November 29th, 2009
With all 35 of our properties fully booked for the peak season period of 20 Dec to 4 Jan, we’re looking forward to making you all feel right at home down here at the southern tip of Africa
On either side of the peak season period, from 12 Dec to 12 Jan, we’re 70% full, so there are still some great apartments available for the school holidays.
If you are already booked in with us over the Festive Season, here are a few useful tips to make the most of your holiday in Cape Town:
* remember to pack swimming gear, beach towels, your favourite CD’s and light weight jackets
* go to the beach in the mornings, as the South Easter wind usually picks up around mid-day
* avoid the busy coastal road from Muizenberg to Fish Hoek on weekends and public holidays, where road works and a stop go make progress slow – rather go over Boyes Drive, which you can connect to from the main road just as you enter Muizenberg from the Cape Town side
* avoid going anywhere by car on New Year’s day – the roads are jammed packed from early morning until well after sunset, which is around 9:30pm over Dec / Jan!
* we have crime like any other international city, but provided you take common sense precautions you are unlikely to encounter serious crime – don’t wear expensive and flashy jewellery in crowds, don’t leave your apartment or car unlocked, lock valuables in your car boot when leaving it unattended, don’t walk alone down dark allies, etc.
Consider these easy to reach local attractions during your stay:
* world-renowned Chapman’s Peak Drive, with a stop for lunch in Hout Bay – Chapman’s Peak Hotel for the best calamari in town, or Fish on the Rocks at the end of the fishing harbour, for great fish ‘n chips
* Muizenberg Beach, the most popular surfing spot in Cape Town, where you can hire a surf board for the day, take lessons with one of four surfing schools, or just enjoy the pristine white beach that stretches uninterrupted for some 30km towards Somerset West
* Fish Hoek Beach, the most popular family beach in Cape Town with easy access to supermarkets, restaurants and take aways – don’t miss Bihari Indian Restaurant and Take Aways, or Fish Hoek Fish ‘n Chips, both on the main road
* Boulder’s Beach, with its colony of endangered African Penguins
* Historic Simon’s Town, the home of the South African Navy and a quaint water front and harbour, restaurants on the water’s edge, art galleries, a toy and naval museum, boat trips to seal island and lots more to entertain the kids
* Take the kids on a train trip to Simon’s Town and back – it’s really very safe in first class and the track hugs the coast all the way – highly recommended
* On a clear wind-free day, the water taxi that runs between Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town is also a great excursion
* Cape Point Nature Reserve, a world heritage site – one of the greatest landmarks in the world: a wild and scenically spectacular area at the tip of the African continent
* Kalk Bay, a quant fishing village where you can haggle for fresh fish with the locals, or choose from an abundance of seafood restaurants offering a choice of down to earth local dishes, or some of the finest seafood in Cape Town
* the oldest Wine Estates in the Cape Province are just 20 minutes away, including Groote Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwagting, Steenberg and Constantia Uitsig
* the Clovelly Country Club’s Championship Golf Course and Westlake Golf Course are right on our doorstep
* plan a walk or hike into Table Mountain National Park, a world heritage site which forms a backdrop to the Cape Point Route coastline, from Muizenberg through to Simon’s Town and beyond
Come and enjoy – it’s the place to be!
Tags: festive season, FIFA World Cup, school holidays, southern tip of Africa
Posted in Cape Point Route | 2 Comments »
October 22nd, 2009
We just recently listed with MATCH, the official accommodation service providers for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. Despite all the negative publicity surrounding MATCH published in the local media by certain elements within the tourism industry, we have been pleasantly surprised with the service and interest show by MATCH for our accommodation offering at Muizenberg Beach. We are scheduled to be interviewed by a German television news station tomorrow morning, as arranged for us by MATCH. An exciting opportunity – let’s see how it goes – will let you know.
Tags: fifa, world cup 2010
Posted in Surfer's Corner | 1 Comment »
October 4th, 2009
More than 100 surfers rode a wave at the Earthwave beach festival in Muizenberg, Cape Town on Sunday to break the Guinness World Record for the ‘most surfers riding the same wave’.
“We estimated that there were more than 120 surfers on the fifth of the seven waves surfed at Muizenberg during Earthwave,’ said Paul Botha of Kahuna Promotions, the founders of the event that leverages the publicity generated by the world record attempt to promote awareness of climate change and sustainable lifestyles.
In ideal sunshine conditions, a light offshore breeze and small 0.5 to one metre waves, a total of 443 surfers of all ages and abilities registered to try and bring the record back to Cape Town after Brazil had exceeded the 73 on one wave set at Muizenberg in 2006.
