Visit Kosierskraal Game Farm for a unique fynbos experience near the tip of Africa.

Here, among the complex Elim fynbos vegetation and grasslands, you can witness the progress of the historic Cape quagga scientific breeding project, which aims to revive the quagga from extinction. View one of these breeding herds, as well as some very rare black Cape eland among the nine species of antelope occurring on the property.

Learn about the many bird species found here, some endemic to the area, including the beautiful blue crane. Also learn about the conservation work being done to save this threatened species.

Personalised excursions can be arranged by appointment.

Accommodation can be arranged and teas, meals and picinic lunches are available on request.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.85070037841796875,-34.55509948730468750 Visit the Boskloof Erica Paradise for:

  • Pristine, super-special mountain fynbos, second to none;
  • The highest concentration of Erica (heath) species on earth;
  • Magnificent views;
  • Expert local guidance;
  • A unique experience to be fully enjoyed by all;
  • Full accessibility, even for the unfit or elderly;
  • A 4x4 trip over the top of the southernmost mountain range in Africa;
  • Several endemic flower species that you have never seen before; and
  • Birding opportunities amongst the fynbos - you might see the breeding pair of Black Eagles teaching their young in the art of flight.

"If you are lucky, you might have a clear day to see forever – to the faraway Langeberg Mountains or over the Agulhas Plain and to the two oceans beyond…"

Boskloof offers a rich diversity of more than 1 000 fynbos plant species, including five 'narrow' endemics (species growing no-where else on earth) belonging mostly to the Erica family, and members of five of the six endemic families of the Cape Floral Kingdom (Retziaceae, Grubbiaceae, Roridulaceae, Penaeaceae and Stilbaceae). Among these, the striking Rhetzia capensis is the only member of its family.

Eight Red Data Book/threatened species include the colourful bokmakierie (Witzenia maura), pink disa (Disa pilansii), kreupel-boom (Mimetes hirtus), insect-eating Roridula gorgonias, Erica pauciovulata, E. shannonea, E. vogelpoellii and E. oligantha. You will also find 29 species of the Protea family, including the recently discovered Serruria rebeloi.

Boskloof’s real claim to fame, however, is having more than sixty species of the genus Erica growing in the wild in an area of less than 1 000 ha! Of these, a minimum of 18-33 species are in flower at any one time of the year and in spring, the mountain slopes are blanketed in sweet-smelling sheets of colour.

This population includes some of the more spectacular members of this family, such as Erica bodkinii in winter, E. ampulaceae in spring and E. shannonea in summer. The Erica family is one of the largest in the Cape Fynbos, with more than 650 species. A comprehensive checklist of the species growing on Boskloof is available on request.

The Boskloof Experience:
We offer half-day trips by appointment to groups of three to six people (rates available on request). You are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch. Because this visit involves small, personalized groups and the time and transport of the landowner himself, the costs are obviously a little higher than the average tours where busloads of tourists are catered for.

But this is no average experience – you are guaranteed to see flowers you have never seen before and will never see again anywhere else.  The landowner, Thys de Villiers, will guide you – as a keen amateur botanist he will gladly share his knowledge of the local flora. You will be taken by 4x4 transport (at your own risk) to within easy reach of most special species.

You will find this fynbos hot-spot between the towns of Caledon, Stanford and Napier, about 90 minutes drive eastwards of Cape Town. On the R326 road, 19km from Stanford, you will reach a Boskloof signboard, where-after you follow a gravel road for 4km.
 
Boskloof Farm offers transport and specialist guiding to otherwise inaccessible pristine mountain Fynbos.  There is a rich diversity and many rare species on the farm, which has the highest known concentration of ericas – 52 species, with up to 28 in flower at times.  Dried Fynbos arrangements are also for sale on the farm.

Booking is required as only guided tours are offered.  Specialist groups of five to fifteen people are ideal.  Teas and picnic lunches are available by prior arrangement.

