It’s funny what we’ll do for an adrenaline rush. Recently I was telling some clients about my abseil down Table Mountain. Their eyes lit up when I whispered, “I nearly died I was so scared” and they couldn’t book themselves in fast enough.
The latest thrill in Cape Town is the Jet Boat operating out of the Waterfront.I’d had my eye on the trip around Cape Point as something that could be an awesome experience but the Point is a reserve and licences have been withdrawn, leaving just one route available – along the coast past Clifton and Camps Bay towards Llandudno and back.
Rather naively, I’d bought the‘Eco-Adventure’ advertising thinking that perhaps jet engines were much less damaging to the environment than the ‘normal’ ones.But no – it seems the ‘Eco’ label was there because we might see whales and dolphins and penguins and seals and sharks.Did we?Nope.As optimistic passengers we spent a lot of time pointing at vaguely whale-shaped bits of kelp.And Richard our driver took us to look at a big rock where quite often seals can be seen... but not today.
If the jet boat is an eco-adventure then Michael Schumacher is an envoy for action on climate change.But is it a fun ride?Undoubtedly.The adrenaline junkies amongst my fellow passengers whooped with glee whenever the boat crested a wave and zoomed off into the air, slamming down with a vertebrae-shattering crunch on the next wave.Trying to take photos was like trying to pour a cup of tea on the back of a bucking bronco. My friend Dominic was thrilled to report that he was nearly sick.
I was happy to have gone out on one of the quieter days.Once I’d stopped scanning the waters waiting for an eco-encounter, I remembered to look up.And that, for me, was the highlight – the sheer beauty of the bays of Clifton and Camps Bay from the water, the majesty of those extraordinary mountainsides rearing up from the ocean, shaming into insignificance the little clusters of houses at the bottom. It was another beautiful day in Cape Town.
On the way back we slalomed across the wake of a trawler heading out to sea.Now that was a kick.
The Waterfront Boat Company offers daily trips in the Jet Boat at a rate of R 300 pp for a one hour trip.The boat can comfortably seat up to 12 people.
Welgelegen Gardens, Cape Town
13 en-suite bedrooms
For the uninitiated it’s a bit of a mouthful to pronounce, but the name is the only awkward thing about Welgelegen.It translates as “well-located” and sure enough the guest house is hidden away in a tranquil, leafy cul-de-sac in the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Gardens, just around the corner from one of the most buzzing streets in Cape Town.
Consisting of two turn-of-the-century houses sharing a cobbled courtyard, the guest house has been lovingly renovated and decorated, and each room hums with individual character.Most have balconies offering views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill or the courtyard below.
The atmosphere of bohemian grandeur – a luxurious eclectic style steeped with a somewhat hippy spirituality – has been heightened with the recent addition of a treatment room which provides an added pampering for body and soul.
The owner, Fiona, and her staff exude a warmth and friendliness that ensures every guest immediately feels at home.In the words of a recent visitor, "Welgelegen is excellent value and in a different league... it offers a personal vibe in a naturally blessed destination.
2 mins walk from nearest shops, bars, restaurants
10 mins drive from nearest beach (Camps Bay, Bakoven)
20 mins from Cape Town International Airport
5 mins walk from the city centre
Welgelegen offers rooms in High Season (Sept – May) from R 1450 per night b&b.It is one of the few guest houses in town to accept children of all ages, and has two family suites available. Subscribers to the Cape Concierge will, of course,be eligible for discounted rates.
Highlights for September and the coming months, selected from WhatsoninCapeTown.com - the indispensable guide to all that's happening in Cape Town. Upcoming events include festivals, shows and fairs; music, theatre and dance; rugby and cricket and other sporting events; comedy and concerts and exhibitions, celebrations of wine and whiskey, flowers and freedom... bring it on, Cape Town!
FRANSCHHOEK UNCORKED 31 August- 2 September In celebration of spring, participating wine farms pull out the stops with exciting and educational activities in addition to wine tasting.
Tel: 021 876 2861 E-mail: www.franschhoek.org.za
EARTHWAVE - THE GLOBAL SURF CHALLENGE 2 September The world’s first global surfing event. Across the world on this day surfers will attempt the Guinness World Record for the ‘most surfers riding one wave simultaneously’ while raising awareness of Global Warming. SA venue: Surfers Corner, Muizenberg Time: all day, with the record attempt 13h00 - 14h00
Tel: 021 783 4965 Email: www.kahunasurf.co.za
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 3 September- 23 September South Africa's premier comedy event, featuring comedians and performers from across the globe in venues throughout Cape Town.
www.comedyfestival.co.za
WINEX 2007 5 September- 7 September The premier public event on South Africa's national wine calendar, drawing thousands of wine enthusiasts every year.
www.winex.co.za
MOZART'S THE MAGIC FLUTE 8 September- 18 September One of the most original opera productions of our time - a famously enigmatic piece. A Kentridge production with fabulous charcoal-sketch sets. Venue: Artscape Time: 20h00 with Sunday matinees at 15h00 Tickets: R245 - 447
www.artscape.co.za
PINK IN CONCERT 11 September The multi-Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum selling songstress is in Cape Town as part of her first ever South African tour. Venue: Bellville Velodrome.
www.computicket.com
ICC WORLD TWENTY20 - AUSTRALIA v. ENGLAND 14 September World class cricket at domestic prices. Twenty overs per side ODI. Venue: Newlands Time: 14h00 Tickets: R 20 - 40
Tel: 021 657 2003
www.computicket.com
DARLING WILD FLOWER SHOW 14 September- 16 September Held annually since 1917, this show will have plants for sale, potjiekos, braais, sit down lunches, wine tents, tractor rides to wildflowers, stalls, jumping castles and a farmyard.
www.darlingwildflowers.co.za
SIMON'S TOWN PENGUIN FESTIVAL 15 September- 16 September Lots of fun for all the family throughout the day.
