KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch only grows indigenous South African plants. The 528 hectare estate supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest.A touch of the past:People used Kirstenbosch long before the arrival of the European settlers in the 17th Century. In 1660 a hedge of wild almond (Brabejum stellatifolium) and brambles was planted to form a boundary of the colony. The forests were harvested for timber during the early years of the colony. The English Occupation in 1811 saw two large land grants being made. Colonel Bird built a house at the foot of Window Gorge and built the bath in the Dell. Henry Alexander built a house on the site of the old tea house.The different gardens: Peninsula garden: displays some 2500 plant species found on the Cape Peninsula.Waterwise garden: shows how to create a garden which requires far less water and maintenance than the average garden. Fragrance garden: features plants with interesting textures and scents. Medicinal garden: find out about many medicinal uses of South African Plants.The Dell: the oldest part of the garden featuring Colonel Bird’s Bath, tree ferns and a variety of shade-loving plants.Protea garden: features members of the Protea family. Most beautiful in Winter and Spring when in flower.Useful Plants garden: redevelopment and extention of Medicinal Garden. Van Riebeecks hedge: planted in 1660 to protect the cattle of the Cape Colony.The garden is open 365days a year from 08:00-19:00 (September to March) 08:00-18:00 (April to August).Adults: R45 Students with Student cards: R25 Children 6-17yrs: R10 Children under 6 years old are free. South African Senior Citizens have free entry on Tuesdays, if not a public holiday.
CAPE POINT
Cape Point, a nature lovers paradise, a playground for the young and the old. From shipwrecks to hiking trails, whale-watching to bird-watching. These are just to name a few….Cape Point makes a great family day trip offering angling and diving sites, a historic trip of shipwrecks eg. the Flying Dutchmen and the Lusitania. One could also visit the Lighthouses. The birdlife, around 2500 species, makes for great bird-watching. The most notable species being Rock Kestrel, Black Shouldered Kite, Fish Eagle, Black Eagle, Spotted Eagle Owl and Jackal Buzzard. “Bush Birds” tend to be harder to spot due to the coarse, scrubby nature of fynbos. However when Proteas and Ericas flower, it attracts the sun-birds, sugar-birds and many other species. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve offers great nature and bush walks, 1100 species of indigenous plants can be seen, among those are the Proteacae family. Game watching and whale watching are also a great attraction, but more so in the right reason.Restaurants, curio shops and more. Not to be missed is the Flying Dutchmen funicular, a trip loved by all, reaching a height of 702feet above sea level.
WORLD OF BIRDS
The largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World.Over 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely presented in more than 100 walk through aviaries, allowing you the closeness with nature. The aviaries are spaced over 4 ha of land in the Hout Bay Valley, framed by the back of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Constantiaberg, Chapman’s Peak and Little Lion’s Head. The World of Birds is one of Cape Town’s primary tourist attractions which no visitor should miss.100 000 visitors annually enjoy the outing to the World of Birds. The Hout Bay Fishing Village and Fishing Harbour just 10 km outside Cape Town can be reached either along the scenic routes of the Coastal Drive via Camps Bay and Llandudno or via Kirstenbosch and Constantia, or on the way to and from Cape Point Nature Reserve via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive
IMHOFF FARM
A great family outing, situated on the way to Kommetjie.Imhoff farm has become a must see on the tourist route, and is a haven for the locals to unwind. The farm dates back to 1743 and the original buildings have been preserved.Imhoff farm has shops ranging from homebakes to clothing. There is the Blue Water Cafe restaurant where you can choose from their mouth-watering menu.There are many activities you can take part in such as: camel rides, a visit to the snake park, farmyard and horse rides.
NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE
Situated in Noordhoek Valley, Noordhoek Farm Village is a treasured destination for locals and tourists alike.A variety of different shops can be found ranging from clothing to crafts. A selection of wonderful restaurants and a farm stall will satisfy your appetite.Don’t be surprised if you see horses, pigs, hens, cows, ducks and rabbit roaming freely in the open public places.It’s an ideal avenue for families with small children as there is a playground. Special activities are often organised for children.Browse the gallery, antique shop or visit the information office to find out more details. Go and experience the country lifestyle.
THE SCRATCH PATCH (SIMONS TOWN)
Southern Africa is considered the “gemstone capital of the world” as almost half of the worlds gemstones are found here.The original, and now famous, Scratch Patch was started in Simons Town in 1970. Here you can have lots of fun “scratching” for your favourite tumble-polished gemstones from thousands of varieties. It is an inexpensive visit and is popular in all age groups. Today, it is believed by some that the gemstones have powers, and therefore makes it irresistible to those who believe. Then again, being surrounded by all the colourful stones can be an uplifting experience.Costs: a small plastic container/bag starts from R14, for a large container is can start from R85.One could also browse through two shops, being, Mineral World and Topstones, where there is always something beautiful to purchase at prices to suit everyone’s pocket. From stone carving to jewellery and much more. You could also explore an ancient mine. An old mine shaft was discovered at Topstones when excavating foundations. To enable the public to view the mine, a mine lift was built into the shaft to enable brave explorers to enjoy this experience
KALK BAY
Kalk Bay (or Kalkbaai) was named after the lime kilns that produced lime from sea shells for painting buildings. In 1806 it became a whaling station, but today is a busy and popular fishing harbour. Kalk Bay offers wonderful and interesting sights and shopping. One could always take a drive or a stroll along Boyes Drive (from the Main Road, turn into Clairvaux Road, then onto Boyes Drive) or one could browse the art galleries, curio and antique shops, arts and crafts shops, clothing shops or dine at one of the fine restaurants in the area. Not to be missed. A trip to the Cape without visiting Kalk Bay is not complete!