Tour through beautiful South Africa🚙🚌🚐🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦. This is to give an overview of possibilities. Travel times between destinations are excluded. I will be happy to assist you in arranging a tailor made holiday which suits you. Self-drive or guided whichever suits you best 🚙🚌🚐🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
Day 1 and our tour starts at the Blyde River Canyon which a site of Natural Phenomena on the Panorama Route close to Kruger National Park. It is the largest Green Canyon in the world and 3rd largest in world. It stretches over 26 Kilometres and is over 800 meters deep.
The Ancient Super Continent Gondwanaland broke apart approximately 200 Million years ago, tearing Madagascar and Antarctica away from Africa. The broken edge of the Continent titled up due to the weight of the vast shallow sea that stretched westwards towards Pretoria. This ancient sea left behind layers, upon layers of dolomite and sandstone that became sediments over millions of years. What was once a deep trench under the sea became a canyon on land.
(Blyde means 'glad' or 'happy' in Dutch)
Day 2 we continue our South African tour and visit the amazing Kruger National Park.
Paul Kruger, president of the South African Republic at the time, proclaimed a "Government Wildlife Park" in 1898. This park would later be known as the Sabi Game Reserve. In the Northern part of this area the Shingwedzi Reserve was proclaimed in 1903.
In 1926, Sabie Game Reserve and the adjacent Shingwedzi Game Reserve, and some farms were combined to create Kruger National Park. A sanctuary for the protection of its wildlife
Today it is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 km2. About half the size if Switzerland.
The first three tourist cars entered the park in 1927, jumping to 180 cars in 1928 and 850 cars in 1929. Today it is visited by thousands to enjoy the wonderful wildlife. 🦒🐘🦏
Day 3, we continue our South African tour. We will go on a hike in Kruger National Park.
Join me on sthis amazing walk in the wild. 🦏🐘🦒🚶♀️🚶♂️
The Kingdom is a landlocked country in South Africa. It provides travellers the ideal gateway between Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal with an added advantage of discovering a whole new country offering Swazi culture, art, wildlife, lovely Nature and great outdoor activities.
The Umfolozi and Hluhluwe reserves were established primarily to protect the white rhinoceros, then on the endangered species list. The area has always been a haven for animals as tsetse flies carrying the nagana disease are common, which protected the area from hunters in the colonial era.
Beautiful park.
The word isimangaliso means "a miracle" or "something wondrous" in Zulu.
The park was proclaimed South Africas first world heritage site in 1999 because of the rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems and natural beauty occurring in a relatively small area. The reason for the huge diversity in fauna and flora is the great variety of different ecosystems on the park, ranging from coral reefs and sandy beaches to subtropical dune forests, savannas, and wetlands. The park is wonderfuly rich in bird life. Animals occurring in the park include the Big Five, and in the ocean, whales, dolphins, and marine turtles including the leatherback and loggerhead turtle.The park is also home to 1,200 Nile crocodiles and 800 hippopotami.
Day 7 of our tour takes us to the Drakensberg mountain which is renowned for its spectacular natural landscape, importance as a haven for many threatened and endemic species, and for its wealth of rock paintings made by the San people over a period of 4000 years. The Drakensberg also offers spectacular hiking trails.
The Drakensberg is the name given to the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau. The Great Escarpment reaches its greatest elevation – 2,000 to 3,482 metres within the border region of South Africa and Lesotho. The Maloti Drakensberg Transboundary is a World Heritage Site since 1997.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/985/
Day 9 of our tour and we visit Addo Elephant National Park and discover its abundance of wildlife. The park proudly conserves the Big 7 within its vast borders.
The original section of the park was founded in 1931 in order to provide a sanctuary for the 11 remaining elephants in the area. The park has proved to be very successful and currently houses more than 600 elephants and a large number of other mammals. Adoo is also known for the abundance of dungbeetles in the park.
The concept of the BIG 7 Safari was born when the Addo Elephant National Park extended its boundries to include the Alexandria dunefields, the largest aeolian dune fields (wind driven) in the southern hemisphere and which fringe the northern shoreline of Algoa Bay. The Park expanded further to incorporate the off shore islands of St Croix, the largest of three at 2.8 hectare and the Bird Island group of which Bird Island is the biggest. The waters between these two groups of Islands, a marine protected area, is also incorporated into the managment programs of the Addo Elephant National Park and it is in these waters that we have the opportunity to watch marine mammals such as the prolific populations of Dolphins, in particular the Bottlenose Dolphin as well as the great Whales which migrate into these warmer, calm waters between the end of May and December each year. An abundance of marine wildlife inhabits these Islands and their surrounding waters including the Great White and other species of Sharks.
Day 10 of our tour and we visit the Tsitsikamma National Park, situated at the heart of the picturesque tourist region known as the Garden Route. The Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea.
Birds of Eden's unique two hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. Currently it is home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, with the main focus being African birds.
