Cape Town is the Destination of Museum Junkies

Iziko MuseumNot for nothing is Cape Town the cultural capital of South Africa. It’s home to a multitude of museums that document everything from naval history to apartheid. While it’s possible to take your time finding and strolling around the museums of your fancy, it’s even better if you hire a private tour operator to put together a tour tailor-made to your tastes.

For example, if you like to see snippets from life long ago, the operator could come up with a tour that includes the Bo-Kaap Museum, District Six Museum and Slave Lodge. If your tastes are more eclectic, the operator might suggest the Cape Town Diamond Museum, the Warrior Toy Museum, the Heart Transplant Museum, and the SA Rugby Museum.

Let’s look at a few of the museums to include in your itinerary:

Iziko is actually an umbrella that covers many of Cape Town’s museums, one of which is the South African Museum. The South African Museum houses a variety of temporary and permanent exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions include things like the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit. Permanent exhibitions include African Dinosaur fossils and the Wonders of Nature.

The Bo-Kaap Museum is also an Iziko museum. It’s in the heart of Bo-Kaap – the old Cape Malay Quarter – which is, itself, in the centre (more or less) of Cape Town. The museum is dedicated to Bo-Kaap’s history as a slave quarter and reflects its current status as a living museum for Islamic culture.

It dates back to 1863, when it started out as the first dedicated synagogue in South Africa. Exhibitions change regularly but some examples include Jewish Ceremonial Art, The Jews of District Six, Of Hominids and Humankind and selected works by William Kentridge.

If you love all the glitters – and that is gold – then you should go to the Gold of Africa museum where you’ll see roughly 350 gold artefacts from West and Southern Africa. Exhibitions may also include displays from as far afield as India and Brazil.

From one precious material to another; the Cape Town Diamond Museum takes you back to when diamonds were first formed three billion years ago and looks at how they have influenced human history and culture, as well as how the South African diamond industry has influenced the world.

It may not be in Cape Town but the Franschhoek Motor Museum is a must-see for petrol heads. It covers the history of motor cars and motor cycles. It boasts over 220 cars and 80 exhibits that are housed in four halls. After you’ve had your fill of cars, you can pop into one of the many restaurants in Franschhoek, each of which offers world-class food.

It doesn’t matter of your tastes are cultural or material, Cape Town has museums that will interest you.

 

Image credit: Danie van der Merwe, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, via Flickr

 

Cape Town’s Big Secret – The Big 5 on its Doorstep

Processed by: Helicon Filter;People don’t traditionally associate the Western Cape with big game safaris and the Big 5. The truth is that there is plenty of big game to attract hardcore nature enthusiasts, and many of them are only a few hours away from Cape Town.

Let’s look at three of the best game reserves around Cape Town:

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Aquila Private Game Reserve is a two-hour drive away from Cape Town; it offers luxury accommodation and amazing views of the Karoo landscape. But, far more importantly, it offers the chance to see the Big 5. There are a number of activities available, including game drives, quad biking, and horseback safaris. Nearby activities include 4×4 mountain drives, trout fishing and golf.

There are four accommodation options:

1)     Premier luxury chalets, which incorporate the natural landscape and boast en-suite bathrooms, an outdoor shower, fireplace, private patio and mini bar.

2)     Family luxury chalets, which are semi-detached African-themed units with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, coal stoves and fireplaces.

3)     Standard luxury chalets, which have similar features to family chalets – they just sleep fewer people.

4)     Bush cottages, which are ‘budget’ cottages situated out in the veld with virtually unobstructed views of the landscape.

Gondwana Game Reserve

Gondwana Game Reserve calls itself the only fynbos reserve in the world with free roaming Big 5.  It’s a four-hour drive from Cape Town and a 25 minute drive from Mossel Bay. Activities at the reserve include nature walks, game drives, and spa treatments. Activities around the reserve include swimming and surfing at Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and golf. A Junior Ranger Programme is available for children.

There are two accommodation options:

1)     Kwena Lodge, which is based on the designs of traditional Khoisan huts, but with fantastic luxury features, of course. There is a skylight in the centre of each room, which offers amazing views of the night sky, and each room has a wood fireplace.