More on Earthwave, its aims and objectives, is available on the mini-site www.kahunasurf.co.za/kp/earthwave and on Wavescape.co.za, the event’s official digital media partner.
Pictured: The wave on which 103 Cape Town surfers broke the Guinness World Record for the ‘most surfers riding the same wave’ at Earthwave in Muizenberg, Cape Town on Sunday
Photo: Lee Slabber
Tags: surfing world record
Posted in Surfer's Corner | No Comments »
August 2nd, 2009
It was a beautiful winter’s day this morning, clear blue skies and no wind, a perfect reason to go cycling along the Cape Point Route [part of the annual 109km Cape Argus Cycle Tour], from Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town, then up the Smitswinkel climb to the Cape Point turn off [22km], on to Scarborough, then along the road hugging Misty Cliffs with the pounding aquamarine surf churning up misty sea spray. Exilerating.
Soon after Misty Cliffs one climbs a little before turning right to Ocean View and then back to where you started in Fish Hoek, a round 42km.
But today the legs were a bit weary, so half way up the Smitswinkel climb I turned around and enjoyed the easier ride back along the coast to Fish Hoek [a 37km round trip] looking out for the early appearance of Southern Right whales, but alas, despite the weather they were no where to be seen. Last year we spotted the first whales at the end of July. Oh well, a good reason to go cycling again next Sunday 
Tags: cycling, Fish Hoek, Misty cliffs, Simon's Town, Southern Right whales
Posted in Cape Point Route | No Comments »
July 18th, 2009
It’s that time of year when looking out for whales, especially the Southern Right, and dolphins along the coast from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town is a daily pastime. We usually see the first whales in early July, but we see them more frequently and closer to land in August when sightings are almost daily. If you’re staying in a Whale Watchers apartment in Fish Hoek, St James or at Muizenberg Beach, you can see them from your balcony.
To see a log of this year’s sightings, click here.
Tags: cape town, False Bay, Southern Right, whale watching, whales
Posted in whale watching | 2 Comments »
June 21st, 2009
Woke up to clear blue skies this morning [in the middle of July!] and decided to do our favourite family walk up Elsies Peak. After a good breakfast, we packed some fruit and water and set off down the road from Whale Watcher’s in Fish Hoek, to begin the walk.
This is a challenging walk, rather than a hike. It’s a steep climb on stone steps at first, but after the first 15 minutes it’s a breeze and it is well worth it when you get to the top, but more of that later.
If you’re coming from afar, at the traffic circle on Fish Hoek main road, turn right to Kommetjie and after a 100 metres or so, you’ll see a large parking area on your left. Facing the mountain, make your way to the left of the parking area and head up the lane to the flight of steps ahead. Then cross the road and again head up the steps alighting on High Way [if you are staying at Whale Watchers in Fish Hoek, then this point is 200 metres down the road from your front door].
Continue up the next flight of stairs until you reach another bisecting road where a large sign post informs you that you are about to enter Table Mountain National Park. Continue up and under a large palm tree until you reach a flight of stone steps to your right. Climb these steps until you reach a bench at the top, where you can sit and enjoy the view below, while you get your breath back.
From here continue following the path upwards for about 10 minutes or so, until you reach a fork. Turn left here and then when you reach another fork shortly afterwards with a sign reading ‘Circular route’, keep right.
After a 20 minute climb the path will level out and you’ll see the radio mast ahead, marking your destination.
On reaching the top, just after the radio mast, you’ll be captivated with the panoramic views of Simon’s Town harbour and Glencairne on one side and Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg on the other.
In season [August to November], whales can be seen with their calves in the water below, as well as proteas and fynbos in bloom around you.
We usually spend about a half hour at the summit admiring the views, before heading back down. After a few minutes the path splits and you should turn right here to desend via the circular route, rather than using the same path you climbed up.
Once you get back down to the ‘circular route’ sign, keep on going and a little later on turn right where the path splits. Just before you get back to the bench you rested on near the beginning of the walk, turn right to take a more shaded route down the last stretch, which includes a lovely little waterfall in the rainy season.
This is a really great morning excursion for the whole family.
Tags: Add new tag, Elsies Peak, family excursion, morning excursion, morning hike, mountain walk, Table Mountain National Park
Posted in Family excursions | 1 Comment »
June 19th, 2009
Taking the train from Muizenberg, or Fish Hoek, to Simon’s Town is possibly the most spectacular seaside train ride in the world. It is a ‘do it yourself’ excursion perfect for young families. We buy first class return tickets for us and the kids, cheap at the price, and stop over in Kalk Bay on the way for coffees or hot chocolates and croissants at the Olympia Cafe. Then we do a walk to the quaint harbour to enjoy the colourful local fisherman’s wives selling fresh fish and shouting for your attention, against the persistent squawking of seagulls.