Monkeyland is the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. It's mission is to educate and foster greater understanding of our primate cousins and the threats and challenges they are facing.
https://youtu.be/h5Yhu9_RBMw
Day 13, Our tour continues we visit Knysna which is situated in the the world famous Garden Route. Knysna is a quaint town located on the edge of a vast estuary which flows into the Indian Ocean through two giant sandstone heads. Well known for its beauty, oysters, Knysna elephants and the endangered Knysna seahorse.
Knynsa is also well known for the Knysna elephant. Where a herd of elephant a thousand strong once roamed the mighty Knysna forest and surrounding regions at the southern tip of Africa until the 1800s and 1900s, a single cow now dwells its leafy footpaths.
Research conducted by SANParks scientists confirmed the presence of a female Knynsa elephant still calling the forest its home. A range of cameras was set up along the forest and one elephant was captured.
One particularly unusual characteristic of the Knysna Seahorse is that it is the males who gives birth. The female impregnates the male with up to 1,500 eggs and, during the gestation period the male hardly moves at all, while the female brings him food. https://www.oceanodyssey.co.za/the-knysna-seahorse/
One of the world's great natural wonders, the Cango Caves, was sculpted by nature through the ages.
Numerous ostrich farms surround the town. Get to know this exotic bird species by visiting one of the show farms. Relive the booming Ostrich Era in the C.P. Nel Museum, with the theme The Ostrich through the Ages.
Exceptional stone masonry through the ages led to that special touch in Oudtshoorn. Admire the grandeur of the numerous ostrich palaces, like Pinehurst, established in the times of the feather boom. Conserved to this day as museums, guesthouses and dwellings for the discerning.
The Swartberg Pass, between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, is one of the most sensational drives in southern Africa, declared a national monument. It is the masterpiece of a brilliant engineer, Thomas Bain, and dates from the 1880's, when it was hand-built in 5 years' time
Get to know the Meerkats which is part of the so-called Shy 5 which also includes the bat-eared fox, the aardvark, porcupine and aardwolf on a early morning excursion.
Day 15 of our South Africa Tour and we travel along a section of Route 62 which links Cape Town to Oudtshoorn. This scenic route passes through farming towns of Calitzdorp, Ladismith, historic Amalienstein, Zoar and the fruit growing and wine producing towns such as Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor.
Route 62 prompts associations with the legendary byway, Route 66, connecting the urban and rural communities between Chicago and Los Angeles. In 1926 the inter regional link, Route 66, between Chicago and Los Angeles, was established as one of America’s main east-west arteries, providing small towns access to a major national throughfare.
If you don't believe the notion that ‘sex sells' then this small pub in the Karoo will definitely prove you wrong. The story goes that Frank Ronald (Ronnie) Price bought a tiny farmer's cottage on a remote section of the R62. His aim was to open a farm stall, selling fresh produce to the passing trade. He painted the name ‘Ronnies Shop' on the side of the building, but business didn't get off to a cracking good start.
Then one day, his friends decided for a laugh, they would add the word ‘Sex' to the name, making it read ‘Ronnies Sex Shop'. Pretty soon this irresistible sign brought in loads of passers-by, and Ronnie's initial irritation was transformed as he began to see the business opportunity his establishment's newfound popularity presented. On the advice of these very same friends, Ronnie opened a pub... and the rest, as they say, is history.
This is the place where you can put your one foot in the warmer Indian Ocean and the other in the cold Atlantic Ocean – at the same time.
Although there is a lot of debate around it, this is technically the dividing line along the meridian of 20⁰ East to Cape Agulhas where the oceans meet kilometres into the ocean. a
Early Portuguese seafarers rounding this dangerous point called it L'Agulhas which means Cape of Needles (referring to the jagged rocks of the coastline and also the fact that a compass shows no real deviation between true north and magnetic north at this spot).
The beautiful, historic red and white lighthouse is the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa It is definitely worth climbing the 71 wooden steps leading to the top to enjoy the stunning views over the area.
West of the lighthouse is the entrance to the Agulhas National Park boasting 2000 species of indigenous plants in its 20 000 ha area. Do yourself a favor and hike one of the many picturesque trails amongst the Fynbos.
The Cape Agulhas Region is mostly a dairy, wool and wheat farming area, but having the Atlantic and Indian Oceans around it, fishing has been an important industry since the early days.
The diversity of the natural environment in the Overberg is accompanied by an unsurpassed wealth of indigenous plants and animals. The region lies in the heart of the famous Cape Floristic Region with its well-known fynbos (fine-leafed) vegetation.
Bontebok National Park, situated in the Overberg, is home to rich birdlife, including the blue crane.
The Blue Crane is South Africa's national bird and is restricted as a breeding species to this country. About fifteen years ago, pastures were developed on a large scale in the Overberg and a man-made habitat was created that was crane friendly. About half the remaining Blue Crane population has found a sanctuary here.
The Region is known for dairy, wool, conola and wheat farming. The Overberg is also a world class wine-country-tourism destination and offers excellent wines.
The Overberg coast, also called the 'Whale Coast", has the distinction of splitting two oceans. At Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip. Whales swim near Hermanus, Grotto Beach and adjacent Walker Bay Nature Reserve.
