Traveltripsandtours's Weblog

Find Camps Bay Self Catering Accommodation in Cape Town

traveltripsandtours — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:05:31 +0000

Camps Bay is world renown for its most beautiful sceneries and absolutely break taking sunsets. Come and experience Camps Bay self catering accommodation in Cape Town and you can have first hand experiences to report.

My recollections of Camps Bay include having a sunset picnic n the beach with my family. Other special moments include just being one of the crowd on the beach or having a wonderful romantic meal then moving on to the beach. This particular meal was so enjoyable. Every thing was just perfect – the company, the red wine, the meal and of course the view. When it was all over, I wanted to order again – not because I was still hungry and/ or thirsty, I just did not want the moment to end. This is the picture I have in my mind about the area.

It is really exquisite – for this and other reasons, property is very highly priced – if not the most expensive in South Africa. But being here, just makes you feel like you are on holiday. Every thing about the place is fresh and refreshing.

Camps Bay is in South Africa’s Western Cape. If you are in Cape Town for business travel, or wanting a leisurely holiday, find Camps Bay self catering accommodation to fulfill your trip.

The facilities and services that you will find are superior. Class and luxury are just some of the benefits that you will reap. South Africa is known for great hospitality and Camps Bay will certainly exceed your expectations.

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South African Cape Town’s Camps Bay Travel Information

traveltripsandtours — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:05:46 +0000

Camps Bay has long been one of Cape Town’s most popular holiday destinations. Lined with palm trees on the beachfront, with white sandy beaches, brilliant blue sea and majestic mountains in the background, Camps Bay offers you the holiday of a lifetime. The cosmopolitan beachfront with its restaurants and cafés is busy throughout the year. The village is close to many other attractions, yet Camps Bay displays a certain uniqueness which is enjoyed by all its guests – come and experience it for yourself!

History of Camps Bay

Jan van Riebeeck arrived at the Cape in 1652, sent by the Dutch East India Company to erect a refreshment station for the passing ships on their trade route to the East (see History). Shortly after arrival, he started exploring the surrounding area.

He soon ventured over the mountain and discovered a bay with a lovely beach behind Table Mountain. Initially the area was of little interest to the company, being unsuitable for shipping with its dangerous breakers, yet attractive to farmers. By 1700 the area behind Table Mountain was known as Roodekrantz (Red bank) due to the reddish colour of the soil. The area was given to John Lodewyk Wernich, the Mayor of Bismarck, who built a farmhouse and called it Ravensteyn. After his death, his widow, Anna Koekemoer, married Fredrik Ernst von Kamptz, who built a track along the coast from his house to Cape Town. The farmhouse was later used by various British governors, among them Lord Charles Somerset, as a holiday house.

The French defend Camps Bay

When the American War of Independence broke out in 1777, the French and the Dutch sided with America to fight against England. Since the Cape was considered an important trade and supply station, both France and England sent their troops to Cape Town. The troops arrived in 1781, although the French won the race and landed 11 days before the British.

Before long, war erupted between England and the Netherlands, and for the next three years France assisted her allies, the Dutch, in the struggle to protect the Cape. As suggested by the French, a line of fortifications was built from the coast to Devil’s Peak and to the battery on Kloof Nek. Trenches were dug and a battery was built to command the beach, under Dutch command, and von Kamptz’s track to Camps Bay was demolished in the process.

The Bay of Von Kamptz

After the war, von Kamptz returned home to find his farm wrecked and his track destroyed. He lodged an official complaint, but the governor refused to rebuild the track, instead offering to buy the farm. On 31 January 1786, the government paid compensation to von Kamptz and the farm changed hands. Within a few months, two small batteries had been built.

First British Occupation

Dutch power in the Cape was fading by the end of the 18th century. When news of the Napoleonic Wars arrived in 1793, the British decided to secure the Cape. They took control of the Cape settlement in 1795, and finally defeated the Dutch in 1806 at Blouberg. In 1807 Lord Charles Somerset was to use the ‘Round House’ building in Camps Bay as his hunting lodge.

