Plettenberg Bay, Southern Cape

Some little known facts about Plett:

The small Cape Floral Kingdom between Cape Town and Grahamstown contains 8500 different flowering plants. This is more than is found in the entire Northern hemisphere. There are 27 common species of Ericasand a great many wild proteas. Shrubs typical of fynbos are blombos, berzelia and bitou giving the local fynbos its particular character. Longstone Park on Beacon Isle Crescent is being developed as the local botanical garden.

More than 260 species of birds have been sited in this area. These include the Knysna Loerie, Narina Trogan ,the African Black Oystercatcher and the Orangebreasted sunbird. Common mammals that may be spotted include the bushpig, dassie, caracal. genet, baboon, vervet monkey, blue duiker, bushbuck, grysbok, leopard, mongoose and the Cape clawless otter. The most common species of reptiles include the dwarf chameleon, boomslang, night adder and puff adder.

Rare and unique insects can also be found here. The silver-spotted caterpillar unique to the coastal belt of the Southern Cape helped lay the foundations of a century-old church at The Crags near Plettenberg Bay. Today, the St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, situated on the out-skirts of Kurland Village, stands largely due to proceeds of sales of the striking, silver-spotted moths, which emerge from the rare larva known as leto venus

Winter in Cape Town,

With winter well into it's first month, and the long mid year holidays looming, NOW is the time for locals to get out and enjoy the wonderful wonderful place that is the Western Cape- right on their doorstep!

Special offers everywhere, from Arniston to Kagga Kama Private reserve. All kinds of acccommodations on offer.. affordable, each and every one of them! Buy a newspaper, magazine, surf the net, FIND somewhere to go and GO!

The mega event, soccer, is a mere two weeks away and we only have 8 games scheduled for Cape Town, take the opportunity, break out of the typical Capetonian apathetic mould and FIND somewhere to go. It is better than therapy. And cheaper

Dwarskersbos, West Coast

Dwarskersbos is a popular holiday resort with a clean sandy beach that stretches for kilometers. It is situated in the centre of the St Helena basin. The town derived its name from the many candle bushes in the area. The caravanpark is popular by holidaymakers through the year. There are also some fully equipped rondawels and flats beside the sea.

The town made history in 1969 when it was hit by a tidal wave and the sea washed into many of the homes.

Whales can often be seen near the coast and attract many visitors. The town has also become known for its angling and watersports. During high season excellent entertainment programmes are presented.
During August and September the little town becomes quite busy as it situated in close proximity to the wild flowers found in abundace in the area.

The famous Rocher Pan with its 150 different bird species can be reached via a walking trail from Dwarskersbos.

Redelinghuys, West Coast

Redelinghuys is situated in the Sandveld and is just 20 minutes drive from Elands Bay on the West Coast. The Sandveld is one of the main potato producing areas in South Africa. It's name is appropriate in that the soil is sandy and is therefore a challenging 4x4 area. This quint little town is surrounded by overhanging cliffs, the beautiful Verlorenvlei and the majestic Atlantic Ocean.

The town of Redelinghuys is situated on the banks of the Verlorenvlei, which has an abundance of rare bird species. Verlorenvlei is certainly one of the most rewarding birding destinations in the Western Cape, especially when waders from the northern hemisphere emigrate to the warmer climate of this region. Besides the many exotic species that migrate here, the reserve is also home to numerous indigenous bird species. No less than 232 kinds of birds have been recorded here. The wetland stretches along 25 km.
Although Cape nature Conservation owns it, the surrounding land is private property and prospective visitors should get permission to walk along the banks of the wetland. Apart from whatching and walking, canoeing is also allowed

Villiersdorp, Theewaterskloof Dam, Western Cape

Villiersdorp, also known as the “Pearl of the Overberg”, is a peaceful village graced by oak trees and surrounded by fruit and wine farms.
It is a prosperous apple-growing area which produces pears, apricots, peaches, grapes as well as onions.The village is in a valley surrounded by the picturesque Waterval - and Baviaans mountains and lies next to the magnificent Theewaterskloof Dam, South Africa’s 7th largest dam.

A 9 hole Golf Course is situated next to the dam, while on the water one can enjoy pleasure cruises, fishing and most other water sports.

Tractor tours,wine tastings and various options of accommodations and eateries.For the adventurous, there are exciting 4x4 routes, hiking trails and mountain bike trails in the surrounding Blokkop, Aasvoel and Sneeukop mountains.

