Where is Philadelphia?

The Road to Philadelphia

Set amongst rolling green pastures dotted with content livestock, and a swirling river, Philadelphia has come into its own as a creative hub and weekend getaway for the arty, families, friends and for those who appreciate the simple quiet of an evening spent under the willow trees on a river bank. A 20 minute drive north of Cape Town, near Durbanville, the quiet enclave makes for a sweet escape from city life.

A huge church steeple cuts a silhouette against the cerulean blue sky and creates a majestic entrance to the town. Sugary sweet cottages line sandy lanes, the kind that have overgrown creepers cascading down their thick walls, while children amble down to the only supply store for their sweet ration of the day. Continued

Weekending in Prince Albert – a welcome break from wet Cape Town

Road to Prince Albert

The drive alone is worth the four-hour trip from Cape Town to Prince Albert, and that was only the start of a weekend break that more than met expectations.

First off, let me emphasise that Prince Albert, which lies at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains that forms the border between the Little and the Great Karoo, really is one of the best kept secrets of wintering in the Western Cape, and I write with more than a little reservation, so all who read this are sworn to secrecy!

I will not beat around the bush about the Karoo being cold during winter - it was icy – and snow-capped mountains formed the background to much of our trip. But the days were blue, the scenery close to tear-jerking and the derth of visitors to the small Karoo town meant that we could only guess … Continued

Simply Stunning Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch

Beautiful Stellenbosch lies just 55 kilometres east of Cape Town sheltered in a valley surrounded by mountains that include the Papegaaiberg - little more than a hill in reality - the Stellenbosch Mountain, Jonkershoek Mountains and the Great Drakenstein Mountains.

Stellenbosch is not only the second oldest European settlement in the Western Cape - it was founded in 1697 by Simon van der Stel who promptly named it ‘Stel’s forest’ after himself - but it is also steeped in history. Its oak-lined streets, like Dorp Street, are bounded by typical Cape Dutch-style buildings that serve as the main thoroughfare of the local university, where the conservatoire is the oldest music school in the country. Continued

The Definitive Guide to Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay

Clutching sun faded towels and cloaked in floaty kaftans, the more adventurous residents of Kalk Bay make their daily pilgrimage down to the tidal pools that generously grace the False Bay coastline. Splashing in refreshingly cold sea water every morning could be the secret to the youth and vitality of the people in Kalk Bay, although perhaps it has something more to do with the mysterious atmosphere of abundance and relaxation that infuses its visitors.

Morning dips in the ocean are best followed by one of Cape Town’s best coffees at C’est la Vie, an unpretentious French peasant style café with their own tiny bakery on site or at Olympia Café for a hearty deli breakfast with kippers and fluffy eggs. Grabbing a few supplies for the pantry from the charming Olympia Bakery is a ritual, before returning home. Continued

See Saldanha

Saldanha Bay

The seaside town of Saldanha lies in the northern corner of the largest and deepest bay in South Africa and is a bustling harbour town with a thriving fishing industry with fish, crayfish, mussels, oysters and seaweed. Any visitor taking a walk amongst the fisherman when they bring in their catch is in for an impromptu lesson in local culture. The banter amongst the fisherman goes on in regional speech with words and gestures that belong to the West Coast alone.

Many travelers have the impression of vast, grey open spaces when they think of the West Coast, of a country side that only blooms for a short period each spring … Continued

Time Out in Kommetjie

Kommetjie

Separated from neighbouring towns by mountains and cliffs, the coastal town of Kommetjie offers its visitors a sense of undisturbed natural beauty and peaceful isolation. Situated between rural Noordhoek and the seaside town of Scarborough, the wilderness and foliage of the mountains preserved, and the stark contrast of the ocean, Kommetjie is a secret haven of rustic beauty.

Crowding the waves on a good day, surfers from all over the world come to Kommetjie, which is regarded as having the best surf in the south peninsula. The ocean is also a playground for snorkeling, crayfish diving, scuba diving and fishing, with a reef providing a rich bounty of sea life (see Things to Do in Kommetjie). Continued

Magical McGregor

Magical McGregor

The small town of McGregor is what most would call “off the beaten track”; aside from a small signpost on the N2 highway, there is almost no indication of its existence.  Perhaps because of its isolation and the inspiring natural surrounds, it has become somewhat of a haven for artists.

The village lies at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains, and its climate is similar to the rest of the Cape Peninsula and -  getting scorchingly hot in summer, with rain and snow on the surrounding peaks in winter. Continued

A Long Weekend in Stanford

“It is only in the country that we can get to know a person or a book” – Cyril Connolly, The Unquiet Grave, 1945

Described as the place that time forgot, Stanford village in the Overberg, is only one and a half hours from Cape Town, yet is worlds away. Its dusty roads and weathered historical cottages seen from the high road on the way to some place else, are only a misleading facade, for this quaint village evokes the poet in every weary man’s heart and stills the roaming.

Stanford

Floating slowly down the river on a summers afternoon, you’ll realise why the languishing country bug is so catchy, that most weekend visitors to the small town end up leaving owning a piece of real estate.

In Stanford, afternoon teas are a treasured daily meditation and books are still favoured to television, walking is a daily activity and bicyles are the favoured means of transportation. With beautiful scenes around every corner, Stanford is certainly one of the most aesthetically pleasing towns in the Western Cape region and world class country restaurants and antique stores draw people from Cape Town through to the interior. Continued

If you are in Mouille Point you are having Fun!

Mouille Point

Friendly coastline; check. Waving distance of Robben Island when facing said coastline; check. Short name with the unusual arrangement of 3 vowels (in a row!) that everyone will misspell; check, check. Mouille Point.

