The origin of Kite surfing can be attributed to the nineteenth century when George Pocock used large oversized kites to harness wind power and propel carts and boats with it.

George was trying to find an alternative to horsepower in order to avoid the “horse tax” levied during that era. The method used by George is still in practice today and kite surfers continue to use a four-line control system.

A hundred years later, in 1903, Samuel Cody, an aviation pioneer, developed “man-lifting kites” and crossed the English Channel in a kite-powered, small collapsible canvas boat.

Today, kite surfing is a popular adventure sport enjoyed by people of all ages. Beaches with windy weather conditions are favoured for this sport and kite surfing championships are held around the world. Kitesurfing enthusiasts travel around the globe to attend such competitions.

If you are traveling to Cape Town for a holiday, you can enjoy kitesurfing at Sunset Beach. Cape Town is world famous for its kitesurfing activities and potential. Sunset Beach happens to be one of the most scenic kite surfing spots around the globe, looking on the famous Table Mountain. Weather conditions at the Sunset Beach are a kite surfer’s dream, and every day, you can find a different level of kite surfing challenge at Sunset Beach.

Many famous professional kite surfers come to Sunset Beach, Cape Town, to indulge in the unique experience it has to offer. Cape Town is different from most kite boarding spots around the world due to the variety of weather conditions that prevail here. Waters from the warm Indian Ocean meet the cooler Atlantic Ocean currents at the cape and the temperature difference creates strong, reliable winds that start early morning and continue to build up in speed as the day progresses, reaching over 30 knots by late afternoon.

The famous Cape Doctor, (Cape Town’s characteristic strong southeastern wind) helps create ideal kite boarding conditions that lure kite surfing pros like Ruben Lenten and five times kite surfing world champion Aaron Hadlow to Sunset Beach for training.

Kitesurfing season begins from October and stays till April, and the wind strength ranges from medium to strong on most days. Cape Town has more than 30 kite surfing spots to offer, each with its own quality and challenge.

For beginners, there are opportunities that allow basic kite surfing training with smaller waves, while there are other days when the winds are strong, ranging 3-5 metres in height for the more experienced kite surfers. Moreover, the lagoons and river mouths around Capt Town offer flat water areas that are more suited to beginners looking to learn a few freestyle tricks.

A kite surfing adventure is definitely recommended during your stay at Atlantic Breeze Guest House. Sunset Beach is just a few minutes’ walk from the guesthouse and you can easily sign up with one of the many Kite surfing clubs and kite surfing schools here. The courses offered range from basic training to advance level kite surfing. Other services offered by these clubs include guided kitesurfing in the form of a group.

Kite surfing is a great way of relaxing and enjoying yourself while in Cape Town. Free your soul and get away from the worries of your daily routine by challenging the wind and the waves.

With the majestic Table Mountain as your witness, embark on an amazing adventure, and harness the sheer power of nature with a kite surfing holiday in Cape Town, South Africa. As the waves soar, so shall your spirit, and you will have an experience of a lifetime.

Robben Island is famous for it’s political history and Nelson Mandela who spent more than twenty years of his life imprisoned here. The political struggle against the Apartheid regime came to fruition due to the efforts and hardships endured by Robben Island’s political prisoners. Today the island stands testament to the victory of good over evil and is considered a symbol of freedom.

Robben Island was being used as a prison as early as the 17th century when the Dutch first began to banish their political prisoners and Muslim leaders from the East Indies to this secluded island. In 1969, a shrine was built on the island in the honour of Sayed Abdurahman Moturu, the Prince of Madura. This shrine is called Moturu Kramat and it was common practice among Muslim prisoners to visit the shrine before leaving the Island.

Rebellious Xhosa chiefs during British rule were also shipped off to Robben Island. From the mid 1800’s all sorts of outcasts, criminals, prostitutes, lepers and the mentally ill were also sent to the island. All of these people were subjected to cruelty and abuse. The island also found use as a military and naval base.

