Africanology (2025)

19/10/2021

South Africa has officially been removed from the UK's 'red list'. It is so fabulous to see our British friends again....

16/10/2021

Paarl, Western Cape, Cape Town

Heritage & Architecture - Ballooning - Golfing - Hiking - Mountain Biking - Wildlife & Nature - Wining & Dining

The picturesque town of Paarl, an easy 45 minute drive from Cape Town, is situated in the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful undulating hills and valleys of the Drakenstein mountain ranges.

Whilst celebrated for for its award-winning full-bodied reds and crisp white wines, Paarl and her spectacular surrounds have so much more on offer than glorious wining and fine dining.

World-class golf courses, hot-air ballooning, cycling, walks, hiking, birding, a wonderland of wildlife, entertaining encounters with Alpacas and a tapestry of heritage to weave through, Paarl is certainly a destination truly deserving of your time.

History

The third oldest European settlement in South Africa, Paarl has been inhabited by the San and the Khoikhoi since time immemorial.

The first European to happen upon Paarl was Abraham Gabemma who, in 1657, on command from the Dutch East India Company, ventured north to establish trading relationships with the Khoikhoi.

The Khoikhoi, highly accomplished in the practice of nomadic pastoral agriculture and skilled in maintaining considerable herds of cattle, were indispensable trading partners of the Dutch settlers who, otherwise, would have had a dearth of meat.

Gabemma, having adventured 80km north of Cape Town in search of the Khoikhoi clans, spotted in the distance a gargantuan granite rock shimmering under the beating African sun following a rain storm. At that moment, Gabemma proclaimed the granite outcrop to be “de Diamondt en de Peerlberg” - “Diamond and Pearl Mountain”. Over time, the word “diamond’ disappeared and the picturesque town that sprung from its prepossessing foothills came to be known as Paarl.

The picturesque Paarl Drakenstein valleys were named after a Dutch commissioner who visited the Cape in 1685 – Hendrik Adriaan van Reede tot Drakenstein, Lord of Mijdrecht. Paarl was first established as a formal farming community in 1687 when twenty Dutch emigre farmers were awarded land alongside the Berg River.

Recent History: The Long Walk to Freedom

Of more recent historical significance, is the Drakenstein Prison, formerly the Victor Verster Prison.

In 1988, with the demise of apartheid imminent and it being anticipated that Nelson Mandela would be appointed president of the Republic, Madiba was transferred from the maximum security prison, Pollsmoor, to the Victor Verster Prison - at the time, a ‘stepping stone’ facility for the release of low-risk political prisoners.

At the Victor Verster, Mandela was housed in a private residence within the prison compound and it was here where Madiba penned the final chapters of his extraordinary autobiography - The Long Walk to Freedom.

On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela, after nearly three decades of incarceration, was finally released. Thousands of reporters traversed the globe congregating at the Victor Verster to record the release of possibly the most famed and celebrated political prisoner in history.

The private house where Mandela lived at Victor Verster has been declared a South African National Heritage Site and a statue of the Drakenstein Prison’s most distinguished prisoner and subsequent Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stands proudly at the entrance of the prison gates. .

What to Do in and Around Paarl

Extraordinary Wining and Fine Dining

Wining
Renowned for its award-winning full-bodied spicy reds and highly acclaimed crisp whites, the Paarl Wine Route, the second oldest in the country, has a rich viticultural heritage and possesses amongst the most celebrated wineries in the world.

Whilst Paarl’s Shiraz is the most significant varietal from the area, truly remarkable chenin blanc, chardonnay, pinotage, viognier and mourvedre are also produced.

Wineries offering simply sublime tastings include Under Oaks, Nederburg Wines, KWV Wine Emporium, Fairview, Black Pearl Wines, Boland Kelder, Ridgeback Wine Farm and Rhebokskloof Wine Estate.

Dining
For culinary dining experiences extraordinaire, reserve a table at any one (or all) of Noop, Faber, the Restaurant at Glen Carlou, the Goat shed at Fairview, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate Restaurant, the Grande Roche Hotel and Val da Vie.

Glorious Golfing

The resplendent Val de Vie Estate hosts the highly acclaimed and multiple award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. The championship course, designed for the discerning golfer boasts exquisite greens, fabulous fairways, majestic mountain vistas, golfing at Val de Vie is simply sublime.