Day 18 of our tour, we go on a Shark cage diving adventure and visit the The African penguin & Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai.
Gansbaai is known as the great white shark capital of the world. Although most of the boats are launched from Kleinbaai. Besides the adrenaline rush it is also a very informative outing and one get to sea and learn more about many other marine species and birds. The crew of the various companies share their vast knowledge of the ocean during the cruise. One can view the great white sharks from the surface or underwater from a cage.
During the summer months, the sharks keep closer to shore and during winter they move to Shark Alley, a nearby channel created by two islands. Dyer Island with its endangered African Penguins and migrating bird colonies and Geyser Rock with its resident colony of 60 000 Cape Fur Seals.
The African penguin & Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai. The Sanctuary provide temporary care to diseased, oiled or abandoned marine birds with special focus on the endangered African Penguin, in order to conserve and maintain populations.
Watch this video to see and learn more:
https://youtu.be/gNObWpkk0So
Day 19 of our tour and we visit the lovely Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (meaning "Heaven and Earth" in Afrikaans) is an area of 15 wineries in the Walker Bay Wine Region that rises from behind the coastal village of Hermanus. Its terroir – clay soil and the cool south-easter that acts as a vortex, cooling down the vineyards with cold air from the Benguela current – imparts a unique flavour to wines, which are often compared with those of Burgundy. Especially Burgundy-style pinot noirs and chardonnays.
Each winery in Hemel-en-Aarde produces small amounts of highly individual, terroir-driven premium wines that carefully express the winemakers’ personalities.
The wine estates and restaurants will delight your palate with their award winning wines!
Day 20 of our tour and we visit the lovely seaside town of Hermanus which is generally considered the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world. From June to December, the bay becomes the swimming grounds for a large number of southern right whales. Whales can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane or the shore.
The Cliff Path which wraps itself around the coastline of Hermanus offers beautiful views of the mountains, the ocean and the fynbos, during whale season the cliffs are the perfect vantage point to spot the Southern Right Whales.
The secluded, rock-sheltered coves and the long, pristine beaches are perfect for strolling, swimming and surfing.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve with over 1600 identified species of indigenous Fynbos has some stunning hikes, a mountain bike trail. Porcupines, baboon, klipspringer, grysbok, genet, mongoose and otter, and over 92 species of birds can been viewed in the reserve.
Day 22 of our tour and we are going to dive for crayfish. There are a number of methods to catch crayfish. The most popular for the recreational fisherman is to dive for them. Swimming around in the kelp beds and looking under submerged rocks to see a feeler sticking out is the way it is done.
Divers will seldom see bare rock as every nook and cranny on the reef is carpeted by sea anemones of all colours imaginable, with feather stars in various hues of orange and brown, vying for space with soft corals in pinks and purples, making it a difficult task, yet very rewarding, to spot the many nudibranchs indemic to this region
The crayfish season is in the South African summer but only certain days are allowed. Crayfish diving permit or license is required.
Day 23 of our tour and we visit Waterkloof restaurant and wine estate. The view of the entire False Bay is a gorgeous backdrop to the South African flavours, French principles of cooking and a host of world class wines. Head chef and Frenchman, Grégory Czarnecki’s style is one of artful simplicity, with an emphasis on the freshest seasonal ingredients. Voted best restaurant in South Africa in 2018 and second best in 2019 at the Mercedes Eat out Awards. Absolutely amazing food and stunning setting
#AnnieDelportTours
Day 24 of our tour and we visit Stellenbosch, a university town, surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg. The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africa's Dutch colonial history, as do the Village Museum's period houses and gardens. We will enjoy a wine and food pairing and a Balsamic vinegar tasting wine.
Day 25 of our tour and we will hike up the Twin Peaks in Jonkershoek Stellenbosch. Twin Peaks (also known as “Die Pieke” – 1494 & 1504 m) are the most prominent peaks visible as you look out of Stellenbosch to the south east. This is an excursion for fit and experienced hikers who want to escape the crowds and experience the raw beauty of Cape Mountain wilderness. It us tough but absolutely amazing!
Day 26 of our tour and we visit a petite piece of France (Franschhoek means “French corner” in Dutch), where French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution arrived during the late 17th century. Though they would gradually integrate into the culture of the Dutch farmers who worked the land alongside them, their cultural influences were adopted along with those of the Dutch settlers, freed slaves and indigenous Khoi and San peoples to create a rich and unique heritage befitting the splendid beauty of this majestic valley.
Illustrious wine estates, excellent restaurants and secluded countryside retreats abound in this region, Whether it’s cuisine, wine, culture or outdoor adventures you’re after, you will find that Franschhoek’s fame is well justified.
Day 27 of our tour and we visit, Robertson which is situated in the fertile Breede River Valley on the foot of the Langeberg Mountains,
Robertson offers the visitor wine estates, hiking trails, nature reserves, a riverside holiday resort, racehorse stud farms and above all exceptional hospitality.
