now the farm's three ridgebacks have made their way onto the cottage veranda to say hello. Zorba, Zaria, and Luka (or looney tunes as Ilze fondly refers to the littlest and possibly the maddest of the three) are eager to make our aquaintance. And they're well behaved farm dogs whom we welcome into the space that is ours for the weekend.

The wonderful, big living area that is the veranda is the new addition to the beautiful old cottage Ilze inherited with the farm. The cottage might still have authentic appeal and a peach pip entrance hall, but Ilze realised that it desperately needed a bit of TLC, as she puts it, and a lounge/dining area.

Not only did she carefully create a modern, spacious space with concrete sideboards and shelves, but there is also a large fireplace and three generous steps that lead outside, that function as a further stoep if you throw down a cushion or two – a wonderful space to greet the new day. The windows are in fact canvas, similar to those you would find in a tent, that wind up or down weather dependent.

Whilst we are there, summer finds us. We hoist the sails, so to speak, and let the day in. There are bees aplenty around the lavender that lines the walls of the veranda, two donkeys gracefully munch grass all day in the field just beyond the front door, and raise your eyes and the hill above the farm is a tapestry of wheat fields about to be harvested. Aaah, this is the life.

Just then an Orpington cock strutts by. He's huge, the size of a small dog, his honey-coloured plumage jauntily set off by a bright red crown. And he's as proud as punch of his harem of hens, who also wander about foraging for seeds. Their consistent clucks and murmurs add further farm noise to the environment. Later Ilze takes my six-year old to see her chicks that are secreted away with their mothers inside a hen house.

Reaching Napier is a matter of minutes' drive. The small farm is only 15km outside of town (10km on the road, a further 4.5 on a dirt road). Whilst we're tucking into the Black Pan breakfast at Ilze's farmstall, unexpected fairies enter our abode and wash our dishes and set up a new fire ready to light. These little things make me feel incredibly spoilt. The effects are palpable. I begin to unwind, worry less about the small stuff. Find time to stretch out on the couch in the sun and snooze, whilst my son whinges about lack of attention.

A little further up towards the farm gate there is a wonderful dam that, if it were hot enough, we would use as a place to dip our toes. But as it's clear skies overhead, with a bit of a chilly wind, and we're itching to get in a walk, my son and I head out of the gate towards the wheat fields that surround the farm.

Ilze has aready instructed us in the art of walking in the surrounds. You simply pass through any farm gate that hinders your way – we are free to roam. And it's a wonderful feeling. From the right there is the sudden loud honking call of two blue cranes as they take flight, their noise a complete surprise and not the sound I was expecting a blue crane to make. Over the course of the weekend I hear them often. A turkey is probably the closes bird noise with which to compare it, although it isn't doing it justice.

Our weekend is too quickly over. We've explored the main street of Napier thoroughly, we've walked, talked, cooked and slept soundly. The break has been just that, a wonderful time away from it all. Hope we can return soon.

Contact Details

Address: Taim-Go-Loer, Sandy's Glen, Napier, 7270, Western Cape, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)28 423‑3440

Useful Links

Napier Attractions
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Things to Do in Napier
Cape Agulhas Accommodation
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CocoáFair

There is a little more to CocoáFair than simply chocolate. For many of us just the promise of locally made, artisan, organic chocolate is enough of an invitation to have us reaching for a taste...and believe me, having sampled, it is a mouth-watering experience.

But Thor soon explains, as I query the name, that yes, CocoáFair is definitely about the fairness involved in the way the cocoa is traded, but the emphasis is also very much on the 'affair' with cocoa – not only the love of it, but the relationship of cocoa with the people who grow it, and the people who turn it into chocolate.

And an affair there most definitely is. On display on shelves to my right and left are bars of organic chocolate, pralines, truffles, a barrel filled with incredibly reasonably priced raw cacoa, organic sugar, and slivers of chocolate — bagged, and tied up with a ribbon.

I do not realise on entering the factory of CocoáFair, tucked into the corner at the Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, that I'm about to learn more about social entrepreneurship than I am about chocolate.

Thor, the Dane who has imagineered the CocoáFair brand into being, greets me at the entrance to the below street level factory with a firm handshake. Nearby is Marlon, who first introduced me to the chocolate at the local Obz market, Zuki, whose ever present shadow in the kitchen behind me is the proof that chocolate is slowly being produced, and Thor's Italian 'business' partner, Antonino (Tino to his friends).

Social entrepreneurship, Thor explains, has recently gained new meaning and is emerging at a rapid rate out of Europe and other countries where business now focuses on people, profit and planet.

I've heard the term 'people, profit, planet' bandied about quite a bit by some businesses who are not all that ethical about how they treat their people, but as Thor continues to explain, I begin to see the picture.

At CocoáFair the term translates into low price but high quality; an emphasis on the environment with systems already in place like using as little packaging as possible, and saving enormous amounts of water in a self-made mechanism (involving an old chest freezer, a black dustbin and several metres of copper piping) that recycles and cools the water necessary for making chocolate.

It is also about being organic, and more importantly about looking for social innovation, and giving value to people, so that the business improves the lives of many. Profit is important, obviously, so that reinvestment can occur, but the principle focus is on people.

Thor goes on to describe how the team are helping rebuild the cocoa industry in Uganda, which did not recover after the crops were destroyed under Idi Amin. “We aim to have the CocoáFair brand completely African. At the moment we're importing beans from Ghana, Peru, Equador and the Dominion Republic, but with the project in Uganda, things will change.”

“This is not a 'hand-out',” Thor continues, “our project will place the farmers in charge of the processing, so that they eventually own what is produced from cocoa beans in Uganda.” “Our intention is not only to buy cocoa beans from the individual farmers, but also vanilla pods, chilli, passion fruit — all used in the processing of the chocolate.”

The idea is that the Uganda project will begin processing their own products, like cocoa butter, from the beans, because a product immediately fetches greater value on the market, than raw cocoa beans.

Thor wants the farmers in the CocoáFair project to be equipped with the means to eventually own the products. He believes that this is the way out of poverty, through social entreprenuer projects, by which individual farmers collectively own the process of product production thus earning enough money to reinvest in further potential product production.

