MONTAGU

 Lies at the entrance to the Little Karoo, near the beautiful Cogman's Kloof. A centre for wine and fruit producing activities, noted for its muscatel grape. The rugged area to the north known as the Koo, is famous for apples, pears, apricots and peaches, as well as scenery, wild flowers and many fine walks. Montagu is known for its curative hot springs and many attractive and historic buildings.

 

MONTAGU SPRINGS: (BADSKLOOF)
Mineral water springs, in use for over 200 years.

MONTAGU MUSEUM
Long Street. A national monument, formerly a church. Portrays the early way of life of people in the Little Karoo. Joubert House, the oldest local dwelling, now part of the Montagu Museum.

MONTAGU MOUNTAIN RESERVE
In Cogman's Kloof, consisting mainly of natural vegetation. Keurkloof is part of the reserve, with camping and picnic facilities. A walking trail commences at Badskloof.

SIMON'S TOWN

 Headquarters of the South African Navy. Named after Governor Simon van der Stel and used as winter anchorage since 1741. The quaint village of Simon's Town situated on the False Bay coast a leisurely 30-minute drive from Cape Town, has managed to preserve its historic character of naval tradition and history. An ideal holiday resort with scenic walks, bird life, fishing, boating and swimming at many famous beaches ... for the complete holiday ... relax in Simon's Town. The main street, known as Historical Mile, contains 21 buildings more than 150 years old.

 Sign board * St. George Street * Statue of "Just Nuisance" * Aerial view of Simon's Town /1994/

 

Places of interest:

Able Seaman Just Nuisance: A bronze statue of the famous dog in Jubilee Square, the mascot of sailors stationed at Simonstown.
Simon's Town Museum: A large variety of exhibits showing the history of Simon's Town and its involvement with the naval port and dockyard.
Admiralty House: Built in 1740, in Cape-Dutch style.
Train Trip: The railway line follows the coastline between Simon's Town and Muizenberg and offers magnificent views.
Also: En route to Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Mineral World & Topstones, SA Naval Museum, Treasure Coast Art Route,
 

CERES

 The most fertile deciduous fruit producing district in the Cape, surrounded by the Hex River, Witsenberg and Skurweberg mountains. Centre for the fruit-growing area of the Warmbokkeveld, the largest fruit-packing house in the southern hemisphere may be seen here. The Ceres Nature Reserve is on the main road leading from Ceres to Mitchell's Pass. Indigenous plants grow profusely. A toll house, about halfway through the pass, is a national monument. The Dwars River runs through the town, with beautiful picnic, angling and swimming areas.

 Ceres, Western Cape
One of the loveliest of inland holiday resorts, with its fruit farms, pools, old Toll House in Mitchell's pass, and winter snows for skiing.

 

A popular holiday resort, with warm summers and often snow in winter providing limited opportunities for winter sports. During November and December you can visit the Klondyke Cherry Farm and eat your fill of cherries.

WORCESTER

 At the entrance to the Hex River Valley, surrounded by mountains that are often snow-capped in winter. The main town of the fertile Breede River Valley, notable for the production of wine and food. Scenically beautiful, it lies on the main Johannesburg - Cape Town route. Worcester has done much to assist the handicapped, including the installation of traffic lights which emit audible signals.
The Worcester Museum, housed in three historic buildings, contains fascinating exhibits. Also of interest is the former home of the artist Hugo Naudé, the old drostdy (magistrate's residence) with its fine Regency façade and the Karoo National Botanic Garden.
Hex River Pass 964m above sea level and built in 1875. A gateway to the Great Karoo, the road runs 10 km along the escarpment.

 

FRANSCHHOEK

 Originally known as 'Le Quartier Français' - the French Quarter. Between 1688 and 1690 land was apportioned to some 200 Hugenots who fled persecution in France. Many had been winemakers in France and finding the cold climate of Franschhoek similar to that of France, they introduced refinements into the early industry.

HUGENOT MONUMENT
At the foot of the Franschhoek Pass and set in a formal garden with a mountain backdrop. Built to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Hugenots.
HUGENOT MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Exhibits are housed in a replica of the stately home. The museum covers the history and genealogy of the Hugenot families.

 Originally settled by the Hugenot refugees (1688) this picturesque valley of wine farms remembers its past in the impressive arched monument, its museum, and historic church.

FRANSCHHOEK PASS
From both engineering and scenic aspects, this is possibly one of the finest mountain passes in South Africa, with its views over the valley.

