GREETINGS FROM A COLD AND CLOUDY CAPE TOWN,
After returning from a wonderful and eventful marketing trip we are back in Cape Town to really cold weather.

Our trip covered all the way down to Hermanus to visit a Whale Watching client, but were a few days too early to see any whales. Hermanus is world-renowned for its Biodiversity, as it has an abundance of plant, animal and birdlife – a paradise for nature lovers. It has of course also the greatest attraction being the Whales that migrate to their shores from the Antarctic between June and December to calve in the secluded bay.

These natural attractions, and a wide range of accommodation, excellent restaurants, art galleries and craft markets, make a visit to Hermanus an unforgettable experience.

After traveling through the wheat lands and amazing scenery in the country we stopped over the evening at Mossel Bay. This Indian Ocean village situated on the N2 en route to the Garden Route, is somehow just missed out when traveling past and has so much to offer the visitor. Mossel Bay has a rich association with the Portuguese - explorers of the 15^th & 16^th centuries.

View over the town of Mossel Bay Early morning harbour view

In 1488, Bartholomew Dias threw anchor in the Bay of St Blaise. It was renamed Mossel Bay in 1601 by the Dutch Navigator, Paulus van Caerden, because he found some mussels, still rated today amongst the finest in the world.

Mossel Bay have a wonderful Museum named after Bartholomew Dias, which houses an interesting padrao (stone cross), donated by the Portuguese Government.

Another place to visit is Pinnacle Point, which is an archaeological site of great importance now known as ‘The Origins of Human- kind’. Mossel Bay also has 24 km of beaches to enjoy, and to be explored.

Mossel Bay also boasts the first ‘Post Office’ in South Africa, if not the entire African Continent in the form of a Soldiers Boot.

The Padrao Stone Cross The Soldiers Boot – Post Box

The Bartolomeu Dias museum complex was officially opened on 3 February 1989, however the Mossel Bay museum industry can be traced back to the 1960’s when the Mossel Bay museum was first opened. The museum later became known as the Post Tree museum complex before being renamed again in 1989.

The Dias Museum Complex is situated near the beach, shops, restaurants, banks and the tourist information center. Inside the Maritime Museum is a shop where postcards, stamps, books, souvenirs and small gifts can be bought. On the grounds of the Dias Museum Complex are mountain tortoises, ducks and museum cat. In the Granary there are conference facilities available for 48 people or if used in cinema style, seating for up to 100 people. Catering can be arranged. Mail from the shoe is collected twice a day (once a day out of season) by the Post Office. Whales can be observed from the museum grounds during June to November.

Contact: info@mosselbay.co.za www.diasmuseum.co.za

Our next port of call was Herold’s Bay, 1812 where you can have a wonderful relaxed holiday or break away from the city. A very small village situated right along a wonderful beach, safe for children and your pets are welcome.

Here they have self-catering or B&B accommodation plus two lovely Hotels, and should be booked well in advance.

HEROLDS BAY is a settlement in Eden District Municipality in the Southern Western Cape province of South Africa. This holiday resort is west of the Malgas River mouth,,some 24km south-west of George and east of Guano Bay and named after the first Dutch Reformed minister of George, namely Tobias Johannes Herold.

The little village of Herold’s Bay has short of 100 homes, making it something of a hamlet in much the same way that Llandudno in Cape Town has managed to retain its village appeal. Certainly this isn’t a humming spot. If you’re after bright lights and the clatter of the city, then Herold’s Bay isn’t the holiday for you. But for those after a complete break and the chance to unwind, Herold’s Bay will not disappoint.

There are a serious number of activities one can do from here. The Oubaai golf course, the first Ernie Els signature golf course in the country - is an 18-hole course built around the natural landscape between the Gwaing River Valley and the Indian Ocean.

The Outeniqua Choo-Choo is one of the few remaining steam trains in the country and used to travel between George and Mossel Bay, providing one of the most scenic rides in the heart of the Garden Route. Sadly it is no longer operational. The beautiful coastal fynbos in and around Herold’s Bay makes for some wonderful walks and trails, a fantastic area for spotting birds, and when the time is right, dolphins and whales.

Contact: membership@george.org.za

Herolds Bay aerial view Herolds Bay Beach

Leaving the beach we set off to visit George nestled below the amazing Outeniqua Mountains, the town is situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth along the Garden Route. It is also the 6^th oldest town in South Africa. George was originally a woodcutters post for the Dutch East Company.