Then it’s back to Kalk Bay station, stopping along the way to window browse the art galleries, antique and speciality shops. Back on the train, it hugs the coast closely and whale watching in season is common along the way. As you come around the bend into Fish Hoek you can see Simon’s Town beckoning in the distance across the bay. It’s not long before you arrive there at the station, wishing the trip wasn’t over already.
From the station we usually take a three wheeler Tuk Tuk taxi to the Toy Museum, or Boulder’s Beach to see the Afrcan Penguins. Afterwards we work our way back to the Simon’s Town Waterfront for lunch. If the wallet’s full then it’s Bertha’s or The Meeting Place, if not it’s Salty Seadog’s, either way the views of the old harbour with yatchs and naval vesels at anchor are a feast, as are the hake and chips and cold beers!
After lunch we might walk along the pier and then on to the Naval Museum to delve into some local maritime history, Just Nuisance included. He was a Great Dane famous for being the Royal Navy’s only canine Able Seaman, who used to ‘escort’ drunk sailors home from Cape Town on the train late at night during the British occupation. He was given an official naval burial when he died. His statue stands proudly on Jubilee Square above the yatch basin.
It’s a short walk from the museum to the station for the return journey along the coast to Muizenberg, or Fish Hoek, where you started. An exilhirating alternative on a clear day, is to take the Water Taxi back to Kalk Bay which hugs the coast and is sometimes interupted by whale crossings. But hey – relax and welcome to Africa!
This ‘do it yourself’ one day excursion is especially great for young families, the kids have a ball!!
Tags: African holiday, African penguins, Cape Point Route, Cape Town holiday, Cape Town vacation, day adventures, False Bay, family excursion, family fun, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, one day excursion, Simon's Town, train trip, vacation in Africa, whale watching, whales
Posted in Family excursions | 3 Comments »
June 11th, 2009
The wine growing area of Constantia is not only the oldest in South Africa, it is also possibly one of the prettiest. The Constantia Valley has been producing wine for over 300 years, from the very first vines planted in the Cape.
Only a 10 minute drive from Whale Watcher’s Luxury Self-catering Accommodation, this is a lovely place to visit for a day of wine tasting and an excellent lunch.
Situated on gentle mountain slopes at the back of Table Mountain down towards the Cape Peninsula, the vineyards of Constantia bask in almost ideal grape-growing conditions – long sunny days, cool breezes direct from the ocean, plenty of rain during the Winter months, and a variety of soil types.
Groot Constantia
The oldest wine estate in South Africa, Groot Constantia was founded in 1685. Since then, the name has been linked to some of the most famous wines produced in South Africa, and has been a firm favourite of historic figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, and members of the British Royal House.
Visitors can go into the Manor House, a wonderful example of classic Cape Dutch architecture and today housing a cultural history museum with a fine collection of Cape furniture, porcelain and maritime art. The Cloete Cellar houses a display of drinking vessels and wine making equipment.
The Jonkerhuis Restaurant offers tasty traditional Cape Malay dishes for a hearty lunch or dinner. Either dine alfresco facing the Manor House and looking out over the vineyards, or in the courtyard under a ceiling of trailing vines.
The estate offers wine tastings, including keeping the glass as a souvenir. Daily guided cellar tours, including a wine tasting, are also available, but these should be booked in advance.
Klein Constantia
All Klein Constantia’s wines are grown, made and bottled on the estate, and they produce some excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Buitenverwachting
Originally part of the Constantia Estate, this wine farm has embraced the concept of ‘environmentally-friendly’ farming on its 75 hectare estate, and the modern cellar includes some of the most up-to-date wine producing equipment in the Cape.
Rated among the Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa, the restaurant offers wonderful food in a superb setting overlooking the surrounding vineyards. Alternatively, tasty picnic baskets can be arranged for an idyllic lunch under the trees on the lawns.
Steenberg
Wines were first produced here in 1695. Today, the original homestead has been restored in the style of an 18th Century farm, and has been declared a National Monument.
Based on the principle of ‘Quality rather than Quantity’, each carefully selected grape variety is matched carefully with a specific soil type to ensure optimum wine producing potential.
Tags: day adventures, wine routes, wine tasting
Posted in Tours and excursions | No Comments »
June 11th, 2009
The Cape Point Route at the southern tip of Africa is an adventure that you should definitely consider if you are planning a holiday in Africa. This magnificent peninsula offers a breathtaking drive through some of the most beautiful country in the world.