The town is surrounded by vineyards and orchards that stretch from the outlying farm lands into the very heart of the town. Columns of red or yellow cannas and flaming bougainvillea line the roads outside the wine estates, gardens overflow and vineyards are banked with roses, while brilliant mauve jacarandas shade the streets.
Around Robertson lie the stately stud farms. Eleven co-operatives, fourteen estates and half a dozen private producers, in and around Robertson, have made this one of the foremost wine-making regions in South Africa. And orchard upon orchard of decidious fruit and olives, destined for the national and international markets, punctuates the landscape that isn't covered by vineyards.
Day 32 of our tour and we cycle Chapman’s Peak Drive which is affectionately known by locals as Chappies and is a popular route for runners, hikers, and bikers. The drive is forms an iconic stretch of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, making it a popular route for both professional and amateur cyclists.
Chapman’s Peak Drive ribbons along the Atlantic coastline between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Considereted my many as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal routes in the world. You decide!
Day 33 of our tour and we visit the iconic
Day 34 of our tour and we will go an exciting cruise from Hout Bay harbour to Duiker Island the Seal Colony where you can view thousands of wild Cape Fur Seals, close up in their natural habitat. While aboard you are surrounded with breath-taking scenery of the famous Chapmans Peak Drive and the Sentinel Mountain.https:// easytraveltours.blogspot.com/
Day 35 of our tour and we visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach and the quaint village of Kalbay.
Tag 35 unserer virtuellen Tour und wir besuchen die Pinguine am Boulders Beach und das malerische Dorf Kalbay.
Day 36 of our tour and we visit Kirstenbosch botanical garden and the Cape Winelands.
Day 47 of our tour and we will explore Cape Town in the most unique way possible… from the seat of a Cobra car. Relax in the seat with the wind in your hair and enjoy the scenic beauty of Capetown and surrounding areas. An unforgettable experience.
More Days following...
The wine estates and restaurants will delight your palate with their award winning wines!
The Cliff Path which wraps itself around the coastline of Hermanus offers beautiful views of the mountains, the ocean and the fynbos, during whale season the cliffs are the perfect vantage point to spot the Southern Right Whales.
The secluded, rock-sheltered coves and the long, pristine beaches are perfect for strolling, swimming and surfing.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve with over 1600 identified species of indigenous Fynbos has some stunning hikes, a mountain bike trail. Porcupines, baboon, klipspringer, grysbok, genet, mongoose and otter, and over 92 species of birds can been viewed in the reserve.
Day 21 of our tour and we visit Bettiesbaai, Stony Point, Harold Porter Botanical Garden and travel further via the extremely beautiful and scenic Clarence Drive.
In the 1930s three business partners acquired several farms with a view to developing a town. They were Arthur Youlden (after whose daughter, Betty, the towns was named); Harold Porter (who later donated his own farm as the basis of the present botanical gardens); and Jack Clarence, after whom the scenic drive is named.
The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden covers almost 200 ha between mountain and sea, in the heart of the Cape Fynbos region within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and offer wonderful hiking opportunities.
Stony Point is located on the site of an early-20th-century whaling station, a much quieter place to watch the diminutive African Penguins.
Thank you Hannes Stander for sharing your lovely photos with us!!
Day 22 of our tour and we are going to dive for crayfish. There are a number of methods to catch crayfish. The most popular for the recreational fisherman is to dive for them. Swimming around in the kelp beds and looking under submerged rocks to see a feeler sticking out is the way it is done.
Divers will seldom see bare rock as every nook and cranny on the reef is carpeted by sea anemones of all colours imaginable, with feather stars in various hues of orange and brown, vying for space with soft corals in pinks and purples, making it a difficult task, yet very rewarding, to spot the many nudibranchs indemic to this region
The crayfish season is in the South African summer but only certain days are allowed. Crayfish diving permit or license is required.
Day 23 of our tour and we visit Waterkloof restaurant and wine estate. The view of the entire False Bay is a gorgeous backdrop to the South African flavours, French principles of cooking and a host of world class wines. Head chef and Frenchman, Grégory Czarnecki’s style is one of artful simplicity, with an emphasis on the freshest seasonal ingredients. Voted best restaurant in South Africa in 2018 and second best in 2019 at the Mercedes Eat out Awards. Absolutely amazing food and stunning setting
#AnnieDelportTours
Day 24 of our tour and we visit Stellenbosch, a university town, surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg. The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africa's Dutch colonial history, as do the Village Museum's period houses and gardens. We will enjoy a wine and food pairing and a Balsamic vinegar tasting wine.
Day 26 of our tour and we visit a petite piece of France (Franschhoek means “French corner” in Dutch), where French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution arrived during the late 17th century. Though they would gradually integrate into the culture of the Dutch farmers who worked the land alongside them, their cultural influences were adopted along with those of the Dutch settlers, freed slaves and indigenous Khoi and San peoples to create a rich and unique heritage befitting the splendid beauty of this majestic valley.
Illustrious wine estates, excellent restaurants and secluded countryside retreats abound in this region, Whether it’s cuisine, wine, culture or outdoor adventures you’re after, you will find that Franschhoek’s fame is well justified.