The beauty of Camps Bay eventually became better known, from the many governors who had braved the narrow road to the beach. In 1848 a better road had been completed, named Lady Smiths Pass, after the wife of the governor. It was later renamed to Kloof Road.

General information

Camps Bay is home to around 5500 families, with one of the best high schools in the country. It has some of the most prestigious properties in Cape Town, with priceless views. The famous Clifton beaches are situated nearby.

Camps Bay is probably second only to Table Mountain in its popularity for photographs and postcards. The turquoise colour of the ocean, together with the blue of the sky, the white sandy beach and the famous palm fringed beachfront -it’s just the perfect holiday paradise. The view from Lion’s Head is amazing, and the relatively short hike is well worth the effort.

Attractions in Camps Bay

The main attraction of Camps Bay is undoubtedly the unsurpassed beauty of its lovely beaches. Swimming and tanning under a bright blue sky, or taking a relaxing walk in the soft white sand are pastimes enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Gourmet restaurants and cafés line the trendy beachfront, offering delicious refreshments and superb views. The famous ‘Theatre on the Bay’ offers delightful entertainment, and there are plenty of shopping opportunities.

A number of sporting clubs are also a source of fun and activity – bowling, cricket, soccer, squash and tennis. The lifesaving club is one of the most established clubs and acts swiftly in emergency situations. Further from the beach, the magnificent mountain range is ideal for walking and hiking, and the opportunities are near endless.

Camps Bay has it all – the perfect setting for a perfect holiday, coupled with first class dining, entertainment, accommodation and recreation, as well as picture perfect sunsets. A popular place to spend a sunny day with Capetonians, and a dream destination for tourists, Camps Bay really does offer everything for everyone.

Article Source

Fullham Lodge – Camps Bay Accommodation

Camps Bay

traveltripsandtours — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:36:31 +0000

The Camps Bay beach is long and white, with swaying palm trees lining the avenue (one of the trendiest in Cape Town) giving it an atmosphere much like the south of France.

On hot summer’s days, the beach is busy, the sea infamously cold and the vibe quintessentially cool and trendy. Cafés, bars and restaurants line the mountain side of the street and convertibles line the ocean side; it’s almost impossible not to be tempted to stop for lunch or a sundowner cocktail.

Behind the festive promenade sit the rocky peaks of the Twelve Apostle mountains, on whose slopes sit hotels and guest houses with superb views of unique sunsets and sprawling

Camps Bay Guest Houses

Camps Bay is the premier tourist destination in Cape Town, magnificently located on the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and adjacent to Table Mountain. The region has some of South Africa’s finest Guest Houses most of which are members of the Camps Bay Guest House Association. Net-Focus is proud to have developed the new website for the association.

The website www.CampsBayInfo.com features information about Camps Bay Accommodation, Camps Bay Restaurants, services, nite-life, theatre, beaches and of course all the Guest Houses. Browse through the Camps Bay photo gallery, choose a guest house by location (via map search), by availability or browse through the directory listings. Read about the history of Camps Bay or visit the Camps Bay Info Blog which brings you latest news, events and special offers.

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Is Camps Bay stuck up?

traveltripsandtours — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:58:18 +0000

Yesterday we ran an article all about how much we love Cape Town‘s Camps Bay over summer season.

But it seems all is not sunshine and perfect tans as readers vented their true feelings about South Africa’s most popular beach destination…

Check out the original article and related comments here.

So it got us thinking here at GoTravel24 Towers, is Camps Bay the ultimate beach hangout, or is it simply over-rated and stuck-up?

It seems that amongst our own staff, we’re split down the middle on this issue – so we want to hear from you.

“Camps Bay sucks. It is for the over-flatulent rich folk and their silly little sports cars. If you are not a ‘beach’ person then Camps Bay has absolutely NOTHING to offer.” says one opinionated reader.

We’re not sure if he read the third reason to love Camps Bay – “Theatre on the Bay: It’s nice to know that you can spend the whole day being lazy at the beach. Then later that night show off your glowing tan at the theatre. It’s a nice one too; perfect for big shows.”

