Early bird hiking up Lions Head

When I heard my alarm at 4:15 am I already regretted my over zeal from the day before.

It was pitch-black outside, just 17 degree and not even the birds started singing. 30 min later after I had a shower, I hold a cup of coffee in my hands and met my friends at the bottom of Lions Head.

Finally my energy was awake.
With a good mood and a thrill of anticipation we hiked up the mountain until reached the top 40 min later.

5:50 am.
Sweaty but happy, we were standing shoulder to shoulder waiting for the sunrise. Suddenly the red fireball slide forward behind the Table Mountain and made the 12 Apostles as well as Camps Bay looked like glowing.

It was an unforgettable experience and lots of fun.
And it is totally worth it waking up at 4:15 am!

Nadine Weidner - Trainee

 

Don’t miss the stunning Spring Flowers in the unique Cape Region

The chance to get up close and personal with South Africa’s budding beauties is an opportunity you definitely should not miss!

Let’s do this!

Where to go: either you go to the Postberg section of the West Coast National Park or to the western section of the Tankwa Karoo National Park. Both flower-viewing hotspots are outstanding and not far to drive.  

When to go: the best time to view the beautiful Spring flowers in the Cape Region runs from the beginning of August to the end of September

How to view: both parks have a number of self-drive routes available or you can book a guided hike tour to get a closer look at the impressive flora and fauna during spring season.

What else… From both parks you can expect innumerable birds, bucks and bugs. In the West Coast National Park, keep your eyes open for passing sea dwellers (whales and dolphins), mongooses, bat-eared foxes and honey badgers; in the Tankwa Karoo National Park, you have a prayer of spotting mountain zebra, aardvark, kudu, black-backed jacka, etcetera, etcetera…

Christmas at Pearly Beach- South Africa

Christmas with the Marshall

The Marshalls celebrate a German/ South African Christmas in South Africa, a not too rare phenomenon in South Africa given how popular this destination is for this European crowed... especially during December time. 

To escape the rush of Cape Town during the festive season, the Marshalls pack their bags (filled mainly with swimwear, shorts, flops and thin shirts) and head of to Pearly Beach. This is a village situated South-East of Cape Town (merely 20km from Gansbaai) with what seems to be a never-ending beach. 

At the Pearly Beach house, Santa is welcomed with cookies and milk, carrots are laid out for the reindeers that have traveled miles at end and children lay at rest with the sound of the waves braking as they reach the shores. On Christmas day it is not the church bells that awaken all but rather the croaking of crickets. Real Christmas trees are not popular in South Africa, so the Marhsalls... I mean Santa.... lay the gifts under a "Driftwood" tree. 

After the gift-giving, which is accompanied by an abundance of laughter and hugs, the day has officially begun for a hot summer's day at the Beach. 

Instead of pulling on skates to trek through a snowy Germany, the Marshall kids in South Africa rush to get their body boards and run off to ride the waves. Silke of course brings the German influences and prepares a traditional German meal for all to enjoy. However, instead of Glühwein, the adults enjoy Gin & Tonic as the sun goes down on yet another magical Christmas spent in South Africa.