 

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.40629959106445312,-34.23640060424804688 De Uijlenes provides accommodation to groups and individuals, ideal for church or school groups and workshops. The farm also offers tractor rides in the Fynbos environment and opportunities to explore the outdoors. De Uijlenes is still a working farm with a variety of farm animals, providing a peaceful rural atmosphere.

On De Uijlenes there are two houses - one can take up to 80 guests and the other up to 50. Each house is located next to a dam, with a ‘foofie’ slide and boats, and a swimming place. An open field provides a lovely space for sports. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding area and even pools filled with mud, for a proper mud bath or ‘kleilat gooi’ (a game where pieces of clay are shot through the air with a reed).

The houses are fully equipped except for bedding and food. Meals are prepared on request.

For those who are interested in history – the original house is approximately 150 years old and is built out of 'koffieklip' (coffee stone) or Ferricrete.

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]]> 19.27910041809082031,-34.34090042114257812 Dyer Island Cruises is the boat-based whale-watching permit holder for Kleinbaai.  The company offers trips to view southern right whales and other marine life in the Dyer Island area, including penguins, sea birds, seals, great white sharks and dolphins.

The boat trips are available all year round, but southern right whales are only present from end July to December.  Whale sightings are guaranteed in season.  A qualified guide and naturalist accompanies guests on the trips – therefore ensuring a high quality of service and an extremely informative trip.  The focus is on conservation issues.  The company supports several conservation organisations – especially those with a focus on the Dyer Island area.

The vessel used for the cruises is a custom-built 11.5m semi-rigged boat with a raised observation deck.  Binoculars are supplied, as is a hydrophone for listening to whale sounds.  The vessel has a license to carry 24 passengers and four crew members.  Trips depart from Kleinbaai and are 1½-3 hours in duration.

Dyer Island Cruises operates according to a strict code of conduct when viewing marine animals, and aims to educate people about the marine and coastal environment.

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]]> 19.21170043945312500,-34.36999893188476562 Farm 215 is a small and intimate operation. There are only six guest suites: three modern freestanding fynbos suites spaced out in the middle of pristine nature; and three rooms in the homestead with a more classical feel.

All meals of the day can be served in the spacious dining area with a deck stretched out over the whole front of the building. There are about 20km of hiking trails through the reserve. A detailed map is available and guided botanical walks can also be arranged. The lap-pool of 25m is near the lodge. Farm 215 is also linked to the African Horse Company and guided horse trails of one to eight days can be arranged.

Maarten explains the reserve:

“The reserve of farm consists of two neighbouring properties which have been rehabilitated to its original natural state and former glory. The income out of the guesthouse pays for the ongoing restoration activities, such as a project to reforest canyons with indigenous trees. Farm 215 is a pioneer in sustainable tourism all new buildings are solar powered and operations have been made compatible with surrounding nature. Farm 215 is the winner of the Cape Fox Award 2007 for sustainable management of the land”.

Facts on the farm:

The reserve of 800 hectares is a rare sanctuary for over 800 different plants species of the Cape Floral Region, many of which are rare or endemic. Due to the many different habitats many bird species from the small malachite sugar bird to the majestic Cape eagle owl can be spotted in the reserve. Mammals, though shy, are plentiful as well. Of the six antelope species, the Fynbos endemic Grysbok is the easiest to spot.

 

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.51326942443847656,-34.56901550292968750 Gansbaai Tourism Bureau is an information centre that provides tourists with information on Gansbaai and the surrounding area.  Gansbaai has much to offer visitors – from hiking trails to shark cage diving, whale-watching and boat trips.  Gansbaai also offers good quality accommodation facilities, ranging from self-catering to luxury B&B’s.

Gansbaai is a fishing village with a relaxed atmosphere that offers some of the finest boat and land-based whale watching in the world.  From the spectacular cliffs of De Kelders, one can literally see the markings on the heads of the Southern Right Whales that come to the coast from July to mate, calve and nurse their young.  Whales can be seen breaching and lob tailing as close as 20m from the shore, or cruising close to boats to satisfy their curiosity.

