Sea Kayaking Cape Town

The Peninsula Coastline offers prime sea kayaking opportunities on both the False Bay & Atlantic sides. The precipitous mountains which rise up from sea level, the expanses of white beaches and secluded rocky coves make this one of the world's premier sea kayaking spots. Interest in this activity has increased exponentially and one regularily spots motorists with kayak on the roof heading to the nearest coastline or beach for a "paddle"

Organised trips include Boulders Beach (Penguin Colony), Hout Bay to Seal Island, Simonstown Quayside & Bay where you may have a close up encounter with a 40 ton Southern Right Whale or further afield at Cape Point or Hermanus.

Whatever your choice be prepared for an unforgettable experience..........and don't forget the camera & of course sun tan lotion!

Source: Sea Kayaking Cape Town | Noordhoek Hotel

Cape Town Wine Estates

Cape Town is well know for it’s wine and wine estates but the wine industry can be confusing for a visitor. Wine lover or not, a visit to the Cape Winelands is an absolute must as the region has beautiful vistas against majestic mountain backdrops, rolling vineyards and quaint Cape Dutch homesteads coupled with award-winning wines.

The winelands are divided into various different region, each offering their own ”wine route”. The most popular and well know are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia, Paarl and Wellington. The estates in Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch can be reached via a scenic coastal route, which takes approximately 45 minutes by car from Afton Grove. Your hosts will assist with planning a wine route to suit your individual taste over a wholesome farm breakfast.

Constantia Vineyards:
The oldest of all Cape wine estates are situated in the beautiful Constantia Valley, some 15 minutes drive from Afton Grove. Early Cape Dutch architecture from the era of the VOC is very much in evidence with mature oak trees & sweeping views completing the scene. Many offer fine restaurants as well as wine tasting in a setting which is breathtakingly beautiful with the backdrop of the Contantiaberg on one side & sweeping views across False Bay in the other.

Constantia Valley Wine Farms:

Groot Constantia
Klein Constantia
Buitenverwachting
Constantia Uitsig
Steenberg

Cape Town Wine Routes:
1. Paarl Wine Route
2. Franschoek Wine Route
3. Stellenbosch Wine Route
4. Durbanville Wine Route

GROOT CONSTANTIA - Less than 20 minutes drive
Tel. 021 794 5128 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 794 5128 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Situated in the Constantia Valley off the M41. This is the oldest wine estate in the country & this is where the roots of the South African wine industry lie. Developed by Simon van der Stel in 1685. Wine tasting, cellar tours, Manor house museum, Cloete cellar museum, restaurants & fine examples of early Cape architecture. Open 7 days a week. Cellar tours every hour on the hour.

KLEIN CONSTANTIA - Less than 20 minutes drive.
Tel 021 794 5188 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 794 5188 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Against the slopes of the Constantia mountain lies this well maintained private estate which has been described as one of the worlds most beautiful vineyard locations. Part of the original land grant made to Simon van der Stel in 1685. Produces a range of wines of which their vin de Constance is world renown. Open Mon. - Sat. for wine tasting.

BUITENVERWACHTING - Less than 20 minutes drive
Tel 021 794 5190 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 794 5190 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Situated in the Constantia valley. Another portion of the original estate owned by van der Stel. The farm has been lovingly restored and in 1985 produced a maiden harvest of 98 tons, the first in 30 years which lived up to the name "Buitenverwachting" - beyond expectation. Wine tasting 7 days a week. The restaurant at this estate is rated among the top 10 in the country.

CONSTANTIA UITSIG - Less than 15 minutes drive
Tel. 021 794 1810 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 794 1810 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Situated adjacent to Buitenverwachting this private estate was the first to begin with the export of table grapes from the region. In 1988 the farm was aquired by the current owners & has been developed to a fine country estate with hotel, 3 restaurants, a specialist wine sales & tasting as well as one of only 2 private cricket ovals in the country. La Colombe restaurant is currently rated as one of the top 5 restaurants in the country. Open Mon - Fri.

STEENBERG - Less than 15 minutes drive.
Tel. 021 713 2211 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 713 2211 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

This was the first land grant made in the Constantia valley in 1682. Today, some 300 years later, the original "werf" has been restored to its former glory and the estate boasts a magnificent golf course as well as some of the finest wines in this valley. A restaurant & wine tasting compliment this old charmer. Open Mon - Fri.