The South African Prison Department officially took over the Island in 1961 and built a maximum-security prison here. This prison is famous for the brutality and inhumane treatment that the prisoners received. Visitors were allowed only once a year and children under 16 years of age were not allowed to visit the island so the inmates never got to see their children grow up. Even letters were restricted to two a year.

The inhumane treatment intensified further in 1971 and the political prisoners were isolated and subjected to harsh beatings and physical labour in the lime quarry. Food, bedding and clothing were insufficient and they had to endure long periods of solitary confinement.

The inmates’ conditions were eventually improved due to hunger strikes, legal action and international pressure. In 1991, all of the political detainees were released from Robben Island, and in 1996 the common-law prisoners were also moved to the mainland prison and Robben Island prison was formally closed.

Today, the Robben Island prison has been converted into a museum and is a popular tourist attraction. Daily tours to the island are available. Tickets cost R150 and can be purchased from ticket counters at the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the V&A Waterfront.

A thirty-minute ferry ride from the Waterfront takes you to Robben Island’s tiny harbour. You can buy drinks and snacks on the ferry. The ride tends to get a bit rough on windy days and sometimes the trip gets cancelled due to severe winds.

First time visitors should arrive 20 minutes early in order to enjoy an extremely interesting interactive exhibit in the waiting hall about the prison’s history.

When you get off at the harbour, a bus tour will take you to historic landmarks like the lime quarry, the kramat shrine, the leper graveyard and a church that was used by the prison wardens and their families.

On the road to the village centre you will also come across old Sailboat cannons. Most of the buildings on Robben Island are from the Second World War era, with 9.2-inch guns and bunkers that were originally a part of the armaments erected to defend Cape Town. You will also encounter a lighthouse that was built to warn ships of the rocky waters around the Cape. This coastline is famous for shipwrecks as well.

During the bus ride, a guide, probably a former inmate will brief you about the history and the details of the places you see. This provides a unique experience of interacting first hand with someone who has actually experienced history in the making at Robben Island Prison.

The bus stops at the limestone quarry where Nelson Mandela and other prominent ANC members spent many years of their lives doing harsh physical labour. There’s a cave at the quarry where prisoners could rest for a while, unspotted by the guards. This cave is an institution in its own self, as it became common practice for some of the more educated prisoners to teach others how to read and write by scratching in the dirt. Complicated subjects like History, politics and biology were also tackled at this phenomenal “prison university”. It was in this very cave that a good part of South Africa’s current constitution was written.

The last stop on this trip is the maximum-security prison. Here you will take the Footsteps of Mandela tour in the notorious B-section of the prison. All the cells are locked and empty but Mandela’s sparse cell is kept open for the visitors.

The A-section of the former prison houses the Cell Stories exhibition that evokes the meagerness of prison life. Loaned personal items of former prisoners are on display here. An amazing saxophone crafted from found bits and pieces by an inmate is also on display, and is still in working condition.

There is a photograph display in the communal cells called The Smuggled Camera Exhibition. The photos on display have been contributed by former prisoners who managed to slip cameras onto the island in the late 1980s. Watching these enlarged photos is a unique, heartwarming experience, giving an indication of the inmates’ solidarity, friendship and a common hope for better times.

Robben Island was once a haven for seals and ocean birds but the wildlife was ruthlessly plundered for fresh seal meat and penguin eggs by sailors when the Cape was originally discovered. Much has been done in recent years to restore Robben Island’s wildlife and ecology to what it used to be centuries ago. In 1991 the northern part of the island was declared a bird sanctuary. Buck, ostrich, and rabbits are easily spotted on the island.

The entire trip lasts three and a half hours and is a unique experience.

A trip to Cape Town is incomplete without visiting Robben Island as it has played a very important role in restoring freedom and democracy to the South African Nation.