The town was established in 1843 by Veldkornet P.H. De Villiers and was declared a municipality in 1885. Because many of the residents were French Huguenot descendants, the town was named " De Villiers Dorp"

This tranquil village is a charming and beautiful village for visitors seeking a relaxing experience not far from the hustle and bustle of busy Cape Town

Caledon, Western Cape, Swartberg, wild flowers

A mere 110 km east of Cape Town,against the backdrop of the Swartberg, surrounded by fields of barley and wheat, lies Caledon.Discovered by the early Khoi-Khoi and developed around its iron-rich springs , a sick house and later a sanatorium was built. The latter was later destroyed by a fire.

The seven springs, one of which is cold and the other six thermal, are warmed by contact with rocks heated by pressure deep under the ground to a steady temperature of 49.5° Celsius. The waters of Caledon are also free of any organic matter and in 1893, they were awarded first prize as the world’s top quality mineral waters at the Chicago World Fair.

Caledon’s wild flower garden is world-renowned and forms part of a reserve at the entrance to Venster Kloof, so called because of an interesting rock, which looks like a window. The garden has an annual show during September at the time of year that best displays the abundant array of indigenous wild flowers that bloom in this season. You can hike through the Nature Reserve to experience the indigenous fynbos vegetation, indigenous trees, prolific bird life and flowers, as well as the gorgeous mountain views of the Swartberg

Inverdoorn , Ceres

Last week we were invited to visit this exciting Safari Lodge near Ceres in the Klein Karoo-Inverdoorn.

A pretty drive and good roads except for the last section where you experience about 10km. of gravel/dusty road. Don't expect to come home with a clean car.

We were welcomed with a warm morning coffee/tea or cold drink with delicious home-baked cookies.


It is quite a large farm +_ 5000 hectare, and although one would expect the area to be completely dry and barren, to our surprise we found quite a lot of vegetation around comfortable dams and waterholes, as well as a beautiful small and large 'lake'.

Hippos,Rhino, Buffalo and plenty of Zebra, Giraffe,Kudu and Eland) in nice size herds made this encounter more pleasing than the other 'one-day' Game safaris that I have visited in this region.
The lion were in an extended open area, as were the Cheetah that were part of a breeding programme that intends letting the new cubs out into the 'wild'.

The Lodge and rooms were very well appointed, as suited their 4 star rating, and the meal we enjoyed was very satisfactory.

It was overall a very enjoyable days outing and I can highly recommend a visit.

For further information and a booking including transport if required, contact clive@executivetouring.co.za

Mining Indaba

The Mining Indaba is one of the world's premier mining indabas where
senior mining executives, bankers, politicians get together for networking and transacting.

Expert speakers share their visions and knowledge with lessor
mortals and sponsors and exhibitors display their various products
in the large exhibition hall.

It is an annual event that takes place at the CTICC and adjacent hotel.

The event is sold out months in advance and it is also a very good
opportunity to see the fairest Cape and take advantage of all the sights
and sounds that the city has to offer.

Robinson Pass

flickr.com/photos/gravitywave/91431101/

Between Oudshoorn and Mosselbay lies the Robinson Pass.
The higher part of this pass is scenically very beatiful, offering
distant views of rolling mountains and the sea.
The surrounding mountains are covered with fynbos and large tracts
of pine plantations and forest patches.
A very attractive hike has been laid out, the Koumashoek Circuit,
and is well worth doing. It takes approximately 6 hours to complete,
a distance of 14,7 km.
However, before rushing off, check it out with Cape Nature
as special permission has to be granted.

My husband,a keen and experienced hiker commented that it
was one of the best that he had completed.
I waited at the end of the hike for him, soaking in the
peace and quiet that the soul craves.

Photo: Justin Alberts


There is not quite anything like Vensters! (windows)

The first year students of the University of Stellenbosch
showcase their talents(and I use this term loosely)by choosing a theme, choreographing and performing a 10 minute"play/cabaret" complete with home made
costumes, backdrops and music (LOUD music!) throughout the evening.

You congregate in front of the stage along with a myriad of people and watch the performance. Then you move to the next one, and so on and so on!

It is absolutely hilarious and such fun!

At the end of the evening you feel as if you have been revived
and the laughter lingers long after you have left!

Absolutely wonderful!!

oudshoorn, ostriches

photo:RODGER BOSCH
MEDIACLUBSOUTHAFRICA


I have never been one for doing mainstream tourist things,
but I decided to go on a ostrich farm visit. Despite the fact that
it was 39 degrees in the shade!And Oudshoorn is gripped in the worst
drought in history.