In George you can go game viewing, visit the Herold wine estate, play golf at Fancourt, do some hiking, abseiling, kloofing or visiting the Farmers Market.

George is of course the only district in the country that grows hops and supplies most of the country’s
beer-brewing needs.

From 1772 there was a gradual influx of settlers intent on making a living from the forests. These were mostly descendants of the Dutch settlers. In early days the lives and livelihood of the people revolved around the timber industry and the rich forests in the vicinity and it remained a quiet outpost.

After 1795 and the British occupation of the Cape, a caretaker of the forests in the area was appointed. After the second British occupation in 1806, it was decided that the Swellendam magistracy was too large and needed to be sub-divided. George was chosen because of the availability of good water.

In 1811 George was declared a separate district and Adriaan Geysbertus van Kervel was appointed the first Landrost (magistrate) and the town was proclaimed by the Earl of Caledon, governor of the Cape Colony on St George's Day, 23 April 1811, and named after the reigning British monarch, King George III.^[4] One of Van Kervel's first acts as Landrost (Mayor), was to dig a furrow to supply the first thirty six plots in George with water. An 1819 map shows the original furrows and storage dam where they remain to this day in the Garden Route Botanical Gardens.

The first Furrow originated from the Rooirivier (Red river) and later a diversionary weir was built at the Camphersdrift River. George gained municipal status in 1837.

It was the dramatic improvement of communications – the roads, rail and air links eclipsing the ox-wagons and coastal steamers of the 19th century - that exposed other charms and resources of the region and resulted in unprecedented growth for the town

Contact: membership@george.org.za

George city Fancourt Golf Estate

Driving from George we drove past Victoria Bay turn off. East of across the Kaaimans River and just
a turn off the N2 lies the idyllic holiday resort of Wilderness, nestled between the wooded foothills of the Oute-niqua Mountains and a stretch of white beach. The town is located about 50km to Knysna, and roughly 20km from George.

Legend has it that the village earned its name after a young man was granted the hand of his sweetheart on condition that they live in the Wilderness.

The village nowadays is home to holiday and retirement homes, as well as Hotels. Guest Houses, B&B’s, Lodges and self-catering chalets as well as a number of restaurants.

There are many activities such as horse trails, birding, hiking in the National Park, tree adventures and many more.

Cocomo Restaurant - Live music at night Wilderness Cocomo Restaurant Pizza

On our way to Knysna we passed Sedgefield a sleepy town which was established in 1928 once the railway line from George to Knysna was completed.

The name originates from the many patches of sedge that are found in the area. Sedgefield is a birdwatchers paradise and has many good hiking trails, and water sports facilities. Swartvlei
Lagoon is the largest natural inland saltwater lake in South Africa.

Knysna’s history dates back to 1804, when the mysterious and legendary George Rex arrived in the area. Rex was rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King George lll. He purchased the estate Melkhoutkraal on the shores of the lagoon, where he decided to settle with his entire family.

Timber is still the most important industry in Knysna.

The annual Oyster festival, famous Forest Marathon, which both take place in July as well as a cycle race in the forest and the Pink Festival. Amazing bird life, hikers , walkers and mountain bikers will enjoy visiting here.

Just outside Knysna is Millwood where you can see the pans used during the gold rush of the 1880’s on a visit to

Rheenedal..

Knysna Waterfront shopping area Knysna Lagoon for water sports

Our next visit was to Plettenberg Bay, where Mother Nature has smiled on Plett, as luscious forests, marshy lagoons and estuaries, and three beaches grace the area. Archaeological findings unearthed at Nelson’s Bay Cove and Matjies River Cave suggest that Middle Stone-Age beach-combers roamed the area.

The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with excellent hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding and canoeing trails. The highest commercial bungee jump in the world, with a height of 216m and a 7-second free fall, is at the Bloukrans River Bridge. At the Bloukrans River Bridge you also find the Khoi San Cultural Village where you have an Info Centre and many crafters displaying their wares and Self-Catering wooden cottages for hire.
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Contact: info@pletttoutism.com Contact: +27 (0)71 109 6872 book@faceadrenalin.com

Bloukrans Bridge - Bungee jumping Plettenberg Bay Beach for sailing

Bloukrans Bridge - Bungee jumping Plettenberg Bay Beach for sailing

We then set off to Storms River Village in the Eastern Cape, where you find many activities, lovely Guest houses, The Tsitsikamma Village Inn, many restaurants, and interesting things to see and do.