“But we need to put an infrastructure in place in Uganda”, Thor explains, which he believes starts at grass roots level with a Cocoa school that will make sure that children finish school, and are the best possible cocoa farmers because of it. At the moment, too many children are dropping out to help their parents produce cocoa for the market.

The ambitions of the project extend further still. Thor, whose background includes an ice cream chain in Denmark, intends taking the social enterprise to Denmark in 2012 where he will identify an underprivileged group and set up a similar project there, for the production of chocolate. A project that will use the cocoa beans and products coming out of Uganda.

Thor's idea is to get business and other interested parties involved as shareholders of the projects, so that he has money to invest in expanding the social projects. The idea is that, once it's worked in Cape Town and Copenhagen, they will get buy-in. Thor believes that social enterprises like this are the future.

I'm even more impressed when Thor begins outlining the little ways in which the project at the Biscuit Mill is a social entrepreneurship. Already the price of an organic bar of chocolate is more reasonable, at only R20 a 100g bar, despite being artisan and locally produced, than one can buy at Woolworths (who re-package the former Green & Blacks chocolate bar).

CocoáFair throw nothing away. All the shavings and 'waste' chocolate is mixed up to produce an organic chocolate which Thor intends selling in the townships at a ridiculous price of R1 for a bag of pralines.

He smiles when I exclaim at the cost. “In this way we can encourage entrepreneurship in the townships. When someone can then knock the price up and still sell a cheap bag of first-rate chocolate, then we're improving the lives of people – both those who sell and those who eat the healthier product.”

In a similar vein he intends bringing the price of the healthier chocolate down. One of the ways of reinvesting in people, CocoáFair believes, is to lower the cost of the healthier chocolates – so the 95% and 75% cocoa chocolate bars – so that they are more accessible to the average person, and not just those of us who can afford them.

And then there is Zuki Balata, whose dream, when she was interviewed by Thor, is to own her own chocolate shop. Zuki may have started by cleaning up, but she is fast learning the ins and outs of chocolate production, and soon Thor and CocoáFair will help Zuki realise her dream, when they open a shop in Woodstock.

I think I'm inlove with the concept of social entrepreneurship the way that CocoáFair is doing it.

Ask yourself: “If I want to buy a piece of chocolate and I stand in front of two chocolate shops. They are completely equal when it comes to quality, price, product etc. The only difference between them is the business model. Shop A is a social enterprise and shop B is a full profit orientated business enterprise. Which one would I enter?”

For the visitor:

• Visit -  CocoáFair at the Biscuit Mill, 373 – 375 Albert Road, Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock, Monday to Saturday
• Tour — either for a group or a school through the workshop
• Kiddies' parties – think Mr Wonka and Charlie, and a river of chocolate, they get to eat as much as they can and have fun!
• Learn – attend a 3–4 hour chocolate course

CocoáFair is the first organic bean-to-bar chocolate factory in Africa based on social entrepreneurship.

Useful Links

Woodstock Attractions
Things to Do in Woodstock
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I ♥ Rosebank

Hi, I’m Yves Ducommun from Carmichael House in Rosebank, Southern Suburbs of Cape Town

Rosebank IS BEST KNOWN FOR being on the slopes of Devil’s Peak.

"Upper Rosebank used to be a portion of much larger properties sold in the early years of the 19th century by farmers to British immigrants that came at that time to the Cape. Those portions of properties were then sold into smaller sections for building plots. One of them consisted in two amalgamated farms owned by Johannes Paulus Eksteenwhich, respectively named Zorgvliet (or carefree).and Brandenburg. It had earlier been part of a Free Burger colony: “de Hollandse Tuin”, under Steven Janz Botma. In modern times it has become known as Upper Rosebank. The Zorgvliet homestead, which is shown in the painting of Lady Anne Barnard, seems to have been on the Main Road, just about where the UCT residence towers are now." (from “Under Devil’s Peak” by Adele Keen)

I ♥ Rosebank

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT UCT Upper Campus sports field as the oldest university in South Africa and second oldest in the whole of Africa. It was founded in 1829. From the field, you will get a overview of that impressive Upper Campus, below is the middle campus together with the lower campus further down. To get there, take the M3 going towards Muizenberg. Take the Woolsack off ramp and get right up at the traffic light.

THE BEST view PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT taken from the Rhodes Memorial or for the fit one, a bit further up at the “blockhouse”. From there you have a magnificent 270deg view, from Lions Head north-west to Muizenberg on the far South.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS within Upper Rosebank with its typical old double storey Victorian houses, one of them being Carmichael Guesthouse. Come in to have a nice cup of coffee or tea and you will see for yourself.

I ♥ Rosebank

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO hike alongside the mountain going through fynbos, protea and silver tree forests.
WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO go to the Baxter Theatre.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS October till April, BECAUSE its nice and warm. You can go to the nearby Botanical Garden of Kirstenbosch and see the beauties of the flowering proteas. If you pay attention you will see the ballet of sunbirds hovering from flower to flower.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS at Carmichael Guesthouse.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST one of the many small take aways off Main Road, at the entrance of Rondebosch.

I ♥ Rosebank

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS The Hussar Grill, TRY THE rib eye steak, yummy!
MY FAVOURITE Mexican SPOT IS the Fat Cactus on Durban Road.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY you can have a jug of frozen margarita's or two from the Fat Cactus it is also a good place IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS.

Rosebank’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS its hosting the minister of Tourism, just off the Mostert Mill.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS enjoy a glass of wine around a braai.

FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO like to go to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for their Summer Sunset Concerts.

I ♥ Rosebank

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO walk alongside the beach in Blouberg, which is only a 20 minute drive awau.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY and walk up Table Mountain, starting from Kloofneck up. You can expect a magnificent walk above Camps Bay and then right up. It will take you anything from 3h30 to get to the cable.

MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS to Hout Bay along the sea side, via Camps Bay, up Klookneck and back to Rosebank via the M3.
MY FAVOURITE arts and crafts SHOP IS Dem's at the Silwood Centre.

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS in the park, just below the Rhodes Memorial.

I ♥ Rosebank

IF YOU'RE HERE IN November, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Discovery Cape Times Big Walk which ends at Rhodes High School.

MY FAVOURITE ART GALLERY IS the Irma Stern Museum, in Cecil Rhodes Avenue. CHECK OUT THE paintings and her collection of African art.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the Mostert Mill, just on the D6 off ramp from the M3 coming from Cape Town.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS flying kits on the Rondebosch Common.