The most common whale spotted along the Cape Town coastline is the Southern Right Whale. It gets its name from being the hunters’ favourite kind as it’s a slow swimmer and once killed, floats on the sea surface, hence considered the “right” kind of whale for hunting. Other species that you may encounter from False Bay include Bryde’s whales, humpback whales and killer whales (nicknamed “wolves of the sea” as they hunt in packs). You will also find Dolphins in the area and if you are lucky you may come across bottlenose dolphins on the east side of the coast while dusky dolphins are found on the west side. Heaviside’s dolphin, a species endemic to the western coast of Southern Africa, can also be spotted. Penguins and seals can also be spotted in the summer season.

False Bay is probably the best place to go whale watching in Cape Town. The whales use these warmer waters as mating, calving, and nursery grounds and in the summer months they may be seen just metres from the shore. Whales start arriving in the cape region as early as May and stay till November, with August – October being the peak whale watching season when the bay is dotted with whales.

The beauty of the Sunset beach and the Cape Town coastline in general is that you can watch whales frolicking in waters below from land based vantage points. Take binoculars with you in order to get a better view. You can spend hours sitting on one of the mountainside vantage points, enjoying a picnic basket and watching the whales play. The chances of whale sightings are much greater on wind free days. The whales can be spotted near river mouths and in sheltered bays and coves.

Hermanus is another great option if you have whale watching in mind. It is considered to be the world’s best land-based whale watching destination. The drive from Cape Town takes about an hour and half and every year thousands of whale lovers gather in Hermanus for an annual Whale Festival (also known as the Moby Dick Festival). The festival takes place in late September.

In Hermanus, a walk along the cliff path stretching 12Km from end to end usually results in an encounter with a whale. You can see them as close as 20m away just beyond the breakers or frolicking in the sheltered bay. The Whale Crier’s kelp horn also signals the most likely spots for whale sightings.

Popular whale spotting sites include an outstanding vantage point on Boyes Drive winding along the mountainside. Fish Hoek is another excellent place to see the Southern Right Whales lolling about particularly close to the boulders. The chances are that you may even get soaked from one of their blows!

The coastal road between Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town has some good whale watching spots. The route from Boulders to Smitswinkelbaai offers even more spectacular mountainside vantage points for whale watching.

Spotting whales in the ocean can get tricky as sometimes they are mistaken for rocks. A great way to find these elegant creatures is to look for white patches in the ocean where the waves break on the whales’ bodies.

For a closer interaction with the whales and dolphins you can take one of the many boat-based tours from Simon’s Town, the V&A Waterfront, Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay, and Hout Bay. Another highly recommended option is a commercial sea kayaking trip, available from Simon’s Town.

You can also experience fabulous aerial whale sightings via helicopter flips around the peninsula.

Whale watching is a unique experience and no place in the world makes it as special as here in Cape Town, where a simple walk along the beach can be transformed into a cherished memory and a unique encounter with one of nature’s most wonderful creatures.

The Milnerton is a spectacular golf destination. One can experience breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Rietvlei River, and the city whilst playing golf.

The course was founded in 1913 as a 6-hole course. The last renovation took place in 1995, the redesign being done by Mark Miller from Golf Data. The new design incorporates some real estate into a part of the golf course, thus providing funds for the renovations.

This seaside course comprises of 18 holes, par 72 and has hosted many world-class championships. The Milnerton Golf Course is built on sea sand and is probably the only true links course in South Africa. The layout is rather short by modern standards, being a little over 6000 metres when played from the tips, but its challenge lies in the fact that this course is rather flat and windy. Especially the summer playing conditions make this course hard to claim when the South Easter wind, popularly known as the Cape Doctor, comes into action. There is a famous example of an American golfer, Calvin Peete, who called it a “Mickey Mouse course” after he scored 63 on the first day of the SA Masters. The very next day, Peete was introduced to the Cape Doctor and struggled to manage a score of 83 on the same course.