The Storms River Village also offers the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place in the magnificent indigenous rainforest.

A first on the African continent, tourists traverse from one platform to another, 30m above
the forest floor, suspended by steel cables. Other down-to-earth activities include the Blackwater Tubing, Kloofing, Segway Tours and Woodcutters Tour for those not so keen on flying through the trees. Here we ended our trip to stay over in the village.

Contact: +27 (0) 735345072 Canopy Tours: anneline@stormsriver.com

60’s Diner in the Village Micro Brewery in the Village

The rest of the tour will continue in our July newsletter when we tackle the Klein Karoo and Route 62.
We wish you all a wonderful Winter Holiday and do keep warm till next time.

Warm Regards from us and God Bless,

ACCOMMODATION or ACTIVITIES on the GArden Route

ANOTHER ACTIVITY AVAILABLE FOR THE ADVENTURER

CTC MARKETING WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME WHALE WATCHERS WHICH IS BASED IN THE
NEW HAROUR IN HERMANUS



Your tour starts at our orange office on your right hand side as you enter the New Harbour. You will be welcomed by Nina and Madelein who will set the scene for a memorable trip. Our clean, comfortable bathroom facilities are available for your convenience. You will love the beautiful view over Walkerbay during the 2 minute walk down to the boat. Once on board one of our guides will give an orientation briefing about the trip, safety and facilities on board as well as the marine wildlife that you can expect to encounter.

The Whale Experience:

An exhilarating two hour voyage, to discover Walkerbay’s wonderful wildlife, stunning coastline and famous whales. Depending on conditions and recent sightings, you could find yourself exploring the coast towards De Plaat or the sandy beaches of Hawston, in search of the stars of the whale watching trip - Southern Right Whales. On the way to our whale watching area we regularly encounter two different whale species inhabiting these waters, Humpback and Bryde’s whales. Each trip is different, which makes the experience even more exciting! ! When we set out from the harbour we never know exactly what kind of whales wait for us out at sea on that particular day. While you enjoy your whale watching we will serve you crisps and cold drinks. Whale Watching is a close encounter of the Hermanus kind, where people and our marine visitors get to know each other up close and personal

Return to Land:

You can enjoy the boat ride and magnificent landscapes while summing up the experiences of the trip with our friendly guides. Our boat is designed especially for whale watching and leisure cruises, Unathi our SAMSA approved modern 15 meter catamaran is equipped with engines that minimize underwater noise. Two 380HP inboard diesel engines are used for our vessel’s propulsion to make the trip quieter and safer for the marine life. The main passenger cabin is enclosed with retractable windows and the open top deck offers great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious interiors are fitted with modern environment friendly ladies and gents toilets. Comfortable café style seating without compromising viewing opportunity for a up close and personal wildlife encounter.
Our vessel Unathi, is crewed by a friendly multi linguist team of guides and a skipper who are very experienced in interacting with the local marine wildlife and Southern Right Whales. Because we are dealing with wild animals, it might happen, especially in the beginning of season, that there were no sightings. In a case of no sightings we offer you the option to join us on another trip free of charge. Full refunds will only be applicable for company cancellations due to the weather.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THEIR BOAT:

Unathi is a 36 - seater , 15 meter catamaran with two 380HP inboard diesel engines.

Spacious restaurant style seating and retractable windows ensure a dry and comfortable
trip even in windy, wet conditions.

Children can watch the whales right outside the window from their seats!

Our boat is wheelchair accessible and caters for all ages.

The popular elevated top deck gives guests a bird’s eye view of the surrounds and is a perfect
platform for those memorable pictures.

Safety is of the outmost importance to us and we therefore have extensive public liability insurance.

The crew have expert knowledge of the Cape Whale Coast sea conditions and are fully trained in all aspects of safety. The Whale Watchers staff constantly monitors the weather and responds professionally to any changes. Passengers comfort and safety are always our priority. Unathi is wheelchair accessible. You will be accompanied by our SAMSA registered skipper Emile and two SATOUR registered guides, Valentine and Phillip. Crew member Boere completes the team. Amongst them, they speak English, Afrikaans, French and Mandarin fluently.

New Harbour, Westcliff Road, Hermanus, 7200

Mobil e: +27 (0) 82 931 8064

bookings@whalewatchers.biz

www.hermanuswhalewatchers.co.za