Day 27 of our tour and we visit, Robertson which is situated in the fertile Breede River Valley on the foot of the Langeberg Mountains,
Robertson offers the visitor wine estates, hiking trails, nature reserves, a riverside holiday resort, racehorse stud farms and above all exceptional hospitality.
The town is surrounded by vineyards and orchards that stretch from the outlying farm lands into the very heart of the town. Columns of red or yellow cannas and flaming bougainvillea line the roads outside the wine estates, gardens overflow and vineyards are banked with roses, while brilliant mauve jacarandas shade the streets.
Around Robertson lie the stately stud farms. Eleven co-operatives, fourteen estates and half a dozen private producers, in and around Robertson, have made this one of the foremost wine-making regions in South Africa. And orchard upon orchard of decidious fruit and olives, destined for the national and international markets, punctuates the landscape that isn't covered by vineyards.
Day 28 of our tour and we visit the impressive Slanghoek Valley and surrounding area. Slanghoek Mountains and the smaller Badsberg mountain showcases a restfully pastoral landscape of vineyards and fruit farms. A wine-tasting tour at the popular wine farms is a must for wine connoisseurs - locals and tourists alike! Slanghoek Valley not only offers good wine but a number of attractions and activities such as hiking, horse riding, biking and fishing. You can also enjoy good food and good company while enjoying spectacular valley and mountain views.
Day 29 and we continue our tour and visit the third oldest settlement in South Africa, Paarl is steeped in history and culture. But there’s far more to it than that!
GOLF
The Paarl Golf Club dates back to 1908, so it is not surprising that folks in the Paarl-Franschhoek valley take the sport pretty seriously. Boschenmeer Golf Estate, which is home to the golf club, boasts the first 27-hole championship golf course in the Western Cape.
Once you’ve played all 27 holes, head over to Pearl Valley, which forms part of the Val de Vie Estate. At Pearl Valley, you’ll find a pristine Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Since 2006, Golf Digest magazine has consistently ranked this as one of the top ten courses in South Africa!
WINE
The Paarl Wine Route, which is the second oldest in the country, is known for its full-bodied spicy reds and crisp whites. Shiraz is the most important varietal from the area, but Paarl wineries also produce remarkable chenin blanc, chardonnay, pinotage, viognier and mourvedre.
Be sure to check out Under Oaks, Nederburg Wines, KWV Wine Emporium, Fairview, Black Pearl Wines, Boland Kelder, Ridgeback Wine Farm and Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. Stop for a lazy lunch at the Grande Roche Hotel or at Harvest at the Laborie Wine Estate. (I grew up on the farm Laborie)
CHEESE
Once you are done tasting the wine at Fairview, be sure to sample some of their delicious cheeses. While Fairview also produces cow’s milk cheese, it is famous for its goat’s milk variety. The Saanen goat’s milk is supplied by a resident herd of over 1000 goats and you’ll find a couple of them frolicking in an enclosure near the tasting room. Be warned: you are likely to leave with more cheese than you can stomach in one sitting… or even a week!
Dalewood Fromage, on the Klapmuts-Simondium Road, sells a range of specialty cheeses – including brie, camembert, and the uniquely South African Huguenot – made from Jersey milk and produced on the estate. In your quest for all things cheesy, be sure to pop in to Three Ladies Cheese at the Goedemoed Farm. Here you’ll find a range of light semi-soft cheeses with black pepper, herbs, and cumin and mustard, and a delicate cambrieni.
GRANITE ROCKS!
Remember all that history we mentioned earlier? Here’s what you need to know. In 1657, a chap called Abraham Gabemma set out from the Cape in search of resources. On his journey he came across a giant granite rock gleaming in the distance. He called the mountain Pearl Mountain, and the town that grew at its base eventually became known as Paarl. This big rock is fairly significant as it is the second largest granite outcrop in the world.
Unless geology is your thing, a trip to Paarl Rock would seem a tad boring were it not for the monument erected on it. The Taal Monument, which was designed by architect Jan van Wijk in 1975, is a celebration of the Afrikaans language. At the time rather futuristic, the monument, which acknowledges the languages that contributed to the development of Afrikaans, is unexpectedly beautiful from the inside. Free guided tours are available daily.
NATURE
Whether you are traversing the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve or exploring the Arboretum along the Berg River, this little section of the Cape offers up some spectacular scenery. One of the best ways to take it all in is on a mountain bike.
There are numerous routes, of varying degrees of difficulty, in and around the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. There are also routes that take you around some of the picturesque wine farms. Check out some of the routes here. If you don’t own a bike, you can hire one (delivery and collection included) from Dirtopia.
ARTS, CRAFTS AND BEER
Spice Route is reason enough to head to Paarl for the day. With two fabulous restaurants, a coffee shop that serves homemade ice cream, a winery tasting room, a distillery, a cured-meats deli, a chocolatier, an art studio, a glass-blowing studio, and a shop filled with hand-crafted treasures , Spice Route is a little village all on its own. It also happens to be home to the Cape Brewing Company.
