Falling in love with Cape Town

South Africa’s Mother City, with its cloud-draped Table Mountain, golden #beaches and bountiful vineyards, captures people’s hearts.

Few cities contain a wonderful national park at their heart or provide the broad range of adventurous activities that take full advantage of it. Accentuating this natural majesty is Capetonians’ creative flair with design and colour. From the brightly painted facades to the contemporary Afro-chic décor of its guesthouses, restaurants and bars, this is one handsome metropolis.

This year #Cape Town had to prepare for its biggest party since the first democratic elections of 1994. For the 2010 World Cup, the city made a bold architectural statement in the new Green Point Stadium, complemented by improved infrastructure to host the hundreds of thousands of participants.

Its star attraction is #Table Mountain National Park. To Nelson Mandela and his fellow prisoners on Robben Island it was a beacon of hope. To the millions of people who have climbed or been transported in the cableway to its 1088m peak, it is the ultimate viewpoint over the city.

If you want to get active, Cape Town‘s wind-whipped waves and Table Mountain is a nirvana for the adventure sport enthusiast, with operators lining up to ensure you don’t go home without having experienced adrenaline rushes like surfing and rock climbing.

For more extreme adventures, such as #shark-cage diving or paragliding, you’ll need to travel out of the city or wait for the ideal weather conditions. But it is not all about thrill-seeking. The #Mother City is also a fabulous location for a leisurely game of golf, practicing your yoga moves or a spot of pampering at the spa. #Capetonians are also avid supporters of sport – enthusiastically attending football, rugby or cricket games.

Don’t forget to leave some space in your suitcase because you will probably be leaving Cape Town laden with booty. An irresistible range of products – from modern African beadwork to fine wines – is guaranteed to turn even the most consumer-averse visitor into a shopaholic.

Local design and fashion are sizzling hot, so if you want to give your wardrobe or home that contemporary African look, Cape Town is the place to break out the credit card. The city also acts as a clearing house for antiques and curios from all over Africa and you’ll find some amazing pieces here – as well as plenty of fakes!

This is also a delicious city to #dine in. The best of Cape Town’s restaurants and #cafés are on a par with those of larger and more cosmopolitan cities, and its top chefs can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Charlie Trotter or Jamie Oliver, lending the city the nickname, ‘Tavern of the Seven Seas’.

After dinner, head out on a Friday or Saturday night to #Long St, De Waterkant or #Camps Bay for an experience of how the locals like to party. During the long, warm #summer nights you will find some convivial place to while away the evening. There is certainly no shortage of bars with stunning views of either beach or mountain and, if getting a workout on the dance floor is more your thing, then there’s bound to be a club to suit.

It’s not all about drinking and dancing. Cape Town’s nightlife also embraces cabaret and comedy venues, and live music gigs with #jazz, rock and pop are all popular. Cape Town has a vibrant and creative arts scene. There’s a healthy range of theatrical offerings and for music lovers, the exciting news is the development of Old Town Hall into a dedicated music and cultural venue.

If you’d like a glass of red with that, there are more than 200 wineries within a day’s drive of the city. Cape Town is the natural hub for touring the Western Cape’s Winelands. This is where South Africa’s wine industry – now the ninth-largest in the world – began, three centuries ago.

Above all, Cape Town is a multicultural city, where respect for different ways of living is ingrained. Given #South Africa’s troubled history, such wisdom has been hard won: practically everyone has a fascinating, sometimes heartbreaking story to tell. When the time comes to leave, you may find your heart breaking, too.

Franschhoek Uncorked Festival

3 & 4 September 2011
Make your way to the picturesque #Franschhoek #Wine Valley, over the weekend of 3 and 4 September, for the unique spring wine meander, Franschhoek Uncorked. This multi-faceted celebration takes place on satellite farms throughout the Valley, and affords award-winning wineries - as well as the smaller hidden gems - the opportunity to ‘bloom’ as they showcase new vintages and releases, coinciding with the onset of spring.

Highly acclaimed wineries, participating in this much loved #event include Allée Bleue, Boekenhoutskloof, Cabrière, Solms-Delta, Graham Beck Wines, Grande Provence, La Motte, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Môreson, Rickety Bridge, Vrede en Lust and Plaisir de Merle. Also included in the line up are some of Franschhoek’s smaller gems such as Dieu Donné, Franschhoek Cellars, GlenWood Wines, La Chataigne, Lynx Wines, La Petite Ferme, Topiary Wines and Maison. In addition select #wineries will keep their visitors entertained with a range of events, whilst enjoying their fine #wines.

Take in the picturesque scenery while soaking in country hospitality at its best. Wander along leisurely from #farm to farm, enjoying some of live entertainment on show while enjoying fine wines and an array of delectable treats; a taste of what you can expect from #South Africa’s gourmet capital.

So, with something for everyone, make a weekend of your visit, taking full advantage of the various accommodation packages on offer. Come and indulge yourself as you witness the country’s gourmet capital blossom and come alive
For more information about the #festival and #accommodation,please contact:
riverlodgebackpackers@gmail.co​m or phone us +27 (0)214480526

Llandudno Beach, Cape Town

Llandudno Beach must be one of the finest #Cape Town Beaches. The pristine crescent of #Llandudno beach curls itself into the base of the mountain rock between #Hout Bay and #Camps Bay. A steep stare from the coastal road, light blues melt to deep darks where ships have wrecked themselves in stormy waters.