Tel: 021 782 4635 E-mail: www.bouldersbeach.co.za
HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL 21 September- 24 September Celebrate the peak of the whale-watching season in a town with the best land-based whale-watching in the world.
www.whalefestival.co.za
ICC WORLD TWENTY20 - SEMI FINAL 22 September The first semi-final in this exciting new concept in cricket ODIs. 20 overs per side. Venue: Newlands Time: 13h00 Tickets: R100 - 160
Tel: 021 657 2003
www.computicket.com
CROWN OF THE RUSSIAN BALLET 22 September The famous Russian ballet company perform a repertoire of classical masterpieces and modern dance. Venue: Artscape Theatre Time: 14h00 and 19h30 Cost: R130 - 220
Tel: 021 421 7695 E-mail: www.artscape.co.za
BAYSIDER.COM SPRING REGATTA 1st WEEKEND 22 September- 24 September Yachts from across the Cape gather in Fish Hoek Bay, Simon’s Bay and the adjacent sailing waters for this popular annual event which heralds the opening of the Western Cape Keelboat Sailing Circuit. Venue: False Bay Yacht Club, Simon's Town
Tel: 021 786 1703 Email:
HERITAGE DAY - PUBLIC HOLIDAY 24 September
PATRIZIO BUANNE IN CONCERT 28 September The Italian Stallion is back by popular demand. Venue: His People's Centre, Goodwood Time: 20h00 Tickets: R206 - 330
www.computicket.com
ROCKING THE DAISIES 28 September- 30 September After the phenomenal success of last year, the first “green” music festival in South Africa takes place at the height of the West Coast flower season. Venue: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling, Cape West Coast E-mail: www.rockingthedaisies.com
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL 10 October- 21 October Africa’s biggest kite festival with special guest kiters from around the world. Food stalls, live entertainment, craft market etc. Venue: Zandvlei, Muizenberg Time: 10h00-18h00 Cost: R5
Tel: 021 447 9040 E-mail: www.capementalhealth.co.za/kite.htm
DIE BURGER KITCHEN & CELLAR FESTIVAL 12 October- 14 October Wine and food accompanied by music from The Parlotones, Prime Circle and others. Venue: Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town Time: Fri 16h00-23h00, Sat 11h00-23h00, Sun 11h00-21h00 Cost: R100 before 19h00, R150 thereafter
Tel: 021 670 1485 E-mail: MICHAEL W. SMITH IN CONCERT 23 October A chance to see the three time Grammy Award winning Gospel star on his first world tour. Venue: Bellville Velodrome Time: 19h00 Tickets: R 165 - 350
www.computicket.com
GREYTON ROSE FAIR 26 October- 28 October The charming village of Greyton offers not just a rose exhibition but visits to rose gardens in the village, an art and wine auction gala event, live music, wine tastings, art exhibitions, entertainment for children and more.
Tel: 028 254 9414 E-mail: www.greyton.net/rose_fair.html
ELGIN OPEN GARDENS 1st WEEKEND 3 November- 4 November The first of two weekends featuring 17 magnificent gardens. There will also be a local craft market, art exhibitions and wine tastings. A free detailed map will be available at all major Cape Town and Somerset West nurseries, the local farm stalls, Keurbos (Peregrine) Nursery and Duncan’s Roses.
Venue: Grabouw, Elgin, Bot Rivier, Vyeboom area
Tel: 021 844 0154 or 082 712 1004 E-mail:
RENT - THE MUSICAL 8 November- 25 November The musical phenomenon that defines a generation, following the lives of eight friends in New York as they struggle with relationships, loss, love, creativity, the purpose of living, housing and Aids. Venue: The Artscape Theatre, Foreshore Tickets: R 100 - 285.
www.computicket.com
FOREIGNER IN CONCERT 24 November The first chance in over a decade to see the band that sold over 50 million albums with hits such as Waiting For A Girl Like You and I Want To Know What Love Is. Supported by Flat Stanley. Venue: Grand Arena, Grand West Time: 20h00 Tickets: R270 - 320
www.computicket.com
MICHAEL BUBLE IN CONCERT 10 December The Canadian multi-Platinum selling crooner will perform his buoyant, modern interpretations of Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye and others. Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Tickets: R375 from Computicket or Kirstenbosch Tel: 021 761 2866
www.computicket.com
It’s funny what we’ll do for an adrenaline rush. Recently I was telling some clients about my abseil down Table Mountain. Their eyes lit up when I whispered, “I nearly died I was so scared” and they couldn’t book themselves in fast enough.
Rather naively, I’d bought the
I was happy to have gone out on one of the quieter days.
Consisting of two turn-of-the-century houses sharing a cobbled courtyard, the guest house has been lovingly renovated and decorated, and each room hums with individual character.
