What to do this Worker’s Day…

Worker’s Day, also known as International Worker’s Day and May Day, is celebrated in many countries, in many different guises. 

The history of May Day goes back many centuries and has its roots in paganism. The history of Worker’s Day goes back to the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago where workers were protesting for shorter working hours. As the police were trying to disperse the crowd, a bomb was thrown at them and they retaliated with live ammunition, killing and injuring scores of unarmed protestors. In 1889, May 1 or May Day protests were recognized as an annual international event and subsequently 1 May had many riots and demonstrations in the coming years. Eventually many countries adopted 1 May as a public holiday and in 1955 the Catholic Church dedicated the day to St Joseph The Worker.

In South Africa, May 1 was officially pronounced a national public holiday in 1994 under the name Worker’s Day. Its origins are still of those workers and their trade unions that struggled internationally for fair employment standards and worker’s rights. Pre-1994, the day was became a rallying point for workers and trade unions as well as anti-apartheid demonstrations.

Well the days of fighting for equal rights whether as a worker or a general human being have passed, so we have compiled a list of some things to do this Worker’s day…  

The Assembly is hosting “SA’s biggest tennis party,” Love All: 'A party for workers day' tonight. Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost R50-R70 available through Computicket or at the door.

The Canal Walk Motor Show is on until tomorrow evening and is set to get any petrol head’s engine revving. Competitions giveaways are up for grabs and definitely worth the visit.

The Bay Harbour Comedy Supper Club is sure to give you your dose of laughter this Worker’s Day. Comedic magician, Magic Man (Andrew Eland) will be headlining this event hosted by Dugald Pieterse. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets available online and at the Boom Bar at the Bay Harbour Market and cost R70-R90.

At 5pm the Cape Town Stadium will come alive to the sounds and vuvuzelas and cheering as Ajax Cape Town takes on Kaizer Chiefs. Tickets are available through Computicket from R40 to R80.

Bring the family down to Noordhoek Farm Village who are hosting an afternoon Community Carnival in celebration of Worker’s Day. Events are planned for 2pm-5pm and entrance is free.

SAMA Award winner, Manie Jackson will be performing at the Bravo Lounge at the Garden Route Casino in Mossel Bay at 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Computicket at a cost of R80.

Why not absorb some culture and head to the Kalk Bay Theatre for the opening night of Song and Dance, a comedy set to leave you in stiches. Don’t Dress For Dinner is on at the Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay and the David Krut Projects art exhibition is on at the Montebello Design Centre. There will be two performances at the Sound on Screen Film Festival at the Labia Theatre on Orange on May 1.

The Cederberg Kunstefees (Art Festival) kicks off in Clanwilliam tomorrow. The line-up of events and performances is available on the website and can be booked through Computicket. The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Art Festival also begins tomorrow in Knsyna.

Villiera Wines in Stellenbosch is hosting the Miles for Smiles Fun Run.  The run/walk is in aid of Operation Smile South Africa who provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities on children. So put on your takkies and give to a good cause. Delvera farm, also in Stellenbosch is hosting the All-Mountain Enduro MTB Race.

In Wellington the annual Safari Half Marathon will be taking place for the 26th time. The marathon has become one of the highlights in the athletics calendar and is sure to be centred around fun festivities.

If these activities do not tickle your fancy, why not spend some quality time with the family and have a braai, a big lunch or even a picnic - make the most of what’s left of the sunshine before the Cape Town winter sets in.

Events this week 29 April – 5 May

Song and Dance begins on 1 May at the Kalk Bay Theatre and will run until 9 May.

The annual Cederberg Arts Festival will take place from 1 – 5 May in the West Coast town of Clanwilliam.

In the Garden Route the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival will be taking place from 1 – 5 May in Knsyna.

Afrikaburn, South Africa’s answer to the Burning Man Festival, is taking place at Tankwa Karoo National Park from 1 – 6 May.

Khwa Ttu, in Yzerfontein, is hosting Encounters with the Foster Brothers on 1 May.

Villiera Wines in Stellenbosch is hosting a fun run/walk in aid of charity on Wednesday, 1 May, the Miles For Smiles Fun Run.

The Safari Half Marathon is taking place in the Winelands town of Wellington on Wednesday, 1 May.

The ballet performance of Camille will be running at the Artscape Opera House from 2 – 12 May.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is hosting a Collection Yoga Retreat with YogaSpirit & Kate Ball over the weekend, from 3-5 May.

Hip Hop Explosion will be bringing the Zula Sound Bar alive on Friday, May 3.

The Woodmill Market in Stellenbosch plays host to the Barista Coffee Festival on Friday, May 3.

Peaches and Herb will be performing at the Grand Arena, Grand West on Saturday, May 4.

Riebeek Valley, in the West Coast, will be hosting its annual Olive Festival this weekend, 4 - 5 May. 

On Saturday, 4 May, the Knysna Motor Show will take place at the Knysna High School Field.

The Klein Karoo town of De Rust will host the De Rust Boeremark on Saturday, 4 May, the same day that the monthly Riebeek West Funky Fresh Market happens.

Also on May 4, in the Overberg, Elgin will play host to the first Elgin Cool Wine & Country Festival.

There are multitudes of mountain biking events this week; on Wednesday, 1 May, the All-Mountain Enduro is taking place at Delvera Farm in Stellenbosch. The Tru Cape MTB event will be taking place at Elgin/Grabouw Country Club on Saturday, 4 May. High School Langenhoven in Riversdale will play host to the Hessequa MTB Challenge on Saturday, 4 May. From 4 – 5 May, the Houw Hoek Tour will take place at Houw Hoek Inn, Elgin.