One wonders if the sound of the Atlantic Ocean’s drift between Granger Bay and Three Anchor Bay inspired the naming of this coastal portion lending itself gently to Wikipedia’s suggestion that ‘Mouille is a phonetic term that applies to certain consonants having a palatalised, “liquid” or softened sound’. Mouille Point certainly softens the effect of the African continent particularly while sipping liquids and rewarding one’s palate at a culinary seaside observation deck.

Mouille Point’s restaurant collection is as sufficient as an underwear selection comprising of items labelled ‘Monday’ through ‘Sunday’. A fresh item for every occasion with no duplicates. Continued

A Getaway to Glencairn is perfect with Kids

Glencairn

Hidden in a lush protected valley on the False Bay Coast in Cape Town, between Simonstown and Fish Hoek, lies the quaint suburb of Glencairn. With a nature reserve and vlei sanctuary running in the middle of the greenbelt towards the sea, this area has been beautifully preserved, allowing the construction of houses on the sloping hills that wind up through to dramatic mountain landscapes.

Possibly the best kept secret of the South Peninsula, the area is a quiet study in natural beauty. A river running through the middle offers a welcome reprieve in the summer months, when locals can sometimes be spotted under the small waterfalls. The small beach is pretty and clean, pet and family friendly and offers close encounters of whale watching in the spring months. A small tidal pool is perfect for children and treasure hunters, searching for lost coins and perfectly formed shells. Continued

For Lovers and Loafers … Langebaan

Langebaan Lagoon

Located on the Cape West Coast and once a whaling station, Langebaan has evolved and firmly established itself as a tourist attraction to be reckoned with. While the town was officially founded in the early 1900’s, its history dates back hundreds years as an area once inhabited by the Khoi San people long before even the earliest Dutch and English explorers passed through.

Located as it is on the shores of a tranquil lagoon the town of course offers a wide variety of water sports and activities, including kayaking, windsurfing, and its newer cousin, kite surfing, boat trips and fishing, as well as paddling in the shallows or simply enjoying the white sandy beaches. The lagoon itself forms a part of the West Coast National Park, a wildlife sanctuary and home to many indigenous and migratory bird species as well as small mammals, making it ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Continued

Make Merry in Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay was the stopping place of Bartholomew Diaz on his historic voyage from Portugal, around the Cape of Good Hope, en route to the east, and still bears many indelible reminders of that epic voyage, including the museum, which houses a replica of his vessel, and the name of one of the most popular beaches.

Located on the N2 highway, halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay is a popular seaside destination. Another piece of history is preserved in this small town, in the form of the Post Office tree, the first organized postal service in the country, used by subsequent sea travelers passing by to send and receive messages to loved ones in Europe on the next passing ship. Other historical attractions worth a visit are the St Blaize lighthouse, a manned lighthouse built in 1864 and the Great Trek museum which chronicles the epic journey by early settlers at Hartenbos. But what about the present? Visitors to Mossel Bay will find there is lots to do besides exploring historical sites … Continued

Long Beach in Noordhoek

Long Beach

There is a beach that will always take my breath away, no matter how many times I’ve seen it. Long Beach, in Noordhoek, located on the Southern Peninsula of Cape Town, en route to Cape Point, is named as such for its great expanse and stretch, right through to Kommetjie. The beach is not only long, but is wide, giving way to wetlands, flora and fauna. Family, dog and horse friendly, it is always a hive of activity, for locals and tourists, horseriders, surfers, runners and toddlers, each enjoying their little piece of paradise out on the perfect white sands of this maginificent beach.

Riding on Noordhoek beach is something that everyone should do in their lifetime, many times over! Whether it be in the fresh morning mist, or for an evening sunset canter through the waves, it is an experience of nature and beast that is unrivalled. All ages and degees of experience are catered for with trained guides leading the rides on experienced horses. Rural Noordhoek is prime horse country, with many farms and small holdings dotted around the valley, housing stud farms, racing stables, show jumping yards and eventers. Race horses in training from Dune Stables can always be spotted on the beach in the mornings, going through their schooling routines, before galloping off down the seemingly endless expanse of land until they disappear from view. Continued

The KwaZulu Natal South Coast

South Coast

It is easy, when driving through most of the South Coast area of KwaZulu Natal, to imagine that you have been transported to a tropical island. Roads are edged with lush green vegetation, or the ubiquitous sugar cane and banana plantations. Towns such as Umkomaas, renowned for its angling, as well as a top class golf course, Shelly Beach, named for the prevalence of shells found on beaches in the area, and Margate enjoy the year round bustle of tourists, as does Port Edward.

In fact, the climate of this area is very much like a tropical island, and even in the middle of winter, it is not uncommon to see tourists on the beach, dressed not much more warmly than they would be in the summer months. These beaches are often the first draw card for any visitor. The warm waters are enticing, and there are excellent waves in many places, making it ideal for surfers, bodyboarders and other water sport enthusiasts. Continued

Glorious Gordons Bay

Gordons Bay

The area known today as Gordon’s Bay was named after Captain Robert James Gordon, an officer in the Dutch East India Company, who explored the area in 1778, however, for many years before that, the area was known as Fish Hoek – the same name as another town on the opposite side of False Bay. This little known fact is evidenced by the name on the wall outside the local Post Office. Another common misconception about the town is that the initials GB (see photograph below), inscribed large on the mountain above the town, stand for Gordon’s Bay, however, they commemorate the General Botha, a decommissioned warship that used to be anchored in the harbour, and was used for training of navy cadets, who still reside at the Naval College, located near the Old Harbour.

Long the home to a rather elite group of locals, who live in the palatial homes clustered around the Old Harbour, Marina and Bikini Beach area of the town, the Mediterranean climate and warm water enjoyed in the bay in summer makes it a popular destination for visitors too. Continued