But the Camps Bay cruise, aka known as a serious summer traffic jam, can have even the most patient of drivers steaming for all the wrong reasons, especially when it comes to accessing the many clubs and eateries along Victoria Road.

Another reader feel it offers little when it comes to the adrenalin factor.

“Personally I’m not a fan of Camps Bay (Caprice is totally over-rated), as for sitting on the beach for an entire day at a time. Way too boring. I’ll gladly surf the whole day or go diving for hours, but Camps Bay sucks for both, so I’ll give the stuck up and plastic crowd a miss, thanks very much.”

Whatever the opinion there is no doubt that Camps Bay will be teaming with people this summer. But it’s up to you to decide whether it’s your preferred vibe or not. Let us know!

Article Source

Fullham Lodge – Camps Bay Accommodation

Camps Bay SA’s priciest suburb

traveltripsandtours — Thu, 28 May 2009 07:13:56 +0000

Johannesburg – It appears that wealthy investors still have plenty of appetite for big-ticket properties with prices in some of SA’s swankiest suburbs still rising at double-digit rates.
This is according to the latest data from real estate portal South African Property Transfer Guide (SAPTG).
The Atlantic seaboard suburb of Camps Bay saw average house prices surge by 56% over the past year to R7m in March 2008, up from an average sales value of R4.48m in March 2007.
That places Camps Bay as SA’s most expensive suburb in SAPTG’s monthly top 10 survey of highest average sales value achieved.
SAPTG’s data, which is sourced from the Deeds Office, applies only to property transfers of up to R20m.The survey is divided between suburbs were 10 or more sales are achieved per month and suburbs with less than 10 sales.
The Cape Town suburb of Constantia ranked second after Camps Bay as the highest-priced residential neighbourhood in SA (10 or more sales) with an average sales value of R 5.95m. Posh golf resort Zimbali on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast claimed third spot in March, with an average sales value of R3.65m. That’s growth of 21% in 12 months.
In the “less than ten sales” category, Cape Town again boasted the highest priced suburb in SA, with Fresnaye on the Atlantic seaboard taking top slot with an average sales value of R6.9m.
Not hit hard by credit act
That’s followed by Gauteng’s exclusive Hyde Park where properties changed hands at an average R4.78m in March this year 17% up from the average price tag of R4m achieved in Hyde Park a year ago.
SAPTG’s house price trends for top-end suburbs are in stark contrast to what is happening in middle-income areas. Standard Bank’s latest data shows that median house prices in SA dropped by 5.2% in the year to March 2008 from R580 000 to R550 000.
That’s the first time in eight years that median house prices have actually dropped in nominal terms. And property economists expect the overall market to stay in the doldrums for at least the next 12 to 18 months. More so, if interest rates are hiked yet again later this week.
Estate agents confirm that luxury suburbs have been far less affected by higher interest rates and the National Credit Act (NCA) than the middle and lower priced end of the market.
Laurie Wener, MD of Pam Golding Properties (PGP) in the Western Cape, says top-end suburbs remain active despite the general slowdown. PGP recorded a number of record sales in the past three months on the Atlantic Seaboard. Many of these sales are going to cash buyers who are not affected by higher rates and the NCA.
Recent record sales deals include a penthouse apartment in Clifton for R48m, an apartment at the V&A Waterfront for R22.5m and a three-bedroom home in Camps Bay for R16.5m. Wener says foreigners are still showing a keen interest in the area, but at least 60% of sales are going to South Africans – both Capetonians and upcountry buyers.
Jared Gottschalk of the Alliance Group says they recently sold a “moderate” Camps Bay beachfront property to an upcountry buyer for R44m, proving once again just how strong demand for prime properties in this area of Cape Town still is.

Article Source

My dinner mission to the Codfather in Camps Bay

traveltripsandtours — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:47:33 +0000

Churned out on January 16th, 2008

Introduction

The Codfather opened as a Seafood restaurant and Sushi Bar about five years ago – one of the first Sushi venues in Cape Town. We serve an excellent array of fresh seafood and sushi in a very vibey, yet warm and relaxed environment. The business has become more of a “family” over the years and many of our earliest staff members are still with us. We do not have any menus and the unique way in which the waiters help you put your meal together works beautifully in that it allows you select everything according to your appetite and budget. In other words the options and possibilities are endless .The uniqueness of the way we work still intrigues and thrills our customers.

