Camps Bay Beach and the 12 Apostle mountains

Greetings from a very hot Cape Town ,

We would like thank all our Members for their support, friendship and emails referring to our Newsletters, Marketing and Tours during 2019..  We really appreciate hearing from you.

We have had a hectic 2019 year here in Cape with a few tours being cancelled for many of us due to unforeseen tourism problems, so we decided that we should do something instead of worrying.  So a few of us organized some educational trips with a few Marketers and Tour operators.  A trip to the Northern Cape once again, as it is such a very large Province, and one to the Garden Route where we met new Members, and saw lovely places we have not visited before. I even managed to get in a Tour from Zambia through our neighbouring countries down to Namibia with colleagues of mine. What a wonderful experience we had and immediately decided this is what we must do in 2020 for all the people that have been talking about Namibia and not been their yet. So look out for our next Newsletter during 2020 when I will be writing about our 4x4 trip down the west coast in Namibia.

         
     At Torra Bay                                                                 The Caprivi Strip

One of our Garden Route trips was an early morning visit to Albertinia where we had coffee and a Game Drive at the Garden Route Game Reserve. What a great welcome we had with a cup of hot coffee as it was a chilly winter morning with some drizzle.  After the Big 5 game drive we managed to have a quick look around and have a site inspection of their new luxury chalets and Spa.  Pity we could not stay over for a night or two, as their accommodation was really beautiful and spacious. Their gardens and new family swimming pool was a treat to see, pity it was so cold, so it calls for another visit in summer if  time permits. Do put them on your visit to the Garden Route next time.

Contact: info@grgamelodge.co.za  www.grgamelodge.co.za or on (028) 735 1200

Our next stop was at Indalu Game Reserve about 30km before Mossel Bay. Here we had a wonderful walk with elephants and also hearing all about them with great interest. They do not allow riding of  the elephants, but their local Guides are very knowledgeable about each of  the elephants. You will be able to observe their elephants in their natural environment and learn about their behavior while soaking up the surrounding indigenous fauna and flora set in the folds of the beautiful Langeberg foothills. A Game Drive is also for those wishing to see their other animals such as Kudu, Buffalo, Sable, zebra etc.

Contact: info@indalu.co.za  www.indalu.co.za or on 082 990 3831

Just before Mossel Bay we popped in to see one of our new Members at Garden Route Safari Camp. My, what an awesome surprise awaited us. We were enticed by the aroma of the bush and the beauty of the nature. The Safari Camp is home to an abundance of wildlife, birdlife, fauna and flora that are unique to the Garden Route. Activities include, game drives, guided bush walks, birding and a special game drive to see their amazing Lions. It is situated in a malaria free area in the South Western Cape in the heart of the Garden Route. Their accommodation is Luxury Tents, Luxury family Units or a Mountain View Loft for 6 persons.  10km from Mossel Bay and 20min from George Airport.
 
Contact: info@gardenroutesafaricamp.com  www.gardenroutesafaricamp.com or on 087 807 7922

After our visit there, we decided to see what one can do in Mossel Bay where they have Shark Cage Diving, Boat rides, beautiful beaches and so forth.  We found a delightful place called  “DeJaVu” Vintage House, where we had High-Tea and wonderful eats. Also had to dress up with fancy hats and scarves and had photographs taken, while listening to the 40’s music and being told about what they have on offer for visitors. You may just come for tea, or book an evening with snacks and an old fashioned movie, or have your birthday party there and a cabaret booked for your guests. What a change to everyday tea and entertainment. 

Contact: Cornelle on 082 338 4364 for your booking or for more information.

The afternoon was free so we decided to visit the Mossel Bay Museum and then spotted the Gin School!  We then decided to learn more and added our names to the afternoon class. What an super time we all had!  We had two gentlemen who told us all about the making of Gin and were seated at a large table taking 6 people at a time, each with all the equipment needed to make your Gin. It is run at Café Gannet and called “Inverroche” Gin School. The School offers visitors the opportunity to craft their own unique bottle of gin, sample gins from the leading artisanal producer in South Africa and learn more about local fynbos. On arrival guests are greeted with a cocktail, and during the distilling process a tutored gin tasting is also presented, while you view the process in the distinctive copper pot still. Most importantly, we each left with very own craft gin creation to take home.

