Gap Year Experiences

Ethical. Ecological. Excellent

Friday 12 September 2008

For those of you that read The Sunday Times this past weekend, you might have noticed the Cover story of their Travel section, titled: Ethical. Ecological. Excellent, an article about eco-destinations that combine all three qualities. Amongst the hotlist of destinations, was South Africa, which: "receives high marks for supporting eco-friendly, community-based tourism ventures, as well as for species protection and vigilance against poaching."

On that note, I thought I would include some insider tips on how to take advantage of some of South Africa's lesser known natural beauty, starting today with Cape Town:

First up, Table Mountain, now I know that this one is by no means an insiders tip but what not many people get to experience is hiking up this spectacular mountain from one of its back routes. (The vast majority will hike up the well worn path on the face of the mountain, or catch the cable car up). To really appreciate what a large and special part of Cape Town this mountain is, I highly recommend buying yourself a map at any local camping/hiking/outdoor store and pick one of the many routes that bring you up the back side of the mountain, These routes are not incredibly strenuous, but do require a relative fitness level (after all, you are going up a mountain). The views on either side of the mountain are incredible and well worth any blisters.
Inside tip: treat yourself to a swim in one of the reservoirs on top, this isn't strictly street legal, so you didn't hear it from me, before walking the last stretch to the cable station, catching a much deserved ride down and finishing with a sun-downer at Caprice in Camps Bay.

Next up on the list also involves mountain walking in Cape Town and is incredibly popular with the locals. Take a few drinks and walk up to the top of Lions Head to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean. Amazing! A particularly interesting way to do Lions Head is at full moon, when some of the local hippies and other assorted interesting characters climb up and celebrate full moon.
Inside tip: take your own home-made brownies.

When the crowds get too heavy and the world famous Beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay get too packed to handle, make your way out of Cape Town through to Gordons Bay on the False Bay side of the coast. Just beyond Gordons Bay on the coastal road is the hidden gem of Koel Bay. You'll see cars parked on the right hand side of the road. Join them and hike down the short path to the small, protected beach below. Avoid the main beach and campsite.
Inside tip: Take your surfboard as the waves here can be very good in the right conditions
Inside tip #2: Just before you get to Koel Bay, there is a small river that you will cross, park here and follow the river upstream for some beautiful rockpools and crazy cliff jumps.

Moving out of Cape Town, if you are looking for some very chilled wine farms, head for the small town of Robertson and the wine farms along the beautiful Breede River. Not only is this area incredible beautiful but the farms are a lots less commercial than the more popular Stellenbosch wine route.
Inside tip: The Roberston wine-farms provide free wine tastings, with some simply bringing out glasses and a selection of wines and leaving you to it. Try to avoid being the designated driver.

That's all for now...

Check back next week for more...

Cheers

Vince