Walks, Hikes and Trails – Colour Dots

! Ikhwa ttu

carynkaleido — Wed, 05 May 2021 11:08:28 +0000

At ! Ikhwa ttu you will be ushered into the heart of Bushman culture by one of our qualified San Tour Guides. Our guides come from a diverse range of San communities, each with their own language and story. You will discover some of the qualities that enabled San to survive and thrive for centuries.! I Tours around! Ikhwa ttu will demonstrate the skills and knowledge of the San, whose simple sophistication may surprise you.. R27 West Coast Rd, Yzerfontein ! Ikhwa ttu MTB route There are two well-marked MTB routes suitable for all levels of experience, from leisure riders to very experienced riders. We have mountain bikes for hire. Within the route are single tracks jeep tracks, farm roads then some relaxed riding There are some technical sections, some fast-moving terrain and beautiful scenery.

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22 Waterfalls

carynkaleido — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 12:07:44 +0000

22 Waterfalls: At the Waterval Private Nature Reserve at the foot of the Olifantsrivier Mountain, is a trail past 22 waterfalls. The trail winds through a forested ravine with a stream running through it. Further upstream some pools are deep and good for swimming in. The waterfalls and pools are spectacular after a bit of rain. The hiking trail is well-marked. There are wooden ladder bridges and lots of boulders to scramble over. Hikers need to be fairly fit and able. Bookings need to be made as a maximum of 20-day visitors or hikers are allowed on weekends only. Dogs are not allowed. Woodhead dam and tunnelHikes on Table MountainTable Mountain Cableway bookings@22watervalle.co.za Waterval Private Nature Reserve, off the R44, Porterville 32°59’07.8″S 19°01’34.3″E

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5 dams on Table Mountain

carynkaleido — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:55:01 +0000

The 5 dams on Table Mountain were built in the late 1800s. up until then, all the water for the use of residents of Cape Town was supplied by the Disa River, which is a perennial stream that runs off Table Mountain. As demand for water in Cape Town increased, a plan was devised. City engineers built a tunnel through the Twelve Apostles which allowed them to catch water from the Disa River and transport it via a huge duct, known today as the ‘pipe track’ to the Molteno Reservoir. This reservoir did not hold nearly enough water for the growing needs of the city and engineers hatched a bigger plan to dam the Disa river. Woodhead Reservoir was the first of the 5 dams on Table Mountain. Building the wall involved a series of porters carrying all the building materials up the Kasteelpoort Ravine. The Dam wall was to be 252m long and 44 m high. Sometime during this slog, a steam-driven cable car was introduced. You can still see a lot of the late Victorian infrastructure that was used, running through Newlands Forest. Hely-Hutchinson Dam was built soon after Woodhead Dam’s completion in 1897. However, it still did not meet the ever-increasing demand. Hely Hutchinson was the Governor of the Cape Colony from 1901 to 1910. Around the same time, a further three dams were being built for use by residents in the Southern suburbs. These were built close to the Overseer’s cottage. Victoria, Alexandra, and De Villiers were completed by 1907. A trolley track was constructed up the mountain to carry materials for the dams. A small black trolley was hauled up the slope by a steam engine. The slope is very steep, sometimes even 1:1 The De Villiers dam, though it appears to be small, has a capacity of 250 megalitres. The wall is 30 m high. It was built across a narrow valley,y trapping Disa Stream, which used to flow down into Orange Kloof The 5 dams on Table Mountain contribute about 5% of the city’s current water needs. Most of the water for Cape Town is piped from Steenbras, Berg River, and Theewaterskloof dams. The total capacity of the 5 dams on the mountain is 2376 Ml. Theewaterskloof has a total capacity of 480188 Ml. The top of Table Mountain is more regularly wet than most anywhere else in the metropole (including Newlands). This is why the dams are usually quite full, however, if all the water was piped from the dams to the Cape Town metropole, it would last just 4 days at the current demand. You can take the Table Mountain cable car up the mountain and then hike across to get to the dams. If you are keen to hike, visit here to find out more. If you are hiking to the Woodhead and Hely-Hutchinson dams, you could pop in at the Waterworks Museum. Here you can learn more about how the Table Mountain dams developed and see some of the original equipment and materials that were used in the construction of the dams. See the story of Cape Town’s water Read about the dams of the Western Cape and find a comprehensive list of the principal Western Cape dams Unfortunately for hikers needing to cool off, swimming is not allowed in the dams. Tips for visiting Table Mountain

