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!

Hout Bay Dunes to Sandy Bay

This is a wonderful #walk that will treat you to amazing, panoramic views of #Hout Bay and #Sandy Bay, taking you from one scenic bay to another. The walk begins on a gradual uphill road which becomes quite steep near the top. The dunes will be on your left hand side as you climb out of Sandy Bay. They are great to walk on but we advise you to rather walk down them on your way back.

You turned to run/crawl straight up a sandy bluff perhaps 100 feet high. The first time I went in there, on reaching the top I saw a vast expanse of snow. snow? wait, no, it was white sand dunes stretching for a quarter mile. Spectacular sensation of freshness and relief, while you are walking barefoot long the route. You traversed the #sand dunes and dropped quickly back into the neighborhood. Wow.The best visual run of my life.
You can see people run around with their #dogs and #children play with the sand...
At the top of the saddle you will look down on the secluded Sandy Bay; known for being #Cape Town’s #nudist beach. The sandy path traverses down towards the white sandy beach.

Be sure to take a #costume and towel on a hot day as you will be very tempted to swim in the cool #ocean, which will leave you refreshed and ready to walk back up over into Hout Bay.

If you want to experience the breeze and the romantic atmosphere, you must wait for the #sunset, beautiful from the top of the dunes and always different... You won't regret any moments spent in this unusual and unique spot in Hout Bay.

DAILY WINE TOURS

Based in the heart of the #Winelands of #South Africa, our specialty is wine!
wine tours cater for the connoisseur, the wine lover, and even the wine novices. If you want to spend a day enjoying award winning wines, fine cuisine and admiring spectacular scenery.

Full Day #Wine Tours 9.30am – 5 pm

Experience the true Winelands classic! Spend your day sampling fantastic wines and enjoying a scrumptious picnic lunch on a famous wine estate.

The full day wine tour departs Cape Town at 08:30 approximately, with a pick up at your accommodation (or elsewhere by arrangement)

The first stop will be at Villiera vineyards in the Stellenbosch Region. At Villiera the underlying philosophy is to ensure that the wines reflect the specific character of the terroir, as well as the unique characteristics of each vintage. In addition, techniques are utilised in the cellar that develop and retain the distinct varietal aromas and flavours. after visiting the cellar and tasting the special champagne of South Africa we will heading Tokara, situated on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass in South Africa, produces innovative and distinctive wines under the TOKARA and ZONDERNAAM labels as well as a limited edition five year pot still Brandy. With 15 hectares of olive trees growing on the steepest slopes of the farm, and a plan to increase this number to 20 hectares by 2012, THE OLIVE SHED AT TOKARA is bringing a quality olive oil to accompany TOKARA wines at the table.

Soon after we will have lunch at Solms-Delta. a wine farm estate at #Franschhoek, which offers a variety of highlights throughout the seasons. Experience picnics all year round in its magical forest, modern Cape cuisine at its renowned #Fyndraai restaurant, and an annual harvest festival that draws visitors from near and far.

The beautiful Franschhoek wine farm estate also features a museum that explores the slave heritage of the area, and the conventional #wine tasting experience.

The last wine estate is The Fairview at Paarl which has recently achieved champion status under the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative. The BWI is a partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector. The initiative aims to protect and conserve the existing natural habitats within the Cape winelands.

The quality of the Fairview cheeses is good enough to serve and they are offered along with wine tastings in the tasting room.

Return at approximately 5-6pm.

Wine tours are led by experienced registered guides, who have led wine tours in this region for several years.

In order to give you a specialist, focused and friendly tour, we keep wine tour groups small.

Wine tours are tailored to our clients interests and requirements.

We can also cater for private or larger groups, by arrangement.

We will take you on a unforgettable, informative tour of the region, some of the best wine estates and answer the questions you may have about wine and wine making in the Cape Winelands of South Africa.

Half day wine tours are also available on request.

Also shuttles, airport transfers, accommodation advice and booking for your time in South Africa.

To discuss your requirements or to book now contact us:

riverlodgebackpackers@gmail.com

Short & Sweet Film Screenings

Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky brings London’s longest running short film evening to Cape Town

Every Tuesday for 5 weeks, Short & Sweet will bring art-loving Capetonians and whisky connoisseurs together for a night of wining, dining and good old-fashioned movie-watching.
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A celebration of both local and international short film, Short & Sweet is as much about the mingling as it is about the viewing experience. 8 short films, music videos and short animations from around the globe will be screened every week.

Each screening at the venue will offer a delightful range of things to taste, from sushi to Crayfish cooked on open flames. Roaring fireplaces and a fully stocked bar offering the whisky connoisseurs best kept secret - Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky - will keep you toasty in the wintery weather.

The sophistication of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky coupled with the comfort of The Dream Factory provides the perfect environment to enjoy a film evening unlike any other.

For more information about the event, tickets, shuttle aso. contact us on facebook or riverlodgebackpackers@gmail.com