For more information on any event please visit the link or our calendar.

Freedom Day and Other Things to Do This Weekend…

On Saturday, April 27, South Africans will be celebrating Freedom Day.  Freedom Day is the celebration of one of the defining moments in the history of our beautiful country and has helped catapult us to being the powerhouse of Africa. On this day, almost two decades ago, 19.7 million South Africans queued up at voting stations and made their mark on history; it is the anniversary of the First Democratic Elections held in 1994. 

We have compiled a list of things to do on this Freedom Day (and the rest of the weekend…)

Decorex is at the CTICC will be enthralling visitors to the expo with its design and décor innovations until Sunday. The annual expo is showcasing the latest design and décor reaffirming why Cape Town is the World Design Capital 2014. Tickets available at the door ranging between R10 and R70.

Space Ibiza will be at the Shimmy Beach Club tonight, tickets range between R280-R500 available through Computicket.

The charming Karoo town of Prince Albert is celebrating its 20th annual Olive festival from today through to Sunday. Click the link for a schedule of the festivities planned.

The Utopia Festival will be lighting up Nekkies Resort & Camping site between Worcester and Rawsonville from today until Sunday. This three day music festival promises “an eclectic mix of house, rock, techno and live shows with incredible cutting edge design and décor”. Tickets are available through Webtickets and range between R380 for a weekend pass and R70 for one day.

Sandringham, near Stellenbosch, is plays host to the SA Cheese Festival starting today until Sunday. Over 400 cheeses will be showcased for festival goers, as well as entertainment. Tickets are R115 and available through Computicket, hurry as tickets are selling out fast.

The Vintage Ideas Market is taking place at Simondium Country Lodge from today until Sunday. An incredible vintage shopping experience, set in a Great Gatsby themed venue is promised.

80s Music sensation, Jennifer Rush will be performing at the CTICC tonight and tomorrow evening. Tickets are available through Computicket and cost between R550 and R640.

On Saturday there are a host of trail running and mountain biking events happening in Cape Town and the Western Cape; Boterberg Farm in Philadelphia, near Malmesbury, is hosting the Philadelphia 150 Wine Route MTB Race in celebration of the 150 year establishment of the town. Avalon Springs Hotel in Montagu is hosting Montagu Mountain Mania, a two day MTB and trail running event. Arabella Hotel and Spa near Hermanus is hosting the Arabella Challenge a two day MTB and trail running experience through the Arabella Country Estate. 

Rocking for Cancer is taking place at the Montreal on Loop Club in Cape Town on Saturday evening. The event is in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, tickets cost between R30 and R80.

SA Forest Adventures will be hosting the Good Hope FM Adventure Race in the Overberg Region on Saturday. The event will start in Stanford and includes the towns of Hermanus, Stanford, Caledon, Botrivier, Kleinmond and Betties bay. See the link for more information, 1st prize R15 000 is up for grabs.

Maphindi's Restaurant in Nyanga is hosting Maphindis Freedom Day Experience in association with Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa on Saturday. The day will start with packing and providing meals for 6000 people.  There is a  traditional Tshisanyama (township grill house) lunch afterwards. Tickets are R120 for a good cause.

Spier Hotel near Stellenbosch will be hosting a 12 course tasting menu and talk on Saturday, hosted by renowned anthropologist, chef and cookbook author Dr Anna Trapido based on her book Hunger for Freedom. The theme of the evening ‘food in the life of Nelson Mandela’ is a gastro-political journey through the stages of Nelson Mandela’s life, tickets are R320.

The town of Simon’s Town will be hosting festivities in aid of endangered penguins as participants that have returned from the Annual Penguin Waddle are welcomed on Saturday.  

The participants in the Winelands Charity Walk will be welcomed at Simon's Restaurant at Groot Constantia where drink and snacks will be served in celebration of their achievement.

The Boland and Joubert- Tradauw Kelders will be hosting Unplugged Route 62- The Finest Blues Concert on Saturday. Tickets are R280 and include an al fresco lunch, glass of wine and the concert.

The City Hall in Cape Town will host City Hall Sessions Freedom Day Concert on Saturday at 8pm. Click the link for more info.

The FamFest presented by 4Leaf will be taking place at the Claremont Cricket Club Fields in Constantia on Saturday. Bring the family along and enjoy Freedom Day with entertainment for young and old.

The weekend is set to enthrall the young and the young-at-heart with activities to tickle anyone’s fancy. Happy Freedom Day to everyone.

Vegetarian in the Western Cape

There are many options available for those that are vegetarian or vegan here in the Western Cape, you don’t need to be ordering “a burger and fries, hold the burger”…

We have put together a list of some vegan and vegetarian friendly options here in the Western Cape.

Vegan Restaurants

• Bolo'bolo 082 557 3912 6 Lower Main Road, Observatory
• Closer 021 709 0824 42 Palmer Road, Muizenberg
• The Natural Way Cafe 021 856 2500 959 Sir Lowrys Pass Road, Gordons Bay
• Vivo pizza 074 167 9792 30 Woodside Drive, Pinelands

Vegetarian Restaurants
• Cafe Jo Brown 021 424 0920 4a Buiten Street, Cape Town
• Govinda's Natural Food Cafe 021 686 1179 17 St. Andrew Road, Rondebosch
• Krishna’s Cuisine 021 794 3214 37 Riverside Mall, Rondebosch
• Maharajah Vegetarian Takeout 021 685 7891 6 Rondebosch Court, Cape Town
• O'ways Teacafe 021 671 2850 Heritage House, 20 Dreyer Street, Claremont
• Portobello Cafe 021 426 1418 111 Long Street, Cape Town
• Sophea Gallery & Tibetan Teahouse 021 786 1544 2 Harrington Road, Seaforth, Simon's Town
• The Veg Table Private Dining Room 074 833 9516 Rheenendahl Road, Knysna
• Zucchinis 021 424 8571 1, Loop Street, Cape Town