Contact: ginschool@cafegannet.co.za  www.cafegannet.co.za/inverroche-gin-school Janine on 084 505 9060

On our way to Oudtshoorn we drove to Robinson Pass and stopped at Ruiterbosch Lodge and met the owner Louise who took us on a site seeing tour. A wonderful lodge for school children, sport groups and also ideal for conferences looking for some place in the country. Beautiful gardens, ideal for children to play while you enjoy a cup of coffee or drink a cold beer surveying the beautiful country side. On the same property we visit ‘Die Zink Stoor” an unusual farm store offering a large selection of local wines, curios, various crafts and even lovely eats to enjoy. Most of the articles and crafts are local products produced in the area which makes it really very special.  Do stop for a look if you are in the area, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Contact: info@riaanjordaan.co.za  www.riaanjordaan.co.za or on 082 727 4560

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Our following point of call was  the “High Gate Ostrich Show Farm” in Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo.  High Gate is situated only 10km south of Oudtshoorn on the R328 road to Mossel Bay, following the signs. It is the world’s oldest working ostrich show farm, where you get the real African farm experience. Join their Guided Tour which takes 75 minutes and an expert guide will show you their modern breeding methods, how the largest eggs of any living bird species are incubated, and see the hatching room. You will also have a chance to visit the feather room, and Curio Shop where you will see genuine South-African made products, many of which are produced by their skilled staff on the farm using their own resources. After your tour you are welcome to join your friends at their Pepper Tree restaurant sitting under their ancient Peruvian pepper tree so the whole family dines al fresco-style while enjoying the great outdoors. Do make an appointment if you are a large group.

Please note: No Ostrich Riding or Ostrich Racing is not taking place at High Gate Ostrich Show Farm.

Contact: manager@highgate.co.za  www.highgate.co.za or on (044) 272 7111

After spending a wonderful time at Oudtshoorn we started off for Montagu where we were going to spend the evening.  We booked in at the Montagu Country Hotel which is located in the Main road, and has a great view of the mountains surrounding the small town from our bedroom window. Montagu lies nestled between the beautiful Langeberg Mountains on Route 62, about two hour drive from Cape Town and conveniently located halfway between the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route.  With 32 individually decorated en-suite rooms and suites, 2 swimming pools, an in-house a la carte restaurant, a fully equipped Wellness Centre, beautiful gardens and attentive staff, this Montagu Hotel is your ideal country break away destination.

Contact: res@montagucountryhotel.co.za  www.montagucountryhotel.co.za or on (023) 614 3125

                                

Dinner was at the Mimosa Lodge also in Montagu. We had made an appointment for Dinner only, as they had no accommodation available. We found most of the places we had traveled through were very busy which was wonderful for them.  We had a site inspection and then the most delightful meal in their dining room beautifully furnished. The dinner was fine dining and absolutely fabulous, can really be recommended by us. Situated in Montagu, the heart of Route 62, and just two hours from Cape Town, it is the perfect place to relax, unwind and explore in this lovely town surrounded by mountains. This double-story Lodge with beautiful wooden balconies is a delightful retreat with an enviable reputation for personal attention, hospitality and care. Unwind from your day’s activities in the oasis-like garden, enjoy a refreshing swim or relax in one of the stylish Art Deco lounges.

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Contact: info@mimosa.co.za  www.mimosa.co.za or on (023) 614 2351

We are now on our way back to Cape Town after seeing so many lovely places and experiencing so many things that we just had to share with everyone. Sometimes it is a great idea just to travel a few kilometers away from home and investigate what we have right on our doorstep without breaking the bank.  Stop and smell the roses as they say. Our country has so much to offer, even the scenery changes within seconds and it costs nothing.

We wish you a wonderful January and do not forget the loved ones when it comes to Valentine’s Day in February.
Happy traveling and contact us if you find something interesting.

Warm Regards and God Bless,