Meaning Goose Bay, a goose is definitely the last think that popped into my mind when I thought of Gansbaai. The first thing that came me was Great White Sharks large white teeth only inches away with only a steal cage keep this predator. Over the past few years Gansbaai has become quite well known destination for Shark cage diving drawing even the rich and famous to our shores like Brad Pitt, Matt Deamon and Prince Harry and let’s not forget the lovely Ladies like Halle Berry and Blake Lively who have all dared these waters.
Well lets not give them all the attention, getting the name the Big 2 town already tells you there is more than just sharks in this town, Gansbaai also welcome the giants of the ocean the Southern Right Whales each year from July to December. Walkerbay covering the western side of Gansbaai has been a safe place for the Southern Right Whale for years to mate, give birth and rise their calf till they are strong enough for the big oceans. But before these two attractions bought people from all over to this town, a small community of people formed next to the fresh water fountain close to where the harbor is located today, back then the fountain was also home to some wild geese soon came the name “Gansgat” (goose hole”), and later on change something more respectable so came the name Gansbaai as we all know it today. For many locals Gansbaai is still a fishing village as it has always been. The harbor still play a big role in many of the locals every day live, driving through Gansbaai you will notice that almost every driveway has a boat parked next to the family car. Gansbaai also host to main Festivals each year the “Kreef Derby” and the “Ganse” Festival Gansbaai is filled main and back roads down to the harbor a filled with restaurants pubs and other entertainment, a must do when visiting Gansbaai is visit the pub down at the harbour order yourself a drink , have a seat outside on the deck and watch the sun set as the last boats come in. If you want to make this experience even more worthwhile why not make that drink a locally brewed beer from Birkenhead breweries or even one our local overberg wines Well that my bit on Gansbaai as the sun sets over the ocean and the seagulls start retreating home Chat soon Aillito©
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It’s already mid July and for the people of the Overstrand that means time to get ready for Whale Season. While there has already been some spotting of whales in the Walker Bay at Hermanus Whale season actually starts end July to end November peaking in September.
Each year for this period of time the Southern Right Whales makes their journey back from the cold Antarctic water to the warm water of the Southern African coast to mate or give birth. They seemed to have talking a liking to Walker Bay Hermanus as it has become one of the World’s most popular Southern Right viewing spots earning it’s name as the Whale watching capital of the world. Watching them only meters from shore, performing for all its Tourist spectators by smacking their tales on the water surface (also called Lob tailing) or launching them self out of the water (called breaching) . They always keep their viewers entertained. Over the time Hermanus has develop all different kind of activities for YOU to view the whales, probably the most popular is the Whale Cruises which takes you out to sea to view the Whales, but if boats aren’t your thing, you can always go on a whale walk tour and to end off your tour make sure to pack yourself a pick nick basket ,make sure to add a bottle of one Hermanus local wineries, and watch the whale perform with a amazing sunset backdrop. For the morn daring, take a walk down to the old harbour where you can rent a kayak and view these amazing animals from your very own Kayak or you can even view them from the air by going on a flight tour over Walker Bay. Hermanus celebrate the coming of the whales every year with 2 local festivals The Kalfie Festival this year held from the 4th to the 9th of August and then The Whale festival this year held from the 30 September to the 4th of October. Each year both these festivals draw hundreds of people to this coast town Hermanus. Also Remember to get your self a copy of Hermanus Whales by Dave De Beer local Photographer with amazing photo's of the whales in Walker Bay all taking from shore. BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION FOR THE FESTIVALS TODAT WITH HERMANUS GETAWAYhttp://www.hermanusgetaway.co.za/ With the directions in my hand I set off for my new destination Jongenskloof Bush Camp. Taken the turn off from the N2 between Riviersonderend and Swellendam the excitement started, but that quickly disappeared after I realised I was lost ,luckily not for long as I quickly realised I made a left instead of a right, well go ahead most men will now say typical women as some already have.
But in any case soon I was on the right road again and I reached the Jongenskloof Bush camp gate, from there you follow a small dirt road surrounded by trees, catching only a bit of sun here and there as sneaks past the tree leafs. I reached patch of open grass were I decided to park my car as I was not driving a 4x4, I made my way across the little stream to the Main Cabin. The cabin was build in 1838 fully equip with most of your needs with two bathrooms small kitchen living area with inside braai and even a small little bar, it also has a very spacious deck that looks out over the camp, with a fire place where friends can gather. The main Cabin is surrounded by 6 small A shape wooden tents each with own double bed facing the small stream. As it was a beautiful and very relaxing place area, I was still not going to be staying alone so I invited a few close friends along, they were all only to arrive later which gave me more than enough time to settle in and to make sure I get the best tent which in the end was the one closes to the Cabin. As soon as the first people started arriving we got the fire started and as the sun set everything just went quiet with only the sound of friendly conversation and the crackling sound of the fire. After dinner a few of us still sat at the fire, one even pulled out a bag of marshmallows for dessert, but soon one by one started sneaking away to their tents. Though we had the best weather any one could ask for especially in winter time I would recommend taking some warm cloths and blackest as it gets quiet chilly at night. After a relaxing night sleeps I was woken the next morning by the sound of the flowing streams, chirping birds and even two hadedas delighted us with a visited while we were enjoying our first cup of coffee for the day. I had the most wonderful time with my friends at Jongenskloof bush camp and we are already planning our next trip there this summer, so for those of you who don’t mind a bit of nature Jongenskloof will be perfect. So let me get back to planning my next stop chat soon Aillito © http://www.jongenskloof.com/contact.php So we have been to Hermanus had a lovely stay at Marine Square and Welcomed the Southern Right Whales to Walker Bay and we’ve also made stops at Caledon and Riviersonderend so what should be our next destination………..
