Weekend trips
1. Walk along the beach at Yzerfontein
Yzerfontein on the West Coast, 50 minutes out of Cape Town, has one of the longest beaches in South Africa. Walk along the beach until the houses disappear. You’ll still feel safe though… there is nothing like sea air and serotonin for breakfast! The waves are also not bad for bodysurfing… We choose the simplicity of a Wendyhouse on a large plot where three dogs are also welcome.
2. Climb Bobbejaanberg at Elandsbaai
Elandsbaai, also on the West Coast – sorry Gautengers, but I live in Cape Town! It’s 90 minutes out of Cape Town and the best left-breaking surf spot in South Africa (also ideal for kayaks!). Go Friday after work and wake up on Saturday to the smell of the ocean while you sit with fresh coffee and plot how to exchange your day job for this calm oasis for good…
Climb Bobbejaanberg and take photos to your hearts content of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the bay. Go in January/February to spot the endangered red-banded beach plover, which might be hiding on one of the many saltwater pans. Need I say more?
3. A looooooooong day walk along the contours of Table Mountain
Park one car at Constantia Neck and the other at Rhodes Memorial where you start climbing, to the highest contour path. Walk +/- 8 km (or a very easy 4 ½ hours) back to Constantia Neck through a huge variety of plantations, but also natural forests. It’s free (except for the tips for the car guards of course) and nothing can touch the ice cold stream’s water as a balm for tired feet. Remember your hat sun cream and something to eat and drink (especially in the hotter, dryer months when there are fewer streams running.)
4. Another walk
This one is over two days in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. You have several choices, but firstly leave your food and bags with the guard at the gate from where the Parks Board will take it to the overnight hut, 20 km further. Start at the entrance (with day bags) and aim for the western part of the park, then along the coast to the overnight hut, situated at the highest point in the park. From there you have a 360º view. Be on the lookout for baboons. After this breathtaking place you head back on day 2 to the gate, where the rest of your baggage is waiting for you at your car.
5. Sea Point promenade
Saving the best for last. Get the blood circulation going early on a weekend morning (and I mean early…) and go for a walk on the Promenade in Sea Point, Cape Town. Park your car at Granger Bay, Green Point and walk briskly with the great ocean on your side to the municipal pool in Sea Point and back (+/- 7 km). Then reward yourself with a proper breakfast at Café Sophia at 267 Main Road, Sea Point..
Contact: 021 439 7993
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