2)     Bush Villas, which are private, self-catering villas that are located within an enclosed area with wandering plains game. Villas come with wood fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms, large flat screen TVs, internet, fully-equipped kitchens, and private decks.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Sanbona is a three-hour drive away from Cape Town and claims that it is the city’s closed free-roaming Big 5 reserve (which is a matter best settled between Sanbona and Aquila). It has white lion rehabilitation programme and has successfully reintroduced white lions into the wild, and is along the Little Karoo Wine Route, which is definitely worth a visit for wine lovers. Other attractions include bird watching, nature walks, star gazing, spa treatments and rock art.

There are three accommodation options:

1)     Tilney Manor, which consists of three units each with private patios, TVs, outdoor showers, en-suite bathrooms, and minibars.

2)     Gondwana Lodge, which consists of 12 luxury suites. The lodge contains an outdoor pool and dining area, a mini-spa, children’s play areas, and a lounge with satellite TV.

3)     Dwyka Tented Lodge, which is located in a horseshoe bend and is framed by some of the prettiest rock formations you’re ever likely to see. It consists of nine luxury tents, each it an en-suite bathroom, private deck, plunge pool, under floor heating, and outdoor shower.

If you like to walk on the wild side, take a couple of days out of your Cape Town holiday, lolling on beaches, climbing Table Mountain, visiting penguins, strolling around Robben Island, and exploring Cape Point and take advantage of the opportunity to see the Big 5 in the Western Cape.

 

Sandy Cosser lives in Cape Town, where she takes full advantage of all the sights and activities on offer and dreams of one day joining exclusive tours to destinations surrounding Cape Town.

Image credit: Arno Meintjes, CC BY-NC 2.0, via Flickr 

 

River Rafting on the Orange River

The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and the 39th longest in the world. It starts in the Lesotho highlands in the Drakensberg Mountains and joins the Atlantic Ocean in Alexander Bay after a stretch of 2092 kilometers. The river connects South Africa with Namibia, providing South Africa with water for irrigation and acting as a source for hydroelectric power.

The Orange River’s unique and exquisite beauty creates the perfect environment for river rafting and other water adventures such as canoeing and tubing. The water is warm and the rapids are safe for anyone, but they are also fun and challenging enough to provide you with the adventure of a lifetime.

There are various options to choose from when it comes to planning your trip, the most popular one being the four-day trip. The days will be spent river rafting on the Orange River, jumping off magnificent cliffs, fishing, hiking, indulging in picnics, and spending the night by a spitting bonfire under the luminescence of the moon and stars.

You can expect to see superior rock formations, precious stones, volcanic rocks, indigenous plants, a large variety of bird life, and all sorts and forms of fish.

On your first day, there will be an early morning breakfast, followed by a talk on safety procedures and a demonstration on how to use the equipment. You will be taught about all the basic safety rules and regulations before hitting the river for some serious fun. Later, lunch will be served on the banks of the river, followed by more rafting, swimming and paddling, as well as songs around the campfire and a delicious dinner. Over the next few days the guides will take the group to various rafting spots on the river and there’ll be more delicious food and fun in the sun.

What should I take with?

Trips are always led by qualified guides who will provide you with the latest and safest equipment; however, there are a few basics you will need to bring along. It is strongly recommended that you start your trip as prepared as possible, as it will make it much more fun and relaxing. Below is a list of the necessary essentials:

 

 

Written by Ivelina Dineva

Image credit: Maurits Vermeulen, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

 

Stoep & Swing: November events, specials and interview with owner Gareth Searle


November Events Calendar for Stoep & Swing: 

Friday 2nd : Elecro party DJ

Saturday 3rd : Mr Crack with DJ Skull Hull (from 8 PM) - Facebook Event

Sunday 5th : Live 5 piece jazz band(from 5PM)

Friday 9th : Paige Mac

Saturday 10th : 80′s party with DJ and Teen Wolf in the background

Saturday 17th: Soul Session, live performance

Sunday 18th : Live 5 piece jazz band (from 5pm)

Friday 23rd : Rock band

Saturday 24th: Make Believe - Charted train party from cape town stopping with two DJ floors.