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Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:21:01 +0000

Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is a historic estate and is currently a Cape Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site situated in the Jonkershoek Valley near Stellenbosch. Assegaaibosch farmstead is a National Monument that was built in 1792, . This reserve was formerly a cultivated flower garden, it has various hiking trails now open to the public. A dam, almost a third of the way up the valley, offers lovely bank-side picnic spots. Parking, a braai area, and toilet facilities are provided. Only 80 people are allowed into the Assegaaibosch picnic area per day to help with conservation efforts. Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis. No alcohol is allowed into the picnic area Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch

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Avani Lodge Private Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 12:40:53 +0000

Avani Lodge Private Nature Reserve is renowned for the tranquillity of the environment. Fynbos species are abundant within the reserve. Guests will feel the natural inclination to enjoy the freedom to relax and enjoy our facilities and the great outdoors. Our predominantly Eco-friendly, thatched, straw bale and cob rondavels, each with its own private wood-burning Hot Tub, offer a rustic and quirky space where guests can expect nothing less than soul-feeding tranquillity and peace. Bot Rivier

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Babylonstoren

carynkaleido — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:50:52 +0000

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest farms in the Cape. Simon van der Stel granted the farm Babylonstoren to burgher Pieter van der Byl. Until that time, the Drakenstein Valley had been inhabited by nomadic Khoisan for centuries. Pieter van der Byl planted the first vineyards on the farm and altered the water courses to provide irrigation. Some of the farm’s earliest structures remain on the farm. Babylonstoren’s Cape Dutch werf is typical of the architectural style of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is considered to be one of the best-preserved farmyards in the Cape today. The original buildings include a manor house dating back to 1777, a Koornhuis (for storing wheat), an old cellar and an ornate fowl house. The dovecote, the leaning bell tower and the historic gates date back to the 1750s. The old cowshed was renovated to accommodate the Babel restaurant. New accommodation was added for the Farm Hotel, careful planning ensured that the design was sympathetic with the architecture of the original buildings. This offers an authentic experience of 1700s Boland farm life, with all the luxury of modern convenience. The name Babylonstoren refers not only to the “Toren”, a hill where there is a spectacular 360 degree view of the farm but also to the numerous slaves that came from many corners of the world, all speaking different languages referencing the story of the tower of Babel. Today, Babylonstoren is a farm, a farm hotel, a restaurant, a greenhouse, a bakery, a larder, a spa, a cellar, and a learning centre for our people. Babylonstoren is also home to an organic food garden of great diversity: eight acres of vegetables and aromatic herbs. Babylonstoren Gardens The design of the Babylonstoren gardens on 3,5 hectares (8 acres) was inspired by the Company’s Garden in Cape Town. Since the 1600s, this garden in the city supplied ships sailing between Europe and Asia with vegetables and fruit. The garden also pays homage to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which are mythologically attributed to Nebuchadnezzar, who lived in the sixth century BC. The garden at Babylonstoren was designed by French architect Patrice Taravella. It includes vegetable patches and orchards of fruit and nuts. There are areas planted with fragrant indigenous plants. On the property is a prickly pear maze to get lost in and a mass of trees of historical or botanical significance. It features more than 300 varieties of trees and thousands of plant species. Other features are a Healing Garden, a Succulent House, and a Spice House, which tells the story of the spice trade with the East. There is also a garden shop. The tour of the fruit and vegetable garden starts at the Farm Shop at 10h00 daily, and during the week, you can join their special collections garden tour, which also departs from the Farm Shop at 11h30. Depending on the time of year, guests will be taken to see the succulent collection, the cycads next to the stream, or for a walk through the Healing Garden. Garden tours continue, whatever the weather. You could also join one of the hands-on workshops given by their chefs and gardeners. Children will love to visit Old Bullfrog, a water wonderland featuring creatures from their garden, such as frogs and lizards. The centre of the park has a big bullfrog fountain. The garden also includes a prickly pear maze! Other activities children will enjoy Feeding the donkeys Cooling down in the ponds and fountains Visiting the chickens, ducks and turkeys Hiding in the large bird nests picking and eating fruit from the trees It is essential to Book for the Garden Tours and Workshops. Other things to see Soetmelksvlei is a fascinating window into the past; a living museum where visitors can witness and interact with artisans and craftspeople from late-19th century as they go about their daily tasks of milling, forging, distilling and doing carpentry work. The Story of Wine explores terroir, wine history, even wine poetry with an informative and intuitive audio guide. The Garden Spa offers a world-class oasis of peace and relaxation. Complete with an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, indoor heated vitality pool, tropical rain showers, a salt room (built with blocks of Himalayan salt) and a gym Where is Babylonstoren? Babylonstoren lies at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain, between Paarl and Franschhoek in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Klapmuts Simondium Rd 7655 Franschhoek,