Dyer Island is another must-see for visitors to Gansbaai.  It is home to an incredible variety of marine life – including Cape Fur Seals.  Between the island and the rock where the seals rest lies ‘shark alley’, where the mysterious and graceful Great White Sharks have drawn visitors from across the globe.  This is one of the few places in the world where one can cage dive with these creatures.

The Duiwelsgat Hiking Trail offers 7km of day walks along limestone and sandstone cliffs with coastal Fynbos and milkwoods.  In town are Art and crafts shops, restaurants and a museum.  The Danger Point Lighthouse is also worth a visit.  Gansbaai has a number of festivals each year.

Festivals in Gansbaai:

  • The ‘Fees van die Ganse’ (festival of the geese): 9-11 July 2004;
  • The Gansbaai Winter Fynbos Show: 8-12 July 2004.

Both festivals take place at the Gansbaai Harbour.

Close to Gansbaai lies the quaint historical village of Baardskeerdersbos.  Here large groups can use the Agricultural Association hall, hear traditional music supplied by the Baardskeerdersbos Band, and enjoy farm-cooked meals by prior arrangement.

Along the coast near Gansbaai are the coastal resorts of Kleinbaai, Franskraal, Uilenkraalsmond, Pearly Beach and Buffeljags.  These areas offer walking, bird-watching and other recreation in coastal Fynbos with milkwoods.  A range of accommodation is available.

 

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]]> 19.36000061035156250,-34.34579849243164062 Heidehof Fynbos and Nature Trails offers guided tours in limestone hills with its particular and pristine flora and views over Dyer Island.  The two trails are guided and educational – concerning flora, fauna and fynbos medicinal plants.  Groups of three to ten people are welcome by prior arrangement.  Guests should bring their own snacks.  Heidehof offers you a beer, wine, tea or coffee on the house.

Mathia has recently written a book about the uses of some of the Southern Overberg Fynbos plants.  She also distils some of these plants to make five different moisturizing creams that are good for the skin and have no preservatives or colourants.

The Schweglers tell their story:

“When we bought the farm it was for its beauty. Walter and our daughter Nayna started to farm flowers – mainly Proteaceae and Bruniaceae (visitors can also see the orchards with a guide)”.

Mathia’s interests were with the wild flowers and the Fynbos. Studying books on Fynbos plants, she discovered that many plants had medicinal values. The Southern Overberg Fynbos Route Forum asked Mathia to give a talk on these medicinal Fynbos plants. From one talk to another and much research, the book was published. She takes tourists on the nature walks to teach on the Fynbos and medicinal plants. Having studied aromatherapy this motivated her to make the creams from distilled medicinal Fynbos plants.

 

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.50000000000000000,-34.61999893188476562 The holiday village of Pearly Beach and its beautiful beaches is only 2km away. Klein Paradijs is within easy reach of Gansbaai (21km), Hermanus (65km) and the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas (70km). Even thought the 140ha private estate was once a farm, much of the land is covered in unspoiled Fynbos with several copses of indigenous milkwood trees. Spectacular Fynbos that includes king protea (Protea cynaroides), pincushions, and a variety of ericas ensure that there is plenty to do.  Bird-watchers will enjoy blue cranes, African fish eagles, owls and other raptors.

Klein Paradijs has a guesthouse with five en-suite guestrooms under high open thatch. The rooms are equipped with all modern conveniences.  A healthy and hearty breakfast is served and delicious table d’hôte dinners are prepared on request.

Alternatively, Klein Paradijs offers five rustic self-catering farm cottages, which sleep two to six people.  The cottages are fully equipped with indoor and outdoor braai (barbecue) facilities.  Bedding and towels are supplied.

Everyone has access to the farm dam, where a rowboat and a canoe are moored, and the Fynbos mountain slope with its short informal walking trail. Guided walks in the Fynbos can be arranged with an accredited guide. A wide variety of birds make Klein Paradijs their home. Bird lists are provided for bird enthusiasts. Comfortable lawn chairs are dotted around the place for simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Michael and Susanne Fuchs tell their story:

“We discovered Klein Paradijs on a holiday from Switzerland in 1996. We fell in love with the wide open spaces, the Fynbos and the peace and quiet.”