There are many restaurants that offer vegan and vegetarian friendly options on their menus, here are a few we have compiled…

• A Taste of Asia 021 447 1500 45 Lower Main Road, Observatory

• A Touch of Madness 021 448 2266 12 Nuttall Road, Observatory

• Addis in Cape 021 424 5722 41 Church Street, Cape Town

• Anatolis 021 419 2501 24 Napier Street, Greenpoint

• Babel 021 863 3852 Babylonstoren Wine Farm, Simondium Road, Klapmuts

• Call-A-Pizza 021 434 0818 57 Regent Road, Sea Point

• Capelands Restaurant Mangiare 021 858 1477 3 Old Sir Lowry's Pass Road, Somerset West

• Dear Me 021 422 4920 165 Long Market Street, Cape Town

• Deer Park Café 021 462 6311 2 Deer Park Avenue, Vredehoek, Cape Town

• e’Mondo Good Food Eatery 021 418 1609 42 Hans Strijdom Ave, Cape Town

• Eight at Spier 021 809 1188 Spier, R310, Stellenbosch

• F.east 021 424 5903 1st Floor, corner of Long and Bloem Streets, Cape Town

• Fusion Café 028 312 4277 Village Square Waterfront Piazza, Marine Drive, Hermanus

• Gypsy Café 021 448 8336 87 Station Road, Observatory 

• Health Café 021 424 6560 161 Longmarket Street

• Jakarta Rijsttafel 021 881 3243 La Provence Road, Stellenbosch

• Jamaica Me Crazy 021 448 0691 74 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock 

• Kauai Health Food & Juice Co Nationwide

• Madre's Kitchen 028 341 0441 Robert Stanford Estate, Stanford, Overberg

• Makaron Restaurant 021 880 1549 26-32 Houtkapper St, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch

• Massimo's Pizza Club 021 790 5648 Oakhurst Farm Park, Main road, Hout Bay

• Mountainview Café 021 423 1852 171 Long Street, Cape Town

• Sababa Kitchen and Deli 021 424 7480 231 Bree Street, Cape Town

• Simply Asia Nationwide

• The Class Room 028 316 3582 Hemel - en - Aarde Craft Village, Hermanus

• The Kitchen 021 462 2201 111 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock

• The Millstone Eco-friendly Farm Stall & Café 021 447 8226 Alexandra Road, Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands

• The Nook Eatery 021 887 7703 42 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch 

• The Veg Table Private Dining Room 074 833 9516 Rheenendahl Road, Knysna

• Tikka Palace 028 313 8460 2nd Floor, Misty Waves Hotel, Marine Drive, Hermanus

• Vanilla Café 021 461 7868 117 Hatfield Street, Cape Town

• Well Café 021 480 9500 Lifestyle Centre, 50 Kloof Street, Cape Town

• Yindees 021 422 1012 22 Camp Street (opposite Jan van Riebeeck High School), Gardens

• Zucchini 044 882 1240 Timberlake Organic Village, on N2 after Wilderness, Garden Route

• Most Indian eateries offer vegetarian friendly options as well as restaurants within established hotels as they are intended to cater to a wide clientele.

These are just a few, the list is extensive and would probably be too long for a post, I have randomly chosen a few eateries that have confirmed that they offer vegetarian/vegan friendly options.

Feel free to comment on any others you would like to share.

Earth Day and Events 22 - 28 April

Today, April 22, is International Earth Day. Every year on April 22, more than one billion people take part in Earth Day. Across the globe, individuals, communities, organizations, and governments acknowledge the amazing planet we call home and take action to protect it.

The theme this year is Earth Day 2013: The Face of Climate Change.More than one billion people around the world will take part in the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day. From Beijing to Cairo, Melbourne to London, Rio to Johannesburg, New Delhi to New York, communities everywhere will voice their concerns for the planet, and take action to protect it. We’ll harness that power to show the world The Face of Climate Change. And we’ll call on our leaders to act boldly together, as we have, in this pivotal year.

An interactive digital display of all the images will be shown at thousands of events around the world, including next to federal government buildings in countries that produce the most carbon pollution. The display will also be made available online to anyone who wants to view or show it. (www.earthday.org)

In Cape Town, Green Pop will be celebrating Earth Day with a tree planting ceremony at Harmony Primary School, Steenberg from 9:30am - 1:30pm.

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This week has business, rock metal gods, penguins, decor, cheese, olives and a party to keep anyone's interest peeked...

From today through to Thursday, Wesgro is undertaking a road show to Zambia with a focus on agri-business.

Today and tomorrow, the CTICC is playing host to the Africa Urban Infrastructure Summit, for more information click the link.

There will be two charity walking events this week, from today through till Saturday. The first is the Winelands Charity Walk; 3 men will start in Tulbagh and walk through the Winelands until they reach Stellenbosch on Friday, thereafter they will do a short walk on Saturday from Steenberg to Groot Constantia, where they will celebrate their achievement in aid of the Anna Foundation.

The second is the 3rd Annual Penguin Promises Waddle, a group of conservationists and representatives from the African Animal Keepers Association will walk every day from Gansbaai in the Cape Overberg and reach the Boulders Beach penguin colony in Simon’s Town just after 12 noon on Saturday 27 April. The aim is to raise awareness about the endangered African penguin. On Saturday there are festivities planned at Jubilee Square in Simons Town from 10am.