1. PAARL WINE ROUTE
Paarl Tourism Bureau at: 021 872-3829 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 872-3829 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Paarl Wine Route is renowned for it's exquisite red wines, which is why it's also known as the "Red Route". They have established themselves on the world wine map with their range of internationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, port and Shiraz wines.

2. FRANSCHOEK WINE ROUTE
Franschhoek Valley Tourism at: 021 876 3603 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 876 3603 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Franschhoek is regarded by many wine critics as one of the premier destinations in the winemaking world. This should come as no surprise, as this land was first used for wine production some 300 years ago by the French Huguenots. The Franschoek Wine Route is home to twenty-one wine farms, including some of South Africa's most respected names.

3. STELLENBOSCH WINE ROUTE
Stellenbosch Tourism and Information Bureau: 021 883 3584 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 883 3584 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Stellenbosch Wine Route is justifiably known as one of the finest that South Africa has to offer. The region’s climate and fertile soils combined with careful selection of the correct grape varieties have produced a winemaking industry that has survived and indeed thrived for over 300 years. The Stellenbosch Wine Region is today synonymous with award winning wines. For more information call the

4. DURBANVILLE WINE ROUTE
For more information go to www.durbanville.info

In terms of white wines, Durbanville Wine Valley is best known for its frequently awarded Sauvignon Blanc, with its Semillon wines starting to attract attention. On the red side, the valley’s wines are characterised by intense full black and red berry flavours in the grapes, as well as complex herbaceous characteristics and elegant tannins. The Durbanville Wine Valley is especially noted for its Merlot and Shiraz.

Source: Cape Town Wine Estates | Noorhoek Hotels

Cape Town Beaches

Cape Town beaches are arguably the most spectacular beaches in the world. From small, intimate rock pools to long expanses of white sand and crashing waves, Cape Town has a beach to suit everyone from sunbathers to surfers. Afton Grove is ideally located for those wishing to explore this collection of beautiful white sandy beaches and rocky coves of both the cold Atlantic as well as the popular swimming beaches on the warmer False Bay coastline.

The desire for white sand and blue ocean water, lying on a beach with golden sunshine warming your body, eyes closed, thoughts drifting to the sound of seagulls and the caress of waves is the idyllic dream of many a holiday maker. Finding a beach is not normally something most vacationers find difficult, but finding the right beach for your needs is sometimes trickier, so here are some tips for your beach holiday from Afton Grove.

For long invigorating walks:

Noordhoek or Muizenberg beaches are the first choice. Noordhoek Beach, is only a five minute drive from Afton Grove country Retreat and has 8 km of unspoilt pristine white sand and is also the resting place of the steamer the Kakapo that ran aground in 1900.

Family beaches with a child friendly environment, include:

Muizenberg for family friendly surfing and fun extras like a waterslide and mini-golf putt-putt. St James beach is characterized by the colourful beach houses and a tidal pool which is ideal for kids. Fish Hoek beach is the ultimate family friendly beach with a wide swathe of sand for building sandcastles, gentle swell for the kids to body board and swim and a playground. Glencairn and Hout Bay are wonderfully safe swimming beaches for the kids, with stretches of white sand to play on or in. Boulders Beach was voted best family beach in the world by the UK Telegraph in March 2007 which is hardly surprising considering the safe swimming, beautiful setting amongst granite boulders and of course the opportunity to swim with penguins. Llandudno with it’s protected bay and granite boulders are fabulous for hide and seek and Camp’s Bay is close to lots of facilities.

For sunbathing and people watching:

Clifton is the main hub for local beach-bodies and various activities of beach-bats, volleyball and Frisbee games. Camps Bay is also popular for surf-skiers and volleyball players and sun lizards to catch the suns rays before joining the jet-set on the Camps Bay strip for cocktails. Sandy Bay – a short walk from Llandudno near Hout Bay is ideal for an all-over-bare-all tan.