The Paarl Golf Course, situated on the prepossessing Boschenmeer Golf Estate, was first laid on the banks of the Berg River in the 1950s and is the oldest championship course in the Western Cape. Since its inception, the course has been redesigned by multiple PGA winner and Paarl native, David Frost and course designer extraordinaire, Danie Obermeyer. The course is expansive and challenging presenting golfers with a seamless mix of risk and reward,

For the Active & Adventurous

The Air Up there: Hot-Air Ballooning

Hot-Air ballooning is amongst life’s most extraordinary and exhilarating escapades. Floating gently over the simply spectacular Berg River Valley against the backdrop of the exalted Table Mountain is a wonderful way to explore this breathtakingly beautiful part of the planet.

Hiking, Rock Climbing & Mountain Biking
Paarl is a veritable Mecca for walkers, hikers, rock climbers, mountain-bikers and the active and adventurous. Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, Paarl Rock, Cascade Manor and the Rhebokskloof Wine Estate are all simply superb for traversing the majestic mountains and wild flower tapestries.

Bass Fishing & Horseback Riding
Bass fishing at at Nantes Dam or on Paarl Mountains a popular pursuit as is horse back riding through the vast vineyards against the backdrop against the awe-inspiring undulating valleys of the Drakenstein mountains.

The Sport of Kings
Embraced by the majestic mountain ranges of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, Val de Vie Estate is one of the most enviable, astounding and arresting polo venues in the world. There can be worse ways to whittle away an afternoon than in the splendour of vast vineyard vistas, sampling celebrated MCC’s whilst watching the planet’s most skilled players and most passionate polo ponies partaking in the ever-exhilarating sport of kings.

Wilderness and Wildlife

Whilst Paarl has no safari parks, it is somewhat of an epicentre within the Western Cape for a multiplicity of conservation initiatives and opportunities for extraordinary encounters with a wonderland of wildlife abound.

Ashia Cheetah Conservation: A Walk on the Wild Side

Ashia Cheetah Conservation, a globally-celebrated cheetah sanctuary reposes at the foot of the arresting Drakenstein mountains just outside Paarl.

“Ashia’, a name of African origin meaning ‘life and hope’, is a non-profit organisation whose objective it is to increase the rapidly declining cheetah population. The conservationists at Ashia breed the cheetah in captivity at the farm and then procure their graduated release into the protected wild.

The Conservancy offers opportunities to select guests to accompany the cheetah on walks and runs. Cheetah volunteer programmes and tours of the conservatory are also offered.

Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre: Gerry the Giraffe

With a diverse variety of wildlife and birdlife, The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre is a wonderful way to whittle away a few hours with the children whilst enjoying the entertaining and educational animal shows, learning about all things wild and wonderful and picnicking in the picturesque gardens.

Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm: See Antediluvian Animals

Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, situated at Simondium, a hamlet in the heart of the undulating Drakenstein winelands, 8 km south of Paarl, presents an extraordinary opportunity for extraordinary encounters with an antediluvian African animal: the fabulously fearsome crocodile.

On this idyllic farm, action and adventure awaits with all manner of reptiles waiting to make your acquaintance.Croc cage diving will truly test your threshold of fearlessness whilst catch-and-release bass fishing is super for the more sedentary. The Le Bonheur shop specialises in crocodile leather products and locally-crafted items.

Volunteer at the Drakenstein Lion Park

The Drakenstein Lion Park is an award winning and internationally acclaimed sanctuary for captive born lions that cannot be rehabilitated into the wild. The Park provides these displaced lions with a lifetime home in an enriched environment, where they are treated with compassion and respect and allowed to live out their lives with dignity.

Whilst the Park does not admit day visitors, it does accept paying volunteers - a once-in-a-lifetime extraordinary experience providing intimate encounters with the king of the jungle.

Architecture & Heritage

As the third oldest European settlement in South Africa, it is utterly unsurprising that Paarl is infused with a rich cultural and historical flavour.

Paarl Rock and the Taal Monument

The birth of Afrikaans as the world’s youngest language is celebrated by the iconic Afrikaans Language Monument that stands prominently on the southern slopes of Paarl Mountain.
On the gargantum granite rock in the foothills of which the town of Paarl emerged, the futuristic Taal Monument reposes. Against a background of vast vistas, the Monument, designed by architect Jan van Wijk in 1975, consists of numerous concave and convex tapering structures representing the influences of different languages and cultures on Afrikaans and political developments in South Africa. The structures symbolise the European heritage of the African language; Magical Africa – the African influences on the language, theBridge – between Europe and Africa; Afrikaans – the language itself; the Republic – declared in 1961and the Malay language and culture

The Paarl Heritage Trail: Paarl Main Road
Architectural aficionados will indubitably appreciate the Paarl Heritage Trail which boasts a legacy of amongst the best-preserved examples of beautiful 19th Century buildings in South Africa.