I ♥ Rosebank BECAUSE its safe and quiet.

Carmichael House

Carmichael House

On the slopes of Devil’s Peak lies a rare gem of a home, Carmichael Guest House. Built in 1901 and set high up in a leafy avenue, below Rhodes Memorial, Carmichael Guest House is a beautifully preserved, well-restored example of the finest Victorian Cape architecture. The original stained glass windows, gleaming wooden floors and original Victorian fireplaces add warmth and ambience, while the modern en-suite bedrooms are well equipped and fan-cooled to ensure your comfort. Step back in time when viewing a collection of antique gramophones, radios, motor memorabilia and vintage cars which add character to the home.

Visit Carmichael House
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Baxter Theatre: +27 (0)21 685‑7880
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: +27 (0)21 761‑4916
Hussar Grill: +27 (0)21 689‑9516
Fat Cactus: +27 (0)21 685‑1920
Table Mountain Cableway: +27 (0)21 424‑0015
Mostert's Mill: +27 (0)88 129‑7168
Dem's: +27 (0)21 686‑8660
Irma Stern Museum: +27 (0)21 685‑5686

Useful Rosebank Links:
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Rosebank Guest Houses
Southern Suburbs Accommodation
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Were we in for a treat, local producers set up stalls to entices us at every corner. If you have a sweet tooth you would have been in heaven because this market offered you every treat imaginable. From vanilla treats to macaroons, raw chocolate to homemade ice-cream, chocolate brownies to lemon curd cupcakes. The list goes on ... Included in our ticket price was R25 worth of vouchers to spend at the market, mine were gone almost instantly. The event was booked out and there was such a festive atmosphere for the entire evening. I relived a part of my childhood by opening up my imagination and reminding myself it's ok to have sweet treats as your dinner once in a while ...

Cape Town Links:
Things to Do in Cape Town
Cape Town Nightlife & Theatre
Cape Town Hotels
Find Accommodation in Cape Town

As like most of the towns in this area, the Dutch Reformed Church is a mightily impressive building – look out for its unusual architecture and if you visit, admire the teak interior.  Napier hosts the Patatfees (Sweet Potato Festival) in June each year and the route of the Voet van Afrika Marathon goes through the town when it’s held in October.

I’ve been to Napier twice now and always enjoying stopping – whether it’s for an overnight stay or just for lunch at The Farm Stall!

Useful Napier Links:
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I ♥ Gansbaai

Hi, I’m Roelof from Aire del Mar Guest House in Gansbaai in the Cape Overberg.

Gansbaai IS BEST KNOWN FOR shark-diving, whale-watching and fishing.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN IN the cage, while viewing the great white shark.

THE BEST under water PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN with a rented under water camera on a shark diving trip.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS FROM the deck of the boat.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO be outside and enjoy the kilometers of unspoilt coastline.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO watch the stormy sea from a sea-view room at Aire del Mar.

I ♥ Gansbaai

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS March, BECAUSE the days are mostly sunny and windless which makes for a perfect time away.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Tuscany’s on 20 Voortrekker Street, they are open from 08h30 to 18h00 Monday to Friday and 08h30 to 15h00 on Saturday.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST the Great White House Restaurant in Kleinbaai, Gansbaai.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Benguala, TRY THE 'fish of the day'.
MY FAVOURITE fish SPOT IS the Fish Lady in Main Road.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Grootbos Nature Reserve.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the Buitesteen Pub and Grill.

I ♥ Gansbaai

Gansbaai’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the two coastal nature reserves on both sides of Gansbaai.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS hiking the long sandy beaches of the coastal reserves.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO relax on a deckchair on the sunny balcony of Aire del Mar.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY shark-cage diving.
MY FAVOURITE HIKE IS the Klipgat Cave route along the coast.
MY FAVOURITE home-bake SHOP IS Cherry-on-Top.

I ♥ Gansbaai

MY FAVOURITE whale WATCHING SPOT IS the cliff path in De Kelders.

IF YOU'RE HERE IN July, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Festival of the Geese / Fees van die Ganse.

MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS the Art Route. CHECK OUT THE different artists in Baardskeerdersbos area.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Danger Point Lighthouse, FOR ITS history of the HMS Birkenhead.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Uilenkraalsmond beach which is only 5km outside of Gansbaai.

I ♥ Gansbaai

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS hiking, swimming and beach walking for free!

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO enjoy a full day of pampering at Grootbos.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE ARE whales and dolphins playing in the waves.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support the Masakhane community projects.

I ♥ Gansbaai BECAUSE it offers lots of nature-based excitement for the whole family.

Aire del Mar

Aire del Mar Guest House

Aire del Mar Guest House, ideally situated only 2 hours drive from Cape Town in the quiet and small seaside resort of Kleinbaai, world known for viewing of the Great White Sharks.  Aire del Mar Guest House, ideally situated in the Cape Overberg region (only 2 hours drive from Cape Town) in the quiet and small seaside resort of Kleinbaai (world known for viewing of the Great White Sharks), is the only guest house where you can actually see the shark diving boats leave from Kleinbaai's small harbour and follow them all the way to Dyer Island. The guest house is less than 200 meters from the sea and only a few minutes walk from the harbour.

Visit Aire del Mar Guest House
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Tuscany Coffee Shop: +27 (0)28 384‑0259
Great White House Restaurant: +27 (0)28 384‑3273
Benguela: +27 (0)28 384‑2120 / +27 (0)71 337‑2971
Fish Lady: +27 (0)28 384‑3802
Grootbos Nature Reserve: +27 (0)28 384‑8000
Buitesteen Pub and Grill: +27 (0)28 384‑0601
Danger Point Lighthouse: +27 (0)21 449‑2400

Kleinmomd Links:
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Worth visiting is the watermill which is still working after being built in 1824!  The same is to be said for the church clock – it’s been counting time since 1824 and is the oldest working clock in the country.  I can vouch for the clock; it struck 1pm when I was there! Elim proudly has South Africa’s only memorial to the emancipation of slaves.

