Cape Town - Cape Point Hiking Trails

 Cape Town - Cape Point Hiking Trails 

Cape Point National Park

We love visiting Cape Point for the amazing scenery, the birds, the flora that changes according to the seasons, the beaches, the tidal pools at Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay, the fresh air and the climb to the top! The Hiking Trails are great for those with more time - pop in at the Visitor Centre for more info.

Tidal Pool - great to cool off after a hike

"Cape Point is a hiker’s paradise, and there are a number of beautiful and manageable short walks throughout the reserve. Each walk serves up a selection panoramic ocean and mountain views, access to unspoilt beaches, and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife wandering peacefully among the vibrant fynbos or across the salt white sand.

Here’s our selection of some of the best short walks and hikes in and around Cape Point Nature Reserve:

Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail is often overlooked by visitors eager to pay a visit to the iconic old lighthouse atop Cape Point, but this short trail that runs below the well-known landmark should not be missed. The trail begins just behind the upper funicular station, and a narrow but well-established path will lead you along a sheer cliff-face towards the lesser-known new lighthouse. It offers a fascinating perspective of the old Cape Point lighthouse which towers many metres above, and it walks you through historical bunkers and beautiful fynbos until the path runs out, at what certainly feels like the very tip of Africa.

Departs: Behind upper funicular station. Park at the Cape Point main parking area and walk to the station or save energy and take the funicular.
Distance: +-2km, one hour return
Difficulty: Easy

Cape of Good Hope Trail

The Cape of Good Hope trail takes you along a well-maintained and marked boardwalk towards the famous Cape of Good Hope sign, located on the rocky shoreline far below. The trail is popular for its accessibility, and for the unsurpassed views over the pristine Diaz Beach and rugged western shoreline. Make your way all the way to the very end of the trail, and you’ll have reached the most southern point of the Cape Peninsula – a perfect photo opportunity to prove that you’ve visited the most South Western corner of Africa.

Departs: Cape Point main parking area. Follow signs towards Cape of Good Hope.
Distance: +-3.5km, 2-3 hours return
Difficulty: Easy

Antoniesgat Trail

Buffels Bay Beach is a gem hidden from the main tour groups, and the Antoniesgat Trail that departs from nearby offers beautiful views, a moderate level of difficulty, and the opportunity to cool off in the tidal pools, or enjoy a braai at the well-maintained facilities, at the end of the walk. The walk takes you close to the action where powerful waves pound the peninsula, and there are a number of caves and tunnels to explore en-route. The views over the bay, towards the mountains, and of course up towards the Cape Point lighthouse make this one of the region’s most enjoyable short trails.

Departs: Traffic circle south of Buffels Bay Beach
Distance: 3.5km, 2-3 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate

Gifkommetjie

The Gifkommetjie trail follows the south western shores of Cape Point, and offers beautiful views of the unspoilt shoreline, lush green dune vegetation and open pans and marshes. It’s a great option for the moderately fit looking to get some good distance on a flat route, but can also be shortened if you’re just looking to stretch your legs, away from the busier sections of Cape Point. It’s an often overlooked region of the nature reserve, and the result is a feeling of true isolation and escapism in one of the most picturesque locations.

Departs: Gifkommetjie parking area, follow signposts upon entry into Cape Point
Distance: +-5.5km, 2 hours return
Difficulty: Easy

Kanonkop

The Kanonkop trail, which is a 3 hour circular route departing from the visitor centre, is one of the most popular among Cape Point hiking enthusiasts. Named after the old canon located at its peak, the Kanonkop trail provides impressive views over False Bay, Cape Point, Buffels Bay Beach, and the prominent Da Gama monument, and it also passes an interesting old lime kiln along the way. The trail requires only a moderate level of fitness, but if you’re feeling less energetic follow the road to Venus Pools and park close to the signs directing you up Kanonkop, a few hundred metres after the turnoff at Bynes.

Departs: Cape Point visitor centre
Distance: +-5.5km, 3 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate

Phyllisia Circuit

The Phyllisia Circuit, named after the large trawler that ran aground on the nearby shoreline in 1968, also departs from the Gifkommetjie parking lot. This circular route takes you parallel to the western Cape Point coastline, and returns along the shore. This too is an often overlooked route, and even on busy days can offer beautiful Cape Point tranquility.

Departs: Gifkommetjie parking area, follow signposts upon entry into Cape Point
Distance: +-7km, 3 hours return
Difficulty: Easy

Shipwreck Trail

Perhaps the most popular of the shorter walks at Cape Point are the shipwreck trails. These unique walks depart from the Olifantsbos parking area, and each offer fascinating insight into the early days of the many Cape Point maritime disasters and access to unspoilt fauna and flora."

