Cape Floral Kingdom Expo

The beauty of the Cape has been immortalised by many a photography coffee table book worldwide. If you cannot make it to this event, there are many truly beautiful places you can visit and stay at along the Breede River with many attractions to keep you busy and entertained. Mudlark River Lodge is situated along the Breede River at the point where it merges with the Indian Ocean. Complement your stay by visiting The De Hoop Marine and Nature Reserve, an oasis of wildlife and vegetation, is a World Heritage Site and part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Walk through the reserve and encounter eland and zebra or bird watch some of the 260 species that live there.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/58916091614/visit-the-astounding-cape-floral-kingdom-expo-the

Chef Andrew Atkinson’s Chicken Pie

When he is not busy helping amateur cooks fulfil their dreams, Andrew serves as the Executive Chef at the famous Michaelangelo Hotel in Sandton. As any chef worth his spices knows, uncomplicated dishes are some of the best around. Below is Chef Andrew’s recipe for home-style chicken pie – the perfect meal for a cold wintry evening or a lazy Sunday afternoon.







Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/58915954668/masterchef-south-africa-judge-and-chef-andrew

History of Kalkbay

In the 18th century, the Dutch East Indian Trading Company used Kalk Bay to transport goods to Cape Town, predominantly lime or ‘kalk’ in Dutch; which soon became the bay’s name. By 1795, the British gained control of the Cape and Kalk Bay turned into a whaling station. By the 1830s, the whales had been hunted into near extinction while many immigrants of Spanish, Filipino and Malaysian descent had settled in Kalk Bay as fishermen.

False Bay was an ample fishing ground, letting the immigrants become entrenched members of the town and establishing a Filipino diaspora. A Spanish-speaking Irish priest called Father Duignam built a large church and convent called St James, after Spain’s patron saint. While the church has since been destroyed, St James is now the name of the village where it once stood.

By 1883, the railway reached Kalk Bay and affluent families from Cape Town’s suburbs made their holiday homes there. Thus, Kalk Bay transformed itself from a small fishing hamlet to a place vibrant with tourism and market growth. Notable residents included Count Labia and Cecil John Rhodes who made their homes around the ‘millionaire’s mile’ of St James, a few kilometres away.

Today, St James is a stop along  the Rovos Rail journey and is home to some of the best guesthouses in the Cape.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/58915761426/the-unique-history-of-kalk-bay-ask-anyone-to

Sishebo Recipe - Spicy Moroccan vegetable

Nothing unites a family quite like a lekker meal filled with goodness and nutrients, but it can often be difficult to get just the right balance of flavours in order to create a tasty meal. Thankfully, we have Perfect Sishebo – South Africa’s most trusted brand when it comes to cooking the most delicious, hearty, spicy stews.

Meal times are important in every home, as it gives families time to bond and reconnect after a busy day. Make your meal time a perfect one by combining flavours from different parts of the world. Zesty, juicy Moroccan flavours meet spicy, fiery South African ones in this yummy balance of chickpeas, vegetables and spices, creating yet another Perfect Sishebo moment.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/58899344506/spicy-moroccan-vegetable-sishebo

Healing through horse riding

Studies have shown that by working with animals, people who are disabled or have been through serious trauma can improve their physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills. One of the most popular, successful and fun methods is through therapeutic horse riding.

Afton Grove  is a country retreat in Noordhoek which supports an organisation that uses this approach; SARDA, the South African Riding for the Disabled Association. SARDA was started by Belinda Sampson and Joy Finlay in 1973 in Cape Town. Today, SARDA has branches in Noordhoek, Port Elizabeth, Durban and the Highveld.

Source: http://exploring-cape-town.tumblr.com/post/58843604076/studies-have-shown-that-by-working-with-animals

Southern African Air Charter

AIR CHARTER
Charter our magnificent Douglas Dakota DC3, which has 20 seats with three crew and travels at
150 knots / 280 kilometres / 175 miles per hour. The aircraft can fly anywhere within Southern Africa from Pretoria (with limitations).

AIR SAFARI
Our distinguished DC3 and dedicated professional crew will accompany you on a superb and exciting adventure in the security, comfort and style expected of our product. This bespoke charter includes two nights at six outstanding venues throughout South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.

Source: http://rovosair.co.za/

HOLIDAYING IN ST. JAMES AND MUIZENBERG

Muizenberg is one of Cape Town’s foremost tourist destinations, due to its upbeat ambience, beautiful beaches, eclectic stores and fascinating history. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the area is alluringly diverse, with a wonderful community feel and numerous amenities on offer.

If you’re looking for self-catering accommodation in Cape Town, then this is an ideal hot-spot to be based in. Located approximately 25 minutes away from the CBD, the area has an appealing beach-holiday atmosphere that makes staying here a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Your appreciation for the region will undoubtedly be enhanced if you have some conception of its past. Once used by the dynamic Khoi people as their pastoral home, the area was claimed by the Dutch East India Company as cattle farming land in 1670. In 1973, the region underwent a dramatic transformation and became a military outpost, under the command of Sergeant Wynand Muys, who christened it ‘Muysenburg,’ meaning ‘Muys’s stronghold.’

The Battle of Muizenberg occurred in 1793 between the British and the Dutch, who were competing for control over the Cape in order to retain their shipping routes. In September 1795, the British sent a force some 6000 men strong to the Cape and the Dutch were forced to surrender – Muysenburg became an English stronghold and its name was changed to Muizenberg.

While you are in Muizenberg, ensure that you visit Het Posthuys, which is arguably the earliest European building in the Cape, having been constructed in 1673. Surviving the Battle of Muizenberg, the building is remarkably well preserved today and is the perfect point of interest for those with an interest in historical architecture.

Muizenberg is also historically significant, because it was the home of Cecil John Rhodes.  After Rhodes died on the 26th March 1902, his coffin was placed on a train from Muizenberg Station to Zimbabwe, where his body was laid to rest. History buffs should visit Rhodes Cottage, where intriguing selections of his personal artefacts are on display.

Self-catering in Cape Town is easy as the city boasts numerous shops and markets, including the renowned Muizenberg Market and Blue Bird Garage Market, which caters to Cape Town’s arty crowd, offering up a wide range of hand-crafted goods and artisan produce.


Source: http://www.capeletting.com/holidaying-in-st-james-and-muizenberg/
image source: http://kalkbay.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/st-james-pool-a.jpg