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Showing posts with label Things to Do. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things to Do. Show all posts
Jonkershoek Flyfishing, Stellenbosch
Flyfishing at Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch Nestled high in the most picturesque valley and protected from the Cape's howling winds, the Jonkershoek flyfishery offer superb flyfishing for both the experienced and the novice angler. The flyfishery operates from the oldest trout hatchery in Southern Africa, started in 1892.
Six trout dams are available on the border of the Jonkershoek Nature reserve. The dams are well stocked with rainbow trout as well as the elusive and sought after Cape Whitefish (Barbus andrewi) one of South Africa’s famous yellowfish species, renowned for their fighting abilities. The best fishing in the dams is over winter, when the trout are performing at their peak, though the Summer offers anglers an excellent opportunity to sight fish for the Cape Whitefish.
A beautiful section of the Eerste River is also available where one can target wild rainbow trout. The best fishing time on the river is during summer, out of spawning season. Booking for the river is essential.
Equipment can be hired from reception. Our staff offer advice and tuition on request. Fly casting and fishing clinics are run on a regular basis and private tuition can also be arranged.
The amenities on the premises include a restaurant area, picnic areas and bathrooms.
Visitors are welcome - this is the perfect place to cast a line...
Six trout dams are available on the border of the Jonkershoek Nature reserve. The dams are well stocked with rainbow trout as well as the elusive and sought after Cape Whitefish (Barbus andrewi) one of South Africa’s famous yellowfish species, renowned for their fighting abilities. The best fishing in the dams is over winter, when the trout are performing at their peak, though the Summer offers anglers an excellent opportunity to sight fish for the Cape Whitefish.
A beautiful section of the Eerste River is also available where one can target wild rainbow trout. The best fishing time on the river is during summer, out of spawning season. Booking for the river is essential.
Equipment can be hired from reception. Our staff offer advice and tuition on request. Fly casting and fishing clinics are run on a regular basis and private tuition can also be arranged.
The amenities on the premises include a restaurant area, picnic areas and bathrooms.
Visitors are welcome - this is the perfect place to cast a line...
e-mail: Martin Oosthuizen martin@oostco.co.za
Camphor Trees over 300 years old at Vergelegen Wine Estate
300 year old camphor trees at Vergelegen Wine Estate, in Somerset West in 1700 by Willem Adriaan van der Stel. The estate covers 300 hectares in the town of Somerset West.
These camphor trees were planted over 300 years ago in front of the homestead on Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West. They have been declared national monuments and they are magnificent it is hard to capture the size of these trees in a photograph and it is really worth the visit to Vergelegen to see the interesting history of this estate and walk around the estate. Vergelegen is owned by Anglo and is in pristine condition. You can take the family for a picnic or have lunch at one the restaurants on the estate and of course there is wine tasting.
Pony Rides - Helderberg Plaas (farm)
This pony was rescued by the SPCA as an abused cart muel, he now enjoys a loving home, loved by all especially the kids that come to visit.This weekend, we took our kids to Helderberg Plaas (Farm). It's a great place to take the family for an outing. The kids run around freely, play, pick strawberries feed the animals and can also go on pony rides.
Kid Parties:
They, also arrange kiddies parties and hire jumping castles and water slides. You can call Leeanne Lake on 082 321379 to arrange your kids birthday parties.
Other Activities:
There are braai areas, picnic spots, trails and walks around the farm. There is also a 4 x 4 scenic drive (permits needed) and many other activities on the farm are quad bikes, lazer shooting, paint ball.
Directions to Helderberg Plas:http://www.helderbergplaas.co.za/
Kogel Bay
Kogel Bay, also known by locals of the Helderberg Basin as Koel Bay (cool bay) is a favourite surfers spot. It is the most beautiful beach in our area as you can see in this photo taken inside the cave at Kogel Bay. To get to the beach is quite a walk from the road above and there is not much parking but further along is a camp site with a longer stretch of beach that is easily accessible. Local Surfers hang out here and are very protective of their spot!
Kogel Bay, is one of the most dangerous beaches in the Cape and many drowning have occured here due to a very strong rip tide so don't even think of swimming here. Kogel Bay also has Great White Sharks that are sometimes seen from above hanging around behind the back line. The last recorded shark attack here was in the late 80's to a local surfer Serge Capri.
The Strand Beach, Cape Town SA
The Strand Beach, stretches for about 4km. The Strand is perfect for swimming and is very child friendly. For Helderberg Locals it is a favorite beach for boogie boarding, surfing, kite surfing, kite flying, jogging and strolling.The Strand Beach is the most popular beach in False Bay, as the water is warm and calm. However during summer the beach is packed and parking is a problem. There are many traffic officials out to make a buck so watch where you park and feed the meters especially during our peak season December to January.
Along the beach front there are also some fun spots for kids mainly the super tube and putt putt. When you visit please leave the alcohol at home, drinking is not allowed leave only your footprints behind.