 

 

Potentially Prickly (Porcupine) Situation

Our garden has taken quite a hammering during this rather unrelenting torrential rain that we have been experiencing this winter.  Pot plants are starting to well up and overflow.  We have got used to the sodden aftermath on most mornings.  But there was something different the other morning when we looked outside our kitchen window into the back garden.  Long-leafed plants were flattened.  Bulbs had been uprooted and nibbled on.  We could tell it was not baboons.  They don’t usually forage around our house at night.  And if they are around at night they are usually in the pine trees further down near the river, and … they are not quiet.  The baboons can cavort like crazy at night and screech like raving banshees.  So no, not baboons.

Whatever it was that flattened our plants, it was very quiet.  Our dog had detected something out of the ordinary the night before and had been rather unsettled, but we heard nothing.

On closer inspection and feeling a tad Sherlock Holmes-like, we came to the firm conclusion that it had been a porcupine.  A silent, night visitor.  It was the first time that we were aware of a porcupine having been in our garden.  The only other time I have seen one in the South Peninsula was around midnight about a year ago and it was slowly crossing the road.  There were no other cars around so I could slow down and let it continue crossing to the other side.

There have been more reports recently of porcupine sightings or evidence of porcupine activity in the area.  It is great to know that these nocturnal creatures are wandering around happily at night, but, obviously, there is concern for their safety when crossing roads.  The Toad NUTS Kids recently raised awareness for porcupines by raising funds to print porcupine posters to remind people to look out for them while driving.  The Toad NUTS (Noordhoek Unpaid Toad Savers) are a group of volunteers who initially formed to save the endangered Western Leopard Toad from extinction, which they are still actively doing.

But, back to porcupines. Be warned, if you do come across a porcupine that is awake, do not corner it.  They are known to have acute hearing and when approached tend to freeze.  If they feel threatened they will run backwards very quickly while rattling their hollow quills and try to impale them into their enemy, which would be you, in this case.  If they are being chased they sometimes come to a sudden stop and try to impale their enemy that way.

Personally, I think they are best left alone.

 

(By our intern Tess Holland)

(Image credit: Hans Hillewaert (Own work), CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

 

The Brass Bell – Kalk Bay’s Gem

As the train pulls into Kalk Bay station, to the left you will see a building sitting pretty close to the water … this is the famed Brass Bell, where you can sit and enjoy the gorgeous view of False Bay.

The Brass Bell is strategically located to get the best out of its surroundings, especially the ocean, which might sometimes boast some whales if you are lucky (only during the peak months, mid-August to mid-October).

The Brass Bell is easily accessible coming from whichever direction you wish, in whatever mode of transport. You can drive down by private transport, and there are trains available between Cape Town and Kalk Bay every day, including weekends, although they do stop running in the evenings on the weekends. You have to go under the tunnel of the train station to get to the Brass Bell.

What make the Brass Bell such a fine place to visit are definitely the setting, the food, the drinks, the environment, and the great service (in no particular order). Being located near the sea, it specialises in sea food, but offers a huge variety of food from the assortment of pubs and restaurants on site.

The famous Fish ‘n Chips, West Coast Black Mussels, Brass Bell Salad, their huge selection of pizzas and their vast drinks menu are just some of the reasons to hop on a train and make yourself at home. Both the food and drinks menus are available on their website, which makes it that much easier to decide what you want to have.

The Brass Bell’s website bears testimony to the great value of care that is taken in ensuring that the customer walks away satisfied, and more than willing to return for another day or night of fun. Drive down along the Southern Peninsula to Kalk Bay and have a taste for yourself.

 

(By intern Boipelo Seswane)

(Image credit: Danie van der Merwe, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, via Flickr)

 

Life at L’Agulhas

April 5, 2012 • Posted in: Uncategorized • No Comments

Take a step out of your daily routine and picture a sleepy sea-side village at the southernmost tip of Africa. Here you’ll experience the echoing sounds of gull, the caress of crisp ocean breeze, soft sand below your feet, and stunning scenery and friendly locals. This is all within a two hour drive from Cape Town!