Milnerton is a typical links-type course, and the golfers play the first 9 holes out along the coast, have a meal at the Halfway House, and then play the last 9 holes back towards the clubhouse.
The initial 9 holes tend to play with the wind at the player’s back. There is a double fairway between the 1st and 18th holes. The Milnerton course opens with four straight par four holes. The tee-boxes on the 3rd and 5th holes lie almost on the ocean shore.
The 6th hole is famous for the lawsuit by one of the residents of the houses to the right of the 6th fairway. The reason was that stray golf balls were causing damage to the property. It cost close to a million dollars in legal fees to the club, and the hole had to be changed from a short, tricky par five to short par four.
The 7th hole is a par three, while the 8th hole runs along the Rietvlei River. This par-five hole is undoubtedly Milnerton’s signature hole with wetlands on the left and a hazard running along the right of the tee.
The 9th hole is a par four and has been ranked as the hardest hole of this course.
The 10th hole is a par five, and has to be played against the prevailing headwind. What follows is a fine stretch of challenging holes that put a golfer’s skills to the test.
The 13th hole is deceptively difficult, and has a lot of water coming into play around the green.
The last three holes constitute the perfect combination of a short par four, then a reachable par five, and finally, a long par four.

What makes this course unique is the sound of waves breaking on the shore only a few metres away. With each tee you can experience a fresh panorama across to Table Bay or to the “Mother City “- Cape Town and Table Mountain as a superb backdrop. During the winter months, dolphins and whales are a common site from the oceanside holes. Nature lovers can also indulge in bird watching as the bordering river attracts flocks of water birds.

Visitors are welcome here except on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and the club is closed on Christmas Day. The Milnerton Club offers facilities like Pro shop, golf buggies, a Championship standard course, clubhouse, Halfway House and a driving range. There is a popular family restaurant on the golf course premises, Maestro’s on the Beach.

Green Fees for The Milnerton Golf Course, are approximate at:
Non (SAGA) Affiliated player: Rand 395.00
SAGA Affiliated player: Rand 250.00

We are happy to arrange a round for you or on your behalf schedule a golfing break of your choice, just tell us us what you would enjoy and we shall arrange for you.

Residents of Atlantic Breeze Guest House have a lot of options when it comes to Golf. The Milnerton Golf Course is 2Km away, and takes only a couple minutes’ drive from the guesthouse. The Milnerton is a spectacular golf destination. One can experience breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the city and Table Mountain while playing golf, please review our dedicated section to Milnerton Golf Club

Another Golf club that is nearby is The Atlantic Beach Golf Club. It is an 18-hole Championship links style Golf Course, with strong influences of the classic links style courses of Scotland and Ireland.
The course has been designed around a nature reserve and fynbos, the natural heathland occurring in a small belt of the Western Cape and this creates an amazing golfing experience. The course also offers a stunning view of Table Mountain & the Atlantic Ocean.
Visiting golfers are welcome at The Atlantic Beach Golf Club. The club offers all the basic facilities like a bar, restaurant, lockers, squash and tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
Indicated Green Fees for The Atlantic Beach Golf Club:
Golf Carts (18 holes): R 210.00
Non Aff. Visitor (18 holes): R 375.00
SAGA Aff. Visitor (18 holes): R 250.00

The club is closed on Mondays (Open 7 days / week in Dec / Jan). The club is also closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The Steenburg Golf Club is 29.9 km from the Atlantic Beach Guesthouse and it takes about half an hour to get there. The Steenberg Golf Club is an 18-hole Championship golf course designed around South Africa’s oldest wine farm dating back to the days of Simon van der Stel consisting of beautiful vineyards, forests, mountains and gardens. This exclusive course has been designed by Peter Matkovich and is reputed to have the best greens in Cape Town. The golf course is surrounded by the Constantia Mountains and offers an extraordinary golfing experience.
Visiting golfers are welcome at The Steenberg Golf Club and are offered facilities like Halfway House, Locker Rooms, Bar/Lounge, Pro Shop, Restaurant, Club House and Practice Range.
Green Fees for The Steenberg Golf Club are in the region of R600 – R895