On Wednesday and Thursday evening, rock metal lovers are in for a treat as Metallica are performing at the Bellville Velodrome. Originally scheduled for the 24th at the Cape Town Stadium, the venue changed in order for fans to enjoy Metallica in a dynamic indoor live music setting instead.

Decorex is back at the CTICC from Thursday until Sunday. The interior decorating extravaganza is set to wow Capetonians once again with design trends, demos and workshops.

This weekend, Prince Albert in the Karoo is the place to be for the 20th annual Prince Albert Olive Festival. From 26-28 April the rural little town in the Central Karoo welcomes tourists with their renowned hospitality  to experience the town and all it has to offer as well as olives of course!

Sandringham farm near Stellenbosch is set to host the South African Cheese Festival from Friday until Sunday.

Nekkies Resort and Camping Site between Rawsonville and Worcester is the venue for the Utopia Festival from 26-28 April. A music festival that will include the likes of Karen Zoid, Fokofpolisiekar and Desmond & The Tutus to name a few.

On Saturday, April 27, join Boland Kelder and Joubert Tradauw en Kelder for Unplugged Route 62- The Finest Blues Concert .

April 27 is also the day South Africans will be celebrating Freedom Day which is a commemoration of the day the first post apartheid elections were held in South Africa in 1994.

Out and About This Weekend

Whether you're a foodie, consider yourself a wine connoisseur, got green fingers or appreciate fine music, there is something on the cards for everyone this weekend... 

The ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun is taking place from today until Sunday at the Houw Hoek Inn, Elgin, put on those running shoes and enjoy the beauty of the Elgin Valley in the Cape Overberg.

The extreme endurance mountain bike challenge that is the 36 One MTB Challenge is taking place at Kleinplaas Holiday resort in Oudtshoorn from today until Sunday.

Today , through till Sunday, if you enjoy good food and wine, get down to the Constantia Uitsig and enjoy the Constantia Food and Wine Festival. Over 40 of the finest wines and delicious food from award winning restaurants will be on offer.

Michael McIntyre, reknowned comedic from the UK will have you in stitches from laughter at the Grand Arena at Grand West tonight for the final of his two performances in Cape Town.

The 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships are taking place at the Ice Station at Grand West since Monday. Go support our national team tonight at 8pm as they take on Greece and on Sunday at 8pm as they take on North Korea.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Langabaan Lagoon Celebration will be showcasing all that there is to do and see in Langebaan. Many fun activities have been planned in and around the lagoon, so for some West Coast hospitality and fun get yourself down there.

Bot River Barrels and Beards is taking place on Saturday at Anybos, Botriver in the Cape Overberg. Every winemaker from the valley stops shaving at the end of February and is judged on the day by the panel of judges as to length, character and whatever criteria that is thought up by this esteemed body of men and women.

The West Coast Marathon is taking place on Saturday in Langebaan, while you there why not visit the Langebaan Lagoon Celebration...

Val De Vie Estate in Paarl will be hosting the Infiniti 4 Nations Invitational Polo Classic Final on Saturday, set to be a posh affair, food and wine will be available.

La Motte Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley is hosting Classical Concert on Saturday at 7pm. Admission is R170 and features Gaylen-Rose Sales (harp) and Brigit Rennie-Salonen (flute).

The world-renowned conductor Richard Bonynge will conduct a concert performances of Donizetti`s Lucia di Lammermoor featuring top opera stars and singers from Cape Town Opera and the Voice of the Nation Choir on Saturday at 8pm at the Artscape Opera House. Tickets available through Computicket and cost R420.

This is an ABSA Premiership soccer match between Ajax Cape Town and Bidvest Wits will take place at . Athlone Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is at 8pm and tickets cost between R40-R60.

Talking Heads is taking place at Iziko Museum, the Whale Well on Saturday at 7pm. Engage with experts from different disciplines in a genius mix of musical chairs and speed dating for the brain, guests are invited to move from table to table engaging in four intimate 20-minute conversations. Tickets available through Computicket at R100.

The Make Believe Train Party to Glencairn Hotel is taking place on Saturday from 12pm. Tickets are available from Quicket.co.za and cost R158.90.

On Saturday and Sunday the 38th Annual Kirstenbosch Garden Fair and Indigenous Plant Sale is taking place at the Stone Cottages opposite the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens from 9am-4pm, entrance costs R5.

On Sunday Solms Delta Wine estate in the Franschhoek valley is hosting the Delta Trap MTB Race and the Winemakers MTB Challenge, see the links for more information.

Earth Day is on Monday 22 April, to commemorate this Greenpop is hosting a series of events, on Sunday at 3pm is Cape Town Earth Cycle (meet at Greenmarket Square outside the Methodist Church – look out for the Greenpop Team in green capes). Cycle, skate, rollerblade (or whatever wheely petrol-free device you’d like) a cool city route all the way to the Yoga for Trees session that happens at 5pm.

On Monday 9.30am to 1.30pm – Tree Planting Day with Harmony Primary School.

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo - Pt2: Klein Karoo

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo are one region belonging to the most beautiful province  the Western Cape. This is part 2 or the regional profile for the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, with the focus on the Klein Karoo.

Klein Karoo

The Klein or "little" Karoo is a semi-arid region nestled between the town of Ladismith and the border to the Eastern Cape province. The area is most famous for ostriches, caves, some of the most breath-taking mountain passes in the country.