Nature and wildlife experiences:

One can do Whale Watching from July – November from all the beaches on the False Bay coastline, Schusters Bay in Scarborough and Hout Bay Beach.
To view or swim with African Penguins, Boulders Beach is the place to be.
Dolphins have been spotted along both coastlines with close viewing sometimes possible from Camps Bay and Clovelly.
If you are lucky you can spot the Cape Clawless Otter on Kommetjie’s Long Beach.

The Cape Peninsula is a beloved year round birding destination with a variety of exciting species and fynbos endemics especially in in the Mountain fynbos which abounds on the Peninsula. Or try a pelagic boat trip from Simonstown to see up 20 plus sea bird species, including albatross, shearwaters, storm petrels & giant petrels.

Romantics will be seduced by the smaller hidden coves that most drivers miss from the road. Hike down to Smitswinkel bay just before the road turns towards the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve entrance – a bay frequented only by private residents or fisherman – the effort is worth the privacy. Scarborough or Misty Cliffs on the Atlantic Coastline are beautiful sandy beaches, dotted with an occasional surfer or windsurfer. The crowds seldom visit Windmill Beach or Fisherman’s Beach on the southern end of Simon’s Town, both as picturesque as the more famed Boulders Beach. Glen Beach adjacent to Camps Bay is another secret gem that is more secluded than its more famous neighbour.

There is no shortage of water based fun activities:
The Cape is a popular sea kayaking and surfski destination with kayak trips from Simon’s Town and surfski school at Fish Hoek or Hout Bay beaches.
Surfing abounds on all sides with Muizenberg ideal for beginners and more experienced surfers can catch waves at Dalebrook near Kalk Bay; Kommetjie, Scarborough, Llandudno (famed for the Big Wave Challenge) and Glen Beach near Camps Bay.
Boat trips leave from Hout Bay or Simon’s Town and also leave from the V & A Waterfront. There is a mixture of leisure cruises, harbour cruises, seal island cruises, Cape Point cruises depending on your needs and time allocation.

Fishing is vastly popular and you can book a deep sea trip with an experienced skipper or get a permit for angling off the shore. The predominant offshore fish species are yellowfin tuna, longfin, mako and occasionally dorado. Inshore there is yellowtail and cape snoek with options for hooking cape salmon and kob.
Under the water, scuba diving in the Cape offers a fascinating discovery of ghostly shipwrecks, huge kelp forests, coral gardens and deep reefs but contact one of the local professional dive operators for advice.

On land book a horse ride with your hosts on Noordhoek beach. Gallop through the waves with a sense of unrequited freedom or enjoy a quiet sunset ride whilst watching the sun meet the horizon across the Atlantic.

Source: Cape Town beaches

Noordhoek accomodation

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

The beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens, nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain is world-renowned for its display of Cape Flora. Founded in 1913 the Garden only grows indigenous South African plants and has also been voted as one of the seven magnificent gardens of the world. Approximately 6 000 species of Southern Africa's flora are represented, particularly that of the Cape floral kingdom, known as fynbos. A well-know birding "hotspot", the well maintained gardens, adjacent fynbos and indigenous forest support an attractive diversity of species. Numerous hiking trails commence at this point, offering spectacular views of the city from the vantage points along the slopes of the mountain.

You will come across some unusual features as you stroll through the gardens. There is a cycad bush in a cage, the last of its kind left in the world. It has no mate for propagation and needs protection from souvenir hunters. Amongst the shrubs you will see impressive stone sculptures large and small, which are part of a permanent exhibition of Shona art from Zimbabwe. Colonel Bird's Bath in The Dell is shaped like a bird and has a crystal clear spring bubbling into it and through a stream filled with stepping stones that delight children. There is also a Braille Trail and scented garden where you'll find sweet and strange smelling plants, with a guide to their medicinal uses.

Apart from the year round splendour of the gardens and the frequent art exhibitions, in summer, there is a series of Sunday "sunset" musical concerts, which are very popular. Order a picnic hamper from The Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch (well in advance) to enjoy under the trees while the music serenades your soul. Remember to take a blanket / chairs / cushions to sit on and something warm for when the sun has set. The gardens offer a good restaurant and delightful curio shop, as well as guided theme tours twice a week.