The Royal Cape Golf Club is an 18-hole Par 72 Championship course, located 22Km or half an hour’s drive from the Atlantic Breeze Guest House. Comprising of a combination of Links and Parklands, it is South Africa’s oldest and most exclusive Golf club. The club features a course with narrow fairways lined by trees.
The Royal Cape Golf Club was founded in November 1885 and has hosted the SA Open 11 times and the SA Amateur Championships 8 times.
Facilities offered to the golfers include a formal bar, a ladies bar, verandah and lounge. A “Halfway House” and Lunch facilities are also available.
Green Fees for the Royal Cape Golf Club are in the region of:
Affiliated: R300.00
Non-Affiliated: R550.00
Pre-booking fee R50.00

Another golf course you could visit is The Metropolitan Golf Club. Located at a distance of 16.5Km from the Atlantic Breeze Guest House, it only takes about 23 minutes to reach. It is a 2 x 9-hole Par 72 course: the variety of tee’s and greens lead to a different challenge and experience for the second round.
It is a Parklands type course, open year-round. Tuesday afternoons are reserved for Ladies while Thursdays are competition days and Saturdays are members only.
Visitors are welcome at the Metropolitan Golf Club. Facilities include a bar, function facilities, golf carts, Halfway House, locker rooms, pro shop, putting green, golf clubs hire and pull trolleys.
Estimated Green Fees for the Metropolitan Golf Club:
Non Aff. Visitor: R390
SAGA Aff. Visitor: R230.

Whilst in Cape Town, do plan to play golf and enjoy the experiences our wonderful South African Golf Courses have to offer……

The harbour is named after Queen Victoria and her second son, Prince Alfred. It was Prince Alfred who commissioned the construction of this harbour in 1860.

The V&A Waterfront is a must see site in Cape Town. Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain, the harbour offers scenic views of the ocean against a magnificent backdrop of mountains.

A Visitors Centre located on Market Square offers information on the Waterfront, Cape Town and the Western Cape. The V&A Waterfront is famous for its outstanding heritage buildings, retaining the charm of Victorian industrial architecture. You can also enjoy the unique experience of dining at a 19th century prison that is now a hotel, the Breakwater Lodge. The area has 38 designated national monuments that are worth visiting.

Another interesting sight at the V&A Waterfront is the old Victorian Gothic style Clock Tower. It is popular among visitors and has become an important focal point in the Waterfront’s recent urban design.

If sailors and ships fascinate you then head for the Time Ball Tower, situated next to the Dock House. Initially constructed in 1894, the Time Ball Tower was idle for 63 years once new technology replaced its use. It was then restored as a historical site in 1997. Right next to the Time Ball Tower is a 100-year-old Dragon Tree (dracaeno draco), one of the largest of its type in Cape Town. You could also visit the Maritime Museum that focuses on the history of shipping from prehistoric times to the present day.

The V&A Waterfront is also home to the Nelson Mandela Gateway, from where you can take a boat trip to Robben Island, as well as the Two Oceans Aquarium and Chavonnes Battery museum. There was a prison at Robben Island in the 17th century that was mainly used to isolate political prisoners. People like Nelson Mandela and Kgalema Motlanthe (another South African President) were imprisoned here during the apartheid era.

Whilst at the V&A Waterfront, indulge in the unique experience of seal-watching: A colony of Cape fur seals have found an unusual breeding ground at such a crowded area and can be spotted easily at the seal landing in the Clock Tower Precinct.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is extremely popular among visitors of all ages and offers a fascinating encounter with the underwater world. Diving facilities are also offered at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Located close to the V&A Waterfront is a myriad of museums and art galleries; the Castle of Good Hope is also a few minutes away.