BEAUFORT WEST

 Beaufort West, also known as the "Oasis of the Karoo', is situated on the N1. The hospitable shade of the town's pear trees offers a cool welcome after a long, journey through the Karoo. Beaufort West is often referred to as the capital of the Karoo. It is the seat of a number of government organisations and also serves a prosperous sheep and stud horse farming community. Life in town, with its old irrigation-furrows running along the main street, is as tranquil as it was over the past century and a half. Lovely historic buildings contribute to its old world charm. The district is well known for the breathtaking beauty of its veld flowers in spring.

 Museum Complex, in Donkin Street, comprises a group of historical buildings. The Stadhuis (1867) was the first city hall built in the Karoo. The town's most famous son, heart surgeon Chris Barnard is honoured with permanent exhibition in this impressive building. The Sendingkerk (1872), the second member of the complex, features the town's church history as well as fashions from yesteryear. The third member of the complex, the old Sendingpastorie, was the birthplace of the famous Barnard brothers.

KIMBERLEY

DIAMOND CITY

South Africa leads in world gemstone production. Kimberley is the diamond centre of the world.  In 1866, an unusual 'pebble' was found near Kimberley on the banks of the Orange River. The discovery precipitated the world's greatest diamond rush - and changed the course of history. Today, Kimberley is a modern city with broad, tree-lined streets, comfortable hotels and busy shopping centres. But the extraordinary saga of its past seems ever-present, enveloping it in an aura of adventure and drama. If you close your eyes, it's easy to conjure up a picture of the diggers, loafers, gamblers and 'ladies' of ill repute who once inhabited the dusty shanty town. 

The diamond sieve statue in the Civic Centre Gardens depicts the diggers of the early days; with the Oppenheimer Building

The Digger's Fountain commemorates the contribution made by thousands of diggers whom toiled on the mines. Despite the fact that the mines are approaching the end of their lives, the name "Kimberley" will always be synonymous  with diamonds. In the words of former De Beers Chairman, Mr Harry Oppenheimer, 'the city will  remain the capital of the world's diamond industry, even when all the mines around it are silent relics like the Big Hole'.

PORT ELIZABETH

 Only a few minutes away from the city centre, the beaches on the long graceful sweep of Algoa Bay provide unlimited opportunities throughout the year for swimming, rock and surf angling, deep sea fishing, boating, surfing and diving. The yachting fraternity tends to gravitate to Hobie Beach and the placid waters of the Swartkops River. The historic heart of the city and traditional gathering and bartering place. Trading still takes place here at the flea market on Saturday mornings. The impressive city hall dates from 1858. Steam train enthusiasts come from afar to ride on the Apple Express which runs from Port Elizabeth on a narrow gauge (610 mm) railway line to the fruit-growing valley of the Long Kloof.

Views of beach front and main beaches. Yachts sailing past beach front 

HERMANUS

 Fashionable seaside resort Hermanus dubbed 'the Riviera of South Africa'. Stretching along the shore of Walker Bay, a much favoured resort, renowned among fishermen and watersport enthusiasts. A collection of old fishing boats, some more than 100 years old, have been restored and may be seen at the Old Harbour Museum, a national monument, constructed on the slipway. Semi-precious stones, jewellery and ornaments are sold at a manufacturing outlet in Arum street. Beaches are safe for swimming and surfing, especially at Voëlklip and Grotto beaches. A yacht club is situated on the Kleinrivier Lagoon. Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a number of signposted walks, an abundance of wild flowers and a prolific bird life.

 

Voëlklip Beach, Grotto Beach, Kleinriviervlei, Hermanus Yacht Club [1994]

TULBAGH

Overlooked by the Witsenberg, Winterhoek and Saronsberg mountains, the area has an excellent climate for fruit growing. In 1969, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the town, and 32 buildings in Church Street have been restored, to form the largest concentration of national monuments in the country.

OUDE KERK VOLKSMUSEUM A complex of four buildings featuring items from Tulbagh's past. 

Old Church Museum, Church Street. One of the oldest church buildings in South Africa, beautifully restored.
De Oude Drostdy (national monument), Van der Stel Street. A beautiful example of Louis Thibault's work, housing a fine collection of early Cape furniture and utensils.
Monbijou (national monument), Church Street. Another example of Thibault's work, designed in 1815.
Victorian House, Van der Stel Street. Dates back to 1892, decorated with furniture of that period.