Featuring a marvellous multiplicity of architectural styles from Romanesque, Neo Gothic, Cape Dutch, Vernacular, Neo Classical, Cape Georgian, Cape Dutch Renaissance, Edwardian to Art Deco, a guided tour of the beautiful buildings of yesteryear is a wonderful manner to whittle away an hour or two.

Something a Little Different: The Spice Route

Upon docking in the Cape Town harbour, ancient mariners would blast their horns to announce their arrival – a sound that could be heard as far as the Paarl mountains. This call signalled the incoming of ships, inviting farmers from surrounding areas to mount their horse carts to go collect and trade. This gathering of diverse artisans is what the Spice Route channels through today – a collection of flavours and a celebration of Cape cultures.

This sprawling farm with vast vistas, features a winery tasting room, a distillery, a cured-meats deli, a chocolatier, an art studio, a glass-blowing studio, and a shop filled with hand-crafted treasures,

Under the watchful eye of brew-master Wolfgang Koedel, the Cape Brewing Company has rapidly become one of South Africa’s preferred craft breweries. Indulge in all four of the key CBC brews – pilsner, lager, krystal weiss, and amber weiss – at the Barley & Biltong beer garden, whilst tucking into a selection of beef, kudu, eland, and springbok biltong.

Where to Eat
Noop
Faber
the Restaurant at Glen Carlou
the Goat shed at Fairview
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate Restaurant
the Grande Roche Hotel
Val da Vie.

Where to Stay
Grande Roche Hotel
Val da Vie

06/07/2021

Hout Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Situated twenty kilometres south of the Cape Town CBD, embraced by mountains of the Table Mountain National Park to the north east and west, and the southern Atlantic Ocean to the south, lies the perfectly pristine white sandy beaches of the seaside suburb of Hout Bay.

One of the world’s feats of road engineering - the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, carved out of the plunging mountainside cliffs of Hout Bay in 1922 using convict labour for the princely sum of forty thousand Rand, which road serpentines from Hout Bay to Noordhoek and then onwards to Cape Point.

Translated from Afrikaans as “Wood Bay”, “the Republic of Hout Bay” as it is affectionally referred to by the locals, has an antediluvian history, first believed to have been inhabited by the Late Stone Age People between 100 AD and 500 AD. the Khoi-Khoi and the San, descendants of these Late Stone Age People,

The first written account of a European happening upon the Hout Bay shores was that of an English sailor in 1614 when wood was used to repair his ship.
When the Dutch established a colony in Table Bay in 1652, an enormous quantity of timber was required for construction and ship building purposes and with no forests in the immediate vicinity, Jan van Riebeek instructed that his employees venture to wetter valleys, where they happened upon the Hout Bay forests.

In 1871, the Royal Hotel was built by the fishing mogul, Jacob Trautman, establishing Hout Bay as a popular holiday destination which it remains as today,.

What to Do

For the Active and Adventurous

There are a plethora of activities to keep the active and adventurous occupied in Hout Bay. Cycling, hiking, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are all popular pursuits.

Recreational wreck diving opportunities abound with the the SS Maori, the Bos400, MFV Aster, and the MFV Katsu Maru all having found their final resting place in the surrounds. Reef dives include Tafelberg Reef, Vulcan Rock and Star Wall.

Snorkelling with the Cape Fur Seals at Duiker Island is a special experience.

Several charters offer superlative fishing for sport angling enthusiasts with yellowfin tuna longfin tuna, and yellowtail fishing being the order of the day.

Hout Bay is a Mecca for surfers, with amongst the biggest and most spectacular waves on planet earth breaking on the surf spot affectionately known as “Dungeons”. During the winter months of June, July and August surfers from all over the world congregate here and local boat operators provide the opportunity to watch and take photographs of the surfers challenging these gnarliest of gnar waves.