Take the Cape Point Route and explore both coastlines on either side of a national park, visit up to 18 beaches, see a wide variety of wildlife including whale watching, penguins, seals, exotic birds and baboons among others. Situated at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world, you will find rural Noordhoek. Browse shops at Noordhoek Farm Village, stop off for a bike ride or walk along the trails of the Silvermine Reserve, experience the Noordhoek Art Route which boasts working artists and tours one Sunday each month, and visit the Red Herring Trading Post set amongst the ancient and majestic milkwood trees. Art galleries, pottery studios and a plant nursery are just a few of the attractions awaiting you at the Red Herring.
Following the Cape Point Route will take you to many other beautiful and exotic locations such as Kommetjie, known for its incredible surfing, Slangkop Lighthouse, which is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in South Africa, Solole Game Reserve offering close encounters with buffalo and antelope in their native habitat, and the peaceful and quaint settlement of Masiphumelele, home to a mostly Xhosa speaking community offering walking tours and visits to some community projects.
Scarborough and Cape Point is a seaside conservation village known for its natural splendor and creative indigenous gardens and is a great place to see whales and other native marine animals. Scarborough beach is an ideal location for bird watching, walking the beach, sea kayaking and surfing, and is home to Cape Clawless Otters. The Good Hope Nature Reserve is within Table Mountain National Park and is one of the most frequently visited attractions in South Africa. Offering angling, surfing and diving spots and protecting over 1200 species of fynbos, 250 species of birds and a wide variety of other mammals including buck and baboons, The Good Hope Nature Preserve is not to be missed.
The boulders, beaches and museums of Simon’s Town and Glencairn are just a few of the attractions to see on this stop along the Cape Point Route. Historical sites such as The Church of St. Francis, the oldest existing Anglican Church in South Africa and The Roman Rock Lighthouse are in Simon’s Town and boat trips for harbour tours, whale watching, Seal Island and Cape Point depart from here.
Fish Hoek and Clovelly lies on the Cape Point Route and boasts one of the safest swimming beaches in South Africa, surrounded by beautiful rugged mountains and white sands. A Stone Age cave site known as Peers Cave was where a 12000 year old man was discovered as well as a collection of Stone Age tools. The Fish Hoek Valley Museum houses interpretive displays of the Peers Cave excavations and many collections of interest. A walk along Jager Walk will take you along the rugged and rocky coastline to Sunny Cove where you can learn about the life of the playful local dolphins and humpback whales native to this area. Finish off your stay in Fish Hoek with 18 holes of golf at the Clovelly Country Club, a gorgeous course offering native sand dunes, flora and fauna and lovely water features.
Intermingling arts, crafts and natural splendor is Kalk Bay, St. James, Muizenberg and Lakeside. Kalk Bay is one of the hippest seaside villages found on the cape offering a cosmopolitan experience of fine art, delicious gourmet cuisine and beautiful architecture. Enjoy the community based project known as Adventure Kalk Bay and take a fishing trip out with some of the local fisherman, or visit the harbour at noon when the fishing boats are returning with their catches. The 125 year old Holy Trinity Church is one of the many historic sites to be found in Kalk Bay. 36 kilometers of white sand and safe beaches are to be found in Muizenberg, as well as swimming pools, waterslide and putt-putt courses intermingled with lovely cafes and shops. The well known Historical Mile is home to the South Afrcian Police Museum, Het Posthuys which is a historical diorama of the 1795 Battle of Muizenberg and the Rhodes Cottage, where Cecil John Rhodes spent his final days. The Lindbergh Arts Foundation is a block of four houses designed by Sir Herbert Baker and is home to an incredible collection of Africana and is frequently used for musical performances and art shows. At the foot of the Muizenberg Mountains you will find beautiful Lakeside, with views of Zandvlei Lake and False Bay, and the incredible Rondevlei Nature Reserve which is a wetland reserve and home to 230 bird species, small mammals and hippopotamuses. The Imvubu Nature Tours offers activities within the Rondevlei Reserve.
This wonderful route offers many exciting adventures from sea kayaking to African safari, and is sure to make any African holiday an adventure to remember. Do yourself a favour and enjoy the Cape Point Route when you take your next holiday in Africa. Enjoying this destination is luxury African travel at its finest. For more information visit Whale Watchers
Tags: African holiday, African penguins, Boulder's Beach, Cape Point Route, Cape Town holiday, Cape Town vacation, Chapman's Peak Drive, Constantia, False Bay, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, learn to surf, Muizenberg, Simon's Town, St James, vacation in Africa, whale watching, whales, wine routes
Posted in Cape Point Route | 4 Comments »