SWELLENDAM, While I was playing around on Facebook I saw that Swellendam will be hosting their annual Canola Festival soon, seeing this I decided Swellendam will be the next stop for Overberg Living. Swellendam is one of South Africa’s oldest town already established in 1745, It’s was named after Governor Hendrik Swellengrebel. For years Swellendam served as a refreshment station to all the travelers making their way up the east coast of South Africa. Today Swellendam is mostly known for its agriculture and all its historic buildings telling you the story of its past. Another attraction to Swellendam is Bontebok Park 8000 hectare of national park home to the Cape Mountain Zebra and Bontebok and more. Bontebok Park also offers chalets for those of you would like to spend more than just a day. A new and very popular attraction to this area is the Kam’Bati Rivier Resort, any Nature Lovers dream a place for the whole family. Kam’Bati offer you from Fishing to 4x4 tracks by what I hear the fun never stops and those who have been there only speak with amazement of the wonderful time they had. Kam’Bati also host a annual Raka Festival around end February begging March I’ve already made a note in my diary because sounds like a event not to miss. As you can clearly see Swellendam is not as quiet as it look when most of us just drive past on the N2 so on your next trip why not take the turn off to Swellendam and experience this Town yourself. Chat soon Aillito © The Canola Festival will this year take place from the 5th – 6th August http://www.kambati.co.za/ It’s already mid July and for the people of the Overstrand that means time to get ready for Whale Season. While there has already been some spotting of whales in the Walker Bay at Hermanus Whale season actually starts end July to end November peaking in September.
Each year for this period of time the Southern Right Whales makes their journey back from the cold Antarctic water to the warm water of the Southern African coast to mate or give birth. They seemed to have talking a liking to Walker Bay Hermanus as it has become one of the World’s most popular Southern Right viewing spots earning it’s name as the Whale watching capital of the world. Watching them only meters from shore, performing for all its Tourist spectators by smacking their tales on the water surface (also called Lob tailing) or launching them self out of the water (called breaching) . They always keep their viewers entertained. Over the time Hermanus has develop all different kind of activities for YOU to view the whales, probably the most popular is the Whale Cruises which takes you out to sea to view the Whales, but if boats aren’t your thing, you can always go on a whale walk tour and to end off your tour make sure to pack yourself a pick nick basket ,make sure to add a bottle of one Hermanus local wineries, and watch the whale perform with a amazing sunset backdrop. For the morn daring, take a walk down to the old harbour where you can rent a kayak and view these amazing animals from your very own Kayak or you can even view them from the air by going on a flight tour over Walker Bay. Hermanus celebrate the coming of the whales every year with 2 local festivals The Kalfie Festival this year held from the 4th to the 9th of August and then The Whale festival this year held from the 30 September to the 4th of October. Each year both these festivals draw hundreds of people to this coast town Hermanus. Also Remember to get your self a copy of Hermanus Whales by Dave De Beer local Photographer with amazing photo's of the whales in Walker Bay all taking from shore. BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION FOR THE FESTIVALS TODAT WITH HERMANUS GETAWAYhttp://www.hermanusgetaway.co.za/ Today known for the famous Caledon Casino and Spa and Capital of the Overberg, Caledon was originated around it hot springs. Discovered by the Khoi people long before the Europeans came to the Cape. The Khoi named this area dispore kamma (“hot water”). Consisting out of 7 spring’s one cold and six cold this area started getting well known after the European settlers had made its discovery.
Named Zwartebergbad back then named after Swartberg the mountain overlooking the town. In 1715 the ten hectare surrounding the springs was granted to Ferdinand Appel for the development of a health spa. 1811 Caledon received its first deputy landdrost and right after that in 1813 the name was change to Caledon in honor of the Earl of Caledon, governor of the Cape Colony. Having been a very poor grain producing area the Overberg, Caledon area turned and became on the most thriving farming districts. The in the beginning of the 20th century the spa was developed into a three storey building and hotel. 1946 though this beautiful building burned down. When visiting Caledon make sure to make a stop at Holy Anglican Church, build from sand stone. Caledon is also well known for its Wild Flower Garden that forms part of the entrance to the Venster Kloof so named because of the strange rock formation that looks like a window. Just a little something about Caledon Chat soon Aillito © Five Stars, luxury, spacious, family, accomodation, close to the beach, how does that sound? Already packing your bags that what I thought.