Codfather is situated in Camps Bay, home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town – with wonderful, sweeping views of the ocean and Lions Head. We have the Sushi Bar at one end with a circular conveyor belt and informal seating and then our main restaurant seating area, including a separate smoking section (also with views). The large sliding window frontage allows us to open up to those beautiful warm Summer nights the Cape experiences. In addition there is a large, open fireplace situated in a very unique spot in the centre of it all for the cold winter nights.

My Experience

So after Mondays boiling heat, Fe and I decided to head out to the Codfather in Camps Bay for dinner. I’d never been before and was at first a bit annoyed with having to drive the whole way to Camps Bay, but as we turned up hospital bend, we could see the clouds and knew that at least it wouldn’t be boiling.

The Codfather is awesome to say the least. We were seated by probably the best waitron I’ve ever had and brought drinks within a few moments of ordering. We got sushi from the sushi bar for starters and then our waitron took us over to the fish section. At the fish section, your waitron shows and tells you about all the available fish. You choose what you want – full portions, half portions or a complete mix. We ordered from tuna to yellowtail to tiger prawns. Once you have ordered, you return to your seat and your waitron brings your food once it is ready. The food was delicious! I’m not a huge seafood fan, but after this experience, I would honestly be tempted at seafood more often. The view from the restaurant is beautiful and the atmosphere is gorgeous.

As far as prices go, it’s pricey and our bill arrived for a fairly greater than expected, R450.00 – but taking into account the service and the delicious food, it’s not bad at all.

I’d definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a lovely experience and some sushi or seafood!

Article Source

Fullham Lodge – Camps Bay Accommodation

Taking the slow road gets Jane-Anne Lee to the heart of South Africa.

traveltripsandtours — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:21:53 +0000

A mongoose darts in front of our car. Minutes later, a donkey cart takes advantage of a break in the traffic. Baboons, young and old, are also risking their lives on this stretch of South African highway.

The best thing about a self-drive holiday in South Africa is the diversity – and not just from the different types of animals taking their chances.

In less than a day, you can venture from cosmopolitan Cape Town to the southernmost tip of the continent, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans clash in a swirling sea of foam, then sip fine wine surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the acclaimed Winelands region.

And that’s just for starters. During our three-week sojourn in South Africa, driving from Cape Town to Kruger National Park, we covered more than 3000 kilometres. There were long days at the wheel but the scenery was always rich, taking in dramatic mountain passes, rustic villages, bustling market towns, lush forests and white sand beaches. And, of course, the wildlife. Our days were crowded with so much to absorb.

The country has almost 600 national parks and reserves, with several showcasing the big five – buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion and leopard – but there is plenty to see along the mostly fenceless highways, with a procession of animals crossing by day and night.

Initially, we planned to collect our car, booked via the internet in Australia, at Cape Town airport. Instead, we opt to explore the country’s legislative capital by foot and taxi for five days and have the car delivered to our guesthouse on the day of our departure.

It proves to be a sound decision. We not only save money – albeit a small amount, as car hire is cheap, with deals from as low as $35 a day – but Cape Town is an easy city to walk around. Cheap taxis and popular City Sightseeing tourist buses take you to the lively Waterfront; the cable car to Table Mountain, where there are stunning views and walking trails; Camps Bay, one of the city’s most popular local beaches, with the Twelve Apostles of Table Mountain as its backdrop; the Sea Point promenade; museums, galleries and restaurants; and the 528-hectare Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Read further: WA Today

Camps Bay Accommodation

Cape Town Historical Heritage

Castle of Good Hope
Built between 1666 and 1679, the Castle of Good Hope is one of the oldest buildings in South Africa and has been exceptionally well preserved. Inside the castles pentagonal walls you will find an array of cultural and military memorabilia dating back to the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck to the Cape in 1652. Explore this majestic castle with a guided tour to the dungeons, the dolphin pool and the blacksmith. The Castle of Good Hope’s Key Ceremony takes place on Monday – Friday at 10am and the Change of Guards at 12 noon.