Boat trips and yacht charters around the harbour and along the coast are always popular. Scenic Helicopter flights provide a breathtaking aerial view of the Waterfront. Luxury harbour cruises and water taxis also offer rides around the harbour. Speed boating is also popular at the V&A Waterfront.

If gems and precious stones fascinate you then a visit to the Scratch Patch and Mineral World is a must. Here you can buy gems of your choice. The options vary from Tiger’s Eye to Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Jasper, Agates and Crystals. You could also go on a Diamond tour or simply indulge in live music at Quay 4 Brasserie every weekend.

The Waterfront Amphitheatre offers live entertainment every Saturday and Sunday from 17:00 – 18:00. For Jazz lovers a trip to the Green Dolphin Restaurant and Jazz Bar is a must. You will also find numerous street performers across the precinct, adding to the life and ambience of the Waterfront.

The V&A Waterfront provides a variety of entertainment for the whole family and a trip to Cape Town is incomplete without experiencing all the culture and history of the V&A Waterfront.

Table Mountain is visible from all parts of the city and serves as a beacon for finding direction. This magnificent mountain is a part of the Table Mountain National Park and a popular tourist attraction. From the top one can experience unparallel views of the city and Cape Town’s beautiful beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay; around the Table Mountain to the Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie.

The highest point on the mountain is 1,086 metres above sea level and lies on the eastern end of the plateau. It is marked by Maclear’s Beacon, a stone cairn built by Sir Thomas Maclear in 1865.

Table Mountain is bordered on the east by the legendary Devil’s Peak. According to folklore, Van Hunks was a pirate in the early 18th century who finally retired from his eventful life at sea to live on the slopes of Devil’s Peak. He spent his days sitting on the mountain, smoking his pipe. One day a stranger approached him, and dared him to a smoking contest which lasted for days. Smoke clouds built up around the two contestants and a strong wind blew these clouds down towards the town. When Van Hunks finally won the contest, the stranger revealed himself to be the Devil, thus giving the peak its unique name. It is said that the two rivals disappeared in a puff of smoke. Legend has it that the cloud of smoke they left behind became Table Mountain’s tablecloth – the famous white cloud that spills over the mountain when the South-Easter wind blows in summer.

To the right of Table Mountain, the spiral walk up Lion’s Head passes through silver trees and enchanting spring flowers. A walk around the mountain using this trail provides a 360º view of the Cape Peninsula and is a popular family outing. At the top a breathtaking panoramic view awaits you, with birds in the sky and a perfect picnic spot to spend some lazy hours enjoying nature at its best.

Lion’s Head in turn leads to the rump known as Signal Hill which derives its name from the fact that it was used as a semaphore post for communication with ships at sea. The former tradition is maintained in spirit and the noon cannon is still fired daily from Signal Hill. After sunset, Signal Hill becomes a popular romantic spot and couples come here to enjoy the sparkle of the city lights with the backdrop of a floodlit Table Mountain.
Table Mountain is a nature lover’s treat and is home to approximately 1470 species of plants, including over 250 different species of daisies alone. Many of these plant types are endemic and survive only in the unique ecosystem which is contained on the mountain.

For animal lovers, Table Mountain has a unique experience in store: Baboons and porcupines are pretty common, as well as furry rodents called Rock Dassies (rock hyrax) that look like plump rabbits without ears. The most incredible thing about this animal is that its closest living relative is the elephant! The Dassies especially cluster around the upper cable station, near areas where tourists may discard food. The Table Mountain Ghost Frog is also an endemic species unique to this area.One may also find mongooses, snakes and tortoises along the tracks. The last lion in the vicinity was shot somewhere around 1802 while Leopards vanished from the mountain after the 1920s.

Table Mountain Cableway is the easiest way to reach the mountain top while experiencing an unmatched 360 º view of the city. This activity is a definite must for any visitor. The cable car service started in 1929 and today it conveys as many as 600,000 people to the summit annually.