They made an offer, which was accepted to their surprise and they found themselves packing up their things in Switzerland and starting off anew on the other side of the world within just a few short months of acting on their whim. They transformed the former rather neglected health hydro into a stylish guesthouse with comfortable restaurant, as both Susanne and Michael have experience in the hospitality industry. On the suggestion of South African friends, the other buildings on the farm were converted into self-catering units to cater for a local clientele.

 

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.32060050964355469,-34.39239883422851562 It was once written, albeit ‘tongue in cheek’ that the village of Stanford could be a viable alternative to Prozac.  The rural peace and tranquillity of the village is certainly the draw card for Stanford’s permanent and weekend residents, and for the many visitors who regularly book themselves in to one of the many delightful accommodation places in town.

Even though there are no bright lights, one should never mistake peace and tranquillity for boring.  There are many places to go and things to do within this small rural town.  How about a trip down the Klein River on the well known African Queen River Boat, or book a bird-watching cruise with  Platanna or Malachite River Cruises. Kayaking or canoeing on the river, whether you hire or use your own craft, boat, or bird watching cruises on one of the smaller boats that are for hire.  Walk the Stanford Walking Trail that meanders along next to the Klein River, a feeding stream and dams.  In the early mornings or late afternoon, there is a wealth of birds to be seen along this route.

Alternatively, a stroll or cycle along the tree-lined streets of the village will present you with interesting historical architecture and lovely rural scenes.  When passing the original farmhouse (circa 1785) in Church Street, pop into Sir Robert Stanford’s Home of Art, Crafts and Collectables and view some impressive local arts and crafts. The New Junk Shop well known for its ‘high class junk’ is one of a number of ‘collectable’ shops that are well worth a visit. The Gallery displays sculptures and art work in different mediums by local artists.
 
A visit to the unique Birkenhead micro-brewery with its ‘wine estate’ feel is a must to enjoy their special brews.  At Klein River Dairy’s cheese shop, you can purchase the Gruyere or Leiden cheese that is made here – the only place in South Africa where Gruyere is made. Treat yourselves and order one of their tasty picnic baskets which you can enjoy under trees or at the riverside whist the children entertain themselves at the dairy’s playpark and petting farm. After your visit to the dairy, pop along to RAKA wine cellars and sample one of their award winning wines. Jackson’s of Stanford and Springfontein Wine Estate will also tempt you with their unique wines.
The town also has a great selection of tearooms, coffee shops and restaurants, and the hotels, and pubs that serve breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Whether just in town for a day or staying for a few days, visitors are bound to enjoy the variety of attractions in this quaint village.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.27339935302734375,-34.26359939575195312 Walker Bay Nature Reserve lies on the south-western Cape coast, just east of Hermanus and covers about 4300ha. The reserve comprises five coastal areas lying between Hermanus and Die Dam (near Struisbaai). The largest area, known as Walker Bay, stretches from the Klein River estuary to De Kelders at Gansbaai. The largest area, known as Walker Bay, stretches from the Klein River estuary to De Kelders at Gansbaai.

Access to the reserve is via Mierkom or Walker Bay Fishing trail (through Stanford); De Kelders (Die Plaat) or Uilkraalsmond. An entry permit is required and can be obtained at the gatehouses at De Kelders, Uilkraalsmond and Walker Bay Fishing Trail. Alternatively, permits can be obtained from the Walker Bay Nature Reserve office at 16th, 17th Avenue, Voëlklip, Hermanus during office hours (Monday to Friday 08:00–16:00). The reserve is open daily between 07:00 and 19:00.

Mierkom/De Kelders/Uilkraalsmond:

Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers no accommodation but day visitors are welcome to enjoy a variety of day hikes along the coast. Angling, swimming and picnicking are permitted, but please note that the sea can be rough and dangerous. Fires and overnight camping are not allowed.  Marine Coastal Management regulations apply to the removal of bait and other marine organisms. Permits for marine angling are available at post offices.