Elim is an important part of the wine producing industry with four producing partners: Black Oystercatcher, the Berrio, Zoetendal and First Sighting creating Elim Winegrowers, a self-sustaining farming community.  The fruit produced in Elim is slightly different to other fruit; the cool south west and south east winds restrict upward growth which means that the vine produces a concentrated fruit.

View the entire photo gallery:

Useful Elim Links:
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Elim Accommodation
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Cape Agulhas Accommodation
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Many ships have ended their sea-going journey on the jagged rock formations found along this coastline; hence the construction of the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse which was built in 1840 (the 3^rd to be built in South Africa).  The famous red and white building was restored in 1968 and after being declared unsafe is now a National Monument.  The lighthouse is open to visitors and has an interesting museum and a quaint coffee shop should you need light refreshment!

The area has many walking and hiking trails; perhaps try a walk along the sandy beaches all the way to Struisbaai?

View the entire photo gallery:

Useful L'Agulhas Links:
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Christmas Markets

Markets in Cape Town are extremely popular. On Saturdays in particular, you have your pick of food markets and craft markets, as more and more of these  popular ways to shop emerge to satisfy our growing urge to buy local.

And at Christmas, if you're anything like me, then avoiding the annual shopping 'rush' that happens without fail is a top priority! Having the option of Christmas markets, where you can pick up locally made, original and highly individual gifts (that aren't made in China), as well as local food items, means that Christmas might again acquire a sense of gentle rest, neighbourliness and festivity, rather than the angst-filled, queue hopping nightmare that it has become.

Here are the markets you can still attend (for some, like Kamers vol Geskenke, and the Constantia Gift Fair have already passed us by):

Christmas Craft Market

28 October to 6 November: Franschhoek Christmas Market

Need to get there fairly quickly if you're still going to make this wonderful market at the Town Hall in Huguenot Road in Franschhoek. Not only do you find the crème of local design and craft to top up your Christmas stockings, but a portion of the proceeds go to the Anna Foundation. The market stretches over ten days and includes a selection of light meals and something to drink under shady trees. Wonderful day outing.

Venue: Franschhoek Town Hall, 37 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
Time: 9am – 6pm (Sundays 10am — 4pm)
More info: +27 (0)72 254‑7722

Nitida Xmas Night Market

25 & 26 November: Nitida Xmas Night Market

This year's wonderful market of delicious food, selected gifts and tree accessories, clothes, beads, handmade cards, pottery, wine, plants and more food, also includes Christmas carols sung by the Welgemoed Primary's Junior choir on the Friday from 6.30pm, and Saturday is set to be mouthwatering if the promise of breakfast in the morning is anything to go by. This market takes place on the Nitida Wine Farm in Durbanville. If you think you might get hungry you could book a table for lunch at their Tables Restaurant.

Venue: Nitida Wine Farm, Old Tygervalley Road, Durbanville
Time: 25 Nov, 5pm-9.30pm and 26 Nov, 8am-12.30pm
More info: Telephone +27 (0)83 651‑0699

Xmas Candlelight Market

2 & 3 December: Slowfood Christmas Candlelight market

This market, although labelled the 'Candlelight Market', is in fact the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market's Christmas market. And a great market if you're after organic meat and turkey for your Christmas dinner, and haven't yet made a Christmas cake. Whilst there is a focus on food and all things slow, there is also a boutique gift and clothing section with local crafts. Bring your own blanket as there is also carol singing, and the chance to taste the product of micro-breweries and boutique wineries.

Venue: Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch
Time: 6pm-10pm
More info: Telephon +27 (0)21 886‑8514

Designer-Maker Market

14–16 December: Designer-Maker Festive Market

Now in its third year, this artisan market is held in the courtyard of The Freeworld Design Centre, next door to the oldest operating church in Cape Town – the Evangelical Luthern Church, and will include the popular Carols by Candlelight – a non-denominational event within the church on the evening of 14 December. Exhibitors at the market are all designers and have been handpicked for the event. There are also a number of food offerings, and a sit-down dinner menu will be available in the café.

Venue: The Freeworld Design Centre, 71 Waterkant Street, on the fanwalk
Time: Wed 14 Dec, 3.30pm-9pm, Thurs 15, Fri 16, 10.30am–9pm
More info: Telephone Zurita on +27 (0)83 573‑9943

Earth Fair Xmas Market

16 December: Earth Fair Christmas Market

A wonderful food market in the southern suburb of Tokai, the Earth Fair Market is a regular Wednesday and Saturday occurrence, but this date is specifically to celebrate Christmas and promises not only to be a foodie evening of note, but to include a selection of textiles, frames, jewellery, body pamper products, Christmas cakes, handmade bags and more. Go with the intention of having dinner, as there is always a wonderful selection of meals, real beer and organic wine. If you miss the Christmas market or really enjoy what they have to offer you can visit the Earth Fair Market twice a week.

Venue: South Palms, Tokai (near Builders Warehouse)
Time: 3pm — 9pm
More info: Telephone +27 (0)84 220‑3856

Cobble Walk Xmas Market

16–18 & 21–23 December: Cobble Walk Christmas Market

A Christmas extension of the regular Cobble Walk Lifestyle Market in Durbanville, the Cobble Walk market promises to be a wonderful space in which to shop Christmas, particularly if you leave it until the last minute, as its second spurt takes place literally a couple of days before the day. Only down side is that it's in a shopping centre, but perhaps you can turn a blind eye for once.

Venue: Cobble Walk Centre, cnr Verdi Boulevard and De Villiers Road, Sonstraal Heights, Cape Town North
Time: 9am-5pm
More info: Telpehone Barbara on +27 (0)79 983‑7830

Kloovenburg Xmas Market

17 December: Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate Christmas Market

Great space in which to spend a day and come away with gifts for everyone, particularly in the food department, although there will also be jewellery and body products. Kloovenburg now also do a festive season hamper, which includes their olive oil and luxury body product range. But the array of produce from the surrounding valley, light meals, and wine are exceptional. Invite friends and family to meet up with you in the Riebeek Valley – always inspirational.

Venue: Kloovenburg Wine Estate, Riebeek Kasteel
Time: 9.30am-3pm
More info: Telephone +27 (0)22 448‑1635

Blaauwklippen Market

18–20 December: Blaauwklippen Estate, Stellenbosch

This is a weekly Sunday family market that is extending its usual reach to include a special Christmas market. Held in the Carriage Museum, there will be an array of fresh

produce that includes breads, cheeses, preserves and a selection of non-food items like jewellery, clothing and arts and crafts. Wine tasting is obviously on the cards, but the market prides itself too on selling only craft beers – a draw card for many an unwilling partner.