In days gone by buffalo, elephant and kudu roamed these plains, but have since been hunted and driven out by modern day developments. Many years ago the area was also inhabited by the native San, Khoi  and Hottentots, who were driven out by European settlers who came to the area in the late 1600s. 

The area is home to the world renowned Cango Caves that was discovered by a Hottentot boy looking for his lost cattle in the 1780s. Declared a World Heritage Sight, the caves, with its magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations, extends over 5km underground and has evidence that humans may have lived and sheltered there at least 80 000 years ago. The history of the Cango caves are intriguing, well worth a visit especially for those interested in the many mysteries the caves have to offer. These mysterious occurrences include fossils, skeletons, ghosts, cave drawings and secret entrances to name a few!

Cango Caves

Well known towns in the region:

Oudtshoorn - probably the most famous town of the region, the town is renowned for its ostrich, crocodile and cheetah farms and the Cango caves which are situated outside of the town. Oudtshoorn comes alive during the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival which attracts many tourists during March/April to this rural gem.

Crocodile Cage Diving in Oudtshoorn

Ladismith - above the town is the peak Towerkop, local legend has it that that a witch, flying overhead, struck the peak in anger with her wand because it obstructed her passage over the mountain and resulted in the split  between the peak. Ladismith is well known for its cheese as well as apricots, a staggering 30% of apricot production in the country comes from this region.

Calitzdorp - known as the Port Wine Capital and its extensive array of succulent plants with 200 species not found anywhere else on earth. Evidence of the early indigenous San and Khoi people are found in the rock painting in the surrounding mountains. The first cement road in South Africa was erected between Calitzdorp and Oustshoorn in the early 1900s.

De Rust - famous for its donkey taxis, the initiative was actually started to educate donkey handlers in the correct way to harness and handle donkeys and not as a tourism project. The town is also known as home to many artists who have taken up residence in De Rust for its tranquil and inspiring setting.

Uniondale - a quaint farming village that predominantly farms sheep, goat, seed and apples. The town was formed in 1856 when the towns of Hopedale and Lyons were joined. Uniondale is famous or rather infamous for the The Uniondale Ghost, a legend claiming that the ghost of Marie Charlotte Roux haunts the road outside of the town. As the story goes, she was tragically killed in an accident in 1968, people who travel the road come a across a female hitchhiker, after they offer her a lift she disappears a few kilometres down the road!

Uniondale Church

Route 62, the world'd longest wine route passes through the Klein Karoo. For those looking for more adventure, the Klein Karoo offers many hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and 4x4 trails with unsurpassed views. 

For more information visit the local tourism information office. 

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo - Pt1:Garden Route

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo region will be broken up into 2 posts, first focusing on the Garden Route area and thereafter the Klein Karoo.

The Garden Route

Aptly named, the region is seen as South Africa’s “Garden of Eden”. Stretching from Heidelberg in the West to Stormsriver in the East, the Cape Garden Route is a lush landscape that encompasses green grasslands, wetlands, forests and mountains, blue lagoons, lakes and rivers and endless white sandy beaches. 

The region is home to the highest commercial bungy jump in the world, which can be found at the Bloukrans bridge. They many coves and bays in the region are known for being nurseries for Southern Right Whales during the Winter and Spring months, dolphins are also often found frolicking in the waters.

The Garden Route is also a favourite among honeymooners, the superior hotels, spas, golf courses and guesthouses, found in tranquil settings, are picture perfect and provide couples with peace and privacy. 

Well known towns in the Garden Route:

Mossel Bay - like most of the Garden Route, Mossel Bay is blessed with mild climate with sunshine most of the year. A laid back seaside town, Mossel Bay boasts the biggest archeological project in world; the Mossel Bay Archaeology project and the smallest commercial harbour in the country. The Dias Museum Complex in the town consists of  four different museums and five heritage sites.

George - nestled at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains, known as the "Gateway to the the Garden Route", George is the largest town in the region as well as the 6th oldest town in South Africa. The George Airport links the Garden Route to the rest of the country and is regarded as the economic hub of the Southern Cape. The premier golf resort Fancourt is very popular, there are 9 other golf courses as well as a world-class golfing academy in the town.

Wilderness - this little seaside village has become an internationally sought after holiday resort. The seemingly endless stretch of white sandy beach is a haven in an area with a "eternal spring" climate encompassing peace and tranquility. Bird watching is an especially rewarding opportunity as there is a abundance of over 200 species to be sighted. 

Knysna - home of oysters which are celebrated at the annual Knysna Oyster Festival in June, Knysna is one of the most renowned town is the Garden Route. The indigenous forests that surround Knysna constitute the largest complex of closed-canopy forest in Southern Africa. The town is also famous for the Knysna Heads; a deep, but potentially treacherous channel through which the sea comes in and fills the strikingly beautiful lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River. 

Plettenberg Bay - the "jewel of the the Garden Route", this town is revered by nature lovers and adventure sports entusiasts. Plett as it is fondly known as offers visitors unspoilt beaches, remarkable land and boat-based whale and dolphin watching (in season), championship golf courses and almost mythical towering forests.

The Garden Route is a playground for adventure lovers with adventure sports available all the way through the region. From bungy jumping, kloofing, abseiling, surfing, paragliding, sky and scuba diving to horseriding and tree top canopy zip lining.

For information contact the Garden Route and Klein Karoo tourism office on +27 44 803 1427 or of the local tourism info offices in the towns.

Out In Africa Film Festival

The Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival kicked off last week and will be running through until Sunday 21 April at Nu Metro Cinemas at the V&A Waterfront.

The line up for the festival includes international award-winning films, features and  documentaries covering topics such as popular revolution, ballet, romance, drama, and an insightful look at a clash of cultures.