Charter a Yacht
Charter a yacht, sip bubbles, suntan, swim and explore this most spectacular and awe-inspiring of areas on the planet. A variety of pelagic birds abound at different times of the year. Duiker Island, home to the famous Cape Fur Seals, is a popular destination.

The World of Birds

The World of. Birds, the largest bird park in Africa, provides a safe sanctuary to over 3 000 birds of 400 different species and homes rescued mammals and reptiles in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing for the most intimate closeness with nature.

Where to Eat

Chef’s Warehouse at Tintswalo
Quentin at Oakhurst
Dunes

Where to Stay
Tintswalo Atlantic
Hout Bay Manor

23/06/2021

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Franschhoek, a hamlet situated 75km east of Cape Town, has to be amongst the most breathtakingly beautiful places on planet earth.

With centuries-old vineyards cloaking the evergreen undulating hills and Grand Olde Cape-Dutch architecture, Franschhoek - the valley of vines, wines, fine dining and simply sublime accommodation, is absolutely exquisite.

History

Descendants of Franschhoek’s first inhabitants, the Khoisan people, still reside in the locale, however Franschhoek and surrounds have a decidedly French flair - ultimately on account of events transpiring in the 1600s some 12 000km away from Franschhoek, in Paris.
After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1692, French Protestants, known as the French Huguenots, faced pillage and persecution, at the hands of their Catholic compatriots.

Upon encouragement by the Dutch East India Company, who recognised the extraordinary industriousness of the French Huguenots, a small group of these French refugees boarded a boat in 1671 and set sail on a treacherous journey bound for the Cape colony, adding yet another thread to the South African cultural tapestry.

By 1692, 201 French Huguenots had made the Cape their home and, despite their small size, their considerable skill and knowledge has left a long-lasting legacy in the Cape. Indeed, South Africa’s rich heritage of viticulture and oenology resulting in award-winning wines, can largely be attributed to this small group of settlers.

These French Huguenots moved east of Cape Town and founded Franschhoek which they named “le Coin Francais” (the French Corner), later changed to “Franschhoek” - “French Corner” in Dutch.

The Huguenots, nostalgic for their homeland named their wine farms after areas from which they came and most of these farms retain these names to this day:- with La Motte, Champagne, La Cotte, Cabriere, La Provence, Bourgogne, La Terra de Luc and La Dauphine being amongst the first farms established in the area, many of which still have their original Cape Dutch houses.

The significant contributions of this small group of refugees is memorialised and acknowledged at the Huguenot Monument and the nearby Huguenot Memorial Museum. The Museum is small but fabulously fascinating and well-appointed - definitely deserving of an hour when in Franschhoek.

What to Do….

Aside from the fabulous wining and dining, there is much to do in Franschhoek and its surrounds.

Babylonstoren

In the heart of the Cape winelands in the Drakenstein Valley, en-route to Franschhoek from Cape Town, lies Babylonstoren, a 200-hectare farm dating back to 1692.

The farm hosts a stylish hotel, a simply sublime garden spa, a modern wine cellar, a plethora of dirt roads for mountain biking and a 3.5 hectare garden supplying the freshest of ‘garden to table’ ingredients for Babylonstoren’s three restaurants and juicery.

The 3km of paths through the gardens make for a relaxing amble in perfectly picturesque surrounds - walk by yourself or join the daily guided tour with one of the expert gardeners. Once a week Babylonstoren offers a fabulously fascinating workshops all with culinary and horticultural themes.

The Franschhoek Motor Museum

Even to the extent that you have no particular nor special interest in cars or bikes, the fabulously fascinating Franschhoek Motor Museum is absolutely exceptional.

Owned by the renowned Rupert family - possibly South Africa’s most famed dynasties and passionate patrons and preservers of art and antiquities, the four expansive de-humidified halls home amongst the most exclusive collections of the planet’s oldest, rarest and most celebrated vehicles.

The museum traverses over a century of our planet’s automative evolution in chronological order with eighty perfectly preserved vehicles on display the museum is certainly deserving of an hour or two of your time.

Hiking & Walks

Within the UNESCO-declared Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve and a ten to fifteen minute drive from Franschhoek’s town centre, lies the simply spectacular Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.

The Reserve’s nine well-maintained trails traversing a total area of 30km, are graded easy to moderate and the circular routes take from just under an hour to six-seven hours.

For comparatively little effort, the rewards Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve offer are rich:- absolutely awe-inspiring vast vistas of one of the most spectacular valleys on earth.