Venue: Blaauwklippen Estate, Stellenbosch
Time: 18 Dec, 10am-3pm, 19, 20 Dec, 4pm-9pm
More info: Telephone +27 (0)21 880‑0133

Adderley Street Market

Adderley Street Night Market

Had to include this here as it's such a festive atmosphere. Whilst the products are not always local, it is a fantastic place to walk beneath the Christmas lights of Adderley Street in amongst Capetonians, the night before Christmas. The markets usually include around 200 stall holders and a feast of entertainers. It's loud, fun and happening. Look out for dates and times.

Venue: Adderley Street, Cape Town Central
Time: Please enquire
More info: Telephone Zolani Zenzile on +27 (0)21 419‑1881

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There are five different routes.  Route 1 incorporates Grabouw and its environs, Route 2 is the Viljoenshoop Road, Route 3 covers the Highlands and Valley Road while Route 4 involves Villersdorp Road and Vyeboom and finally Route 5 looks after Houw Hoek and Bot River.  The different farms and properties are located along the various routes so you just need to decide on your route of choice and follow the map!

We visited Boesmansrug which was part of Route 4. The gardens incorporated rose and herb gardens, a secret garden, gorgeous green pastures and majestic oaks.  Plants and tea were on sale and money went to the chosen charity which was Kirstenbosch Environmental Education. Although some of the gardens offer free entry, some charge an entry fee of between R5 to R20 (entry to Oak Valley is R50 but pre-booking is essential) so make sure you have cash on you.

It really is a lovely day out – I wish we’d planned the day better and spent more time visiting more gardens. 

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I ♥ Wynberg

Hi, I’m Shaun Lawrence from Palm House Luxury Guest House in Wynberg.

Wynberg IS BEST KNOWN FOR being the oldest area in the southern suburbs with its beautiful Chelsea cottages giving you English charm in the middle of Africa.  Chelsea Village dates back to the 1700’s and has glorious ‘Englishy’ architecture … think cute cottages and thatch rooves.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Wynberg Park which is also known as Maynardville Park. The park is a much-loved outdoor venue in Cape Town and is host to the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre, famous for its annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS in and around the Chelsea Village.  Why not sit on the park bench in the original village square?!

I ♥ Wynberg

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO stroll around historic Wynberg and admire the old architecture.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO catch a movie at Cavendish Centre.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS between September and April, BECAUSE the weather is fantastic and the winter rain has not yet started.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS the Mugg and Bean. There are a few to choose from; the closest to Wynberg would be Constantia Village or Cavendish Centre.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST any one of the fine restaurants in the neighbourhood; ask reception for advice depending on your culinary tastes.

I ♥ Wynberg

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS 'Forries' in Newlands; it has I good vibe if you are into the pub scene. The Foresters Arms is one of Cape Town’s oldest pubs and serves great pizzas.  It’s the ideal place to meet friend for a drink.  A fire roars during the winter months and during summer the outside section gives a great view of the mountain.

MY FAVOURITE SPOT for a quiet drink IS Café Verdi in Chelsea Village. After undergoing a major renovation in 2010 it’s back to being as popular as before.  The inside is cosy and the outside courtyard is the perfect place to read the newspaper in the sun!

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Long Street in Cape Town or the local clubs in Claremont Main Road.

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Cafe Verdi.

I ♥ Wynberg

Wynberg’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS its friendly hospitality.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS picnic in Maynardville Park.

FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO Quay 4, in the Waterfront.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY hiking on our beautiful Table Mountain.

MY FAVOURITE WALK IS around the village — I love the architecture and quaint cottages of this unique piece of Cape Town.

MY FAVOURITE fabric SHOP IS Wolfe Street Fabrics. If interior decorating is your game then make sure you stop here; there are beautiful fabrics on display.

MY FAVOURITE sport WATCHING SPOT IS Newlands Cricket and Rugby Stadiums.

I ♥ Wynberg

IF YOU'RE HERE IN March, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Community Chest Carnival. This is a local family event and what began in 1959 as a theatrical garden party has now become a celebration of food, entertainment and family fun.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Palm House, designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built in 1922 FOR ITS class.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Ratanga Junction Theme Park or the Waterfront.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS World of Birds in Hout Bay.

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO try the 'One Arm Bandits' at Grand West Casino.

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS the Cape West Coast.

I ♥ Wynberg BECAUSE we have culture.

Palm House

Palm House Luxury Guest House

Experience the warm Cape hospitality in this magnificent and elegant house that is a haven away from the turmoil of modern life. Surrounded by majestic palms this tranquil retreat overlooks the magnificent Constantiaberg Mountains, taking in the view of the “Twelve Apostles” and “Table Mountain”. At Palm House our personal service and special attention to detail will ensure your stay will be an experience to be remembered. Palm House was designed by a protégé of renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker in the early 1920’s and has been lovingly restored to its full grandeur.

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Cafe Verdi — +27 (0)21 762‑0849

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Arniston however is a pretty village, with sparkling blue water and gorgeous beaches, perfect for lazing away sunny summer days.  Artists and photographers are attracted to the seaside location; the white-washed cottages, rolling sand dunes, steep cliffs and blue ocean make for picture perfect photographs and paintings!  The cottages are Kassiebaai are more than 200 years old and are a National Monument.

De Hoop and De Mond Nature Reserves neighbour Arniston; a bird watcher and hikers delight.

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During the summer months Struisbaai enjoys a healthy amount of visitors who come to the town to enjoy the water sports on offer.  It’s easy to launch a kayak or small boat from the beach while kite-surfing and boarding are also popular.  Struisbaai, like many of the coastal villages in this region boasts quaint white-washed fishermen’s houses and newer houses must follow the design of the original cottages.  If in the town make sure you visit the Anglican church which is now a National Monument.

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Kamers vol Geskenke

If there is one event you attend for all your Christmas gift shopping, then make it Kamers vol Geskenke at Lourensford wine estate in Somerset West, happening now: until 29 October, 9am to 6pm daily.