This seaside town is L’Agulhas, and its perfect for a weekend getaway with the family, friends, or as a romantic rendezvous! Staying here will certainly be memorable, as this is where you’ll see the meeting of two oceans (not at Cape Point, as many tourists assume). If you had any doubts, a large placard and a cairn of stones denotes where the “official” spot is, as decided by the International Hydrographic Organisation. This is a great place to take some lovely photos with the two oceans as a backdrop.

There are many attractions and activities which make L’Agulhas a perfect vacation spot. To name but a few:

Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

This landmark has been around for almost 200 years – having been built in 1848. Its design is based on the iconic Pharos of Alexandria, which is one of the wonders of the ancient world. You can visit the lighthouse, which has been made a National Monument, and explore the vast maritime museum before enjoying a light lunch at the cosy restaurant below it.

This lighthouse is situated on what locals call the “Graveyard of ships” coastline, an aptly named location! As early as the 1500s, this area was discovered and nicknamed “Cabo das Agulhas” (‘Cape of Needles’), by the Portuguese. It was given this name due to the jagged rocks hidden below the surface, and the resultant shipwrecks which have over the centuries reached around 250. If you travel down Suiderstrand road you can see a photograph commemorating the wreck of the Meishu Maru, which ran aground in 1982.

The Agulhas National Park

Not too far from the lighthouse is the Agulhas National Park, which is comprised of a coastal area filled with hiking trails. There are some great trails including the Rasperpunt hike which starts a little west of the Agulhas Lighthouse. The area features a huge variety of fynbos species, such as limestone fynbos, and it also gives you an opportunity to spot whales between June and November.

It is here that you will find one of the breeding grounds for the endangered African Black Oystercatcher – which you can watch over the December to February period. The eggs only hatch after 27 to 39 days of incubation. Please note that as the breeding period occurs during the height of tourist season, many eggs and chicks are killed by off-road vehicles (a BIG no-no in this part of the country). Another threat is being disturbed during feeding time (during low-tide periods), meaning they cannot gain enough nourishment to feed themselves and their young.

Outdoor fun

If you’re a fan of outdoor fun then the Spookdraai (Ghosts corner) hiking trail is likely for you. Legend has it that a beautiful young woman was the lone survivor of a shipwreck along this coastline, and having little strength left, she made it to one of the nearby caves before succumbing to her wounds. Today, her spirit can often be seen wandering this trail, and is reputed to visit the guesthouses close by. The whole trail takes just under three hours to complete and is located at the entrance to L’Agulhas.

Another fun event is the annual Suidpuntdag (Southern Point Day) Festival, which is held on the weekend closest to 16 May, to commemorate the shipwreck survivors as well as the shipping industry’s influence over the area.

These are some of the great activities available in Cape Agulhas. With the number of guest houses, bed and breakfasts and little hotels available, you won’t be short on accommodation. The locals are very friendly, and many are happy to tell tales of the various legends over supper, should you ask.

Author Bio: Roseanna McBain writes for Travelground.com, which has an extensive catalogue of accommodation in Cape Town and all over South Africa. On her off days she likes to spend time outdoors, enjoying the natural beauty in Cape Town.

(Image by MicGloWal, CC by 2.0, via Fotopedia)

 

Helping the animals in the Southern Peninsula

April 5, 2012 • Tags: , • Posted in: Community • No Comments

“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”

― Alfred A. Montapert

 

Whether you have lost a pet, are looking to buy a companion animal, want to help out at the various pet rescues or found an animal (pet or wild) in need of a home and healthcare, there are numerous organizations that can help. There are quite a few places in the Southern Peninsula that rescue, rehabilitate, look after and rehome animals. There are also organizations that rescue wild animals and ones that provide sterilization and healthcare to pets in underprivileged communities.

These organizations rely on their own fundraising initiatives and donations to carry out the amazing services the offer for all kinds of animals, from the very young to the old and frail, whether sick, hungry, abused or healthy: they reach out to make animals’ lives better. They would not be able to do this if the public did not donate to their charity shops, drop in change to their tins, buy raffle tickets and participate in all the other events these organizations have. Kind business owners sponsor prizes for the fundraising events to raise money for the animals.