On the summit the visitors can have a meal at the Cape Town restaurant and a souvenir shop nearby allows visitors to send letters bearing the Table Mountain postmark. Rates for table mountain cableway are approximately R180 for 18 years and above, while half rate applies to children aged 17 and below.

Maclear’s Beacon is a comfortable 45 to 60 minute walk (one way) from the cable car. The visitors should dress warmly for the top and be prepared for different weather conditions from the city below.

Another must see site when visiting the Table Moutain National Park is Cape Point or the Cape of Good Hope, as it was called by King John of Portugal. Cape Point is the very tip of the Table Mountain Range and it is here that the African continent meets the sea. It has been declared a World Heritage Site. The Cape of Good Hope is popularly (though incorrectly) known as the site where the water from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The site is also known for its lighthouses and historic shipwrecks. A funicular service known as The Flying Dutchman offers an exhilerating ride, rising 238 meters above the ocean to an old lighthouse that was built in 1857 and still keeps watch over the seas. The Cape Point Visitor Centre, also known as Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, is also a must stopover. You will find beautiful artefacts and audiovisual presenations about the Cape’s rich and diverse history. You can enjoy a meal at the Two Oceans Resturant or look around the souveneirs shops for something to buy.

You could also visit Boulders Beach near Simons Town. World famous for its colony of Jackass Penguins, this beach offers a unique experience that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The water here is warm and perfect for a swim, while immense boulders keep strong waves in check, so it’s relatively safer for children as well. The staff at the Table Mountain National Park also offer guided tours to Boulders Beach.

For those looking for adventure, the choices vary from hiking to rock climbing, caving and mountain biking. There are 350 marked hiking trails of varying difficulty and Par for the course is about 2.5 hours but is done between 1–3 hours depending on one’s fitness level. Popular tracks include Skeleton Gorge, Valley of the Red Gods and India Venster.

You can easily find well documented climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty up the many faces of Table Mountain. Only traditional rock climbing is allowed on Table Mountain and bolting is prohibited. There are some commercial groups that offer abseiling from the upper cable station.

Caves are commonly a feature of Limestone Mountains, yet Table Mountain is an exception as it has several large cave systems that have developed in sandstone. The biggest systems are the Wynberg Caves, located on the Back Table, not far from the Jeep Track, in ridges overlooking Orange Kloof and Hout Bay.

Other activities offered by the Table Mountain National Park include overnight trails, fishing/extractive diving, dog walking, free guided walks at Cape Point, scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing/wind surfing, picnic and braai areas, hang/paragliding and horse riding.

A visit to Cape Town is by no means complete unless you’ve experienced the city from the heights of Table Mountain. With a wide range of fun family activities available a trip to Table Mountain means that everyone will return with a heart full of bliss and beautiful memories.

Kirstonbosch showcases over 7000 cultivated species of South African plants. Covering over 528 hectares in estate, Kirstonbosch has 36 hectares of cultivated Gardens and protected mountainside that supports natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds.

The grandeur and setting of this magnificent garden is unmatched: The Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak in the backdrop, paved pathways, beautifully manicured lawns and rare plants that offer a breathtaking panorama for the beholder.

Kirstonbosch is home to a variety of South African plants including proteas, fynbos and cycads. Rolling lawns intermingle with streams, offering the perfect setting for indulging in daydreams and creating beautiful memories. Stroll along the well-laid out pathways or relax with a picnic basket by the stream. Enjoy sweeping views from the upper slopes of the garden and appreciate the natural beauty of Africa.

Kirstonbosch also has an avenue of camphor trees, Useful Plants Garden, Sculpture Garden, Protea Garden and a dell garden. A free daily walking tour of the garden commences at 10:00 am while a golf cart tour is available every hour and costs R45.