Constantia Wine Route

Resting in the cool shadow of majestic Table Mountain, you will find some of the oldest wine estates in the country. Embark on a gastronomic discovery through the Constantia Vineyards which span the south eastern slopes of the Table Mountain National Park. Cool coastal breezes, combined with the ancient soil in the valley and the unique influences of the fynbos result in the production of remarkable wines. The Constantia Wine Route is made up of Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg – all are big in quality, rich in history and boast a unique terroir and boast a winemaking history dating back to 1685.

Groot Constantia, the Cape's oldest vineyard and fine Cape Dutch homestead is located here and is well worth a visit. In the late 1980's a bottle of 1791 Constantia wine was discovered in the Duke of Northumberland's cellar in the UK, and returned to South Africa for a ceremonial tasting. Napoleon is said to have favoured the sweet wines of Constantia above all others and this two hundred year old deep amber liquid had withstood the passing years amazingly well. Its sweet fruity flavour scored incredible 18.7 points out of 20, by the wine experts on the tasting panel. Contact the estates for details on wine tastings, cellar tours, restaurants etc.

Source: Cape Town Accommodation

Deep Sea Fishing Cape Town

Cape Town offers some of the finest Big Game Fishing in the world. The warm Agulhas current of the Indian Ocean meets the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Point, the most southern most tip of the Cape Peninsula. Fuelled by seasonal upwelling along the west coast, this incredibly productive system produces huge numbers of bait fish, which in turn attract large numbers of pelagic as well as coastal game fish.

Professional charter services with experienced skippers and crew are available for big game fishing, game fishing and pelagic birdwatching. Deep Sea Fishing can be enjoyed all year round in Cape Town with Yellowfin tuna usually arriving in large numbers between March and June and again from October to December. These fish can weigh between 50 and 120kg and are found in the deep waters so tuna fishing usually takes a full day. Other species include Longfin tuna, Yellow Tail, Cape Salmon, Swordfish, the odd Marlin and the occasional dorado.

Cape Snoek are available during the winter months. This underrated game fish moves into our waters in huge quantities during the months of May to September. These fish are generally found at depths of around 15-20 meters and are generally in the 5-7kg class. This fishing is for everyone including complete novices.

Cape Town waters are home to a number of difference cetaceans such as common dolphins, dusky dolphins, Southern Right Whales, Humpback whales, Bryde’s whales and Killer Whales (Orca). Mako and blue sharks are often encountered as well as Cape Fur seals and coastal and pelagic seabirds including numerous species of species.

Two Oceans Sport Fishing Charters:

They operate out of the Simon’s Town waterfront and offer conventional as well as fly fishing charters. They currently hold the record for the largest yellowfin tuna taken on fly- weighing in at 76kgs. They are affiliated to Cape Town Tourism and captain Dave Christie is IGFA certified and a qualified marine biologist.

Their boat, Obsession, is a cutom built 30 foot catamaran sport fisher, powered by twin 200 Hp four stroke outboards and capable of doing 40 knots under calm conditions. Obsession is very well equipped with top quality Penn International and Shimano tackle and has an enclosed onboard loo.

Obsession undergoes an annual safety survey by the South Africa Maritime Safety Authority and carries all safety equipment onboard at all times, she is licenced to carry 12 passengers. Radio contact is maintained with coastal radio stations throughout the day, providing a safe and enjoyable charter. A light lunch and refreshments are included.

Source: Deap Sea Fishing
Cape Town Guest House

Top 10 Safety Tips For Cape Town Visitors

Don’t let the bad press about South African crime put you off visiting the beautiful city of Cape Town! Follow these simple safety guidelines and look forward to a fun, incident-free vacation in one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

1.Don’t walk around late at night unless you keep to well-lit places like the Waterfront and Camps Bay. Rather take a (decent) taxi than risk being mugged in a dark side street after nightfall.

2.Don’t accept help from a stranger at an ATM when drawing cash.

3.Stay in a group when out at night.

4.Don’t ~wave’ your bag, camera or cell phone around while walking in the city, day or night. This attracts undesirable attention. Avoid keeping anything of value in back pockets or open backpack compartments.

5.Keep the windows up and the car doors locked when driving around the city.