Rhodes Memorial
This national monument was built in remembrance of Cecil John Rhodes, the former Prime Minister of the Cape Colony. It was built to illustrate Rhodes’ desire to “Make Africa British from the Cape to Cairo “. Cecil John Rhodes was a businessman, by age 35; he controlled the largest diamond mining and trading companies in the whole of South Africa. He fought strongly for the British. Zimbabwe was formerly Rhodesia – named after Cecil John Rhodes.
There are 8 large lions on each side of the stairway, and a bust of Rhodes by J.M. Swan. On a wall of the memorial is an inscription written by Rudyard Kipling, who was a friend of Cecil John Rhodes. It reads, “The immense and brooding spirit still shall quicken and control. Living he was the land, and dead his soul shall be her soul.”
The monument is situated on the eastern slopes of Devil’s Peak on a portion of the land Rhodes himself set aside to preserve the beauty of the Table Mountain. The steep steps of the impressive memorial offer far-reaching views over the Cape Flats stretching out to distant northern mountain ranges.
Alongside the memorial is a large reserve which homes eland, zebra and various antelope. There is a pleasant tearoom housed in an old stone cottage with a beautiful garden to sit, relax and take in the views; for the more adventurous, this is a popular starting point for hikes and trails around the mountain.

Source: Explore South Africa

Guest House Camps Bay

Safe Travel in South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful country with much to offer visitors. Part of its charm is the strange mixture of modern malls and technology, mud huts and rural areas and magnificent game parks. South Africa also has a reputation for being a violent, crime-ridden country and care needs to be taken when traveling there.

Airport Safety

Most international flights arrive at The O R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. This is an acknowledged hotbed of theft and it is best to have suitcases plastic wrapped before arriving in SA. Once in the airport, beware of pick pockets and thieves. They work in groups and target items such as cameras, cell phones, wallets and laptops. They are incredibly quick so don’t take any chances.

Hotel Rooms

Take extra care to ensure that all valuables are locked away. Cleaning staff are known to be very light-fingered.

Road Safety

Rental Cars are the safest way to travel round SA. However there are some basic safety rules to remember:

Keep all the doors locked
Be vigilant at traffic lights. Hijackings are very common
Keep all valuables out of sight or on the floor
Leave a gap of 1cm at the top of the window. This makes it difficult for wouldbe thieves to shatter the glass
Park in a car park that is well lit and busy
Uniformed car guards may offer to watch your car. This is the norm and they will expect a tip for their services

Public Transport

Don’t expect much in the way of public transport. Locals use minibus taxis which are often dangerous. The taxi bosses are involved in gang wars and the vehicles are often in poor mechanical condition.

Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town have limited commuter train services but these are best avoided. They have a huge problem with muggings, assault and crime on the trains and a tourist is seen as a soft target.

Hiking

South Africa has incredible scenery and lovely weather. Hiking is popular but stay in large organized groups with a guide who knows the area well.

Expect to Pay

The unemployment rate in South Africa hovers at around 45%. Aids is a huge problem as is poverty. People desperate for a few cents will pop up everywhere and can become aggressive. Look out for those who offer to act as guides, to wash your windscreen or sell you cheap merchandise. Some are quite legitimate but be careful.

What to Avoid

Don’t go walking alone. Quiet side streets, deserted beaches and dark areas are to be avoided at all costs. Be careful on normal beaches and try and stay with a group, even if not part of it.

Violent Crime

Unfortunately, violence is an integral part of crime in SA. A lot of theft is driven by poverty and need and people have been murdered for a couple of dollars, a pair of shoes or an old cell phone. Keep valuables out of sight and if confronted by a criminal, give them what they want and comply with their demands.

It is still possible to have a safe, enjoyable holiday in South Africa but vigilance and care are keywords to remember. Don’t take any chances.

