Feeling like getting away from it all but don’t want to travel too far? Cape Point http://capepoint.co.za/ is perfect for a day’s trip away. Grab your thermos, a tasty treat, camera and binocs and head for Cape Town’s version of the Wuthering Heights moors. You can do a circular route so start by making your way to Fish Hoek via the M3 and drive over Boyes Drive for spectacular views of False Bay. Potter through Fish Hoek and enjoy the coast as you edge towards the sleepy town of Simonstown. From there continue wending your way round delightful misty cliffs and you will soon find yourself at the Cape Point entrance. Although it is quite pricey to get in – it is well worth it. Now you have a choice – you either head for the funicular, Two Oceans restaurant and busloads of tourists or you can follow the road less travelled and take some of the more obscure drives in the reserve.
The windswept fynbos plains look quite desolate and animals are hard to spot but don’t be too hasty to dismiss the landscape as nondescript and boring. It is anything but. Press the pause button, stop your car and head for the fynbos. You will be well rewarded. Ian is a keen photographer and we were blown away by the amazing variety of flora in a relatively small area. Look beyond the obvious and soon you will spot delicate beautiful flowers that can easily be overlooked. The Cape of Good Hope is an important part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Although the smallest of the world’s floral kingdoms, it is the richest and there truly is a treasure trove of extraordinary species to be spied. There are 2 different types of fynbos to see – coastal and inland. Proteas, ericas, restios and a myriad of different bulbs abound.
Surrounded by spectacular views of the sea your soul can breathe and before long, you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Normally Ian, a geologist, is taking photos of the rocks. But this time it was me who was entranced by the intricate shapes and nuances of colour found in the rocks everywhere. Chiselled by wind over the ages, little crevices provided much needed relief and shelter for the delicate little flowers and plants. Sneaking out from a rocky outcrop, a brave tortoise stopped to say hello. Plucky little dung beetles played their part in cleaning up the veldt and as we looked closer there were plenty of lizards and insects scurrying about.
Before we knew it the time had passed and it was time to find somewhere to eat. We decided not to brave the crowds so we took a different way home and drove to Scarborough. We popped into the Hub – a delightful pub in the village. Ian tucked into their special of the day which was Seafood Bisque. He pronounce it “scrumptious – best soup I have eaten for ages!” https://thevillagehub.co.za/scarborough/
Ali had the vegetarian burger which was equally delicious. The service was friendly and excellent and the prices very reasonable so all in all it was a wonderful way to end our mellow meander for the day.