6.When driving, discourage ~smash & grab’ theft by keeping bags, keys, cell phones or anything ~tempting’ on the floor and not on the seats.

7.If you wish to visit a township, go with a reputable tour guide, not alone. It’s easy to get lost and some neighborhoods are less safe than others.

8.Fancy a train ride? Go on one with a blue ~Biggsy’s Restaurant Car’, enjoying a cup of coffee or a yummy breakfast while watching Cape Town’s suburbs pass by the window. Unfortunately, despite the security staff on the trains, muggings and harassment are fairly frequent. Traveling in the restaurant car is a safer, more comfortable experience.

9.Don’t give cash to beggars. Rather make a donation to a registered local charity. Money gained through begging, unfortunately, is inevitably ill-spent. Giving out cash also makes you a candidate for being mugged once you have your wallet out.

10.If you are eating out or watching a movie, do not put your bags on the floor or hang them over the back of your chair. Keep them on your lap, to avoid becoming a victim of opportunistic bag-snatchers. These scoundrels have even been known to operate in churches!

Remember: Pickpockets and muggers are a sad fact of life the world over. Just be careful, and you’ll find Cape Town as friendly, safe and enjoyable as any busy cosmopolitan city in the world.

Source: Article Snatch
Guest House Cape Town

Cape Town Whale Watching

Southern right whales are the most frequently seen whales within False Bay. These whales use the extreme coastal waters of the south western Cape coast , including False Bay, as calving and nursery grounds and may be seen just metres from the shore. The whales start arriving in the bay at the end of May and remain in the region up until the end of November. Peak month is October. Although approaching whales from boats within 300 metres is prohibited in South Africa, many land-based vantage points provide excellent views of southern right whales.

Other whales that can be seen within False Bay (although less frequently than southern right whales) include Bryde's whales, humpback whales and killer whales. Dolphin species in the region include bottlenose dolphins on the east side and dusky dolphins on the west side.

WEST FALSE BAY

The Muizenberg - Simon's Town coastal road, Boyes Drive above St James and Kalk Bay and the coastal road from Simon's Town to Cape Point frequently provide outstanding whale watching on the west side of the bay, with southern rights often within metres from the shore. In particular the coastal walkway from Muizenberg to St James (past Baylie's Cottage), the Kalk Bay Harbour Wall, the walkways at Fish Hoek including the catwalk can give excellent views. Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Muizenberg were all sites of open boat whaling stations in the past.

Boulders Beach, Simon's Town, is also home to a colony of Jackass Penguins.

EAST FALSE BAY

The coastal road from Gordon's Bay to Cape Hangklip (the eastern most point of False Bay) provides outstanding views of southern right wales. Just south of Cape Hangklip is Stony Point, a historical site of the Hangklip whaling station and presently also home to a Jackass Penguin colony.

THE ATLANTIC COAST

The coastline from Yzerfontein to Cape Point provides numerous points from which southern right whales may be sighted. Other species which may be found in this region include dusky dolphin, Heaviside's dolphin (which is endemic to the west coast of southern Africa) and the occasional sighting of humpback whale slightly further offshore. The coastal road between Sea Point and Scarborough takes you through Hout Bay and over Chapman's Peak which provides one of the finest sea views in the Western Cape. Good sites for whale spotting can be found all along this region.

Hout Bay is also home to a seal colony at Duikerklip just outside the bay. Boat trips to the seals can be taken from Hout Bay Harbour.

WHALE VIEWING - DIFFERENT BEHAVIOURS

Southern right whales have a variety of behaviours that can be observed when they are close to shore. For example:

Breaching: leaping out of the water in an arching back flip and falling into the water. This may be a form of play, communication, or an aggressive display. Whales usually breach four or five times in a row.

Lobtailing: slapping their flukes on the surface, creaing a sound which carries for a considerable distance.

Spyhopping: standing vertically with head and body, as far as the flippers, above the surface. This enables the whale to have a clear view of its surroundings.

Blowing: exhaling and then inhaling through the blowholes when surfacing.

Grunting: emitting a roaring sound which can be heard 1-2km away (especially at night).

Mating: Often a group of whales may be observed interacting within an area, this is usually a mating session. Several males will attempt to mate with a single female.

Source: Cape Town Accommodation