The Huguenot Memorial Museum

Situated at the end of the main road, this well-appointed and engrossing little museum pays tribute to the extraordinary contributions made to South African and, indeed the world’s, viticulture and oenology:- by an insignificantly small group of refugees - the French Huguenots.

The Museum provides a comprehensive but concise and palatable account of the circumstances under which the French Huguenots fled their beloved homeland of France. Confronted with genocidal persecution by the French Catholic King Louis XIV, these French Protestants, with the encouragement of the Dutch East India Company, boarded ships to traverse treacherous waters, deep dark Africa bound.

Their story is well narrated by the little museum and again illustrates how events transpiring thousands of miles away shaped South Africa’s kaleidoscopic historical and cultural tapestry.

Cycling, Mountain Biking and E-Biking

For more experienced cyclists, the steep and serpentining 25km Franschoek Pass provides amongst the most sensational scenery of and, despite the relatively short distance, the spectacular climb provides a fair workout.

Off-road, the mountains in the spectacular surrounds of the Berg Dam River have miles of trails and single tracks. At the high lookout point, the vistas stretch from Franschhoek Valley, the Boland mountain scapes and the landscape towards the southern ocean. Table Mountain also features in the distance.

Drive the Franschhoek Pass

The Franschhoek Pass, a 13km drive, commences at Haut Cabriere Wine Farm and traverses the awe-inspiring Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve offering absolutely awe-inspiring vistas. Don’t be tempted to stop at the first view point, continue along the serpentine road until the road starts to descend where you will encounter the most superlative spot to appreciate the extraordinary surrounds.

A Tantalising Tasting Experience at the Huguenot Chocolat Factory

The Huguenot Chocolat Factory, a boutique chocolaterie situated on Franschoek’s bustling little main street, is owned and managed by Danver Windvogel and Denver Adonis, Belgian-qualified chocolatiers skilled in the ancient art of chocolate-making.

Windvogel and Adonis offer a fabulously fascinating chocolate experience which traverses the interesting history of chocolate-making and includes demonstrations and chocolate tastings from a delectable range of chocolates, made from the finest imported Belgian chocolate.

Horse Riding through the Vineyards
Explore Franschoek’s vineyards, orchards and forests on horseback against a pastoral background of undulating hills and towering peaks. Catering for complete beginners to experienced equestrians, horse riding is a wonderful way to explore the winelands.

Art & Antiques
Franschoek hosts several excellent art galleries and antique shops, all within the heart of this little hamlet. The historic La Motte Wine Estate hosts a wonderful museum with possibly the largest collection of the works of the Old Master, JH Pierneef, one of South Africas most celebrated artists,

Shopping
Franschoek has a plethora of eclectic little shops, independent boutiques, jewellers, speciality food stores, wine shops and bespoke interior and homeware stores - interesting to browse or for a spot of retail therapy.

Vines & Wines
The valley is home to some of the oldest Wine Estates and Vineyards in the country as well as some of the newest, all producing wines of the highest quality, many of which are winners of awards and trophies in international wine competitions.

Wine lovers the world over come to Franschhoek to taste the exqusite wines of the valley, Surrounded by majestic mountains with slopes dressed in vines, there is no better way to taste wine then in the very vineyard that produced it.

Franschhoek’s Vineyards produce all the noble and classic cultivars. From superlative whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc, to gorgeous plush reds; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir as well as many blends, to tantalize your palette. All are just waiting to be tasted by wine lovers visting Franschhoek.

And lets not forget Franschhoeks famed Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines and ports, produced by some immensely talented winemakers who have chosen to practice their art in this inspirational locale.

Dining

For food lovers, Franschhoek has a well known reputation as a dining out paradise. Food connoisseurs and gourmands will find a delicious choice of restaurants in and around the village catering for both fine dining as well as family fare.

Many of these eateries are award-winning and widely acclaimed, both internationally and locally.

Where to Eat
La Petite Ferme view
The Chefs Warehouse at Maison
Franschhoek Kitchen at Holden Manz
Manger at Dieu Donne
MIKO at Mont Rochelle and the Country Kitchen at Mont Rochelle
Haute Cabrière Cellar Restaurant
The Werf Restaurant at Boschendal
Greenhouse restaurant at Babylonstoren
Pierneef à la Motte

Where to Stay
La Residence
La Clé Village
Le Quartier Français
La Petite Ferme
La Clé des Montagnes Lodge
Leeu Estates
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Maison Carrière
Akademie Street Boutique Hotel

09/05/2021

Paternoster, Western Cape, South Africa

Situated on the simply spectacular and dramatic Cape West Coast approximately two hours north of Cape Town, lies Paternoster, a perfectly picturesque little holiday hamlet.