The festival opened with the 2 SA shorts, Kinsey & Nosiphokazi's story and the doccie Bros B4 Hos.

How To Survive A Plague, directed by David France, an Oscar 2013 nominee for Best Documentary. IFP Gotham Awards – Best Documentary and Boston Film Critics Awards – Best Documentary.

Zenne Dancer, directed by M. Caner Alper & Mehmet Binay, 2011 Antalya FF Golden Orange – Best Cinematographer / Best First Film / Best Supporting Actor & Actress, 2011 Turkish Film Critics Association Award – Best Film and 2012 Nuremberg Film Festival – Öngören Prize awarded to the Directors. Caner Alper & Mehmet Binay will be attending the Film Fest for the Saturday 20th screening.   

Tomboy, directed by Céline Sciamma, 2011 Berlinale Teddy Award winner, 2011 Odessa IFF – Golden Duke, 2011 San Francisco Frameline G&LFF – Audience Award, 2011 Philadelphia QFest L&GFF – Best Feature and 2011 NewFest – Jury award for Best Performance - Zoé Héran as Laure / Mickäel, 

Chloe Likes Olivia , directed by Mette Kjærgaard, cCourtesy of the Danish Film Institute, Mette Kjærgaard and writer Jenny Lund Madsen will present their short film.   Watch the website for details of the filmmaking workshop they will be running in Cape Town.  

Swan Lake 3D, directed by Ross MacGibbon and Matthew Bourne. Bourne’s gender-bending version of the Russian classic has been round the world 4 times, and garnered 30 international theatre awards, including a Tony.

Four, directed by Joshua Sanchez, winner of the 2003 HBO Films Young Producer’s Development Award. 2012 Urbanworld FF - Best Narrative Feature, 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival – Ensemble Acting Award and Jerome Foundation’s Film and Video grant.

Beyond The Walls,  Hor Les Murs, directed by David Lambert, selected for the 2012 Cannes Critic’s Week. 2012 - 65th Cannes Film Festival International Critics Week - Grand Golden Rail Award (Grand Rail d'Or) - Best Feature and 2012 Paris Lesbian Film Festival - People’s Award – Best Performance, Matila Malliarakis & Guillaume Gouix  

Interior. Leather Bar. Directed by James Franco & Travis Mathews . A curiosity from Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee, James Franco. William Friedkin’s gay cult classic Cruising, starring Al Pacino, was cut by 40 minutes in order to allow for a wider release. Franco and Mathews hour-long doc explores Hollywood’s homophobia, and professional and personal boundaries during the re-creation of that imagined lost footage.

Support the festival and prove why Cape Town and the Western Cape is the best destination for anyone, from any background.

Events 15 - 21 April

The week to come is a feast of events for sports fans, foodies, botanists and business, proving once again why Cape Town and the Western Cape is a world-class host...

The 34th Annual IATUL Conference kicked off yesterday at the CTICC and will be running until Thursday, April 18. 

Today at 1pm the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships will kick off at The Ice Station at Grand West. The International Ice Hockey Federation's division three contest includes our own national side as well as those from Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, North Korea and the United Arab Emirates. The contest will be going on until Sunday, April 2.

The Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel will be hosting Breakbulk Africa Congress 2013 from today until Thursday 18 April.

Don't Dress for Dinner will be on at the Theatre on the Bay 16 April and run until 11 May.

Bien Donne Research Farm in Simondium, Paarl will play host to Bien Donne Agri Cape Week from 17-20 April. The Expo focuses on agri-business and will include industries such as; fruit, wine, vegetable and read meat to name a few.

On Thursday 18 and Friday 19 April, The Grand Arena at Grand West will host world renowned comedic Michael McIntyre, tickets available through Computicket.

 The Houw Hoek Inn near Elgin in the Overberg will host the Pro Nutro African X-Trail from 19 - 21 April.

The Constantia Food and Wine Festival will be taking place this weekend, April 19-21 at wineries all over the Constantia Valley. Food and wine will be presented by award winning restaurants and estates.

The 36 One MTB Challenge will be taking place from 19 - 21 April  at Kleinplaas Holiday Resort in Oudtshoorn.

he Saldanha Bay Tourism Organisation, along with the Langebaan Tourism Association are hosting the Langebaan Lagoon Celebration, a showcase of all you can do and see in Langebaan, on 20 and 21 April.

Bot River in the Overberg will come alive for its annual Barrels and Beards harvest celebration on 20 April at Anysbos farm. All the winemakers stop shaving at the end of February and are judged on their beards by whatever criteria the panel comes up with, afterwards the wines from the seasons harvest are enjoyed.

The West Coast Marathon will take place in Langebaan on 20 April.

Val De Vie Wine and Polo Estate, Paarl, will host the Infiniti 4 Nations Invitational Polo Classic Final on Saturday April 20. The four countries taking part in the invitational are Holland, Pakistan, Nigeria and South Africa.

The 38th Annual Kirstenbosch Garden Fair and Indigenous Plant Sale will be taking place at the Stone Cottages opposite Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on 20 and 21 April from 9am-4pm.

For this and more visit our events calender, as always, feel free to leave a comment if you have any other events to include.

What To Do This Weekend

This weekend has something for everyone, from your sport enthusiasts to your budding botanists...

The Cape Town Marimba Festival is taking place today at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch, tickets can be purchased through Computicket and cost between R45-R90. Relax to the festive sounds of various Marimba bands and forget the past week and and its troubles.

Friday nights in Hout Bay are for music lovers, get down to the Bay Harbour Market from 5-9pm for good food, drinks and live music.