Colleen, our guide took us around the pens, explaining all
the interesting bits about ostriches and their quirky little
habits. The fact that they really can't count, that their eyes
weigh 60g and their brains 40g, and that they really are stupid
made them even more endearing to me. They have the most
beautiful eyes and eye lashes to die for.
When the males are looking for female company, their
beaks and fronts of legs turn bright pink/red and they end up
looking even more girlie than the girls!

So after devouring a fast-melting ice cream, I popped
into the curio shop and now I can also say
"been there, done that, bought the featherduster"

Eastern Food Bazaar

Friday night at the Eastern Food Bazaar proved to be more
than a mediocre experience.

Lovers of curry, line up! The lamb breyani,butter chicken and
dosa was so good and definitely worth a return visit.

The food is ridiculously inexpensive but it is the vibe that will
hook you.

Colourful, typically capetonian, noisy, unpretentious. Wonderful!

Do youself a favour..go! It is open daily until 9pm.

Mini-Tsunami-Respect for Nature

Clifton Beach 12/01/10.





A beautiful but windy day in Cape Town. Where does one take visitors fom abroad to swim. Yes, naturally Clifton-Bikini beach.Usually a safe, wind protected beach.

After two wonderful hours in the water and on the rocks my guests suddenly(in seconds)noticed a rather large wave approaching the beach.

With wonderful insight they grabbed their loose belongings, their two toddlers and a baby in a pram - and within moments they were shoulder deep (he stands 6'4)in the sea.
Fortunately, besides being soaked and losing one shoe, they survived although a little shocked. Others were not that lucky.
A lady and her daughter from Durban who were next to them were washed onto the rocks and sustained slight injuries as well as losing ALL their belongings, including towels,clothing,shoes and beach bag containing wallets,car keys,etc.

Take care when swimming even on 'safe beaches'.

PHOTO: Neighbourgoods Market Website


I absolutely love going to the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock
on a Saturday morning and I start searching for a willing companion
already by Friday!

The food is so delicious and lovingly prepared, that
the choice of what to eat or take home becomes bizarrely
confusing. It is impossible to find anything that you DON'T eat!

Olives, bread, honey, french pastries, meaty morsels, vegetarian fare, the list goes on and on!

It is truly a good food lover's market and I suggest you get there
early, as people stream in endlessly to eat, drink or just socialise!

In the event that you can find absolutely NOTHING
that interest you, you can get fresh veg, flowers or pet food to go.

Everyone leaves with something!!!

Sport, hiking,kite surfing, cricket

Sports lovers will find Cape Town an awesome venue
as the weather is so diverse that it allows for any
one person to practise a few kinds of sports.

On a hot windless day, you can go and soak up the sun
and swim in the ocean. Windy days are ideal for
kite surfing which seems to have overtaken wind surfing
as the number one sport.

Mountain biking, hiking and running are other options
as there are so many good spots to practise these sports.

Health clubs abound and sports clubs are of the highest standard.

Never a dull moment! Just go out there and find something
outdoorsy to do, you will be pleasantly surprised.

If all else fails, there's bound to be cricket on television!!

Cape Minstrels

Photo: Courtesy South African Tourism

The Cape Minstrel Carnival or Kaapse Klopse as it is also known, is Cape Town’s longest-running street party and lasts for the month of January.

New Year celebrations are always huge in Cape Town, but it’s not until January 2 that the party gets started. The event, known as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (second New Year), is when minstrels, in a cacophony of colour , parasols swinging ,dance through the city centre singing traditional songs and playing banjos.

This event was originally known as the Kaapse Klopse and originated in the 1800s when Malay slaves celebrated the one and only day in the year that they had off work.

We have come a long way since then, but this is a tradition not to be missed!

New Years Eve Celebrations

Photo courtsey The Barnyard www.thebarnyard.co.za

When you are young, there is never a shortage of things to do, places to go, people to see, on New Years Eve,but once you reach the age where clubbing is no longer fun and you have had your absolute fill of braais and salads, the choice becomes limited.

However there are still places us ''geriatrics'' can go to have a good time and not embarrass ourselves (or our kids) and one such place is The Barnyard at Willowbridge in Cape Town's northern suburbs.

A show is put on by a professional group of musicians, you take your own eats, buy your drinks at the venue, put on the proverbial hat and the fun starts!

The 2009 show had a circus theme and budding stars wowed the crowd with their antics, old and new songs were belted out by the musos and at midnight everyone got to their feet, had an auld lang syne moment, one last drink and by 1am everything was over.
A jolly good time was had by all.