Source: Suite101.com

Fullham Lodge

Holidaying in Camps Bay

By Phil Smulian

Are you looking for the perfect beach holiday? If you like your holiday to have sunshine, long white sandy beaches, cocktails and palm trees, then consider Camps Bay as the perfect beach holiday destination. Choose Camps Bay in Cape Town as the holiday destination of a life-time. Camps Bay is an exciting suburb of Cape Town, set between the magnificent mountains of Cape Town and the Cerulean Blue of the Atlantic Ocean. In Camps Bay visitors will be able to enjoy the long white sandy beach as well as the vibey street café style street which follows the beach. The trendy up-market suburb of Cape Town, Camps Bay has its own special selection of fabulous restaurants, bars and nightclubs to satisfy any tourist’s entertainment appetite.

For a visitor the easy to pick draw-card for Camps Bay as a holiday destination is easily the location. Not only can visitors enjoy fabulous beach days and up-market entertainment, but sightseeing from Camps Bay is also accessible. Hire and drive holidays from Camps Bay are beautiful; you can also look into driven tours where you can experience the natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula as far as Cape Point, the most South Western tip of South Africa. Camps Bay is only a few minutes drive from Cape Town City centre and the V&A Waterfront, and Cape Town’s famous landmarks such as Table Mountain.

The unique position of Camps Bay makes this a very popular destination for holiday-makers. Visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet of this trendy suburb of Cape Town, or if they choose they can be in the middle of all the action with only a short drive or stroll. Accommodation in Camps Bay is easily organized and it is a recommendation to ensure you have made a booking. There are many places to stay, depending on what you are looking for, search the internet and find your desired accommodation.

Many travelers stop and stay in Camps Bay, not only to fully appreciate the many beautiful beaches found along the Cape Town Coast, but also to take in the local culture and create their own African adventure. There are many different activities visitors can take part in, from hiking in the local mountains, water sports to sunbathing. The beautiful natural environment of the area allows for endless opportunity for active and relaxing holiday vibes.

Cape Town is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations: visitors flock to South Africa to take in the cultural aspects of such an interesting country with a past marred with conflict and struggle for many South Africans. Take in the history and culture of this complex country while staying in one of the most beautiful regions of Cape Town: Camps Bay.

Phil Smulian is a reviewer for authority on accommodation camps bay and camps bay apartments, Villa Atlantica

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Smulian

The Best Time Of Year To Visit South Africa

traveltripsandtours — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:26:01 +0000

I don’t know whether or not you have considered not only a vacation in South Africa, or even got as far as the planning stage. For most people a visit to South Africa tends to be in the middle of the European Winter, because of the attractions of blue sky and a much better temperature. Naturally enough this is high season time in South Africa, and we should all know exactly what that means. It of course means high prices, and crowds, two things that would put me right off. Going to South Africa has to include at least a few days spent on Safari, so what does that mean in high season? The first thing it means is a 40% hike in hotel room rates, and in the same vein, a substantial rise in air fares especially around the Christmas to New Year period. In addition why don’t you consider the following thoughts: If you want to fly from Europe to Cape Town, then fares drop sharply in mid August, and hotel rates stay low until September. It is true that the temperature in Cape Town over Christmas are around 25 degrees centigrade, and in August only 18 degrees. There is far more rain in August, but what are the advantages of a low season visit apart from the obvious financial one? The first thing is, that you don’t hopefully go to South Africa to sit and vegetate on a beach, after all you can go to many other less interesting places and do that. Tehre is more rain so in the Western Cape, The Namaqualand is in full bloom, just for a very short period of time. It is a great time to go whale watching in Hermanus, and a wonderful time to visit Kruger Park, because this is when the animals congregate around water holes. So in conclusion the best time to visit South Africa is not December/January, but August Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com
Agulhas National Park – Accommodation in the Western Cape – South Africa