Church Street * Kerkstraat

 

EAST LONDON

Situated on one of the most attractive stretches of coastline on the eastern seaboard, East London's broad beaches extend for miles - unpolluted, uncrowded, unspoilt. Swimming, sailing, water-skiing, boardsailing and boating are enjoyed all year round, while the river mouths, lagoons and gullies provide a paradise for fishermen. East Londoners are extremely conservation-conscious, and several well-preserved examples of the 19th century architecture enhance the charm of the city. East London Yacht Club hosts many regattas held off the coast and is the finish of the annual Vasco da Gama Yacht Race between Durban and East London. And when the sun goes down the city, there are theatres, cinemas, and a selection of restaurants to pamper the discerning palate.

PAARL

The Pearl of South Africa

PAARL lies less than an hour's drive from Cape Town and the golden beaches of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is renowned for its illustrious past, unrivalled natural beauty, its flourishing wine industry and gracious architecture. The rich heritage of its buildings, interspersed with tablegrape vineyards and rose gardens along its 11 km long Main Street, excellent restaurants and attractive accommodation in lush green surroundings, create a unique tourist mecca.

Paarl's scenic splendour is enhanced by five mountain passes and the majestic Berg River flowing through the heart of the town. The Mediterranean climate yields warm summers, heavenly spring days and mild autumn and winter months - a perfect vacation destination all year round! 

 

SIGNAL HILL

Signal Hill in Cape Town is a renowned tourist attraction. The large flat-topped hill located beside Lion's Head and looking out at nearby Table Mountain is a spectacular look-out point standing proudly between Green Point and the City Bowl. The name Signal Hill dates back to when it was an important semaphore post used for communication with distant ships at sea. Signal Hill's main attraction is the battery with the Noon Gun positioned just below the mountain top. Here a cannon-shot is fired every day (except Sun) at 12 o'clock noon on the dot, to uphold an old Capetonian tradition. The hill has been an observation post for shipping since the first European settlement.

Postcrossing Postcard received from Lu-Gerda

STELLENBOSCH

Stellenbosch is only 41 km from Cape Town and 18 km from False Bay coast. The second oldest town in South Africa was founded by Commander Simon van der Stel in 1679 and is situated on the banks of the Eerste River. It is also known as the "town of oaks" and many oak trees were planted by the first settlers. The town is renowned for its university, which was established in 1918. Many beautiful buildings have been restored to their original charm and the town has fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

STELLENBOSCH, well-known educational centre of Western Cape

Stellenbosch has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool, wet winters. A walk along its leafy lanes and avenues begins to tell of its proud heritage.
Lying in a fertile valley, it is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains. Stellenbosch is synonymous with high quality table wines.

FISH HOEK

 One of the many popular seaside resorts along the peninsula with a fine safe bathing beach. Especially frequented by old and young windsurfers and catamaran sailors. On the other side of the beach is a popular Hobie Cat launching spot where regular regattas offer a colourful spectacle for visitors. A stipulation laid down in 1818 by Lord Charles Somerset (who also declared free fishing rights for all) in the original grant of the land that no public house be kept on the farm has been strictly adhered to. The sale of liquor is prohibited in Fish Hoek. The only teetotal town in the country. 

Peer's Cave. A rock shelter named after the man who discovered the so-called Fishhoek Man, estimated to be about 15 000 years old. 

A lovely spot for bathing. Cape Peninsula, South Africa.

MOSSEL BAY

Mossel Bay is situated exactly half way between Cape Town - the provincial capital of the Western Cape Province – and Port Elizabeth (both 400 km away). This popular holiday town is surrounded by a sunbathed peninsula and the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a busy summer destination as well as an ideal winter retreat. It is blessed with a mild climate all year round but its most important feature is its status as the historical capital of the Garden Route.
Site of the first landfall made by the Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias in 1488 and today a popular holiday resort with fine beaches and much else to offer the tourist. The Batholomeu Dias Museum Complex comprises historical, maritime and shell museums. Launch trips are offered to nearby Seal Island with its noisy population of some 2,000 seals as well as gannets and cormorants.

 

 

Mossel Bay has become the preferred holiday destination of local and international tourists alike and offers great fishing and safe swimming

Received from Lu-Gerda by The Post Office Tree.  For more information about Mossel Bay visit her blog Lu-Gerda's Travels.

