My Cape Town

The whales have arrived! Yes, whale season is here again. And I don’t mean that we Capetonians grab our wellies and harpoons and wage once more the age-old ritual of man against beast, gorging ourselves on fistfuls of blubber come nightfall.  We have far too many excellent restaurants for that (a fact reflected in the personal skirmishes of Man v. Blubber, perhaps?)  No, we like to take a bottle of wine down to the coast and sip delicately while watching the leviathans frolicking often just metres off shore.

From July through to December thousands of whales head north from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to calve in the relatively warm and sheltered waters of the South African coast, thereby giving us some of the best land-based whale watching in the world.  The Southern Rights are the most commonly spotted, but Humpbacks and Minke whales are also around.  Hermanus – about two hours scenic drive from Cape Town – is considered the whale capital, with sightings being pretty much guaranteed for any visitor during these months.  Most Capetonians prefer to head to one of the beaches with a picnic or on cooler days to one of the many restaurants overlooking the bay.

Or you can take a boat out as some English friends did in the hope of entertaining their young children with a glimpse or two of a grey back sliding through the water.  Within minutes they found themselves surrounded by a pod of Southern Rights.  Now these are jaw-droppingly huge animals, growing up to 18 metres long and weighing as much as 80 tons.  80 tons!  We can only marvel at how on earth these incredible creatures launch themselves out of the water but when not one, but two of them leapt out in unison everyone on the boat was drenched through and instantly addicted.   The family bought a book and a pair of binoculars each and were subsequently late for every rendezvous we arranged with them.

Come and see these awesome animals for yourselves and take advantage of some of the fantastic rates available at this time of year.   And note below, too, the great deals on flights being offered early next year if you are quick off the mark now.  Does it surprise you that Cape Town, yet again, has featured in another round up of the top ten world destinations?

SPECIAL OFFER - Sunsets and Whales

Hermanus is a mecca for whale-spotters, with daily sightings almost guaranteed between August and October - the height of the whale season.  Those wishing to see these magnificent creatures - but hoping to avoid whale-themed everything - couldn't do much better than to stay at Blue Gum Country Estate.  Located on the slopes of the Klein River Mountains about 12 miles beyond Hermanus, this 5 star lodge is found deep in the Overberg countryside.   Surrounded by 130 acres of wheat fields, vineyards and pastures, far from roads and highways, it is a wonderful family home close to 20 nature reserves and botanical gardens, 16 museums, 20 art shops and galleries, 24 beaches and over 100 restaurants.

Camps Bay Retreat is a haven within the bustle and bright lights of Cape Town's most popular stretch of beach.  Set in a private 4 acre garden, it offers waterfalls, swimming pools, magnificent views westward over the Atlantic Ocean and even a mountain stream that has been dammed to create an enchanting hidden pool. Active guests can enjoy tennis and cycling, and for those who simply want to relax there is a Cigar Room, a private wine cellar, and a DVD library.

Spend four nights at Camps Bay Retreat on a bed and breakfast basis, and three nights at Blue Gum with dinner, bed and breakfast for only £370 per person sharing, including car hire and a full body massage for one person at the Camps Bay Retreat Sens Skin and Body Centre.  Offer valid until the end of August. 

For more information about this or other packages, contact me on daisy@capeconcierge.co.za .

Flight News

KLM is doing a great deal on flights to Cape Town.  Return tickets cost as little as £379 (before tax) from London via Amsterdam.  Hurry though - you have to book by 8 August!  Valid for flights between 25th December 2005 and 31st March 2006 (return by 30 April 2006).

A 33% discount applies to children under 12 years of age.  A 90% discount applies to infants under 2 years of age. 

For more information, go to their website www.klm.com.

The Greatest Cape

Cape Town has been voted the best travel destination in Africa and the Middle East for the fifth year running by readers of a United States travel magazine.

Travel and Leisure Magazine placed Cape Town ahead of Marrakech and Jerusalem in the popularity stakes in its annual survey.

Cape Town was also voted the eighth best city in the world to visit.

The top five African and Middle Eastern cities were Cape Town, Marrakech, Fez, Jerusalem and Cairo.

The overall top ten destinations were Sydney, Bangkok, Rome, Florence, Chiang Mai, Thailand, New York, Istanbul, Cape Town, Oaxaca, Mexico and San Francisco.

Upcoming Events

POSTBERG RESERVE OPENS FOR FLOWER GAZING
1 August 2005 – 30 September
An hour’s drive from Cape Town along the West Coast lies a floral paradise. This spectacular display of nature in the 30 000 hectares of the West Coast National Park is only open for August and September.

TAP DOGS IN CAPE TOWN
4 - 8 August
Winners of 11 international awards, these sweat-drenched Ozzie macho men have performed to sell-out audiences across the world.  Now they are back in South Africa for their 10th Anniversary tour. 

