Springboks gear-up for international season v World XV

South Africa’s 2015/2016 International rugby season kicks off at Newlands Rugby Stadium when the Springboks take on a World XV tomorrow at 17h00.

Bryan Habana at the Laureus Sport for Good Coaching Clinic at Masiphumelele Rugby Club pic hHenk Kruger, IOL

All week the Boks have been balancing their time between training, community appearances and sponsor related events.

On Thursday some Boks participated in a Laureus Sport for Good Coaching Clinic at Masiphumelele Rugby Club in Noordhoek, Kommetjie.

Local children and rugby fans turned up in droves to see the Springboks roll-out their programme.  Bryan Habana, Siya Kolisi, Morne Steyn and Willem Alberts put the players through their paces.

Meanwhile at a nearby sports outlet Eben Etzebeth, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Frans Malherbe, Zane Kirchner, Lionel Mapoe and Faf de Klerk enjoyed a meet and greet with rugby mad sports fans, seen at the #BoksinAsics signing session was an “Irish” bag-piper kitted out in a “Springbok green and gold tartan …surely a sight to behold.

@Beast_TM at the #BoksinAsics signing session – Pic Mark Meyer

Gearing up for this game the Boks enjoyed their social and community soiree’s but at training it was all about the game, under the watchful eye of Coach Heneke Meyer and his coaching staff.

Despite a series of niggling injuries Meyer named a strong squad for the World XV game. Boosted by the return of the inspirational Jean De Villiers, who returns to competitive rugby after suffering a potential career threatening injury during the Autumn International Rugby Union Test match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 9 November 2014 the Boks are more than ready to show their mettle.

This is an important game for the Boks as they start their run-up to the 2015 IRB World Cup in England, with a series of games against SANZAR teams: – New Zealand, Australia and Argentina in the coming weeks coach Heneke Meyer will not only be looking for and injury free tour but also to get his combinations working in perfect harmony.

Jean de Villiers set for @Springboks comeback against World XV.

It all starts at Newlands this Saturday and as always the Cape gets #Bokbefok with the Boks are in Town, it time to don the Green and Gold and show our rugby players some love when they run out on the hallowed turf at the Newlands Rugby Stadium on Saturday.

Go Bokke Go!

Match info

Game: Springboks v World XV

Venue: Newlands Rugby Stadium

Kick-Off: 17h00

Teams

Springboks:

15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Marcell Coetzee, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Oupa Mohoje, 20 Schalk Burger, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 Jean de Villiers

World XV:

15 Delon Armitage, 14 Lachlan Turner, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 David Smith, 10 Mike Harris, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Steffon Armitage, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Bakkies Botha (captain), 4 Ali Williams, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Gurthro Steenkamp

Substitutes: 16 David Roumieu, 17 Alexandre Menini, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 Flip Van der Merwe, 20 Louis-Benoit Madaule, 21 Maxime Machenaud, 22 Andrew Horrell, 23 Rudi Wulf

#Helloweekend adds to Cape holiday fun

Cape Town Tourism continues to share the best of Cape Town at unbeatable value with the forthcoming Making Memories Weekend. Spending time with family tops the list for many visitors on holiday and this weekend adventure will make memories for a long time to come.

Signage in the Company Gardens, Cape Town

Startingat R3 624 per person sharing, domestic travellers from across the country can snap up this limited offer deal including flights, accommodation and car hire at http://helloweekend.capetown/weekend/making-memories-weekend/.

#helloweekend was created by Cape Town Tourism to showcase the fact that there is something for everyone, every weekend in Cape Town. Each weekend a theme is celebrated but the theme can also be enjoyed at any other time – although the special limited offer packages apply until the end of July 2015 only.

Whilst in Cape Town here are some ideas for a family itinerary to make many memories from:

Whale Watching | Hermanus

Have a whale of a time spotting these magnificent mammals frolicking in the Cape Town waters. July heralds the start of calving season for whales bringing them close to shore. This is the ideal time for a family road trip along the False Bay Coast or to the whale capital of the world, Hermanus. Pack some “padkos” and stop at the many viewing points along the way to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the ocean.

A Humpback Whale breaching in False Bay

Walk the Boomslang and Check out the Dinos | Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

There is no better time to see fynbos in its full glory than in the winter months. Many species are in flower and the Fynbos Walk in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a paradise of colour and birds. Adding to the adventure is the recently installed, 130m-long canopy walkway, ‘Boomslang’, which snakes through the treetops – a must see. Another installation to take in is the exhibit of nine life-size dinosaurs. Crafted in tin by Zimbabwean artist, David Huni, the exhibit highlights the growing threat of extinction to more than 60% of the world’s cycad plant species – many amongst them are from South Africa.