The Article above is courtesy from the Official Website:

https://capepoint.co.za

 

 

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                         For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                              www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Garden Route - Sedgefield

 

Myoli Beach Sedgefield

We recently visited Sedgefield, a town along the N2 and Garden Route of South Africa

Somehow, one always seems to bypass Sedgefield in a hurry to get to the more well known towns of Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. This time we stayed and what a surprise it turned out to be. Don't be put off by the endless row of shops lining the N2 - there is so much more to explore in this town.

We were amazed with both the history and the mosaics in this town.

The Sedgefield website is extremely well done and is well worth a read to discover just how much there is to this "Slow Town" 

https://www.discover-sedgefield-south-africa.com/

Swartvlei Estuary

We particularly loved the amazing beaches in Sedgefield - from Gericke's Point all the way to Cola Beach one can walk for miles and miles, especially at low tide.
The hike to Gericke's Point is approx. 4km and should be done at low tide. Offering lovely views and the highest fossil dunes in South Africa. It is one of those hikes that everybody needs to do at least once.
Swartvlei Beach is ideal for surfing, horse riding, running, angling or swimming
Sedgefield Lagoon mouth is on the estuary on the swimmers here love to ride with the current down towards the sea! When we first saw this we though the guy was in trouble but we soon realised that this is a favourite sport for the locals! 
Myoli Beach has a restaurant very close by - this is extremely popular. Kite surfing and fishing are popular here as well as being a sun-tanning spot during the summer months. 
For a really long run or walk, try Cola Beach - it's gorgeous, quiet and goes on forever!

We also loved walking along the river banks at low tide - accessed from The Island. Bird life was interesting and the views are lovely. We did get sucked into a very muddy patch - I nearly lost my shoes but I managed to get out without too much damage other than extremely muddy shoes and ankles!

The Saturday Market is well known and a must visit if you are in the area on a Saturday. It gets very busy so go early. 
We found the mosaics fascinating and these are found all over the town - read the history behind this project on the website link above.

All in all, an interesting and beautiful area of the Garden Route of South Africa - take some time to branch off the N2 and enjoy the peace and natural beauty that surrounds the town of Sedgefield. 

Photographers will also enjoy the various moods and lighting conditions over the estuary and the beaches - it's a fun place to visit once you realise that there is more to this Garden Route town than meets the eye from the N2!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

    For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

 www.bradclin.com

South Africa Garden Route - Buffalo Bay and Goukamma Nature Reserve

 

Buffalo Bay 

There are many places to visit on the Garden Route - on this day we visited Buffalo Bay, off the N2 towards Knysna. The wind was howling in "Buffs" as the surfers love to call this place. But the hardy souls had already claimed their "braai" places along the coast despite the wind! Most of the benches have surfing boards attached to them and these are all beautifully decorated. 

This bay is apparently surfers paradise but there is a "Shark Kit" as you go down to the beach.

This was most probably installed after a shark attack in 2015 when a young student lost a leg.

Whether the advice below is good or not,  

"As the shark swims around you, keep your head on a swivel and try to maintain eye contact. “Sharks are ambush predators,” Peirce explained. “If you're turning around and facing it the whole time while it circles you, it's not going to be half as comfortable as if it's able to sneak up from behind.”

However, if you are a surfer, you would chat to the locals and get up-to-date info and advice. 

Buffalo Bay 

The beach is very long and one can walk as far as Brenton on Sea, near Knysna if exercise is your daily "fix" on land rather than in the sea! As with most seaside towns in South Africa, many of the homes are holiday houses. There is a caravan park right on the rocky coastline - with amazing views if you can get a seafront stand. 

We really loved the holiday vibe of this coastal village, despite the crazy wind. People are friendly and those "braai" places just beg to be used while sitting on one of the surf board benches. There is plenty of parking and a large restaurant overlooking the bay.

Buffalo Bay

Goukamma Nature Reserve is just along the road back towards the N2.

There is a small entrance fee and the day we visited there was a large group of pensioners going to the picnic area for some bubbly, lively chatter and their picnic fare. It looked very inviting and a perfect place for a group outing.

Nature lovers can take a picnic into the reserve, or book a stay for a night or two in order to enjoy some of the hiking trails. 

Goukamma River

There are numerous hiking trails within the reserve and we watched as some hikers pulled themselves back across the river in the tiny ferry boat! It works - although maybe some muscle power is required!

Goukamma Ferry

"The reserve covers 2 500 hectares of dense coastal forest, including milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees. It protects the charming vervet monkey, bushbuck and bushpig, as well as porcupine, mongoose, honey badger and grysbok. This is a popular choice for keen birders, as the Goukamma River and estuary and the Groenvlei Lake provide a welcoming habitat for more than 220 bird species, including the rare African black oystercatcher. There are two indigenous and four alien species of fish found in Groenvlei Lake. Visitors enjoy the sight of the magnificent southern right whales between June and November. Bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins play in the waves throughout the year".