The sad reality is that people often buy expensive companion animals only to find they cannot look after the animal once they grow up or they have to move and the companions can’t go with. The luckier ones are taken to the shelters and not left in a backyard or on the street. In most instances the animals that end up in shelters are the result of backyard breeding (people breeding puppies to make money with no regard for the mother or the future of the pups) and pets (with or without homes) that simply aren’t sterilized and their offspring end up homeless.

The good news for those looking to adopt one of these animals in need is that if you have your heart set on a specific breed, age or gender you can search for the perfect companion by using the search filter options on the Furkidz or Barking Mad websites. This also allows you to narrow your search to shelters in your vicinity.

If you find a bird that is in need of attention, know of someone whose birds don’t look happy or you need advice with your own feathered friend you can contact The Bird Rescue. They also board companion birds when their owners go on holiday. The owner is Haley and she can give advice on any bird-related queries.

Animal rescue organizations in the Southern Peninsula

All these organizations are non-profit and get no government funding. They rely on public support and also need volunteers to help them care and raise money for the animals.

Tears is in Fish Hoek and they provide primary healthcare to dogs and cats in underprivileged communities as well as rescuing and rehoming lost, abandoned, neglected and abused animals. They focus on empowering people and their pets by education and giving them proper guidance and doing follow ups on the pets. To help you can volunteer and play with the animals at the shelter or you can donate by shopping at their charity shops in Bergvliet, Fish Hoek and Sunnydale.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Grassy Park has an animal care centre where volunteers can help out and they rescue or investigate possible neglect or abuse of domestic, farm, working and traction animals, animals reared for consumption, wildlife, and also animals used for entertainment, exhibitions, sport and research.

Domestic Animal Rescue Group or DARG can be found in Hout Bay. They have kennels where they house lost, abused and abandoned dogs and cats. If you want to help out, you can pop into the DARG Centre in Main Road, Hout Bay or donate via their various other payment options.

Animal Rescue Organization has a charity shop on Belmont Road in Kalk Bay, The Begging Bowl, as well as other locations. They have a hospital that has a clinic open to people of the nearby underprivileged communities and operate three mobile clinics to assist animals where they travel through the townships. Volunteers can help at the hospital or with their fundraising and administration departments.

(Image by Erik, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, via Flickr)

 

Second hand shopping in the South Peninsula

Second hand shopping often brings the image of sour-smelling clothes and dusty ceramics to mind. As an avid thrifter, this is often the case. What makes it worth going through some junk are the treasures I find for next to nothing. These are not necessarily things of great value, just waiting to be discovered, but unique finds for a bargain price. Some people have an eye for spotting things that are valuable amid the kitsch, the cool and the objects whose purpose have been forgotten.

Second hand finds have become more and more fashionable as environmental consciousness and recycling is on a lot of people’s minds when they shop. Buying second hand is the most anti-consumerist approach to shopping as you reuse what might have ended up in a landfill, supporting small businesses or donating money to charity (if you buy from a charity shop).

If your interest is buying things for your home or finding interesting objects and gadgets, antique shops are the way to go. But I can’t resist second hand clothing shops.  You get your high street ones that are more expensive, for those who are not interested in sifting through bundles of run-down things. However, little in life is as rewarding as finding interesting vintage or designer clothing for a few backs at a charity shop.

Antique crockery collectors fall into a whole category of their own. It takes some knowledge to know if you are onto a bargain or being duped. Book lovers love the smell and adventure of second hand book shops. You never know what you will find. A poetry anthology of your favourite poet from when you were a teenager? Nostalgia … check. Oh, a Dreamweaver instruction guide! Learning a new skill … check.

It is wise to phone a second hand shop before driving there as they often have strange trading hours or have closed since you were there the last time.