After all the fresh air you’ll want to tuck into a hearty breakfast or lunch at the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or Moyo Kirstenbosch, alternatively pack your own picnic basket and stretch out on the lawn.

www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch

Two Oceans Aquarium | V&A Waterfront

Step into this underwater wonder world where kids and grown-ups alike will be wowed by the unusual, the spectacular and the scary creatures of the sea. Meet a rockhopper penguin, pick up and feel a variety of marine animals and plants at the touch pool, or watch the frenzy of feeding time in the shark tank. Kids will love the daily puppet shows and getting busy with fishy-themed arts and crafts activities. Guaranteed to be one of the top family weekend activities.

www.aquarium.co.za

Cape Point Nature Reserve | Cape Point

Walk to the very edge of the Cape Peninsula and experience a powerful sense of the endlessness of nature. Just 60km from Cape Town the Cape Point Nature Reserve makes for a great day trip. Catch The Flying Dutchman funicular to the upper lighthouse for some breath-taking views over the Atlantic Ocean, walk the Shipwreck trail to explore the remains of a few of the 26 recorded shipwrecks here, or step back in history at the monuments to early explorers Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias.

www.capepoint.co.za

Noordhoek Farm Village | Noordhoek

On your way back from the Cape Point Nature Reserve stop in at the Noordhoek Farm Village where free, fun activities, age-specific playgrounds, child-friendly restaurants and wonderful shops make an ideal pit stop for families before heading back to Cape Town.

www.noordhoekvillage.co.za

CitySightseeing Bus | Red Route

Sometimes it is not just about arriving at the destination but the journey there. The open-top double-decker buses of City Sightseeing provide a sightseeing adventure for young and old. With hop-on, hop-off access you can create your own fun-filled day. The Red Route start at the Two Oceans Aquarium, runs through the CBD up funky Long Street to Table Mountain, Camps Bay and along the Atlantic Seaboard back to the V&A Waterfront. The bus caters very well for children with a specially created audio guide for the little ones to listen into.

www.citysightseeing.co.za

Followthe family adventures by searching #helloweekend #lovecapetown.

The Cape offers a Five Star Hello Weekend

Visitors are the stars with a travel package that is a must for those wanting a taste of the good life in the Mother City. Cape Town Tourism’s Five Star Hello Weekend package is earmarked for 12 – 14 June, but can be enjoyed any time before the end of July 2015.

Starting at R3 624 per person sharing, the package includes return economy class flights to Cape Town from Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg or Durban, two day car hire from Avis and two to three nights’ accommodation with the option of selecting your choice of extra spoils from a Cape Town “bucket-list”  (activities are a separate cost).

Hello Weekend is presented by Cape Town Tourism and Thompsons Holidays – to make the destination more accessible to the domestic market, every weekend of the year. Visit www.helloweekend.capetown to take the ‘What Kind of Weekend Are You’ quiz.  The fun quiz matches visitors with their ideal weekend and supplies links to best value packages from May-July.

Here are some ideas of how you can experience Cape Town on land, in the air or at sea with the Five Star Hello Weekend package:

Helicopter flight and three-course lunch at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Skip the traffic and take a helicopter to lunch at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. This will afford you the most exhilarating means of travel while also allowing you a unique perspective on the city and gorgeous scenery en route to a three-course gourmet lunch.

www.12apostleshotel.com

Princess Emma is a luxury yacht of note, like a small hotel on water.

Luxury yacht charter | V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay

Cape Town winters are known for their sunny spells so take advantage of a break in the rain and spend a day on the Princess Emma, an 85-foot yacht with state of art finish and comfortable cabins to relax in. Enjoy a selection of canapés and fine South African wines on board this luxury yacht that can accommodate up to twelve guests.

www.princessemma.co.za

Forage with the chef | The Table Bay Hotel, V&A Waterfront

At the Table Bay Hotel you get to be involved in foraging for the ingredients that will be used in preparing a most unforgettable three-course lunch. The experience is available for groups of four and transport is provided by the Table Bay Hotel to and from the foraging site, after which you use those same ingredients during an interactive cooking session and finally sit down to eat.

www.suninternational.com/table-bay/specials/pages/detail.aspx?itemid=575

Horse-riding | Long Beach, Noordhoek

Often real luxury is in the simple things – unforgettable views, an unspoilt beach, the wind in your hair and the closeness of nature. Treat yourself to a two hour guided horse ride on the pristine Long Beach in Noordhoek. En route from Cape Town via the scenic Chapman’s Peak you’ll also be treated to unparalleled ocean and mountain vistas of the Cape Peninsula.

www.sleepyhollowhorseriding.com

Cape Bike Travel | Cape Peninsula

Traverse the “classic” biking routes of the Cape by motorcycle with an experienced guide. Choose from three guided options – the Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope, the Karoo or Hermanus.  Unforgettable views and experiences await. Tours are subject to the tour calendar from June – October 2015.

www.capebiketravel.com

Cape Town Tourism’s Marketing Executive, Velma Corcoran, says; “There is nothing better than the combination of great value and absolute luxury and this is the moment to grab them both. Come and do Cape Town in style.”