Today is the start of the annual Out in Africa film festival at Nu Metro Cinemas at the V&A Waterfront.The South African Gay and Lesbian film festival, it also showcases and promotes our home grown film industry, well worth support.

The Pick n Pay Taste of Cape Town festival started yesterday and will be all weekend at the Green Point Cricket Club. Get down there for some good food and wine in a relaxed atmosphere. 12 of Cape Town's top restaurants will showcasing there finest as well as top chefs demonstrating their trade.

The Clanwilliam Expo also started yesterday until Saturday in the West Coast Town. There will be host of stalls, live shows as well as the fair King and Queen competition.

On Saturday if you find yourself in charming Greyton do attend the gala fashion showcase and 5 course dinner presented by The Oaks Estate and Charlene Sauerman at Mime Vior Couture.

Live the farm life in Ceres for a day at Koelfontein Farm, Prince Alfred's Hamlet. The Chefs Picnic in Cecelia's World features a picnic prepared by renowned chef Liam Tomlin as well as an opportunity to pick your own fruits from the orchards.

The Welsh Male Voice Choir will be performing in Swellendam at the primary school on Saturday at 7:30pm. The proceeds of the concert will be going to a worthy cause. Tickets are R80 available at the door, contact Maureen(028 5142478) or  Brian(028 5142634) for more information.

Spiritual Synthesia trance festival will be taking place at Wildekrans Wine Estate in Bot River on Saturday and Sunday. Presented by The Village, more information and tickets visit http://www.facebook.com/TheVillageSA.

Pack your buckets and spades and head down to Hout Bay beach for the Sandcastle Building competition, all funds raised will be going towards sponsoring underprivileged kids at the school in the area. 

A clash of the coasts in epic proportions, Newlands Stadium, the home of rugby in SA, will be alive to the sounds of the Stormers taking on the Sharks in the Super 15 at 5pm on Saturday.

Karen Zoid will be performing an intimate gig at Cafe Roux in Noordhoek from 4-6pm on Saturday. Tickets  R50-R100.

The Rare Plant Fair will be taking place at Rustenberg Wines in Ida's Valley near Stellenbosch on Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Entrance is R10 per person.

On Sunday, pack a picnic and visit Maynardville Open Air Theatre and relax to the sounds of Jazz in the Park. Tickets available through Computicket and proceeds will be going towards a good cause.

South African rockers aKing will be performing at the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay on Sunday. Tickets cost R50 and are available through computicket.

Up, Up and away... Extraordinary Feats

On Saturday (6 April) you might have heard the utterances of the name Balloon Bloke. You were probably under the impression that it was just another 'bloke' handing out balloon animals...well you were wrong.

Proving once again that extraordinary things happen in Cape Town and the Western Cape, former paramedic, Matt Silver-Vallance successfully attempted a "daring flight from Robben Island to Cape Town's mainland using only helium balloons"!(@balloonbloke)

Photo from Robben Island Balloon Run

Foggy conditions hampered the take-off, from what used to be Nelson Mandela's home for many years during his imprisonment, but the team was still determined. Matt eventually took-off around 11:45am and floated across shark infested waters, where a SA Navy vessel sailed in support. He intended on landing at Eden on the Bay, but because of the bad weather, he landed at Sunset Beach not too far away, just before 1pm.

Photo by Jaco Wolmarans from
Robben Island Balloon Run

The aim of the defying stunt is to raise money for Nelson Mandela's Children's Hospital. On Saturday he had already raised R70 000. To help donate to the cause and reach the R10 million target you may visit the Officical Balloon Run Website, the Robben Island Balloon Run Facebook Page or @Balloonbloke.

Photo from @Balloonbloke

Cape Town and the Western Cape, Adventurously Yours, Naturally Ours... Balloon Bloke adventurously set flight from one of our proudest natural icons. Congratulations, that was no easy feat!

Events 8 - 14 April

The The Winelands town of Stellenbosch will be a buzz tonight as Maties take on Tuks in the final of the Varsity Cup. Kick-off is at 7pm at Danie Craven Stadium.

The Mount Nelson Hotel will be hosting international luxury travel buyers for the International Luxury Travel Market Africa expo from 8-9 April.

Source Africa, the The African Textile, Apparel & Footwear Trade Event will be at the CTICC from 9-12 April showcasing an extensive range of products to discerning clients.

On Tuesday, April 9, The Baxter will be hosting the UCT Symphony Orchestra Concerto Festival. The Baxter will also be hosting the Cape Town Steel Band Festival on Thursday the 11th and the Cape Town Marimba Festival on Friday the 12th.

The annual Pick n Pay Taste of Cape Town Festival will be at the Green Point Cricket Club from 11 - 14 April.

The Clanwilliam Expo will be taking place this Thursday, April 11 until Saturday in the West Coast Town of Clanwilliam. Be sure to stock up the locally grown Rooibos tea, indigenous to the area.

The South African gay and lesbian film festival, Out in Africa, will be held at the Nu Metro Cinemas at the V&A Waterfront from 12 - 21 April.

The Oaks Estate in the charming Overberg town of Greyton will be hosting Mime Voir Couture on Saturday April 13. The gala will be raising funds for A.R.K (act of random kindness) Project, aimed at building a community youth centre.

Trance parties have been on the slowdown over the last few weeks, trance lovers will rejoice at Spiritual Synaesthesia, an outdoor trance festival presented by The Village taking place at Wildekrans Wine Estate in Bot River on 13 and 14 April.

On Saturday, 13 April, Hout Bay Beach will play host to a Sandcastle Competition, so pack you buckets and spades and get the family down there for a fun filled day.