Under the watchful eye of brew-master Wolfgang Koedel, CBC has quickly become one of the country’s favourite craft breweries. In 2014, 45,000 visitors flocked to the brewery to discover where and how the magic happens. Indulge in all four of the key CBC brews – pilsner, lager, krystal weiss, and amber weiss – at the Barley & Biltong beer garden, whilst tucking into a selection of beef, kudu, eland, and springbok biltong.
If you’re after a few new brews, try the Berg River Brewery on the banks of the Berg River in Paarl. Chat to the owners Glenn and Shaun about the niceties of brewing while sampling their helles lager, blonde ale, kristel weizen, and pale ale.
Day 30 of our tour and we visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town! Or what do you think?
Day 31 of our tour and we visit Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern tip of Africa.
Day 32 of our tour and we cycle Chapman’s Peak Drive which is affectionately known by locals as Chappies and is a popular route for runners, hikers, and bikers. The drive is forms an iconic stretch of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, making it a popular route for both professional and amateur cyclists.
Chapman’s Peak Drive ribbons along the Atlantic coastline between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Considereted my many as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal routes in the world. You decide!
Day 33 of our tour and we visit the iconic
Day 34 of our tour and we will go an exciting cruise from Hout Bay harbour to Duiker Island the Seal Colony where you can view thousands of wild Cape Fur Seals, close up in their natural habitat. While aboard you are surrounded with breath-taking scenery of the famous Chapmans Peak Drive and the Sentinel Mountain.https:// easytraveltours.blogspot.com/
Day 35 of our tour and we visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach and the quaint village of Kalbay.
Tag 35 unserer virtuellen Tour und wir besuchen die Pinguine am Boulders Beach und das malerische Dorf Kalbay.
Day 37 of our tour and we visit the the West Coast National Park with its extremely rich bird life and wonderful diversity of marine organisms is one of the most beautiful coastal wetlands in South Africa. The Park which has the Atlantic Ocean at its western boundary has an extremely rich bird life and a high diversity of fynbos and other plant species as well as some wildlife. There are also a number of full day and two day hiking trails. Between August and November visitors to the reserve may be lucky enough to spot Whales along the coastline. The Postberg area of the reserve is well known for the beautiful blankets of flowers that cover the area between August and September
Day 38 of our tour and we visit the villages of Velddrif, Laaiplek and Port Owen.
Velddrif is a traditional fishing town where the Cape West Coast delicacy known as “bokkoms” has its origins.
“Bokkom Laan” is where the bokkoms, or Velddrif’s biltong, are made. All along the road, you’ll find locals eager to share their knowledge and rows of “bokkoms” waiting to be tasted.
Velddrif’s dry summers make it ideal for the extraction of salt from seawater – the main reason why South Africa’s main salt brand, Cerebos, decided to open a factory here.
Famous for more than fish and salt, Velddrif also boasts pristine beaches and a host of restaurants and coffee shops.
Laaiplek is situated right at the mouth of the Berg River. The South African Sea Fisheries Museum is well worth a visit and since the Berg River is tidal, the area is also well-known for birding.
Upstream from its mouth the Berg River curls inland to form Port Owen – a series of canals that form a marina with the stunning Port Owen Yacht Club.
The region boasts abundant birdlife. Look out for pelicans, lesser and greater flamingos, blue cranes, herons, the endangered oystercatcher and the European bee-eater. Drive from Velddrif to Rocherpan and Redelinghuys. Find Verlorenvlei at Redelinghuys – a recognized RAMSAR site.
Birdlife species list found in the Berg River Estuary are:
Bokkomlaan: Lesser and Greater Flamingo’s, White Pelicans, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Grey-headed Gulls, Common Greenshank
De Plaat: At times more than 30 000 Cape Cormorants can be seen going to the salt pans to roost in the late afternoon. It is estimated that between 70 000 and 80 000 birds use this area at night.
Berg River Bird Hide: Goliath, Purple, Grey and Black-headed Herons, African Spoonbill, African Darter and Pied Avocet (Collect the key to the hide from Riviera Hotel, positioned next to the bird hide along Voortrekker Road)
Flaminkvlei A: Little Terns in summer. Marsh Owls and African Marsh Harrier
Swartjiesbaai: Red-necked Phalarope, Goliath Heron, Osprey, Common Redshank, African Purple Swamphen, White-Winged Tern
Day 39 of our South Africa Tour and we explore the magnificent wildflowers along South Africa’s West Coast, the Cederberg and Namaqualand.
With little warning (and a little bit of magic), every coastal town and inland village, mountains and fields alike, are lit up in a rainbow of colour as an endless display of wild-flowers burst into full bloom transforming the once wintery-dull area into a mecca of vibrant shades any time from mid July.
Although the West Coast National Park flower season usually takes place during August and September, the beautiful natural glories can often already be seen by the end of July and still during early October (depending on the weather conditions) and the area.
Day 41 of our tour of South Africa and we visit Langebaan, known as the Jewel of the West Coast.
