For the Kids in August

Fun for kids

If you are looking at ways of keeping your kids entertained and educated this August then look no further, the Noordhoek Farm Village has the answer.  And while your kids are busy having fun you can too by browsing around one of the shops or catching up with old friends over a coffee.

The Noordhoek Farm Village is in a beautiful setting under oak trees and you will be able to shop, dine and relax here.  There are also a number of regular events that take place. Situated on the southern slopes of Chapman’s Peak Drive in the Noordhoek Valley this tranquil farm setting is only a 25 minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre … 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

Arum Lily Reed Frog at Afton Grove Country Retreat

Arum Lily Reed Frog

Chris Spengler, owner of Afton Grove Country Retreat in Noordhoek – Cape Town, reports having recently found an Arum Lily Reed Frog (Hyperolius horstocki) on the glass pane of a dining door at the lodge recently.

The Red Data listed species – Western Leopard Toad (Bufo Pantherinus) is resident for most of the year on the lodge grounds at Afton Grove Country Retreat. Other species that also occur at Afton Grove are: Clicking Stream Frog (Strongylopus grayii), Cape Sand Frog (Tomopterna delalandii) and Clawed Frog / Common Platana (Xenopus laevis).

“It is a long time since I have been this excited about finding a small 35mm long beastie like this” reports Chris. “I often hear their call & have searched amongst the Arum Lilies during winter in the nearby wetland on a number of occasions to find this species, but without success. To think that this little beauty actually came looking for us!”

Continued