Roll out your #beach towel, read a romance novel and relax. Throw open a picnic blanket, toss your cares ashore and tunnel your toes into the sand. Wave #surfers and lifesavers challenge the currents but for the less competitive an ankle-deep Atlantic dip will refresh. Blow up a beach ball for the kids and let them finger sketch in the soft white sand. The wind may wake you from a sea-side snooze so try to find a sheltered spot behind a rock if a breeze is a bother. No refreshments are for sale, so come packed and prepared. Lather up in sunscreen, though a little further from the sun down in Llandudno, it will reach you strong.

Bring a brolly and the family and brave the day beach side. In an elite residential area the parking is minimal so the big beach is seldom crowded. Llandudno is great for sunbathing and recreational activities. The views from the beach are spectacular and the water is often a clear tropical blue that’s inviting and refreshing, but rather cool. Stay a little later on the beach and you will be treated to awesome sunsets. If you feel like taking a stroll, there’s a great walk out to the rocks on the right hand side that will give you stunning views looking back at the beach. The waves are powerful and great for surfing. If you are not a strong swimmer do not venture out too far. This is a popular surf spot with a hollow beach break.

Into the Elephant's Eye

A stunning hiking trail which is not too long, not too tough but just right for any family of bears



#Silvermine Nature Reserve forms part of the #Table Mountain #National Park. It straddles the mountain, from the winding #Ou Kaapse Weg on the #Tokai, #Constantia side of the #mountain, over the peak of the mountain into #Noordhoek and #Fishhoek, overlooking the ocean. Depending on which trail you follow, the view changes dramatically. I was secretly excited to figure out why this trail got its name and I had to wait until the very end of the walk to find out.
Silvermine takes its name from the Silvermine River, which starts in the reserve and runs to #Clovelly and it is an important conservation area for indigenous fynbos vegetation.
Entrance to the Reserve is at the top of Ou Kaapse Weg where a small fee is charged.

I passed the reservoir and admired the floating lilies, skipped along the path chasing each other's shadows until we reached a rocky incline and then we panted our way to the top. The peak revealed a forest with a river running through it. Fresh mountain water. Drinking in the view made my way over the stream up the side of the mountain toward a little stone hut which we thought was the top. Still not.

And then, around the corner I spotted a cave which appeared to be in the shape of an (you got it) elephant's eye. The thin trail meandered to a cave near the peak. The bears gobbled their snacks and warmed their coats in the winter sun. It all lasted two hours in total with rests. This trail isn't too tough or too long, it is 'just right'.

Parking is available for those who wish to spend a few hours #walking, #hiking or #exploring the many #mountain #bike #trails that the #Reserve offers. Individual picnic sites are situated around the Silvermine Reservoir and these can be booked in advance.
Sandstone cave systems can also be found in the Reserve, and there are rock climbing routes on the #Muizenberg side.

STUNNING CAPE TOWN BEACHES

The east lights up as the sun rises on this southern tip of #Africa. Mountains catch the first rays of warmth, sending a warning with the light breeze towards the waters grazing the well-known #Cape Town #beaches.

It’s going to be a sunny day! Perfect for the exploration of the numerous beaches Cape Town has on offer. Cape Town is renowned for her magnificent beaches, but selecting the perfect one for fun in the summer sun can prove somewhat difficult!

It’s best is to get up early and make your way from your Cape Town accommodation, down towards the #False Bay coastline- ideal to experience one of Cape Town’s spectacular sunrises.

Start off at #Muizenberg Beach where the air is crisp and the sea forecasts another lovely day. Morning dew forms patterns on the pearly white sand; it’s that special time of morning when you allow your soul to be recharged by the power of the waves.

Little colourful beach houses over looking #False Bay, declare that this beach is where Cape Town surfing originated from. Professional guides who teach this sport are available for anyone interested!

Carrying on along the coast, it’s probably about time for a delicious breakfast!

#Olympia Café awaits your arrival. This little Café is situated in #Kalk Bay, just past #St James - one of the smaller beaches along the False Bay coastline. Sitting in the trendy Café, customers are greeted by a tranquil view of cobalt blue waters rubbing gently against the sides of anchored boats. Kalk Bay is a lively fishing village known for its fresh fish and fascinating, arty main road

Compared to the Atlantic Ocean, the water is much warmer on the False Bay coast. The little town of #Fishhoek is another popular beach- perfect for families with children as it’s one of the safest swimming beaches in the Cape. Fifteen minutes drive takes you to a series of small, picturesque sandy shores situated between granite boulders, where black and white African penguins flock together. These small comical seabirds are the reason for #Boulders Beach’s popularity.

Passing the #Cape Point Nature Reserve you leave behind #Indian Ocean and meet the Atlantic Ocean. Well-known beaches host bronzed sun bathers along this popular palm-tree lined coastline. The waters of the Atlantic Seaboard are several degrees colder than along the False Bay coastline, but still attract a lot of visitors since Cape Town’s hot summers call for a refreshing dip in icy waters.

Hout Bay is a well-loved town known for its delicious fresh seafood offered all year round. The beach here is appropriate for splashing in the waves with the kids, boogie boarding, paddle skiing and just family fun in the sun.

In contrasting further along the coast is Sandy Bay- a beach where those who are in need of an all-over tan are more than welcome. Kids might want to spend the day with the babysitter!

#Clifton, #Camps Bay and #Llandudno are the most popular beaches on the Atlantic side. This is where summer sun and models embrace, while children build sand castles and surfers show their skills in the waves!

Whether you desire peace and quiet on a secluded beach, or fun in the sun with big waves and plenty of people, Cape Town is the picture-perfect beach destination!