News Archives for November, 2012

We love Lions Head!

Lions Head is a wellknown mountain peak situated in our very own and much loved Cape Town. A popular hiking spot, Lions Head forms part of the dramatic and mountainous backdrop to Cape Town.

Whilst suburbs surround Lions Head, development on the mountain itself is kept off the higher ground. Conservation groups and the Municipality work closely together to keep Lions Head pristine and its precious vegetation protected.

Lions Head, Cape Town

Exercise enthusiasts regularly enjoy hikes and walks up to the summit, which treats them to spectacular views over the city. It takes approximately an hour to get to the top of Lions Head, which makes it a popular excursion choice for Capetonians. Walking up Lions Head is most popular during full moon, as people get to experience a glorious scene of moon and city lights. If you’re walking up Lions Head, the view will inspire you and the chains near the top will help you reach the summit.

Once you’ve reached the top of Lions Head, you won’t just see beautiful vires of the city, but you’ll also be able to see right along the Cape Peninsula and out to Robben Island. The hike is not suitable for young children or the elderly though, as it can get quite steep. There are alternative, gentler routes up Lions Head perfect for family outings.

Photographers also love Lions Head for its beautiful perspective over Cape Town, and the view forms the backdrop to many a loved picture.
Walkers and hikers are advised to take a jersey when setting out towards the summit. Even if it’s a warm day, it can get quite blustery and chilly near the top, especially after sunset.

Whether it’s sundowners, a sunny picnic or a spot of exercise you’re after, a walk up Lions Head is not to be missed!

Romantic Holidays in Camps Bay

Romantic getaways are a cornerstone of good relationships. Escaping from the bustle of real life to concentrate on your partnership is an integral part of maintaining a happy, wholesome life. Camps Bay makes it easy for couples to escape for a while. Camps Bay offers a wide variety of activities for couples to enjoy whilst relaxing in scenic surroundings.

A few lucky folks get to call Camps Bay home but for many, this beautiful suburb is an incomparable holiday destination. Whilst Camps Bay’s history stretches back to the 1700’s, it’s cosmopolitan nature and affluent atmosphere epitomize modern living and style.

Camps Bay is the most beautiful bay in Cape Town, with its beach lined by palm trees and overlooked by the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Incredible ocean views form the prime attraction of Camps Bay, making it the perfect location for a romantic getaway.

Spending summer days together on Camps Bay beach is a wonderful way to relax and unwind. Camps Bay beach is a charming, clean and bustling hotspot, with plenty of space for picnics, sunbathing and, of course, swimming. You can also enjoy a game of beach volleyball or venture into the water to surf. However you spend your time at Camps Bay beach, you can be sure that it’ll be an unforgettable experience.

Romantic walks along the beachfront or Camps Bay promenade are a popular pastime, and are usually accompanied by beautiful sunrises or sunsets. The promenade is lined with restaurants, bistros, bars and cafes, so it’s easy for you to drop in and enjoy a lovely sundowner after your stroll. If you and your loved one are feeling energetic, there are also a number of walking trails in and around the Camps Bay area.

With a wide variety of restaurants and bars dotted across the suburb, you won’t run out of things to do! Fine dining establishments, casual cocktail bars and fantastic restaurants offer scrumptious food and a gorgeous setting for romantic nights out.

Selecting your Camps Bay holiday home may be the most difficult decision you will have to make when booking your romantic getaway. Camps Bay accommodation establishments take pride in their prime location, offering incredible ocean views coupled with sumptuous elegance. With luxury being the focus, Camps Bay holiday apartments are well suited to romantic getaways and you can enjoy a little quiet time with your partner, surrounded by astonishing beauty and tranquility.

Whether you choose to spend your couples getaway relaxing on the beach or cuddling up in your luxurious holiday apartment, Camps Bay offers you the perfect opportunity to rekindle your romantic life and enjoy the very best of what the Western Cape has to offer.

Image source: southboundbride.com

Fun in Franschhoek

Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. Situated just 75 kilometres away from central Cape Town, Franschhoek has retained its peaceful ambience throughout the years, whilst keeping up with the times.

With idyllic weather during the summer months and magnificent mountains providing a backdrop, Franschhoek is paradise for food and wine lovers.
Home to many of the country’s top restaurants, Franschhoek is commonly known as the gourmet capital of the country. With more than 40 wine estates in the area, spectacular vineyards are part and parcel of the magnificent suburb. Franschhoek may be the best place from which to explore the Cape Winelands but the town itself has much to offer in terms of entertainment and family fun.

Along the streets of Franschhoek, you will find a wide range of quaint shops and retail stores. Whilst the village may be small, it has a variety of shopping opportunities on offer, with diversity being the key theme. From antiques, arts, crafts to exhibition galleries, Franschhoek celebrates culture in in interesting ways.

Franschhoek is a dream destination for those in search of fantastic cuisine. With nearly forty restaurants and coffee shops, Franschhoek’s reputation for magnificent food is well deserved.

With a long history, dating back to the 1600s, Franschhoek honours its heritage with the Huguenot Monument and museum. The Huguenot Memorial Museum chronicles the creation of Franschhoek as a settlement, after it was established as a refreshment station for passing ships. The Franschhoek Motor Museum offers visitors a special opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history. With over 400 vehicles on display, exploring this museum is a wonderful and informative way to spend a day.

Franschhoek may be a quiet town but it does know how to celebrate! With a wide variety of festivals dotted across the calendar, Franschhoek knows how to celebrate the finer side of life.

The Franschhoek Literary Festival is held every year, celebrating books and writers from across the country. The festival serves as a vehicle to promote South African writing and reading, whilst raising funds for community literacy initiatives.

The Franschhoek Bastille Festival is held in July each year, and celebrates the town’s French Huguenot heritage. Feasts of food, wine and entertainment form the centrepiece of this festival, whilst Franschhoek gets to show off its beauty to a throng of visitors.

Franschhoek Uncorked is a wonderful way to kick off spring. Held annually, at the end of the winter months, Franschhoek Uncorked lets wineries in and around the valley welcome the new season by showcasing their new vintages and releases.

Take a look at some of the accommodation options available in Franschhoek and book a fun holiday in this little town of fun!