In Retreat you can find The Rural Child’s charity clothing shop. It’s on Station Road and part of the Retreat Mall. Their number is 021 7122728. Then there is Ancient Days Antiques on Main Road, 021 788 6450, but it’s closed on Saturdays. If factory shops are your thing, visit http://www.factoryshops.co.za/factory-shops-in-the-western-cape/factory-shops-in-retreat-and-tokai/

Muizenberg’s Palmer Road is worth a visit for the charity and second hand shops. On Sundays and public holidays everything that is something or nothing can be found at the Muizenberg Flea Market. You can support Thaya Bedford’s online shop, beatnikbazaar.co.za if you miss Muizenberg too much on returning home. “I stock locally, handmade goods, some retro and vintage pieces and vintage bicycles. I also stock bicycle accessories, such as baskets and Chapel bags (which are made for cycling with),” says Thaya.

Chic Mamas Do Care has a corner at the Blue Bird Garage Market, Muizenberg that is open between 16:00 and 22:00 on a Friday. Phone 082 493 9055 for more information. They also have a shop in Hout Bay. Their website declares this their “second, newly opened, charity upmarket shop” which offers donated good quality clothing from people, from boutiques and designers who donate their left-over items. Find them at 20B Earl Street or contact them on 082 385 0915. Mariner’s Antique and Olde Shipwreck shoppe in Hout Bay claims to be “One of the world’s most interesting artefact shops, specialising in maritime memorabilia and nautical antiques such as steering wheels, brass-ware, portholes, pub signs, clocks, paintings, posters, ship models and rope.” They’re in the Harbourfront Emporium, Harbour Road. 021 790 1100 or 021 790 2870.

Kalk Bay must be the favourite when it comes to second hand shopping, so I left it for last. The Trading Post is quite a big second hand store focussing on antiques. They have a lot of rustic and rusted things that just need an artistic eye to make a home more special. They’re at 71 Main Road. They are open most of the time, but just to make sure as this is a must-visit, phone 021 788 9571.

Other antique shops down Kalk Bay Main Road are the following:

You can find classic, timeless garments in solid colour from the classic 40s at Franki’s Vintage on 70 Main. Their number is +27 (0)21 788 6776).

Happy shopping! And share some of your treasures from the South Peninsula, if you can bear to part.

(Post by our intern Elizabeth Smit)

(Image by Frames-of-Mind, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

 

The best restaurants in the south

Hout Bay

This is a beautiful restaurant right on the harbour. Built to resemble an old lighthouse, this is one of the best dining experiences in Cape Town. Evenings can be spent inside or, on warm evenings, on the deck. Be prepared for beautiful views of the harbour and Chapman’s Peak.

This restaurant has been going strong for nearly 30 years. It has amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and of the harbour. It’s world renowned for its incredible calamari. A warm atmosphere, good service, great food and incredible views are what make up this restaurant. A must visit when in ever you are in Hout Bay.

Cape Point

This restaurant offers something that no other restaurant in the world can offer, incredible views of the Cape and of the Atlantic Ocean. The food is prepared by a team of chefs, specializing in seafood, but they cater to every taste. An amazing restaurant that will leave you wanting more and more and more …

Simon’s Town

This Portuguese restaurant is renowned for its warm atmosphere and fantastic cuisine. Some nights they will have live music, which is a great way to spend the night. The peri-peri livers are highly recommended. Try it and you will fall in love with this homely restaurant.

A trip to Simon’s Town is not complete without lunch at Dixie’s. This restaurant is famous not for the food (it’s still very good though); no this is visited for the great atmosphere and beautiful views of False Bay. Unpretentious and laid-back, just what the doctor ordered.

Kalk Bay

One of Kalk Bay’s most iconic restaurants, Cape to Cuba is a bit of a sensory overload. A beautiful view, a bohemian style interior, great food and a vibe par excellence. Cuban cigars are for sale too, giving it a very Cuban feel. This is an exceptional place in an exceptional part of Cape Town. Remember to book a table, as it can get very full.

This bustling little bakery is in the heart of Kalk Bay, right next to the main road. It has a distinctly New York feel – hence the name. They offer some of the best coffee in town and mouth watering pastries. This is a perfect place to pop in and have good coffee and fantastic food while exploring the alleyways in Kalk Bay.

So, if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Cape Town, look no closer than your own backyard.

 (This post is by our intern Kristian Meijer)

(Image by Frames-of-Mind, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)