Please avoid disturbing coastal birds and destroying sensitive dune vegetation. Litter must be removed and vehicles are to stay within demarcated areas.

Walker Bay Fishing Trail:

The trail is located in the Lêbos section of the reserve and access is via Stanford. Also known as ‘Die Plaat’, this area is characterised by long, white, sandy beaches and occasional outcrops.

The trail gives anglers easy access to popular angling sites along this stretch of coast, such as Die Polle, Sopiesklip, Groot Duifklip and klein Duifklip. It begins at the reserve entrance next to Wortelgat, passing through the reserve to the first top and parking area at Die POlle. From here the route continues to Sopiesklip where beautiful rock formations make this an ideal picnic stop. Anglers still looking to hook “the big one” can travel further along the route and try their luck at Groot Duifklip or Klein Duifklip.

In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy day hikes along the coast, swimming, birding, whale-watching and picnicking.

Please note:  Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed on the rail (no 2x4 vehicle, motorcycles or quadbikes). It is strictly prohibited and illegal to drive on the beach, dunes or anywhere other than demarcated roads.

Interesting information on archaeology, plants, animals and other:

Archaeology:

There are significant records of Middel Stone Age people (from about 85 000 to 65 000 years ago) occupying the Klipgat Cave in the eastern section of the reserve (De Kelders). There is also evidence that during the Late Stone Age (about 2000 years ago), Khoisan people inhabited this site and lived off the plants, fish, shellfish and game in the area.

Natural attractions:

Lowland Fynbos, also known as strandveld, is the main type of vegetation found in the Nature Reserve, and includes species suchas bietou, blombos, sour fig and waxberry. Parts of the dunefields were stabilised from the early 1900’s until the 1980’s using rooikrans and port Jackson. These alien species are invasive and, together with uncontrolled coastal development; pose a threat to the indigenous strandveld. They are currently being removed by reserve management via an alien clearing programme.

Most of the mammals found in the reserve are shy and seldom seen, although the tracks of Cape clawless otter, bushbuck, duiker, grysbok and steenbok are occasionally spotted. Off-shore, Southern right whales are frequent from August to November, while Bryde’s and humpback whales, and various dolphin species occur throughout the year. There are numerous species of seabirds, including the striking African black oystercatcher. This species is threatened by coastal recreational activities as it breeds on beaches during summer. A variety of marine fish are found along this coastline, including kabeljou steenbras and sought-after galjoen.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.37999916076660156,-34.47000122070312500 Franskraal B&B is an upmarket accommodation facility, situated on the beach-front at Franskraal.  Each room faces the sea and is equipped with tea/coffee facilities, a hairdryer, an outlet for an electric shaver, a fridge and television/DSTV. All the rooms have spacious en-suite bathrooms with a shower and bath.

This B&B also has a room that caters for people with disabilities. Franskraal B&B has been evaluated by an Occupational Therapist with 22 years of experience. The B&B provides the only disabled-friendly accommodation facility in Gansbaai. For further information visit www.disabledtravel.co.za.

Visitors can go shark diving at Kleinbaai, just five kilometres from Franskraal. And four nautical miles from Kleinbaai harbour lies Dyer Island, a bird sanctuary of mainly Penguins and Geyser Island, home to a colony of Cape Fur Seals.

Haaiklip is situated at Franskraal B&B is a popular fishing spot for rock angling. Uilenkraalsmond is a safe beach and bathing area, within walking distance from the B&B.

 

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]]> 19.23789978027343750,-34.36449813842773438 Platbos is an ancient indigenous forest situated at the foot of Africa. Described by well-known botanist and author, Professor Eugene Moll, as a 'unique South African forest jewel', this is a forest that enchants and inspires all who come to visit.

Found on the slopes of the Baviaanspoort Hills, the forest is located on the Grootbos Road between the fishing village of Gansbaai and the seaside town of Hermanus.