Geographical extremes capture the imagination. From ancient mariners to contemporary mankind, the quest has always been to reach the poles, sail around the tips of continents, conquer the highest peaks and dive to the ultimate depths. This is the same spirit that captivated the explorers of yesteryear who braved one of the most challenging sea crossings of their time: the Atlantic-Indian Ocean crossing via Cape Agulhas. As the southern-most tip of Africa, it has always had its mysteries and adventure, and still captures the imagination of contemporary explorers. Amongst the mysteries associated with this region, is the legendary Cape of Storms which wrecked many ships en route to the east via Cape Agulhas. Ancient people also left their mark on the landscape. For example, archaeological middens remind contemporary man of a successful hunter-gathering culture that was in harmony with its natural environment; and a cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years to when the Khoi-khoi people trapped fish using ingeniously constructed tidal traps. This windswept, ruggedly beautiful coastal plain at the southern-most tip of Africa, with its rich cultural and natural heritage, has recently been proclaimed as the Agulhas National Park. There are several small towns in the area encompassed by Agulhas, but no park run camps as yet. Adventure and Outdoor Activities (Planned tourist activities) Several nature trails and a unique trail to traverse the southern-most tip of Africa. An environmental education centre. A world class museum and interpretative centre. The Agulhas area has several attractions, which draw tourists to its shores each year. The nearby towns L Agulhas and Struisbaai offer several water sports such as swimming and angling. Within the confines of the developing national park, tourists can enjoy the following places of interest: The southern-most of Africa – The official position of the tip is 34 degrees 49′ 58″ min south and 20 degrees 00′ 12″ min east. A cairn marks the tip’s exact location. It is at this longitudinal point that the Atlantic and Indian oceans officially meet. The lighthouse at Cape Agulhas – The lighthouse was built to aid the early explorers on their passage of the rough seas off Cape Agulhas. Seventy-one steps lead up to the top of the second oldest working lighthouse in southern Africa. Stone mined from the adjacent limestone quarry provided the raw materials for its construction. The building also houses a unique lighthouse museum. Remains of ancient stone fish traps used by the Khoisan people can be seen to the east of the lighthouse. Graveyard of ships – The Zoetendal, Birkenhead and Armiston are some of the many shipwrecks found along the Agulhas coastline. Showpieces from these shipwrecks are on display at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck museum. Visitors to the are can still see the remains of the Meisho Maru 38 wreck on the shores of Cape Agulhas. Fynbos – The Agulhas Plain has great diversity of flora. The Agulhas area contains representatives of unique vegetation such as limestone fynbos. Although most species bloom between May and September, there are flowers to be enjoyed in any season. 5 Things to seek The Southern Tip of Africa Southern Right Whale African Black Oystercatcher Damara Tern Cape Platana

Activities Adventure and Outdoor Activities (Planned tourist activities) Several nature trails and a unique trail to traverse the southern-most tip of Africa. An environmental education centre. A world class museum and interpretative centre. Facilities Since this is developing park, there are no tourist facilities such as camping, overnight accommodation and restaurants. However, these facilities are available in the nearby towns L Agulhas and Struisbaai.

Vegetation The Agulhas plain with a plant diversity and species richness equalling those of tropical forests, makes the Agulhas Park a jewel in its own right. The floral diversity includes some 2 000 species of indigenous plants including 100 that are endemic to the area and over 110 Red Data species. The Agulhas plain is an important component of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest and richest of the six plant kingdoms of the world.

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Fullham Lodge

Hot Air Balloon & Ostrich Farm / Cango Caves Adventure Safari Tour

- only 4½h to Oudsthoorn from Cape Town South Africa.

Hot Air Balloon Tour and Ostrich Farm Tour / Cango Caves Adventure Tour. Visit Oudtshoorn for a Hot Air Balloon and Ostrich Farm / Cango Caves Safari Tour, only 4½h from Cape Town South Africa. Treat yourself to the aerial adventure of a lifetime, on a magical hot air balloon safari, as you take in the awesome splendour of the majestic Swartberg Mountains around Oudtshoorn. Suspended high above the earth, allow your senses to experience peace and tranquillity as you lazily drift along, carried by the wind. We leave Cape Town at 8.00am and travel to Oudtshoorn via Worcester, Montague and Barrydale. During the afternoon you have the option of visiting an ostrich farm or the Cango Caves. We then move on to the Wine House in town where you have the opportunity to taste a selection of the best Port wine produced in the region.