Langebaan enjoys almost year-round sunshine and boasts azure waters and unsurpassed natural beauty. Langebaan offers a nature and adventure-filled vacation topped with delicious West Coast food.
The white sand beaches surrounding the clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon are very popular, and the mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon make it the perfect location for many water sports, including sailing, kayaking , kitesurfing, and fishing and swimming.
The manicured golf course at Langebaan Country Estate is an established 18-Hole golf course, designed carefully with its well-positioned bunkers and the design team’s typical routing for golfers of varying skill levels. Add amazing natural rock formations, a large water feature to divide the fairways, a colourful carpet of natural wild flowers, abundant bird life and a variety of buck species, and you're guaranteed a great round of golf, regardless of your score. Not only will you have access to golf, a driving range, pro putt and mashie golf facilities but also bowls, cycling, tennis.
Langebaan is an internationally acclaimed Ramsar Site for its importance as a wetland and the tidal mud flats of the lagoon not only host many local bird species but also attract migratory birds every year. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere.
Even if you are a beginner, you can still enjoy Langebaan Lagoon. Most of the water sport shops and centers offer kitesurfing lessons, sailing lessons, water skiing lessons and windsurfing lesson. Langebaan’s Main Beach is great for beginner and intermediate kitesurfers with more than enough room for everyone. The wind almost always picks up by mid-afternoon. At the end of the main beach, a patch of sand near the yacht club has been dubbed “Second Beach” by locals and is popular among fishermen, bait collectors, and catamarans.
Majority of photos by Andriette Pretorius in Langebaan. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos with me!!!!
All photos by Andriette Pretorius in Langebaan. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos with me!!!!
Day 43 of our South Africa Tour and we visit the West Coast Fossil Park. We will see the fossils of bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes and the many other exotic animals which inhabited the west coast area some 5 million years ago.
The fossil site is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil faunal remains that date to the terminal Miocene/early Pliocene (circa 5.2 million years ago).
A national and international team of researchers are currently unravelling the fascinating and unique history of fossils from the West Coast Fossil Park and attempting to recreate the environment and climate of the west coast some 5 million years ago. At this time many animals that are now extinct, such as saber-toothed cats, short-necked giraffes, hunting hyenas and African bears roamed the west coast which then had a more subtropical climate with lush, riverine forests and open grasslands.
https://fossilpark.org.za/
Day 39 of our South Africa Tour and we visit Paternoster a small, quaint and picturesque fishing village on the West Coast.
Paternoster showcase is famous for its abundance of crayfish and for its traditional fisherman’s architecture and endless pristine sandy white beaches.
Visitors to Paternoster delight in watching whales and dolphins frolicking in the ocean (ten months of the year) and after the first spring rains fall the landscape is transformed by the millions of indigenous flowers which open and densely carpet the earth in bright bursts of colour (usually between late July and September).
For bird lovers, Paternoster is home to over 250 species of birds with seabirds (Seagulls, cormorants, sacred ibis and the Oystercatcher) using this coastline as their breeding ground.
Activities and attractions include enjoying delicious fresh seafood, long walks on the beaches, fishing, boat and land based cray-fishing, diving and spear fishing excursions, hiking trails, mountain biking, sea kayaking.
For those that might wonder, Paternoster, meaning "Our Father" derives its name from the prayers of ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors.
With little warning (and a little bit of magic), every coastal town and inland village, mountains and fields alike, are lit up in a rainbow of colour as an endless display of wild-flowers burst into full bloom transforming the once wintery-dull area into a mecca of vibrant shades any time from mid July.
The Postberg section of the West Coast National park serves as a major highlight during the wild flower season since this section is only open to the public during the flower season. These two months of the year Nature showcases carpets upon carpets of brightly coloured and breathtakingly gorgeous flowers as well as an array of other interesting fauna and flora found in the park. (If lucky, guests may spot bontebok, duiker, eiland, zebra, ostrich as well as many other animals and birds whilst visiting.)
An incredible experience is to go on a two day hike within the Postberg region and see and get close to all the beautiful flowers on display. It really is something extraordinary.
Although the West Coast National Park flower season usually takes place during August and September, the beautiful natural glories can often already be seen by the end of July and still during early October (depending on the weather conditions) and the area.
Day 41 of our tour of South Africa and we visit Langebaan, known as the Jewel of the West Coast.
Langebaan enjoys almost year-round sunshine and boasts azure waters and unsurpassed natural beauty. Langebaan offers a nature and adventure-filled vacation topped with delicious West Coast food.
The white sand beaches surrounding the clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon are very popular, and the mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon make it the perfect location for many water sports, including sailing, kayaking , kitesurfing, and fishing and swimming.
The manicured golf course at Langebaan Country Estate is an established 18-Hole golf course, designed carefully with its well-positioned bunkers and the design team’s typical routing for golfers of varying skill levels. Add amazing natural rock formations, a large water feature to divide the fairways, a colourful carpet of natural wild flowers, abundant bird life and a variety of buck species, and you're guaranteed a great round of golf, regardless of your score. Not only will you have access to golf, a driving range, pro putt and mashie golf facilities but also bowls, cycling, tennis.