I'm just back from three hours of soaking up the ambiance of a market that gives new meaning to the word 'craft'. The recent term for this type of craft is 'high-end craft' (there's that word again, but obviously it is irreplaceable). So, don't expect to see hand-knitted jerseys and wooden toys as you might at your average local craft market.

'High-end craft' describes originally designed, timeless 'craft' that could easily, and does, grace the shelves of local boutiques as they open all over the country to cater for this burgeoning community of artists who combine contemporary creativity with inspired talent to arrive at a level of flair and ingenuity that inspires all who pass through the rooms of this event ...

Behind the event is the philosophy if share, support, believe, and the group of eight women who pull this amazing annual feat off want those who visit to feel as passionate as they do about the idea of a gathering of people who come together to share and collaborate on ideas and creativity.

There's also a lovely play on the idea of feminine energy, which subtly permeates the stalls (most of the crafters are women, although not all). But for all the good will, honesty, elegance and freshness of the ethos of the market, there is also an adept selection team with an eye for what their market will respond to.

Every stall here has gone through a rather rigorous selection process, having to literally 'audition' for their place at Kamers, before being hand picked. The team emphasise individual style and original products and have established themselves so solidly over the last nine years, that to exhibit at Kamers now places you very firmly in the market. It's the Debutante's ball of the craft world.

The team is already taking in photos of ranges for next year's Kamers.

Around me were, mostly women, of all ages and sizes, all of them exclaiming over some item of clothing, or inspired gift, piece of jewellery or unique idea. Alternative music styles washed over me as I moved from marquee to marquee, none of it clashing, but yet providing a constant happy background noise.

The event lies just beyond the polo fields of Lourensford, panoramic mountain views providing a superb backdrop, whilst the marquees, supplied by Downings, are given names like 'carousel of creativity', Kamers fantasie and Kamers kombuis.

A friend who exhibited last year comments on the annual theme. Last year's was enchanted forest, this year's – carousel of creativity. It's a cute idea, but not really necessary, as the stallholders wares speak for themselves.

But nothing prepares me for the way in which the stalls are set up, decorated and presented. Stalls look more like shops than stalls. There is no evidence of having simply grabbed the nearest table cloth as decoration to offset their wares. Exhibitors have brought in furniture, carpets, floor décor, chests of drawers, hat stands and racks to offset their products at their best. I'm impressed.

Claris at the Potters Gallery tells me how the first day of this year's event, yesterday, was a little chaotic for her. “There was something of a frenzy to the day,” she says, and we muze that perhaps it was because it was the first day and buyers were intent on getting to the best buys first.

There is also the 'opening night' that sounds well worth attending. You might pay over double on the usual entrance fee (to get into the event one pays R45) but you get to browse, unharried by crowds, a glass of wine in your hand. And, of course, you're one of the first there, so you get your pick of the merchandise.

Not that I felt I had lost anything by arriving on day two. Leslie, an artist friend also exhibiting and into whom I unwittingly bump, is on her way to do present wrapping duty. “They're very nice about it,” she laughingly says, referring to the event's organisers, “they're just rather insistent as to your enthusiasm for volunteering to wrap gifts.” Leslie is referring to the stall where one can gift wrap presents for R15 a present.

She also comments on how the prices remain do-able. And I must agree. One obviously pays for quality – these are clearly not items brought in from China – but the prices are good and I easily find affordable gifts for my family and friends.

Halfway through I stumble upon an old school colleague (does one have colleagues at school??) and recognise her immediately. She doesn't know me, but it's one of those embarassing moments where, being ahead of me at school, I most certainly remember her, and I have to make peace with my overzealous memory for faces and the ability to embarrass myself by admitting to a school girl 'crush' at my age.

Be that as it may, Lovell is a volunteer with Woza Moya, one of the initiatives at Kamers this year. It's an income generating project of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust and helps the families of men and women affected by providing them with craft work that sustains them.

In the same marquee, I pounce on a few beautiful mugs and teapots by another income generating project, this one run by a mother-daughter team and called Nellie (I obviously have a soft spot for projects), but these are not all that I buy.

I leave laden with hats by Gypsey Lin (who have some incredible locally made sandals worth hunting down), t-shirts by the design team, ebony and ivory and lucky friday, mugs by Nellie, ceramics, and an ingenious series of vinyl wall art words by plak it.

I've not even had time to sample any of the food, before we're in the car and heading back to Cape Town at a sedate pace, the car filled with happy talk whilst we compare notes on the various stalls. Money and time well spent.

As one of the event's visitors was heard to say: “I can't describe it better than as a 'reservoir of creativity'.

Lourensford Wine Estate lies 45 kms from Cape Town in Lourensford Road just past the Erinvale Golf Estate.

Event Dates:

CAPE TOWN:
Venue: Lourensford Estate
Times: Monday — 17h00 to 20h00, Tuesday to Saturday — 09h00 to 18h00

GAUTENG:
Venue: The Open Window School of Visual Communication, Irene, Pretoria
Times: Monday — 17h00 to 20h00, Tuesday to Saturday — 09h00 to 18h00

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I ♥ Constantia

Hi, I’m Olga Backberg from Wild Peach Cottage in Constantia.

Constantia IS BEST KNOWN FOR its stunning natural beauty and as the birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Groot Constantia, the oldest and probably the most famous wine estate in South Africa, with several well-preserved original buildings representing some of the best examples of the Cape Dutch architectural style, for which this area is renowned.
THE BEST panoramic landscape pictures  overlooking the Constantia Valley and False Bay CAN BE TAKEN FROM the slopes of the Table Mountain chain, when hiking on one of the many paths between Constantia Nek and Cecilia Forest (no need to be extremely fit to go on these hiking trails!).
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden, which is home to over 22,000 indigenous plants.

I ♥ Constantia

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO go for a walk or run with my family and our dog. Nowhere in the world will you see such a clear blue sky on a sunny day surrounded by such natural splendour!
WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO enjoy a glass of wine from one of the many excellent wine estates in the valley in front of our warm fireplace.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS any time of the year — springtime brings out the beautiful display of flowers which our fynbos region is famous for; the warm summer months are free from the south-easter winds; during autumn, the golden colours of our vineyards in the valley are very special and in winter, the rainy season brings out the lush green colours of nature in all its glory.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS River Cafe at Constantia Uitsig. Try ‘River Benedict’ or ‘River Florentine’ at a table in the courtyard area.