A great time to visit is in September/October when the first spring rains create splashes of bright spring flowers amid the fynbos. This is a year-round destination, as it falls between the Cape’s summer and winter rainfall seasons"

https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/goukamma-nature-reserve

We loved walking along the river (park on the side of the road before you get to the entrance to the actual Reserve) as the views are amazing and the birdlife is prolific. At low tide it makes for a wonderful walk. No dogs are allowed on this section because of the bird life so please leave your doggie at home. The gulls were very protective of the youngsters and we really got told off by one of them. It was both funny and rather endearing to see this level of care from the mother of a chick that was already fairly big. There was no mistaking the fact that I was being told, in no uncertain terms, to back off.

Goukamma River Walk

The river walk was serene with only one lone fisherman seen on the opposite bank of the river. So, if you want to be in tune with nature, this walk is highly recommended. The views are awesome and it's a great spot for photography. 

Goukamma River

All in all, a great day's outing whether you are based in Sedgefield or Knysna, 

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    For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

 www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Riebeek Kasteel

 

Riebeek Kasteel is an interesting and quirky town nestled in a beautiful valley in the Swartland region of South Africa. Ideal for either a day's trip from cape Town or an extended week-end visit.

The Swartland Wine and Olive route includes towns such as Piketberg, Koring berg, Malmesbury, Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel. Olive farming started in the late 1980's and is now one of the primary olive oil producing regions of South Africa.

Royal Hotel Riebeek Kasteel

The early settlers called this area :Het Zwarleland (the black land) because of the Renosterbos (Rhino bush) that dotted the landscape making everything look dark grey. They planted crops such as wheat, vegetables and vineyards for their own use. At that stage nobody would ever have dreamed that these original vineyards would put the Swartland region on the global map.


The area around Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeek West, Gouda (with the large windfarm) Hermon and back to Riebeek Kasteel offers some stunning landscapes with vineyards planted for miles and miles. The Kasteelberg mountain offers a hiking trail from Pulpit Rock Winery but this is not for the feint-hearted so do take care before attempting this trail. 

There are over 40 dams in this area - all looking very full after the winter rains. Farm roads just beg to be explored - there is nothing more fun than wandering down a gravel road and seeing another vehicle with its dust cloud hurtling towards you. Farmers don't slow down on these roads -they drive them daily and have their sturdy 4X4's to keep them safe! 

The shops in the village of Riebeek Kasteel are well worth exploring - from a quirky store selling old "junk" and much more to the wine boutique or "Crystal and Twine" where there are 2 floors of gorgeous goods on sale. Rabbits are all over in many shapes and forms in the beautiful store - if that rocks your boat.

Restaurants are many and varied - too many to try over 1 week-end. So check out the Reviews and pick those that grab your fancy the most. You could happily eat out for 2 weeks and not go to the same place twice. We enjoyed Eight Feet Village up on the Bothmaskloof Pass.  Run by the 4 du Toit brothers this was a happy place as Pieter-Steph du Toit is currently playing in the Rugby World Cup with the South African Springbok team.

The Kloovenburg Wine and Olive farm is well worth a visit. 

However, there are numerous other wine farms open to the public such as Pulpit Rock, Allesverloren Wine Estate, Het Vlock Casteel, and the Wine Kollective. 

See their information on the link below.

https://eightfeet.co.za/about/

 Further afield we stopped outside the PPC Cement Factory near Riebeek West - fascinating to see this huge plant with all the conveyor belts, creaking and groaning as they work at breaking down the stones. The company name is Pretoria Portland Cement and was started in South Africa as far back as 1892 with the Riebeek West plant from 1946. General Smuts birthplace is in the grounds here and can be visited.  

 There are numerous artists living in Riebeek Kasteel and their work can be seen in and around the village. Do take a wander down a side road (12 Royal Street) to view the stunning collection of photographs in this beautiful gallery named Pictorex.  

There is also work in the old shelter on the square by Cape Town Street artist Folko One

"Falko One is now known as one of the most important (and earliest) street artists in the world, and if you’re lucky enough to track down his paintings—many of which are on the sides of buildings or people’s homes in poorer neighborhoods (he always makes sure it’s OK before letting loose)—you’ll find some of the most awe-inspiring work on the planet.

One of his favorite subjects? Elephants, which take on psychedelic hues like purple, bronze, pink, and baby blue. He’s also known to do caricatures of faces, birds, and the occasional gorilla.