One of the Overstrand´s Best Kept Secrets:

Platbos, an Afrikaans name, translates as 'flat forest or bush', a perfectly descriptive name. From the exterior, no inkling is given of the age-old trees found within the forest canopy. Draped in 'old man’s beard', the trees have gnarled, twisted trunks and branches, folded and creased like the wrinkled limbs of elephants. The pure forest air nurtures a myriad of lichens that mottle the tree bark in patterns of orange, pink and white. During the wet, winter months, the mosses and epiphytic ferns that make their home on the trees come to life in brilliant shades of green. What makes Platbos a unique forest is its tree specie composition. The dominant trees are the Afromontane species of Celtis africana 'white stinkwood', Olinia ventosa 'hard pear' and Apodytes dimidiata 'white pear', combined with the coastal thicket tree species of Sideroxylon inerme 'milkwood' and Chionanthus foveolata 'pock ironwood'.

Platbos Forest Walks:

An indigenous forest trail for bird and tree enthusiasts.

Discover for yourself this unique, relic forest with specimen trees estimated to be well over 1000 years of age. This gentle, undemanding walk takes between one to two and a half hours to complete. Sit on the benches situated along the forest trail and absorb the scents of tree blossoms, earth, mosses and leaves. A Forest Information Sheet supplies a wealth of knowledge about the forest ecosystem. Trees are labeled along the way to help you to get to know them. Look out for bushbuck grazing in the cool depths and enjoy the sight and sound of birds flitting between the ancient trees.

If you are in the mood for quiet contemplation and meditation, walk the forest's beautiful labyrinth made from mother-of-pearl sea shells.

Platbos Forest is the perfect oasis from harsh coastal winds and summer sun. This is not an arduous hike - gentle gradients make it an easy trail for young and old alike to enjoy.

This is a privately owned forest and the number of walkers at any one time is limited to minimize impact on the forest's ecosystem. Reservations are essential to avoid disappointment.

Entrance Fee: R50.00 per adult / R20.00 for scholars. Guided tours are offered by prior arrangement.
Contact the forest on mobile: +27 82 4110448 / info@platbos.co.za / www.platbos.co.za

Other Activities:

Trees for Tomorrow: 

Sponsor the planting of trees at Platbos Forest. Individuals and Companies are invited to sponsor tree planting as part of our reforestation project. By actively planting trees on the forest edge, it is our intention to conserve the biodiversity of this unique forest environment and increase its surface area for future generations and the many creatures that depend on it for their survival. Visit www.platbos.co.za to see how you can get involved.

Platbos Forest Wholesale Tree Nursery:

Established in 2006, our wholesale tree nursery supplies quality trees to the horticultural industry.

One-on-One Tree Workshops:

Trees have special gifts of healing and wisdom to impart to us. These gifts were well known to the traditional Native Americans who, immediately upon falling ill, would retreat to a nearby forest to sit with their back against the trunk of a mature tree.  Learn how to connect with the innate intelligence and healing powers of trees beneath the canopy of this ancient forest. Contact: +27 82 4110448 or e-mail: info@platbos.co.za

Visitor Comments:

"We enjoyed our very interesting walk through your magical forest. We also enjoyed the labyrinth. We wish you much success in preserving this lovely spot." - Susanne and Elf, Switzerland;

"A refreshing difference; hauntingly beautiful" -Tracy, Bill and David, Canada;

"Kom weer! Platbos is 'n sielsbos!" - Esme, South Africa;

"A spiritual experience, one which we have taken with us. Thank you." - Wallace family, Dubai;

"Dankie dat julle die bos bewaar - dis GOED dat dit nog hier is!" - Du Toit family, South Africa;

"Amazing! We saw a bosbok - what a privilege. Other than that, thank you for offering this heaven of forest for the city dwellers to enjoy" -Andre and Annette, South Africa;

"What a blessing for nature in South Africa. Well done in creating opportunity for us to enjoy. Awesome and Divine. Beautiful/Motle haholo/Pragtig/Sehon" - Johan and Carien, SA;