Marine Square Luxury Holiday Suites are five star self catering apartments centrally located in Hermanus, though it is self-catering it does include a daily cleaning service so mom can enjoy her holiday too. Arriving at Marine Square you will be welcome by the friendly Reception ladies that give you a quick tour of everything while taking you to your apartment making sure you know where everything is for your stay at Marine Square. When she opens the door to apartment you truly can’t believe what your seeing, they told me the apartments was spacious but never did I expect what I was seeing in front, I could not believe the size of the palace. Then there’s the interior deco of the apartment done by COCO interiors and they truly out done them self making the Apartment look stylish but yet comfortable. With Artwork from Leon Muller and Petrus Viljoen, (make sure to drop by their Art Gallery just across the road from Marine Square). As the friendly receptionist wishes me a goodnight stay making sure I know she’s just a buzz away if I need anything, I’m already have way up the stairs to the main bedroom and off course the bedroom is nothing less amazing than the rest of the apartment. But the best of all is the bathroom it’s huge with heated towel railing and underfloor heating getting ready the next morning was a breeze the Cape winter cold did not bother me. I stayed in one of the 2 bedroom apartment but Marine Square also has one and three bedroom Apartments available al with their own private balcony, also included in your stay is Free-WIFI and you can relax knowing your car is safely park in Marine Square’s secure underground parking. Though Marine Square is not on shore’s edge some apartments does have some partial sea and mountain views though the buildings, and situated in a nice quiet area away from disturbing Night life, but also walking distance for the night owls who’s looking for it. Marine Square is also only a short drive from Hermanus Golf course and Grotto Beach. Though my stay at Marine Square was short and I’m sad to leaf after only a one night stay I’m sure to be back in near further I had a amazing time. Chat Soon Aillito© http://www.marinesquare.co.za/ Nested away in the Overberg no bigger than a spek on the South African map lies a small, but beautiful little town Riviersonderend.
The perfect place to get in touch with Nature, with farm lands surrounding the one site of town and the most beautiful Mountain views on the other side. Take even another step closer to nature and book yourself a cabin up in the mountain and get away from the everyday technology life, leave the laptop and phone at home because up their you won't find reception anyway, if that's a bit to much nature for you maybe you would rather enjoy a relaxing day on the banks of the Riviersonderend River, while das trying to catch a few Barbers and the kids are cooling down with a nice swim in the river, stay in one of the Guest Houses. To many there may not be much to this little town, but to the friendly welcoming locals it means the world. The town mostly revolves around the old magnifisant NG Church and the local farming community but, there also the old Cape High Way and the old signal canon on "kleinbergie' that brings a bit of history to the town. Other attraction will be the hiking trails or 4x4 routes in the mountains were Elephants and cheethas once walked , or gather some friends and spend the nights in one of the caves up in the mountain and if summer start the day with a with a refreshing waterfall shower. So next time your on the N2 from Cape Town to George why not make a stop at Riviersonderend and who knows what you will experience. Chat Soon :) Aillito If you have ever taken the time to visit Hermanus I’m sure you will agree with me that Hermanus is truly a diamond hidden away in one of South Africa’s most striking regions the Overberg, known for its, luscious rivers, magnificent mountain ranges, exquisite coastline, never ending hills of green and yellow grain in spring and that refreshing smell of wet soil after the long rainy winter. That’s probably way Hermanus Pieters also chose to travel this part of the country. Hermanus Pieters travelled from farm to farm making a living for himself from Teaching and Herding sheep. Hermanus never stayed in one place for to long but found himself farming near a town called Caledon in 1855 facing a very hot summer.
Hermanus had heard that if you follow the trail of the Elephants through the Valley of ‘Hemel and Aarde’ you can reach the coast line of the Overberg. In search of grazing for his herd Hermanus set off into the discovery of the unknown. Never could he have expected to find a land this beautiful. Hermanus set up camp close to a spring he had found that later became known as Hermanuspietersfontein as the rumor of the place had spread over the Overberg like a wildfire. By 1891 Hermanuspietersfontein had develop into a well established small town already containing its first Hotel. 1904 the town got Municipality status and the name was shorten to Hermanus as it is known today worldwide as the whale watching capital of the world. Since 1904 Hermanus has been growing into holidaymaker’s dream offering endless activities for all ages and shapes and sizes. From coming face-to- face with our gentle giants of the ocean, taking a walk through the world’s smallest but riches floral kingdom or let the distinct taste of our wine delight your palate, then you can always pay a little visit to other nearby attractions like our colony of penguins or take a dive with the predator of the deep the Great White Shark of the shore of Gansbaai . The list just never stops when you’re in Hermanus that’s why most people always come back for seconds. Hermanus is the perfect destination if you want a break from the pressured everyday life or the bustling city and enjoy a relaxing nature atmosphere with the luxury of having you favorite shop just around the corner and even a bit of nightlife for the energetic night owl. So why make your next family vacation a memorable one and come visit Hermanus Hermanus is expecting you Aillito © Book your Holiday with Hermanus Getaway http://www.hermanusgetaway.co.za/ |
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