Fabulous for Foodies
Somewhat surprisingly, this utterly unassuming little fishing village, dotted with quaint white-washed cottages, has arguably become the foodie capital of South Africa.

Most celebrated amongst the simply sublime restaurants is the famed Wolfgat, winner of Best Restaurant in the World at The World Restaurant Awards in Paris. Leeto, the Noisy Oyster, Voorstrandt and Gaaitjie are other firm favourites amongst foodies.

The fabulous fare, whilst diverse and catering for all, does pays homage to Paternoster’s history as the oldest fishing village in South Africa. Lobster, crayfish, mussels, oysters, herring, snoek and “catch of the day” feature strongly in tastings and on menus.

Sea Safaris & an Awe-Inspiring Spectacle of Whales
The frigid waters of the icy Atlantic provides safe sanctuary to an astounding assemblage of aquatic wildlife including dolphins, large colonies of the Cape Fur seal and penguins and throughout the year, Paternoster and surrounds is their playground.

During the months of June - October, the Southern Right Whales frequent the area on their annual migration from the Arctic around the southern African continent to the warm welcoming waters of the Indian Ocean. Observing these gargantuan yet graceful creatures breaching and playing is truly one of life’s most special and extraordinary experiences.

A Fisherman’s Shangri-La
With Kabeljou, mussel and abalone farming, a lobster factory, a Kabeljou farm, pilchard canning and South Africa’s largest oyster factory in the neighbouring village, Langebaan,, Paternoster and surrounds is the hub of the South African commercial fishing industry, generating millions of Rand annually and providing income to many of the town’s 1800 residents.

Paternoster and surrounds are a veritable Shangri-La for anglers with the abundance of fish ensuring that there are several superb charters available. With inshore game fishing, Snoek, Yellow Tail, Cob and Cape salmon abound. Offshore game fishing catches include Yellow Fin Tuna, Long Finned Tuna, Skip Jack, Dorado & Yellow tail.

A Spring Floral Fantasia: Cape Columbine National Park and the West Coast National Park

During the last few weeks of August and the first of few of September, the buds of the wild flowers of the Namaqualand region erupt into carpets upon carpets of breathtakingly beautiful blooms - a kaleidoscope of colour and this month-long wonder certainly must be amongst one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena.

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
Whilst the Northern Cape area is generally regarded as the premier and most reliable spot to witness the spring flower fantasia, the 263ha Cape Columbine Nature Reserve in Paternoster named after the ill-fated British vessel, the Columbine, shipwrecked by the treacherous waters in 1852, which was shipper is generally a simply superb spot to witness this spectacle for those who don’t have the time to venture further north.

Outside the four to five flowering weeks, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, is still wonderfully worthwhile a visit. With its undulating hills and thundering waves crashing onto dramatic white boulders, Cape Columbine is wonderful for a stroll, a picnic, easy meandering hikes and cycling.

The Cape Columbine light house, constructed in 1936 on Castle Rock, is the last manually controlled lighthouse in South Africa and casts a beam visible from approximately 50 km and is generally the first lighthouse alerting ships from Europe en-route to South Africa.

The West Coast National Park
Just up the road from Paternoster, lies the perfectly pristine West Coast National Park, another park where the spring flowers can be simply spectacular.

For the Active & Adventurous
Paternoster has a plethora of activities and adventures with kayaking, kite
surfing, kite flying, beach horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, beach buggy
rides, snorkelling and scuba diving to keep even the most hyper-active of
people busy!

When to Go
The most scenic time to visit Paternoster is mid-August to mid-September
when the spring flowers are generally in full bloom. This coincides with the
prime whale watching time. During this popular period, accommodation can
be booked up a year in advance so be sure to plan ahead.

Paternoster falls within a winter rainfall area with winter starting early to
mid-April. If one is visiting Paternoster for the fabulous food and art, the
winter months are wonderful - intimate and quiet.

For the active and adventures the weather in the summer months is simply
sublime.

Where to Stay
Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel
Abalone House and Pool Villas
Paternoster Dunes Boutique Guest House

Africanology

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