There’s a fairytale ending to this story, of course. He finally got landed major sponsorship bucks from Red Bull, so he’s traveling the world making art for a living."

So, all in all, a fun place to visit = whether for wine tasting, olive tasting, eating out, shopping, visiting galleries, hiking to Pulpit Rock, driving dusty country roads or just sitting on the "stoep" of your B&B or Hotel watching the world go by.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

    For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

 www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Road Tripping Again - West Coast

 

West Coast National Park - Flower Season August and September each year - take a picnic and enjoy the amazing display of flowers!

Whilst our main focus was on the Wild Flowers of the West Coast that occur during August and September of each year, we did the odd bit of exploring along the way.   The West Coast has many interesting villages that can be explored. Jacobsbaai is approx, a 90 minute drive from Cape Town and hosts a small community of artists, potters, holiday makers and those who love the tranquility. With gravel roads and 7 small bays like Kwaaibaai for surfers, Smalbaai for birders. Hospital Bay, ideal for swimming, gets its name from the the 1800's when ships dropped off their sick for quarantine purposes. Certainly a tranquil spot for recovery from illness. although one wonders if these folk were able to fish or dive for the abundant crayfish in order to survive? Serious hikers can enjoy the trail from Swartrietbaai to Tietiesbaai, near Paternoster. If you are interested in shipwrecks, read the story of the Margaret in the link below. https://www.learntodivetoday.co.za/blog/2019/02/05/visible-shipwrecks-the-barge-margaret/ All that can be seen of this barge today is a small section remaining. The West Coast National Park is a must visit during flower season. Postberg Reserve within the park is only open to visitors during August and September so it can get very busy. Best to visit on a sunny week-day rather than a week-end when the Capetonians drive up to see the flowers and enjoy a picnic in amongst huge boulders, wild flowers, seagulls looking for a snack and the sea. For hikers, the trail during Flower Season is a must do - booking is essential. See the Blog below for full details. https://www.ostrichtrails.com/africa/south-africa/postberg-flower-hike/ Kraalbaai in the West Coast National Park offers stunning views over Langebaan Lagoon and the tidal flats are ideal for walking during low tide. During summer swimming, kayaking, SUP or wind-surfing can all be enjoyed. Their are also house boats for hire - spend a romantic night on the lagoon or have a party (not too noisy!) on the bigger house boat that sleeps around 24 pax.  The West Coast National Park surrounds the beautiful Langebaan Lagoon and is a Ramsar Site (Wetland of Internationa Importance) Migrant waders from the Northern hemisphere can be seen here as well as Greater and Lesser Flamingoes. There are bird hides close to the Geelbek Information centre and another one just before the exit gate on the Langebaan side. This hide has been recently upgraded and is now much higher, allowing birds to be seen more easily. The views from Seeberg Lookout are beautiful and there is also the hike from the Langebaan gate to Seeberg - approx 4km.  We walked a short distance along this hiking path and it was fascinating to watch a "flower eating" bird having a whale of a time amongst the beautiful wild flowers! Whether the flowers are edible for humans I cannot say! A West Coast iconic "must see" is Bokkom Laan in Veldrif. Take time out to sit over the water at "Ek en DJY" - they serve toasties, burgers, fish and the beer is cold! We loved watching a Grey Heron trying to find a fish in the shallow waters but he had no luck while we were watching. We got chatting to a local who has re-located to the peace of Velddrif from Gauteng. His photos of the heron are incredible, showing that fish are indeed caught from time to time. There are boat trips on offer for a closer look at the birds - our time did not permit for this, sadly. The local industry here is bokkoms, dried out by the sun and the wind. "Fish Biltong" and there is a huge warehouse full of this South African delicacy. Eat them as biltong, or on buttered toast, use to make fish soup or re-hydrate to use as anchovies.   From  Paternoster, one can drive into the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve.  This area has camping sites in Tietiesbaai where there are ablution blocks but wild camping spots are also dotted all over the area for those who prefer to be more isolated. The Sea Shack offers glamping A-Frame cabins and you truly cannot get closer to the sea from here! There is a labyrinth just beyond the parking area outside - with a bench in the centre from where one meditate and watch the waves.  This Reserve is extremely popular during the summer months.  The Cape Columbine Lighthouse got its name from the British ship, Columbine that was wrecked in 1829. For ships coming from South America and Europe it is the first lighthouse that they see. Commissioned in October 1936, there are now homes available for tourists within this Lighthouse compound.  All in all, a great area to explore for hikers, birders, photographers. Or just to enjoy being close to nature on the West Coast.  This heron spent ages looking for a fish - he was not successful while we were watching. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography     For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa  www.bradclin.com The bird that just loved eating the wild flowers - such fun to watch!