Rustenberg Wines near Stellenbosch will be holding a Rare Plant Fair  on Saturday, April 13.

Mr and Mrs Cape Town will be taking place on Saturday at the All Star Theatre, Cape Gate Lifestyle Centre and will be supporting a worthy charity.

On Sunday, April 14, pack your picnic baskets and head down to the Maynardville Open Air Theatre for some Jazz in The Park.

If you have any events to add, please feel free to leave a comment.

SA Navy Festival and activities this weekend

SA's finest men and women in white will be on display at the annual SA Navy Festival in Simons Town this weekend. Starting today through till Sunday, the Navy will grant insight to what their training and tools entail and how they keep our waters safe. 

The festivities include;  a parade through Simons Town, a Navy Choir performance, canon firing, sword drill, precision drill, an anti-piracy display, tug boat rides and the ever popular public viewings of the Navy ships and submarines. There are many more activities including stalls and whats more, admission is free, so get your family down to the Simons Town Naval base between 10am and 6pm and enjoy all the maritime splendor.

The ABSA KKNK festival will be finishing off tomorrow. If you find yourself in the Oudtshoorn area today and tomorrow, be sure not to miss the last events of this exciting festival for this year.

Get down to Simonsvlei Wine Estate for their 2nd annual Family adventure day tomorrow from 8am. Entry is free but there will be a charge to participate in the mountain bike races and trail runs. Food  and entertainment for both young and old will be available.

The Glamour Stiletto Run will be taking place at the Table Bay Hotel at the V&A Waterfront tomorrow at 11am. Tickets are R250 and include a goodie bag, cocktails, 6 month subscription to the magazine and a donation to charity. So ladies put on those stilettos and dash for charity and good fun.

Sunningdale Sports Club in Table View will be hosting Cape Fight League 3 tomorrow evening. The show will feature mixed marshal arts (MMA) fighters battling it out for the top titles. Tickets start at R100.

Take the kids to catch the final showing of the classic story by Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, at the Artscape Theatre at 10:30am or 12:30pm tomorrow. Tickets cost R50.

Attention all future ballerinas, the Cape Town City Ballet will be hosting its annual open day tomorrow at the UCT School of Dance from 10:30 - 3pm. You will get an opportunity to view performances, rehearsals as well as a Spanish Dance class. Entry will cost R20, R10 for kids under 13 and R50 for the fundraising performances.

On Sunday, why not go support some local soccer, Ajax Cape Town will be taking on Free State Stars at the Athlone stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm and tickets cost between R40 and R60.

Join well-known South African artist, Johnny Clegg on Sunday at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert. Tickets range between R80 and R110, the concert starts at 5:30pm.

Why not take advantage of the sunshine this weekend, before winter sets in, and pack a picnic, go for hike or a run or a drive and enjoy our lovely home, the Western Cape.

The Cape West Coast

 From blues,greens,browns and red,not forgetting the kaleidoscope of colour presented in Spring, the West Coast is an artists' dream palette.

A region filled with diverse landscapes, the azure blue on the one side, mountainous abode on the other and in between, everything from wheat fields, orchards, vineyards and wildflower fields.

The coast is dotted with quaint little fishing villages, known for crayfish and bokkoms, and long stretches of pristine beaches lapped by blues seas. 

Some of the well known coastal towns are:

Langebaan - home to the Langebaan lagoon, a mecca for kite and wind surfers, kayaking yachting and fishing. Here you will find Club Mykonos Resort and Casino, an exotic place conjuring up images of the Mediterranean Greek Village of it's namesake.

Saldanha Bay - well known for its established steel industry, its also has a natural deep sheltered harbour that plays an important role for imports and exports of the region. The town is also home of the South African Military Academy and a naval base.

Paternoster -  a short climb up to the top of the Cape Columbine Lighthouse, South Africa's last manned lighthouse, will grant you an unparalleled view of the of the bay where you would be able to see colourful fishing boats catching crayfish and Snoek.

Further inland you will find many little towns seemingly lost in history, such as the mission stations of Wupperthal and Goedwerwacht and the home town of famous writer C. Louis Leipoldt of Leipoldtville.

Other well known towns are:

Citrusdal - aptly named after its renowned citrus industry, where the oldest orange tree in South Africa can be found, this town is also famous for The Baths, a natural hot spring resort. The town also grows a South African favourite; Rooibos tea.

Clanwilliam - home of Rooibos tea and in Spring, covered in an array of colourful wildflowers. Both Clanwilliam and Citrusdal are surrounded by ancient San rock art painting sites as well as the original caves where they once lived.

Darling - home of the famous Tannie Evita, the alter ego of actor Pieter-Dirk Uys, and Evita se Perron, a cosy coffee shop and theatre. In Spring, numbers of tourists flock to this little town to see the wildflowers in full bloom.

Riebeek Valley - the artistic heart of the West Coast, well known for its wines and olives.

Activities are abound in the region for adventure seekers as well as those looking to unwind from the hustle and bustle of modern life. 

A hike along the Waterfall Trail near Porterville will take you past 22 consistent waterfalls, a breathtaking site indeed. A rewarding experience for birdwatchers, the region has a large number of different species as well as fishing opportunities for the avid angler.

If culture and heritage is what you after then a visit to !Khwa Ttu in Yzerfontein, The Living Landscape Project in Clanwilliam or The West Coast Fossil Park near Langebaan is well worth a visit.

Wining and dining is a gastronomic affair as the region offers some of the best sea food such as crayfish, mussels, oysters, abalone, Snoek and bokkoms. The region also offers exceptional locally produced wines and olives.