Bro’s and Brews is the next Hello Weekend on the cards. For more tips and packages for a Cape Town weekend escape (please note packages are for travellers inside of South Africa) follow #helloweekend #lovecapetown.

Visit www.helloweekend.capetown or explore www.capetown.travel.

Cape firefighters battling against the odds

Cape Fire burns on the Southern slopes of the Cape mountain range. Pic Jacques Unshakable West

Its day three and still they persevere, the Cape fire-fighters have been battling a blaze that started in Muizenberg and traversed the mountain across Silvermine Reserve and Ou Kaapse Weg to Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak along the spine of the Table Mountain Nature reserve to Tokai Forest.

The fire above Noordhoek

Reports suggest that if this fire runs its current course the forest range in Silvermine and Tokai will be completely devastated before the flames are doused. Residents in Monkey Valley, Noordhoek and Tokai were evacuated from their homes yesterday as the fire services battled the blaze, five homes were destroyed by the blaze in Noordhoek.

Firefighters battling the blaze

Inaccessible mountainous terrain have made the task of fighting this fire even more difficult as hot dry summers and wind is assisting this fire to spread across much of the South Western Cape mountain range.

Relays of firefighting helicopters have been on duty since Sunday – pic Greg Hillyard

Relays of firefighting helicopters have been on duty since Sunday, as well as local fire fighters and volunteers from Working on Fire (WOF) and the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) based at Newlands Forest have been battling this huge blaze. Fire fighters have been flown in from as far as the Eastern Cape to assist local fire fighters. Members of the public have supplemented their ranks joining in the fight to control the blaze.

News just in, Pick n Pay branches across the City have donated a number of necessities for those fighting the blaze, with donations of water, rehydrate, sunscreen, lip-ice, hand-wipes, talcum powder, sunscreen, savlon cream, eye-drops, energy bars, citrus soda and food parcels.

Donations at the Lakeside Fire Station – pic Janine Nagel

The Western Cape Government, Disaster Management, Fire Rescue Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) and Working on Fire (WOF) are however working around the clock to bring this mountain fire under control.

The Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) have been combating dangerous and often deadly runaway fires since the devastating fires in 1999 / 2000 in Cape Town.

The general public however should note that unless they can assist, to stay off the roads in and around the fire zone to ensure that the fire fighters can work unhindered by spectators hoping to catch a closer view of the fire.

The danger is apparent as this fire has already jumped gullies and roads; spreading in all directions, fanned by the wind.

We, the residents of Cape Town appreciate the efforts of all the fire fighters, volunteers, people who have donated goods and those who have set-up refreshment stations at various points along the mountain.

Note: The Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) have been combating dangerous and often deadly runaway fires since the devastating fires in 1999 / 2000 in Cape Town.

The VWS has 180 members at three stations (Newlands, Jonkershoek and the newly developing South Peninsula Station), and working closely with other emergency service organisations in wild-land fire management such as Table Mountain National Park, Cape Nature, Cape Town Fire & Emergency Services, Disaster Management, Winelands Fire Brigade, Stellenbosch Fire Brigade and Working on Fire has meant that the VWS has, to date, achieved over 39,000 active firefighting hours between its members and stations.

 

Fire Safety Tips and Rules (http://www.westerncape.gov.za)

• General Safety Rules:
  • ​Keep a well-maintained fire extinguisher in your house, and know how to use it.
  • If you have a garden hose, keep it rolled up and ready in case of a fire.
  • Where possible, have more than one exit from your house.
  • Have an escape plan, and make sure that the whole family knows the plan.
  • Do not park in the way of a fire hydrant (and remind your neighbours and visitors to do the same).

Safety around an Open Flame:

• • Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
  • Cut candles in half to prevent them falling over and use a candle holder.
  • Never leave an open fire – for example around a braai – unattended.
  • Do not let open fires, like a braai, get too big and out of control.
  • Monitor weather conditions. If the wind is strong, rather put the fires out until the wind calms.
• What if a fire breaks out in my house?
  • Warn people inside the house to get out safely.
  • Help people to get out and stay out of harm’s way.
  • If there is a lot of smoke, crawl out below the smoke to escape the fire.
  • Where possible, have more than one exit from your house, with clear routes to the door.

For more tips on how to prevent fires, you can visit the Fire and Rescue Services at the City of Cape Town’s webpage.

When reporting fires, please contact your Local District Municipality

• City of Cape Town: 107 or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone
• Overberg: 028 425 1690
• West Coast: 022 433 8700
• Eden: 044 805 5071
• Central Karoo: 023 414 2603
• Cape Winelands: 021 887 4446

 

Be sure to save the appropriate number on your cellphone and to teach it to your children.