Langebaan is an internationally acclaimed Ramsar Site for its importance as a wetland and the tidal mud flats of the lagoon not only host many local bird species but also attract migratory birds every year. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere.
Even if you are a beginner, you can still enjoy Langebaan Lagoon. Most of the water sport shops and centers offer kitesurfing lessons, sailing lessons, water skiing lessons and windsurfing lesson. Langebaan’s Main Beach is great for beginner and intermediate kitesurfers with more than enough room for everyone. The wind almost always picks up by mid-afternoon. At the end of the main beach, a patch of sand near the yacht club has been dubbed “Second Beach” by locals and is popular among fishermen, bait collectors, and catamarans.
Majority of photos by Andriette Pretorius in Langebaan. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos with me!!!!
Day 42 of our South Africa Tour and we enjoy the magnificent Birds of the Cape West Coast.
The Cape West Coast offers a variety of top birding destinations, with no less than seven Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) registered with BirdLife International. The registration of two wetland systems as RAMSAR sites emphasizes the importance of the region for waterfowl and the region has the reputation for producing sightings of rare and vagrant migratory waders during summer.
More than 300 bird species have been identified in The West Coast National Park which is probably best known for the thousands of migratory waders in summer.
Terrestrial birding is also amazing. The Rhenosterveld (a type of fynbos) of the Park represents of the last large remnants of this habitat type, and hosts good numbers of the vulnerable Black Harrier. Other sought-after species include White-throated Canary, Grey-winged Francolin, Karoo Lark, White-backed Mousebird, Karoo Prinia, Karoo Scrub-Robin, Grey Tit and many more.
Birding around the Geelbek area of the park is superb and there are two well-placed hides which overlook salt marshes and mudflats and are the best spots to view waders. Do not underestimate the boardwalks to these hides, as these offer very good birding and photographic.
The fossil site is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil faunal remains that date to the terminal Miocene/early Pliocene (circa 5.2 million years ago).
A national and international team of researchers are currently unravelling the fascinating and unique history of fossils from the West Coast Fossil Park and attempting to recreate the environment and climate of the west coast some 5 million years ago. At this time many animals that are now extinct, such as saber-toothed cats, short-necked giraffes, hunting hyenas and African bears roamed the west coast which then had a more subtropical climate with lush, riverine forests and open grasslands.
https://fossilpark.org.za/
Day 44 of our South Africa Tour and we enjoy a Scenic Helicopter in Cape Town: the Most Epic Way to Experience the City
You don’t have to be a high flyer to enjoy a breathtaking helicopter ride over Cape Town.
There are several packages to suit every budget and occasion, from a 20-minute ride over the Atlantic Seaboard to a 3-hour flight into the Winelands.
Photos credit: NAC Helicopters & Andriette Pretorius
Day 45 of our tour is action packed! We will go skydiving and go on a speed boat.
Skydiving. Perfect for first time jumpers/parachuters a tandem skydive is a quick and easy way of experiencing the thrill of free fall. It also is a ridiculous amount of fun!
On a tandem skydive, you are strapped to a Tandem Master with a special harness that’s attached to a state of the art parachute large enough to support both of you. You will enjoy a spectacular 20 minute aircraft ride to 9,000ft above ground level, experiencing the finest views of the West Coast, Cape Town, Robben Island and Table Mountain.
Then it's action time! Out the door for a 120mph/ 200kph freefall for about 30 seconds. Your Tandem Master opens the parachute at about 5000ft, and a peaceful 5 minute parachute ride to the ground follows where you may be able to assist in steering the parachute
On a tandem skydive, you are strapped to a Tandem Master with a special harness that’s attached to a state of the art parachute large enough to support both of you. You will enjoy a spectacular 20 minute aircraft ride to 9,000ft above ground level, experiencing the finest views of the West Coast, Cape Town, Robben Island and Table Mountain.
Then it's action time! Out the door for a 120mph/ 200kph freefall for about 30 seconds. Your Tandem Master opens the parachute at about 5000ft, and a peaceful 5 minute parachute ride to the ground follows where you may be able to assist in steering the parachute
The speedboat is an action packed eco-adventure boat ride around Cape Town’s unspoilt coastline. Experience an eco-adventure aboard a stunning Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boat – a combination of power and exploration as you cruise the Atlantic coastline to view the spectacular sea and birdlife, under the guidance of experienced skippers.
The experienced skippers will share with you the beauty of the ocean as well as the beauty of the Cape Town Atlantic coastline with a chance to see Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins, Whales, Penguins and Sun Fish and potentially much more as you search the bay for sea life.
Day 46 of our virtual tour through South Africa and we will explore the beautiful Capetown with Sidecars and Tandem Paragliding from Lionshead. Lovely and loads of fun!
Day 47 of our tour and we will explore Cape Town in the most unique way possible… from the seat of a Cobra car. Relax in the seat with the wind in your hair and enjoy the scenic beauty of Capetown and surrounding areas. An unforgettable experience.
More Days following...
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