Gordon's Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Above: Gordon's Bay, Cape Town South Africa
Gordon's Bay
Beach
Gordon's Bay, is one of the most child friendly beaches in the Helderberg Basin. The water is calm and warm and there are many rock pools alive with little sea creatures that kids love.
On, this stretch of Gordon's Bay Beach are milk wood trees that provide protection from the sun and many people enjoy picnics under the milk wood's canopies.
At Gordon's Bay you can also hire a kayak or paddle ski if you want to explore the bay.
On, this stretch of Gordon's Bay Beach are milk wood trees that provide protection from the sun and many people enjoy picnics under the milk wood's canopies.
At Gordon's Bay you can also hire a kayak or paddle ski if you want to explore the bay.
Bikini Beach Gordon's Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Bikini Beach on a winters dayBikini Beach is an exclusive little beach in Gordon's Bay, I still wonder how Bikini Beach got it's name but when one goes to this beach then you are reminded that this little beach lives up to its name. Apparently legend has it the beach was named after the numerous bikini babes from the nearby Stellenbosch University who frequent this intimate little beach.
Bikini Beach is one of only Blue Flag Beaches in Cape Town, this indicates a high level of water quality, facilities, cleanliness and safety having active lifeguards on duty. There are good changing room facilities and showers to wash the sand off your body.
Bikini Beach is an good swimming beach but it gets deep suddenly and is not a friendly beach for young children or weak swimmers at times there is also quite a strong surf.
It's ideal location surrounded by the Hottentot's Holland mountain range on one side and the harbour breakwater on the other, locals know that when the South Easter is howling Bikini Beach is normally unaffected.
Next door to Bikini Beach, is the Old Harbour of Gordon's Bay there is a shop that sell ice creams, cool drinks and fish 'n chips. At the Harbour, there is also quite a lot to see with fishing boats coming in, General Botha Naval Base, Gordon's Bay Yacht Club and NSRI.
Bikini Beach is one of only Blue Flag Beaches in Cape Town, this indicates a high level of water quality, facilities, cleanliness and safety having active lifeguards on duty. There are good changing room facilities and showers to wash the sand off your body.
Bikini Beach is an good swimming beach but it gets deep suddenly and is not a friendly beach for young children or weak swimmers at times there is also quite a strong surf.
It's ideal location surrounded by the Hottentot's Holland mountain range on one side and the harbour breakwater on the other, locals know that when the South Easter is howling Bikini Beach is normally unaffected.
Next door to Bikini Beach, is the Old Harbour of Gordon's Bay there is a shop that sell ice creams, cool drinks and fish 'n chips. At the Harbour, there is also quite a lot to see with fishing boats coming in, General Botha Naval Base, Gordon's Bay Yacht Club and NSRI.
Helderberg Basin Beach, Cape Town South Africa
Hot Bikini Beach, Babe Come on Summer!
(Bikini Beach, is located next to the old harbour in Gordon's Bay.)
Lawandle, Somerset West Township Tours
Lwandle started in 1958 as a single dwelling hostel for migrant workers it is now a vibrant community. Many of the residents living here originally came here under the migrant labour system during the late 1950s from the Eastern Cape.
The Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum has placed Lawandle on the tourist map route. It is the first of its kind in South Africa to tell the story of hostel life and the migrant labour system - its trials and triumphs.
The Museum is housed in what used to be the community hall and a number of tour operators run tours through the township to take in the museum on their route while exploring the Helderberg Basin.
It is not advised that you visit Lwandle without a tour guide as Lawandle is riddled with crime and many violent crimes have happened in and around the township.
The Museum is open during the following:
Summer - Mon-Fri: 09h00-18h00Saturdays and Sundays: 09H00-13H00Closed on Christmas DayWinter - Mon-Fri: 09h00-17h00Saturdays and Sundays: 09h00-13h00
Enquiries:
strand@tourismcapetown.co.za
Tel:21 853 1688
The Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum has placed Lawandle on the tourist map route. It is the first of its kind in South Africa to tell the story of hostel life and the migrant labour system - its trials and triumphs.
The Museum is housed in what used to be the community hall and a number of tour operators run tours through the township to take in the museum on their route while exploring the Helderberg Basin.
It is not advised that you visit Lwandle without a tour guide as Lawandle is riddled with crime and many violent crimes have happened in and around the township.
The Museum is open during the following:
Summer - Mon-Fri: 09h00-18h00Saturdays and Sundays: 09H00-13H00Closed on Christmas DayWinter - Mon-Fri: 09h00-17h00Saturdays and Sundays: 09h00-13h00
Enquiries:
strand@tourismcapetown.co.za
Tel:21 853 1688
Chetah Outreach - Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Spier Wine Estate, just outside of the Helderberg Basin is home to a group of hand-raised cheetahs cared for by the Cheetah Outreach Programme.