The glass-topped conservatory at Kirstonbosch is home to an enormous baobab tree along with other rare plants. The Gondwanaland Garden at Kirstonbosch contains plant species from an era dating back 3.2 billion years when the world comprised of only one continent. Another section at Kirstonbosch is known as the Cycad Garden and showcases a plant family that is 200 million years old.

You will also find a couple of hiking tracks at Kirstonbosch, the Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine, which wind their way up Table Mountain.

There is a restaurant, self-service area and tea-room at the Kirstonbosch Botanical Gardens. The Silver Tree Restaurant and the Botanical Café cater for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

If you are a plant lover and would like to buy a plant or two for you own collection, you should visit the nursery. There are a few gift shops at the garden as well offering souvenirs and other small gift items.

If you visit the Kirstonbosch Gardens on a Sunday during the summer (November to April) you will find the air full of enchanting music as sunset concerts make the experience even more magical. The concerts are held on the lawns from 5:30 to 6:30. Visitors tend to come early to secure a good spot and enjoy a picnic basket as well. The gates open at 3:30. Concert tickets vary in price between R65-R95 for adults.

The entrance fee for Kirstonbosch Botanical Gardens is as follows:
Adults: R37
Children (6-17yrs): R10
Under 6 yrs: Free

Kirstonbosch Botanical Gardens are open 365 days a year and offer the visitor a taste of nature and peace that is unique to Africa alone.

Whilst at the Atlantic Breeze Guest House, the Wine Route is close at hand – indulge in nature’s bounty at its best. Visit the wine estates, embarking on an unforgettable journey along the oldest wine routes in the area. Wine tasting, cellar visits or just a stroll in the vineyard, the possibilities are endless. You will also find centuries old, amazing architecture in the neighboring towns.

Spend a day in Paarl for an opportunity to taste wines from the famous Nederburg Estate or the renowned Fairview Wine Estate and Goat Shed Restaurant. Many wineries also have excellent restaurants attached. If you are looking for adventure, then take out your hiking gear and head towards Paarl Rock. Spend a day hiking or mountain biking in Paarl. Here you could also witness beautiful pieces of 17th-19th century Dutch architecture. Scenic drives and bicycle trips along oak-lined streets are also a great way to spend your time while in Paarl.

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned in Paarl, and today a bronze statue stands outside his prison, the Victor Verster Correctional Centre, as a testament to his efforts.

Paarl is also famous for the “Afrikaanse Taalmonument” or the “Monument to the Afrikaans language”, the Language Museum and the Afrikaans Language Route through Dal Josaphat.

Another must see site is the winelands of Constantia, one of the oldest suburbs of Cape Town. It boasts of centuries-old wine estates and exquisite restaurants like Simons, found at Groot Constantia, La Colombe and River Café at Constantia Uitsig. The wine route of Constantia is an experience of its own kind, with Baroque and Cape Dutch architecture.

If you are a flowers person then Robertson is your destination. Commonly known as the Valley of Wine and Roses, it’s a picturesque town with tree-lined streets and several interesting national monuments like the Pink Church built in 1859, the Powder House which was originally a storage for gunpowder, and a few magnificent Edwardian and Victorian era buildings.

Another place to visit while in the Western Cape is Durbanville, a fusion of modern lifestyle and the old-world charm. You will find world class shopping centres close by and still enjoy the peace and tranquility offered by rolling wine estates and astounding mountain views. Whilst in Durbanville, feast your eyes on historic architecture like Rust En Vrede; Onze Molen (a restored mill); Kings Court; Dutch Reform Church; All Saints Church and the Synagogue.

You could also visit Stellenbosch, the City of Oaks, famous for its wine estates, picturesque buildings and old oak trees.

In short you will find the winelands to be an enchanting place that leaves an everlasting impression on the heart and soul. This natural wonder has captivated both the palates and minds of many for generations and your visit will become a pleasurable experience that will stay with you for a long time.