SOUTH AFRICA

Greetings from South Africa! Groete van Suid-Afrika!

The wonderful diversity of South Africa - from the magnificent wildlife and scenic splendour to the sophisticated metropolises:

• Johannesburg 
• Durban
• Bloubergstrand

The beach featured in the main picture is Bloubergstrand

• Eastern Transvaal - The eastern Transvaal still has more than a hint if wildness in its glorious visual scope. Mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, pockets of primal forest and a colourful profusion of flowers and birds decorate the countryside. The savannah lands of the lowveld teem with wildlife, including the 'Big Five': lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo, offering an unparalleled experience.

• Garden Route - Between Mossel Bay and the Storms River, the Garden Route runs parallel to a coastline which features lakes, mountains, golden beaches, cliffs and dense indigenous forests. From sources high in the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains, ambercoloured rivers plunge into an ocean of mercurial moods. Surrounded by indigenous forests, the delightful town of George (principal town of the Garden Route) nestles on a coastal plateau at the foot of one of the highest peaks in the Outeniqua mountain range.

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

TABLE MOUNTAIN

One of the greatest natural wonders of the world...

The summit of Cape Town's world-famous landmark is 1086m above sea level and is a national monument. The mountain is covered with a wide variety of wild flowers and is the natural home of the famous silver tree. Table Mountain is floodlit periodically throughout the year. The mountain also offers a number of hikes and walks of varying degrees of difficulty from an easy stroll to rock climbing. Maclears Beacon - the Highest point on Table Mountain is 1087 metres above sea level.

 The plateau of this massive that stands more than a thousand metres above Cape Town and suburbs provides excellent views of the picturesque Cape Peninsula.

This familiar landmark may be explored either on foot or by cable car. The Cableway was officially opened on the 4th of October 1929. The lower station is 366 metres above sea level and situated on Tafelberg Road. The distance separating the upper and lower stations is covered in one span of cable measuring 1244 metres. The upper stations is 1067 metres above sea level. The latest cabins carry 25 people and travel at 17km/h. The actual trip takes 5 minutes.

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

CAPE BEACHES

The choice of beaches in the Cape Peninsula is vast (more than 100 to choose from) but to make it easier each beach is unique, offering something to suit every beachgoer. There are family beaches, beaches for suntanning, snorkelling, boardsailing, surfing, fishing and for swimming! There is also an unofficial beach for nudists at Sandy Bay.

• Hout Bay >> http://theworldofpostcards.blogspot.com/2014/10/HOUTBAY.html

• Muizenberg  >>  http://theworldofpostcards.blogspot.com/2014/11/MUIZENBERG.html

• Bloubergstrand >> http://theworldofpostcards.blogspot.com/2014/11/BLOUBERGSTRAND.html

Cape Town's Beaches.  The fun of surf, sand and sun together with magnificent scenery on a picturesque shoreline

• Sandy Bay - Well-known unofficial nudist beach. The beach is backed by steep sand dunes and bushy mountain slopes. Poorly protected from the south-easter wind, Sandy Bay has no access roads, shops or facilities.

• St. James - Named after the first church built here, in 1874, this is a charming village, with beautiful holiday houses, residences and a small, sheltered beach and a large tidal pool ideal for toddlers. Characterised by its parade of brightly coloured bathing boxes. There is a cafe on the main road.

• Clifton - Four sheltered beaches seperated by enormous granite boulders. Cold for swimming, but noted for bikini-clad sun-bathers. Many houses are built on stilts or on overhanging cliffs. The area between the sea and Victoria Road is a scenic and botanic reserve. Cape Town's most glamorous beach packed in season with consequent parking problems.

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

BLOUBERGSTRAND

Holiday resort with a spectacular view of Table Mountain and Cape Town. Wild flowers abound in spring. A clear day affords a view of Robben Island. 'Ons Huisie', a restored fisherman's cottage, and a national monument, now a restaurant. Safe swimming opposite lifesaver's club where a lifesaver is on duty. Fishing is good, as is surfing and swimming, despite the cold surf. A small beach (Little Bay) for swimming, sunbathers and families; a large one (Big Bay)for angling, surfing and paddle-skiing competitions. Braaing permitted on grassy verge behind car park. International windsurfing competitions are held here annually.

The beach from across the waters of Table Bay - with magnificent panoramic vistas of Devil's Peak, Table Mountain and conical Lion's Head

Received from Lynne, Cape Town