You can take the family and get up close and personal with these magnifacent creatures.
All entrance fees go to fund the Cheetah Outreach Programme.
Cheetah Outreach was founded by Annie Beckhelling in January 1997 on a hectare of land donated by Spier. The Cheetah Outreach Programee aims to increase global awareness of the cheetah.
Cheetahs can also be booked for private eductational puprposes or functions.
Tel: 021 809 1188.
Strawberries in the Helderberg Basin
Strawberries at Helderberg Farm (Plaas)Strawberries, like vineyards are one of the cornerstones of the Helderberg Basin. For many years residents and visitors to the Helderberg Basin have enjoyed the delicious freshly picked strawberries from one of the many strawberry farms in The Helderbeg or Stellenbosch.
Strawberries were in fact so popular and loved by the residents of the Helderberg Basin that they created a festival in their honour called "The Strawberry Lights Festival".
In December each year Somerset West hosts the festival, where stalls used to sell strawberries and cream to the many visitors that came from near and far, to see the festive lights while they ate strawberries and cream, walking up and down the Main Road of Somerset West.
Today, unfortunately this tradition has been replaced and instead traders sell all sorts of mainly Chinese novelties instead. The Christmas lights are the only remaining tradition of The Strawberry Lights Festival.
Strawberry picking season is from September - December on many of the great farms where the kids love to go pick strawberries along the R44 on the way to Stellenboch.
GPS: S34.01.57.3 E18.50.01.3
Strawberries
Ten Pin Bowling at Somerset Mall
Now that winter is here what a great way to have some fun indoors at Lets Go Bowling in the Somerset West Mall. They are offering Sunday specials at only R20,00 per game!
So come on Mom's and Dad's take the kids to have an afternoon of fun.
Lets Go Bowling is situated at the entertainment side of The Somerset Mall in Somerset West for bookings and further information about bowling in the Helderberg Basin visit their website:Lets Go Bowling
See the Helderberg Basin on a quad bike...
Looking for something completely different to do while in the Helderberg Basin?
Why not take the kids on a Quad Bike adventure they will never forget...
The Quad Bike trails are set in the forests, mountains & orchards of the beautiful Elgin valley.
Kamazoo offers many different trails from a 1/2 hour trail to full day trails!
All their quad trails commence with training and safety precautions of Quad bike riding.
For further information check out their website:
Quad Bikes
Play a game of chess at the Lord Charles
I just returned from having a wonderful game of giant chess at the Lord Charles Hotel. How wonderful it was to play on such a large scale. In today's modern lifestyle one hardly ever gets the opportunity to play the wonderful game of chess.
So why not enjoy the wonderful views of the Helderberg Basin at the same time playing a great game of chess?
Take the kids or arrange a game by placing a request on the comments to this post. Perhaps we could start a chess club right here in the Helderberg Basin?
The Lord Charles is situated on the corner of Main road and the R44 in Somerset West and for further information please visit their website:
Lord Charles
For those of you wanting a great place to play online this is great website:
Online Chess
Visit Monkey Town for a day you won't forget...
The Monkey Town Primate Centre is situated just outside of Somerset West on the N2. Monkey Town is home to over 230 individual primates, with 27 different species in total. An excellent outing for the family, they have recently done some upgrades so support our local primates and pay them a visit.
Monkey Town
Have an afternoon of fun cable sking at bluerock...
Blue Rock Cable water ski resort is located in Sir Lowry's village opposite to the N2 turn off to Gordon's Bay. Once an unused quarry it has been transformed into one of two cable ski resorts in South Africa. Wake Boards, Knee Boards and traditional skis are avaliable for hire. There is also some fun cliff jumping spots around the lake.
Blue Rock is normally closed during winter months so double check their website:
Bluerock
See the Helderberg Basin from a paraglider...
Tandem Paragliding Flights in the Helderberg Basin:
For a truly unforgettable experience come and view the the mountains and beaches of Somerset West, Strand and Gordon's Bay from a paraglider!
It requires no experience to enjoy an amazing Tandem flight over the Helderberg Basin! Nearly anyone can be flown. Easy start from the mountains in Sir Lowry's Pass and around Cape Town with safe landings on the beach. This is a must for everyone who wants to experience something new!
To book your flight click here:Paraglide
Enjoy a fun day sandboarding in Betty's Bay
Sand boarding
The wind swept Blesberg dune in Betty's Bay is a prime location to experience down-hill adventure to its max. The dune is about 200m high and one can reach great speeds and enjoy the ultimate adrenaline buzz.
Boards can be hired direct from the Jackazz shop in Betty's Bay on a daily hire basis. They can also cater for large groups by providing a shaded gazebo, basic instruction, drinks and snacks on request.
More information and contact details can be found on their website:
Sandboarding
Betty's Bay is about 20 minutes drive from Gordon's Bay and the drive is one of the most scenic drives in the Western Cape.
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