"An amazing experience to walk in this unique forest, the old trees are real personalities." - Lars Hugo and Kristin Bakri, Sweden;

"Thank you for sharing this absolute gem with us." - Haug family, Cape Town, South Africa;

"What a wonderful forest. It brought back memories of favourite childhood stories. 'The Enchanted Wood' by Enid Blyton - read it to your children! Thank you!" - Julia and Pier, U.K;

"A truley magical experience and so interesting. Thank you for the opportunity to visit this wonderful forest. You are doing a wonderful job towards sustaining this planet." - Chris and Jackie, England;

"This is a very inspired place. The forest is fascinating and the human habitation shows courage and creativity." - Susan and Paul Fleischman, USA;

"Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful land. We appreciate the direction you are taking in educating us and developing programs to enhance our reconnecting with nature and the forest." - Linda and Richard Steyn, Canada.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.28260040283203125,-34.33409881591796875 Strandveld Pub provides restaurants, pub and conference facilities in a relaxing farmstyle atmosphere with a menu of farmstyle cooking. Visitors from busy towns and cities enjoy a breakaway to our relaxing and peaceful surroundings.

The school building was built in 1918 and closed in 1987 due to a shortage of children. The Strandveld Agricultural Union bought the property to host their functions.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.34291076660156250,-34.35155868530273438 Uylenvlei Retreat offers:
 
• Self-catering accommodation;
• Well-equipped tents;
• A sun-heated swimming pool;
• Excellent conference facilities;
• A braai (barbeque) area;
• Boma;
• Hiking trails; and
• Safe parking. 

Uylenvlei is linked to the Gestalt Institute of South Africa and train both national and international Gestalt therapists and Play therapists at the retreat on a regular basis. 

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.46621513366699219,-34.57141494750976562 Come and experience the ambience of a Western Cape farm in the mountains. Stanford Valley Guest Farm is nestled in the valley of the Klein Rivier, 10km outside of Stanford village.

They offer comfortable accommodation in five self-catering cottages and ten large en-suite rooms.  Enjoy the safe and peaceful haven, go hiking or have an exhilarating swim in our large dam. Don't be surprised if you startle a duiker or ribbok on the way!

On the 440ha farm they grow organic rose geranium and lavender for essential oils. The Afrikaner herd helps to restore the soil and you will meet chicken, ducks and geese roaming freely. The prestigious future thinking and sustainability festival 'freewheeling' was conceived at Stanford Valley and is held here annually in late summer, www.freewheeling.co.za. For three days some of South Africas leading thinkers,  economists, scientists, artists, environmentalists convene here to share and dialogue their latest ideas with hundreds of festival guests.

Accommodation:

All ten en-suite double/twin rooms have a superb view, a private veranda and a secluded garden, some have also outside showers. The five older cottages, like the 150-year-old Stables Cottage, have reed and beam ceilings, modern en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. The new rooms have been built in a similar charming old style with all the modern conveniences.

Conference:

Old meets new in the 100-year-old barn, which has been artfully converted into a state-of-the-art conference centre. This venue comfortably accommodates up to 30 delegates in a U-shape, up to 100 delegates in cinema style and is equipped with data projector, television, VCR and flip charts. Breakaway rooms are also available. A wireless internet connection is provided. Conference costs will vary according to catering, equipment and accommodation needs. Please contact them to discuss your requirements.

Activities:

The charming, historic village of Stanford is 7 minutes down the road. Endless beaches near Hermanus and De Kelders are close by.

Activities in the area include:

  • Whale-watching;
  • Shark cage diving;
  • Sunset cruises on the Klein River;
  • Horse-riding;
  • Trout fishing;
  • Mountain biking;
  • Quad biking;  and
  • Winery or brewery tours.

 

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.33480072021484375,-34.25510025024414062 Oom Piet offers self-catering units that consist of:

  • Three units with double rooms;
  • Two units with two double rooms each;
  • One unit with two single beds.