TRI NATIONS RUGBY (SOUTH AFRICA V NEW ZEALAND)
6 August
The Springboks take on the All Blacks in this classic clash at Newlands.
 
BOUNCE
10 - 13 August
This spectacular show at the ICC takes an art and turns it into a slick and polished hi-octane event, with dazzling bodywork, awesome break-dancing and acrobatics.  Supporting Unite Against Hunger.

CAPE TOWN FASHION WEEK 2005
10 - 13 August
Fifty top designers from South Africa and the rest of the continent showcase their top work in this glamorous and glitzy high profile fashion event in the International Convention Centre.

CLANWILLIAM WILDFLOWER SHOW
25 - 31 August
The Clanwilliam district boasts a large variety of wildflowers due to the tremendous differences in the topography (Cederberg Karoo, Sandveld and wetlands). Each year about 350 flower species from 32 families are exhibited at the show.

MOTHER CITY BOOK FESTIVAL
30 August - 4 September 
At a variety of venues around the Waterfront and Cape Town City South African authors give readings, interviews and encourage lively debate around book issues and enjoying the culture of reading.

DARLING WILDFLOWER SHOW
6 - 18 September
The Darling Wildflower Society has held a show virtually every year since its inception in 1917.

PINOTAGE ON TAP 2005
10 September
Diemersfontein showcases its 2005 Pinotage (a.k.a. the coffee pinotage).

CAPE TOWN wineX
21 - 23 September
One of the most important events on the national wine calendar is now in its third year and will take place at the International Convention Centre.

SIMON'S TOWN PENGUIN FESTIVAL
23 - 25 September
An annual 5 day event with a selection of events, entertainment and activities.

STELLENBOSCH FESTIVAL
23 September - 1 October
The old university town of Stellenbosch comes alive with festivities as it incorporates three large festivals - Music and Art, Simon van der Stel and Food and Wine - into one big community festival.
 
HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL
23 September - 2 October
An entertainment-packed festival in the town renowned for the best land-based whale watching in the world.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
30 September - 2 October
Featuring the latest in South African catamarans and yachts, RIB's, ski, fishing and leisure craft, kayaks and canoes as well as all the requirements and accessories associated with them, from electronic requirements through to insurance and boat finance. At the International Convention Centre.

CAPE OLIVE FAIR
30 September - 2 October
A delightful combination of olive oil, olives, wine, Mediterranean food, and festivity from SA’s largest gathering of olive producers. Held in Bishops College.

SAA CAPE TOWN FLOWER SHOW
6 - 9 October
Africa's first truly international flower show - a chance to sample the breadth of the African floricultural industry in world-class facilities.

CLASSIC AND WOODEN BOATS RALLY
5 - 7 November
A chance to view boats from another era.

THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE
5 November 
The annual commemoration of the feat of one C.W. Schneeberger who, in 1897, ascended Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, returning each time to what was then the Johannesburg Hotel in Long Street, Cape Town. The 2005 event will be the ninth in its organized form.

DIANA ROSS IN CONCERT
11 November
The most successful female vocalist of all time (Guinness Book of Records) will perform a one-off concert in Cape Town in aid of some of South Africa's worthiest charities including The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

KIRSTENBOSCH SUMMER SUNSET CONCERTS
Every Sunday 26 November to 2 April 2006
A chance to drink wine and picnic in one of the most spectacular concert venues in South Africa, the stage framed by the backdrop of Table Mountain.
 
YSTERPLAAT OPEN DAY AND AIR SHOW
3 - 5 December
This air show regularly attracts thousands of enthusiastic visitors and is fast becoming one of Cape Town's show case events.

ALL-AFRICA OPEN PARAGLIDING CHAMPIONSHIPS
4 - 10 December
A rare opportunity for members of the public to see serious paraglider pilots competing at one of the world's best venues.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT AT KIRSTENBOSCH
14 - 18 December
 
GOLF - SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS OPEN
15 - 18 December
The Links at Fancourt has established itself as one of the toughest courses in the country and has hosted several major tournaments in recent years, including The Presidents Cup in 2003 and earlier this year, the inaugural Women's World Cup of Golf. 

GOOD HOPE FM / VODACOM CLIFTON BEACH CHALLENGE
18 December
Clifton’s trendy 4th Beach plays host once more to this challenge featuring strength, speed and fitness contests between celebrity Springbok rugby stars and the Clifton Beach lifesavers.

SIMONSBERG FINE WINE & FOOD FAIR
10 - 11 December
Celebrating its 5th year of success, the Simonsberg Fine Wine & Food Fair will present a December holiday weekend of gastronomic and vinous feasting.  

NEW YEAR'S EVE CONCERT AT KIRSTENBOSCH
31 December
'Under the Stars' with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and 5000 picnickers. 

SIMON'S TOWN NEW YEAR'S PARTY
31 December 
Music, food stalls, and loads of fun.