I ♥ Constantia

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Constantia Uitsig Restaurant. Try ‘Grilled Springbok Loin’ or ‘Roasted Karoo Lamb Noisette’, while enjoying the views over rolling hills and vineyards.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS the award-winning restaurant, ‘La Colombe’ at Constantia Uitsig wine estate. You will always remember the special taste of Veal ‘La Colombe’ or ‘Duo of Duck’ and will especially appreciate the wide selection of wines on the wine list.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Peddlars on the Bend with its unique ambience in the restaurant, garden and bar.
MY FAVOURITE picnic SPOT IS Jonkershuis Restaurant at Groot Constantia, offering picnic baskets to enjoy under the old oak trees.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS (and their dogs), GO for a walk on the Alphen Greenbelt on a Sunday afternoon.

I ♥ Constantia

Constantia’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS Wild Peach Cottage! Once you have stayed here, you will always long to explore again the many pleasures of Constantia.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS to listen to live Jazz played at the Sunday buffet luncheons at “Catherina’s Restaurant” at Steenberg Wine Estate.
FOR A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE OF LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO the summer open-air sunset concerts at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Whilst listening to the music, you can enjoy your picnic and be amazed by the picnic culture of Cape Town.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO HAVE my treatment at Constantia Uitsig Spa. Try the unique ‘Kalahari Rolling Sands” massage, based on the ancient secrets of the Kalahari Desert or ‘Les Arômes du Vin’ body treatment, based on the aromatic components of fine wines.

I ♥ Constantia

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY climbing up Nursery Ravine from Kirstenbosch, follow the path all the way to the top of Table Mountain. If you’re lucky, you will make it to the cable car station in less than 7 hours. Just bring enough money to buy the tickets to enjoy the easy ride down on the cable car.
MY FAVOURITE WALK IS a gentle stroll through the vineyards at Groot Constantia.
MY FAVOURITE SHOPPING CENTRE IS  Constantia Village, which has well over 50 shops to make my shopping experience a breeze.

MY FAVOURITE golf course IS the 18-hole championship course at Steenberg Golf Club, renowned for having the best greens in Cape Town.
IF YOU'RE HERE IN October, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the 'Spring it on Constantia' festival, a fest of food, wine and warm hospitality.

I ♥ Constantia

MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS Groot Constantia Manor House, which is part of the South African Cultural History Museum. CHECK OUT THE collection of artefacts, including furniture and art, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Cape's colonial past and reflecting the rich cultural tradition of the Cape.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Groot Constantia Manor House and the buildings grouped around it, FOR ITS unequalled examples of Cape Dutch architecture, both in majesty and simplicity.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? On a Saturday morning, start your day with farm-style breakfast at ‘Porter Estate Produce Market’ near the Tokai Manor House, with lots of activities for the little people. Then proceed to ‘The Barnyard’ close to the entrance to Steenberg Golf Club, patting the farm animals and having a ride on the pony. Whilst your little ones are playing in the large sandpit, you can enjoy your cup of tea. If your kids still have any energy after this, they will easily burn this by running, climbing, swinging and jumping on soft padded obstacles at ‘Bizzy  Bodies’ indoor play-gym, just around the corner in Westlake Business Park. Finally, you can enjoy family-friendly lunch at ‘Little Creek Spur’ in Tokai Main Road, which offers fun area, games and balloons for the little ones.

I ♥ Constantia

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a day on the beach at Llandudno Beach, a short drive from Constantia over Constantia Nek.
WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO combine a round of golf with a relaxing Spa treatment, followed by lunch at Steenberg Hotel and Golf Club.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the occasional baboon, crossing the road on the way to Constantia Uitsig. Best not to feed them and to stay away from them. They were here before us anyway!

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support the charitable (and fun) events at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association.

I ♥ Constantia BECAUSE there is simply no better place on Earth!

Wild Peach Cottage

Wild Peach Cottage

Wild Peach Cottage is a private, spacious and secure two bedroom self-catering and self-contained cottage, situated in Constantia, a leafy and peaceful suburb of Cape Town. Located in a private and peaceful garden setting with glorious mountain and valley views, Wild Peach Cottage will appeal to the discerning traveller for whom privacy, security, peace and tranquility are a priority. The cottage is a family-oriented and child-friendly establishment.

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Desirable Digits

Groot Constantia — +27 (0)21 794‑5128
River Café  — + 27 (0)21 794‑3010
Constantia Uitsig Restaurant — +27 (0)21 794‑4480
La Colombe — +27 (0)21 794‑2390
Constantia Uitsig Spa — +27 (0)21 794‑0433
Peddlars on the Bend — +27 (0)21 794‑7747
Catharinas Restaurant — +27 (0)21 719‑2222

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The wheat fields that surround the town attract many different birds; we were lucky enough to see 13 Blue Cranes in one field alone and although not avid birders ticked off our first ‘lifer’; a Cape Teal duck merrily paddling around a farm pond! Hueningberg Nature Reserve is a must if you enjoy the great outdoors – there are lots of walks available.  Bredasdorp and the area around it is a wonderful place to visit and at just over two hours from Cape Town, it’s the perfect distance for a weekend getaway.

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I ♥ Biedouw Valley

Hi, I’m Andrea from Enjo Nature Farm in the Biedouw Valley, Cederberg.

Biedouw Valley IS BEST KNOWN FOR its incredible landscape and spring flowers.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN on Hoek se Berg, with impressive mountain formation.
THE BEST valley PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Biedouw Valley Amphitheatre.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Enjo swimming dam with sundowner in between the mountains and bird nests over the water.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO swim and hike.
WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO relax and cuddle in a cosy cottage with mountain view.

I ♥ Biedouw Valley

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS September, BECAUSE of the great temperatures for swimming in the river.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS the stoop of the old farmhouse.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST a picnic at the Biedouw River.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Lekkerbekki in Wupperthal.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM private fridge as the next shop is 60 km away.

MY FAVOURITE camping SPOT IS Oskloof.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the lovely close by missionary village Wupperthal.

I ♥ Biedouw Valley

Biedouw Valley’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the Enjo Amphitheatre.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS swim in the Youthcamps Rockpools.

FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO GO TO the Sevilla Rock Art Trail.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO horse ride along the river.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY a sightseeing flight on Enjo Nature Farm.

MY FAVOURITE HIKE IS trail up into Oskloof.
MY FAVOURITE SHOP IS the Rooibos soap shop in Wupperthal.

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS at the dam.

I ♥ Biedouw Valley

IF YOU'RE HERE IN September, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the latern festival in Clanwilliam.

MY FAVOURITE ART GALLERY IS in Clanwilliam.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the old sheep kraal, FOR ITS labyrinth.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS the playground on Enjo Nature Farm with the kiddies castle.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a bicycle tour down the valley.
WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO fly in the Russian YAK.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the donkey cars around Heuningvlei.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support the Shoe factory in Wupperthal with buying handmade shoes there.

I ♥ Biedouw Valley BECAUSE awesome landscape and you feel away from everything enjoying peace and quiet.

Enjo Nature Farm

Enjo Nature Farm

You will find Enjo Nature Farm far from the main tourist tracks in the wild and unspoiled Biedouw Valley of the Cederberg Mountains. The Valley is known for its magnificent wild flowers and incredible beautiful landscape. Enjoy the quiet beauty and millions of stars at night. Come out, make some stories and free your mind! On our farm you can stay in our romantic chalets next to the river enjoying complete privacy and great views at the Paardeberg Mountain. Our chalets have a bathroom, a small kitchen, indoor fire place and a braai area. They sleep up to 4 people.

Visit Enjo Nature Farm
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Lekkerbekki: +27 (0)27 492‑3410
Sevilla Rock Art Trail: +27 (0)27 482‑1824

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I ♥ Rondebosch

Hi, I’m Vanessa Wium from Sandown Lodge in Rondebosch.

Rondebosch IS BEST KNOWN FOR its history as the place where the first Dutch settlers where given land to farm along the banks of the Liesbeek River, where Cecil John Rhodes rebuilt the Groote Schuur Estate which today is the home of the State President and where Simon Van de Stel, the first Governor of the Cape Colony lived. The historic beauty of the Cape Dutch style homes and buildings and tree lined streets adds to its old world charm. Rondebosch is also home to South Africa’s top rated university, the University of Cape Town as well as a number of the country’s top private and government schools including Bishops, Rondebosch Boys, SACS, Westerford and Rustenberg Girls schools.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Rhodes Memorial on the bottom slopes of Devils Peak while watching the sun rise over Cape Town for spectacular views and historic nostalgia.

I ♥ Rondebosch

THE BEST serious PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT on Jameson Steps, at the entrance to the majestic Jameson Hall on the main UCT Campus.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the one of the many beautiful parks in Rondebosch.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO walk, cycle or run in the mountains above Rhodes Memorial or picnic in the parks while watching the squirrels collect acorns. There is also the option of 18 holes of golf at Rondebosch or Mowbray Golf Clubs.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO go and see a show at the Baxter Theatre.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS anytime really, BECAUSE with UCT and so many schools in the area there is always something on. If it is not inter-varsity rugby matches between Stellenbosch and UCT, it may be inter-schools water-polo at Bishops or Rondebosch.

I ♥ Rondebosch

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Rhodes Memorial Restaurant.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Starlings, on Milner Road.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS the Hussar Grill, TRY THE steaks and seafood.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Barrussos which is always buzzing. It's affectionately referred to as the Rondebosch local!

MY FAVOURITE coffee SPOT IS Michaels on Campground Road who serve a delicious carrot cake too.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Stardust on Main Road; theatrical dining at its best. Young, talented arts and music students perform on stage in between waitressing.  It's loads of fun.

I ♥ Rondebosch

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Western Province Cricket Clubhouse to have a drink and a meal and watch tennis, hockey or squash.

Rondebosch’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS that it is the centre of Cape Town. It is close to everything! Fifteen minutes to the airport, the beach, Table Mountain and Robben Island. Ten minutes to the city centre and Waterfront. Five minutes to Kirstenbosch and Cavendish Square.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS celebrate life and youth at Stardust Restaurant.

FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO summer sunset concerts at Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens.

I ♥ Rondebosch

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO potter around the craft markets and pottery markets held on Saturdays in Rondebosch Park.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY doing a trail run through the forests above UCT.

MY FAVOURITE WALK IS in the mountains above Rhodes Memorial.

MY FAVOURITE outdoor SHOP IS Sportsmans Warehouse in Klipfontein Road which has a huge selection of sporting gear and camping equipment.

MY FAVOURITE weekend sport WATCHING SPOT IS Newlands Cricket and Rugby Stadiums which back onto Rondebosch and which host international matches all year round.

I ♥ Rondebosch

IF YOU'RE HERE IN November, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Landmarks Half Marathon and Fun Run which start and end at The Western Province Cricket Club and run a scenic but tough route through the historic landmarks in Rondebosch.

MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM is The South African Rugby Museum at Newlands Stadium and the Presidents home on the Groote Schuur Estate.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the Rondebosch Library and Rustenberg Girls Junior School, FOR THE beautiful old Cape Dutch architecture.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Rondebosch or Keurboom Parks where there are wonderful play things, including skate boarding ramps and picnic spots.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS watching school sport.

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO see a show at the Baxter Theatre.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS some of the stalls and wares at the Rondebosch Craft Market.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I volunteer to read stories to the children in the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

I ♥ Rondebosch BECAUSE of its historic beauty and friendly family feel and its central location.

Sandown Lodge

Sandown Lodge

Sandown Lodge is a charming 19th Century Georgian House, centrally situated in picturesque surroundings directly opposite Rondebosch Park. Its central location makes it an ideal base for business persons, academics and holiday makers. Accommodation is offered in three light, spacious and well appointed double suites, each with en-suite bathroom. Two of the suites are ideal for longer stays as they consist of a double bedroom, en-suite bathroom, lounge area and a kitchenette.

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Desirable Digits

Rhodes Memorial Restaurant — +27 (0)21 687‑0000
Starlings — +27 (0)21 671‑6875
Baxter Theatre — +27 (0)21 685‑7880
Hussar Grill — 021 689‑9516
Stardust — +27 (0)21 686‑6280

Useful Rondebosch Links:
Rondebosch Attractions
Things to Do in Rondebosch
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