Activities in the area include walks to the harbour, fishing on the harbour wall and a there is a lovely restaurant where visitors can enjoy delicious meals.

This business started in 2004.  The two whale bones at the front of the house was planted there even before Oom Piet bought the property.  He was told by the previous owners that the house will be haunted if the whale bones should ever be removed - therefore he still has the two bones at the front door.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 19.34757804870605469,-34.58545684814453125 Kaptein's Kop is situated on the Gansbaai harbour close to the town and local activities.  They cater for budget travellers of all ages in a very clean and well maintained house. 

The facility can sleep 12 persons comfortably in three rooms - each containing four beds - and one double room.  Guests share bathrooms which has showers, basins and toilets. 
There is a covered entertainment area with built-in braai (barbeque).  The house has a lounge, dining room with a stoep and secure parking is available to guests.

Fishing from the harbour wall is a popular activity.  A unique feature is the Canning factory on the harbour that makes use of local fishing trawlers and their owners to supply the sardines.

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]]> 19.20494079589843750,-34.35055160522460938 White Shark Projects is a world-leading organisation that focusses on the conservation of great white sharks through responsible tourism and research.  They are involved in film, conservation, education, diving and viewing.

They offer:

  • White shark diving and viewing;
  • A DVD with your day with the sharks;
  • Team-building and conferencing;
  • Incentives, group bookings and charters;
  • Transport via road/air to and from 'White Shark Lodge' where guests will be served a delicious breakfast and beverages;
  • A film department with an extensive library;
  • Various educational and socio-economical community initiatives.

Their boat, Shark Team, is a 11m 4ton custom-built white shark dive catamaran.  She can carry 30 passengers, but they never take more than 18 guests plus crew to ensure a comfortable trip to their clients.  The company complies with strict regulations laid down by Marine and Coastal Management and local governing authorities.  They carry comprehensive public insurance and passenger liability.  All safety equipment, first-aid and life raft are on board.

A range of trade-marked caps, underwater cameras and clothing are available on sale at the White Shark Lodge.

How the business started:

White Shark Projects has been established in 1989 mainly for the purpose of research on the Great White Shark.  In 1991, White Shark Projects was instrumental in getting the great white shark protected under South African law.  At the time, the white shark population was on the verge of extinction.  As a result, we can enjoy the presence of this magnificent animal in South African waters today.

White Shark Projects work in an unique marine reserve in the heart of white shark Mecca.  The area includes Dyer Island, home to 20 000 African jackass penquins, and Geyser Rock, where 60 000 Cape-fur seals live.  In season, Southern Right Whales abound.

White Shark Projects cc are owned by three South African females and have a total of 21 employees.  Offices are situated at the Waterfront (Cape Town) and in Kleinbaai.

Through the White Shark Projects Volunteer Programme their volunteers (from all over the globe) and locals are introduced to a diffrent and enriching cultural experience.  This is achieved through their involvement in our community and research projects as outlined in our 'Responsible Tourism Policy'.  On the Volunteer Programe students learn about great white shark biology, research, behaviour, conservation and shark tourism.  This knowledge they can apply to further conservation in many and varied ways.

White Shark Projects works in partnership with the Great White Shark Protection Foundation of South Africa and the SA Shark Conservancy.  They are registered members of the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), Cape Town Tourism, Cape Town Information Centre, Gansbaai Tourism Bureau and SKAL International.  White Shark Projects and its responsible tourism operation was recognised in 2004 when they received the International Ecotourism Award from SKAL International.  They have also been shortlisted for the World Travel Awards in 2008 and has been a category winner in the Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards.

Their contribution to responsible tourism:

White Sharks Projects co-ordinates service delivery, conservation, education and research around on of the ocean's greatly predatory forces.  They aim to work in harnomy with the natural and social environment.  The expectations of clients are met with excellent customer service, good value and operational efficiency.  The crew and staff are distinguished by their functional and technical expertise combined with hands-on experience - ensuring their clients effective and professional service.

 

 

 

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