News Archives for September, 2012

Table Mountain National Park

One of the Western Cape’s finest natural destinations is the Table Mountain National Park. A natural world heritage site, Table Mountain National Park encompasses both magnificent mountains and a stunning coastline.

The mountain range of Table Mountain National Park stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point and is home to the world’s smallest yet most diverse floral kingdom, The Cape Floristic Region. Populated by an abundance of fynbos and other plant life, the region is famed for its dramatic landscapes and over 9000 recorded plant species. Table Mountain National Park is primarily an open access park and attracts millions of visitors on an annual basis.

Table Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s dream destination. Hiking and walking trails, bird watching routes and cycling paths are dotted throughout the region. A wide range of picnic spots can be found within the park, each offering a uniquely scenic place to enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Table Mountain

Two of the most prominent landmarks within the park are Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. Table Mountain has recently been declared one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature. One of the most popular ways to explore this majestic mountain is via the Aerial Cableway. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a relaxed meal and take in the grand views of Cape Town and beyond. The Cableway has been open since 1929 and is still a strong tourist attraction.

If a scenic road trip is more to your liking, take a ride along Chapman’s Peak Drive, which winds its way from Noordhoek to Hout Bay. This 9-kilometre route is a must-see for all visitors, as it provides a marvellous opportunity to stop and enjoy some of the Western Cape’s greatest scenery. With sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you, the curving road can seem endless. The drive offers breathtaking 180° views and numerous sightseeing and picnic spots can be found along the route.

Spending a day at Boulders Beach is a must for your holiday itinerary. A secluded beach, protected from the wind and large waves by big boulders, this beach is a wonderful play spot for families. A growing colony of African Penguins live and play on the beach so you can look forward to sharing the sand with some of these little fellows. Children will be enthralled by the penguins’ antics but no feeding or physical interaction with the penguins is advised. Boulders Beach is also a great swimming and picnic spot.

With forest areas scattered across Table Mountain National Park, a forest walk is also a great way to explore this natural gem of a region. The most popular forest walks take you through Newlands Forest, Orange Kloof in Hout Bay and the Muizenberg Mountains. Tokai Forest is also a popular spot and many of the forests include cycling or MTB trails.

Table Mountain National Park lets you delve into all the natural wonder and scenic sights that the Western Cape has to offer. Enjoy and explore this treasure of the province.

Dining in Camps Bay

Camps Bay is not just the perfect holiday spot – it also offers a wide range of excellent dining too. Picturesque ocean views and a buzzing atmosphere make Camps Bay the destination of choice. Whether you’re in Camps Bay on business or pleasure, make sure you visit these restaurants and enjoy excellent cuisine surrounded by astounding scenery.

More than twenty restaurants and cafes are situated within the Camps Bay region so it can be a little difficult to choose. We’ve put together a list of our favourites so, book your meal and enjoy the view!

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Camps Bay is a sophisticated establishment, elegantly decorated and designed to serve guests with style. The Azure Restaurant is situated within the hotel and prides itself on offering the finest indigenous and international cuisine. With a menu that caters for all palates, including vegetarians, The Azure Restaurant prides itself on providing you with a meal to remember. The ocean views compliment the gorgeous food and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. http://www.12apostleshotel.com/dining/azure-restaurant

12 apostles restaurant

Café Caprice is a renowned bar and restaurant in Camps Bay. Open seven days a week and situated on Victoria Road, Café Caprice is the place to be seen. Frequented by a trendy and sophisticated crowd, Café Caprice is also ideally located, with a direct line view of the ocean and easy access to Camps Bay beach. Cocktail parties and corporate functions are well catered for here, as well as smaller, more intimate events. The kitchen produces great light meals and offers a range of café classics with a stylish twist. http://www.cafecaprice.co.za/

Café Sofia Oyster Bar opens early and closes late at night, offering a range of continental and Mediterranean tapas meals. Urban, informal and vibrant, Café Sofia is found on The Promenade in Victoria Road. With a piano and martini bar, Café Sofia’s happy hour specials run every day and you can enjoy well-mixed, pleasurable cocktails. A cosmopolitan atmosphere runs through every element of Café Sofia and this restaurant epitomizes the spirit of Camps Bay. http://www.cafesofia.co.za/

Tuscany Beach Restaurant has been rated as one of the top five seafood restaurants in Cape Town. Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, overlooking the scenic Camps Bay with spectacular mountains as its backdrop, Tuscany Beach Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant not to be missed. The outside tables offer a more casual dining experience, whilst a more formal and intimate dining experience is provided indoors. The menu combines Italian favourites with fresh seafood and line fish but also easily caters for vegetarians. A true family business, Tuscany Beach Restaurant is a wonderful choice for a smart dinner or relaxed lunch.  http://www.tuscanybeachrestaurant.com/

tuscany beach restaurant

With restaurants like these, Camps Bay is the perfect choice for a lazy lunch or elegant dinner. Book your meal at these establishments and enjoy the best cuisine that Camps Bay has on offer.

Villas in Clifton

Clifton is an upmarket, affluent area of Cape Town and home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, Clifton is a sought-after residential and holiday spot. Clifton is also home to some beautiful Villas.

Clifton Spirit is a magnificent beach bungalow situated right on the edge of Clifton Third Beach. With three elegantly decorated bedrooms and three bathrooms, this beach hideaway is a superb spot for a comfortable family holiday. This double-storey property features the living areas and master bedroom on the top floor. Floor to ceiling windows let you enjoy the gorgeous ocean view whilst relaxing. The lower level is accessed through a spiral staircase and offers another lounge area and two smaller bedrooms. Clifton Spirit can accommodate up to six guests in elegant comfort.

Clifton Spirit Villa

Clifton Splendour is a five-bedroomed, fully air-conditioned property that prides itself on its classy interior and superb location. Clifton Splendour is the best option for a group holiday of up to ten guests. Sleek design elements, amazing sea views and luxurious furnishings await you and your friends. With five bedrooms, each with a king-sized bed and three with an en-suite bathroom, Clifton Splendour is great for either a summer or a winter holiday. The cosy fireplace is great for winter nights and easy access to the beach and a beautiful swimming pool makes for a splendid summer holiday.

Clifton Splendour Villa

Clifton Haven provides you with the opportunity to have a memorable beach holiday without the stress! This three-bedroomed, recently refurbished bungalow is simply yet stylishly decorated. Light wooden shutters and floors blend in with the views of the white beaches that fill up every window. Clifton Haven also offers a wonderful outdoor area, which includes an inviting green lawn, wooden deck with sun awning and a Jacuzzi.

Clifton Haven Villa

Clifton Villas are, by their very nature, stylish and luxurious. Book your holiday at one now and enjoy the finer side of life.