 

Hidden Gem Part 3 – The Chapman’s Peak Caravan Farm

Chapmans Peak Caravan Farm entrance

The school holidays have ended and the hustle and bustle of daily live has settled in for the year ahead, yet a weekend away seemed like not a bad idea at all. The question was, where do we go?

Not wanting to drive for hours, the ideal location would need to be within a short drive from home and yet deliver an ideal outdoors setting.

After much thought the Chapman’s Peak Caravan Farm got the nod.

It’s located within a 45 minute-drive from home over “Ou Kaapse Weg” mountain pass in the Noordhoek Valley.

The Chapman’s Peak Caravan Farm  is situated at the start of Chapman’s Peak drive on Noordhoek Main Road opposite the Noordhoek Inn, set on 2 hectares of land it is set back from the road providing a perfect escape from City life.

Bamboo and tall trees provide ample shade amongst the 46 tent and caravan plots, providing children with enough space to roam without being out of sight. A trampoline and play park sit side-by-side with the horse enclosure providing ample entertainment for the young-ones.

Cold Atlantic water at Noordhoek Beach

On a hot February weekend, the swimming pool was the most popular place to be or if the cold Atlantic is your choice of relief from the hot weather, a short drive to the spectacular Noordhoek beach is the answer.

Firewood can be bought by the tractor load at affordable prices, and the nearby ablution block and showers offer a few home comforts.

At night a camp fire provides an ambient assembly space until the early hours pf the morning.

At night a huge camp fire provided an ambient assembly space for the group until the early hours of the morning.

The Chapman’s Peak Caravan Farm is a safe environment as the management and camping community tend to look out for each other to ensure a pleasant weekend for all.

Hello Summer

Cape Town is preparing for a huge influx of visitors this summer, who can blame them for coming to the city that has it all… clear skies, great beaches, great outdoor life, a variety of wildlife, vineyards, natural wonders, nightlife and ….the list goes on and on.

Judging by the high number of “foreign” number-plates already in the City, it seems that some holiday makers have already made an early start to their end of the year summer holidays.

Sun-seekers on Clifton beach

Despite the options available in Cape Town, there is no better place to be on a summer’s day than the beach and the Mother City is blessed with a number of stunning beaches.

Sunseekers tend to flock to Camps Bay, Clifton, Fish Hoek, and Long beach in Simonstown, all well-known for its long stretch of beach and cool waters.

Camps Bay and Clifton beaches are post-card perfect, white sand, cold blue waters, yachts moored just off the beach as sunbathers bronze themselves while the “in crowd” sip their drinks at the famous drinking-holes that line the beachfront.

Blouberg beach with Table Mountain as a backdrop

Each beach in Cape Town has its own unique characteristic, Blouberg beach has a unique view of Table Mountain, however it is better known as the perfect place to test your windsurfing skills or for avid kiter’s to fly their sails the wind. Windsurfers congregate here in their numbers making for a spectacular sight as they sail across the bay while “kites” take to the skies.

Windsurfers who prefer the warmer waters of False Bay windsurf at Sunrise beach while surfers gather further up the coast at Muizenberg beach, more famous for its colourful beach huts, surf shops and diners at Surfers Corner.

St James beach

Another beach known for its beach huts is St James, a quaint beach with a tidal pool, a favourite for families with young children. It’s a few minutes away from Muizenberg beach and can be reached via a walkway between the coastline and the railway line.

The Muizenberg coastline takes you to Sunrise beach, Strandfontein beach and Monwabasi beach.

Strandfontein beach is a popular spot with anglers; they arrive at night and can still be seen in the early hours of the morning with their lines in the water.

Further down the coastline towards Cape Point is Kalk Bay, a renowned tourist spot with craft markets, pubs, traditional bakeries and a working harbour.

Just past the naval base lie Seaforth and Boulders beaches, both a tourist attractions well known for the penguins that flock to their nesting sites dotted along this part of the coast-line.

Big waves surfers brave the waves at Dungeons in Hout Bay

Hout Bay is well known for Mariners Wharf, but on the other side of the jetty is Hout Bay beach it makes a wide arc to the opposite end of the bay. Just outside the bay is “Dungeons” a world famous surf spot with big wave surfers. Only a few select wave warriors brave the walls of water that often reaching heights of 15-25 ft.

On the west coast is Noordhoek beach, a long stretch of wind swept beach with wide beach famous amongst the riding folk who take their steeds for uninhibited gallops along the beach.

With the Atlantic and Indian Ocean on each side of the Cape Peninsula, the coastline from Blouberg to the Strand offers numerous options to locals and visitors who are spoilt for choice on a summer’s day.