We will assist you in making dinner arrangements. We can suggest that you visit Jemima’s, that was recommended as one of the Top 10 Restaurant in South Africa by Eat Out Guide 2003 & 2004 One of the Editor’s Favourites of Style Magazine’s Restaurant Guide 2002. Chosen as a top 100 Restaurant of Wine Magazine in South Africa 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004. The menu changes often, reflecting the seasonal availability of ingredients. Locally farmed Ostrich, Karoo lamb and fish from the nearby South Cape Coast are a high point on the menu.

Spend the night at Adley House, a luxurious 4-star retreat with two swimming pools, evergreen garden and breathtaking scenery. The next day we travel to the balloon launch site where we meet at 5.30am (Summer) or 7.30am (Winter) for breakfast and champagne. After an exhilarating and memorable flight in the balloon, we depart for Cape Town, arriving back at approximately 6pm.

Best time of year:	All year round.
Duration:	A total of 2 days (1 night is spent in Oudshoorn).
Accommodation:	1 night spent in Adley House, a 4-star retreat with luxurious amenities.
Cost:	R4,475.00 per person flying (inclusive of private guide), including breakfast and champagne. Cost also includes transfer to and from Oudtshoorn (departing from Cape Town), complimentary soft drinks en route, a visit to either an ostrich farm or the Cango Caves, Port-wine tasting at the Wine House, and one nights’ accommodation at Adley House. Dinner arrangements are excluded.
Children:	Children can be accommodated at reduced rates.
Self-drive:	R2,400.00 per person flying, including breakfast and champagne.
Important:	A minimum of 2 persons is required for this safari package. A total of 8 persons can comfortably be accommodated in our 2 vehicles. Larger groups will only be considered where bookings are made 4 weeks before departure date.

Please note: All bookings must be paid in full on confirmation. Exceptions: 4 – 6 months advance bookings 50% on confirmation of booking. The balance 100% 30 days prior to departure.

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Fullham Lodge

The Cape Winelands is situated to the East of Cape Town and provide popular day tours for tourists

Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands in the range of mountain valleys to the east of Cape Town were settled by settlers from European countries in the 1600′s. Many of these early settlers were French Huguenots and their legacy can still be found in the names of the estates, La Motte, La Provence, Haute Provence and L’Ormarins are some of the better known producers of fine wines founded by those early pioneers.

The Wine Route

The Wine Route are popular day tours from Cape Town with most of the estates offering wine tasting and sales. Many of them also include top quality restaurants while others provide picnic baskets which can be enjoyed on the lawns under shady oaks.

Franschoek

The pocket sized town of Franschoek boasts more than 20 restaurants at last count with a wide variety of choice, from gourmet breakfasts to top quality dinners including smoked trout from the clear and unpolluted local rivers and lakes.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and the wine capital of the region, is very popular for its oak-lined streets, beautiful Cape-Dutch architecture and fine restaurants.

A worthwhile trip is a drive over Franschoek Pass to the Elgin Valley, the foremost region in the country for the growing of apples. The pass follows the route originally taken by elephants on their travels, although it is now well maintained asphalt.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is set behind Table Mountain and is located between the Twelve Apostles and Lions Head.

Camps Bay offers a safe beach, although the water is cold the beach excellent for sun-tanning and surfing. Sun worshipers often enjoy picnics on the stretch of lawn just in front of the beach.

With its palm tree lined, white beaches and mountain backdrop, Camps Bay is a scenic and cosmopolitan location. Here you will find restaurants, cafes, hotels scattered along the beautiful beachfront strip just 30 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, and close to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Clifton’s famous beaches.

You could hardly be better situated for easy access to the amazing variety of leisure options the Cape Peninsula has to offer. The area is ideal for visitors to Cape Town who are seeking a perfect summer getaway. Camps Bay is in the heart of the most exclusive stretch of Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline.

Source: Fullham Lodge