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Bartinney Private Cellar

carynkaleido — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 13:56:13 +0000

Bartinney Private Cellar is a boutique winery in the Banhoek Valley, with a wine bar in the heart of Stellenbosch. Established in 1912, Creating excellence in wine has not been a singular pursuit. Our belief is that every aspect must work in harmony: agriculture with nature, people with animals, and sustainability with excellence. The old vines are planted to a height of 550m above sea level and with slopes as steep as 45 degrees, creating wines that have exceptional expression and character. Bartinney offers mountain bikers, hikers and runners the opportunity to explore the spectacular landscape 083 325 5840 The beautifully restored self-catering vineyard guesthouses are ideal for a restful Wineland getaway. 021 885 1013 Bartinney Farm, Helshoogte Pass Stellenbosch Tasting Shed Opening Hours Monday – Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00 Friday: 10:00 – 20:00 Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00 Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00

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Beaumont Wine Estate

carynkaleido — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 13:52:20 +0000

Beaumont Wine Estate is family-owned and managed. It is situated in the heart of the town of Bot Rivier. The farm, home to the region’s oldest wine cellar, was originally established in the 1700s by the Dutch East India Company as a supply farm producing fruit, vegetables, dairy, wine, and flour. Jayne and Raoul Beaumont bought the farm, Compagnes Drift, in 1974 and set about replanting the vineyards. The farm was transformed through hard work and an adventurous spirit. Raoul was a maverick of the vineyards and motorcycles and Jayne was an artist, teacher, and mother. Jayne pioneered the first wine, making small amounts of Pinotage bearing her hand-drawn label in the late 1970s. Every visitor at Beaumont Wine Estate is welcomed with heart-warming hospitality into our Tasting Room and the Zest Deli & Kitchen. We only use the freshest produce and offer a seasonal menu that celebrates our local suppliers as well as what is being harvested off the farm. Accommodation at the farm is sumptuous and well-appointed. The watermill at Beaumont Wines is over 200 years old and the wooden water wheel has been restored to full working order. Limited quantities of stone ground flour are being produced on the farm Enjoy the gardens, MTB trails, walks, bird life and fishing opportunities.

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Beaverlac campsite

carynkaleido — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:23:28 +0000

Beaverlac campsite is where you can come and fly the skies where black eagles soar, hike the paths of the leopard, climb the rocks where baboons play and spend some time at a rock pool each day. There are various hiking trails and caves, some of which are decorated with rock art dating back thousands of years. Tucked high up in the Olifants River Mountains above Porterville, Beaverlac offers camping and cabins to maximize your enjoyment of nature. Situated in a secluded 5000-hectare valley surrounded by mountains, Beaverlac is blessed with two rivers, the Ratel (Honey Badger) and the Olifants. The rustic and tranquil campsite surrounded by wild mountains offers peace and quiet and a beautiful mountain pool with a waterfall is a 5-minute walk away. Those who don’t want to camp can book one of our cottages. Dogs are allowed in the campsite, but not in the rock pools where people are swimming. The site is not open to day visitors. There is no wifi and cellphone reception is not good. Beaverlac Campsite, Porterville, via N7 beaverlac.kantoor@gmail.com

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Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

carynkaleido — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 15:43:02 +0000

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is a specialist producer and wine destination, at the start of the Walker Bay wine region. The estate is a low-yield farm, focused on producing premium estate wines. There is so much to see and do when you visit Benguela Cove. With attractions for guests of all ages to enjoy. We have the longest stretch of ocean-facing vineyards (2.7km) grown at the lowest altitude above sea level (3m). Waterfront Villa accommodation is now available at Benguela Cove Wine Estate. Experience an exceptional stay, when you book one of our luxury villas. 087 357 0637 Activities at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate There is a variety of restaurants on the estate. We are a pet-friendly estate. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome. Experience the exceptional, We offer wine tasting, cellar and vineyard tours, and pontoon cruises. The Art Gallery: The walls of the Estate are adorned with art from many of South Africa’s famous and up-and-coming artists. Hermanus

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