Beach

Located on the shores of the small coastal town of Fish Hoek lies Fish Hoek beach. Voted as one of the safest beaches in South Africa, one has the great combination of hour glass sand beaches, turquoise couloured waters, and a big blue sky. There are also mountain views from the beach.

I had never been to Boulders Beach before this point in time, I am embarrassed to say. The reason for my shame is that it is a truly beautiful location that any avid adventurer can not pass on.

Besides from the obviously stunning coastline, there is also another adventure to be had in this little patch of land called Simons Town. Namely, the Penguin walkway.

Upon entering the wooden stretch, I could immediately hear what sounding like the calls of a donkey! I soon realized that this noise was in fact resonating from the penguins themselves. These birds were originally named 'Jackass Penguins', but this was changed to the African Penguin, due to the unflattering nature of the name.

Everyone has seen a penguin on television, on cartoons, movies, even stop frame clay animation. I have even helped feed them after an oil slick on the Western Coast, a few years back. However, until you spend time with them, you will never have had the real experience.

I was surprised to find this species, amongst the plant life, running alongside the walkway. I have seen them in the ocean and on the beach, but never amongst the bush! It was then that I realize why they were seemingly out of their habitat. Incubation duties. I spotted several Penguins, protectively warming their eggs, and came to the conclusion that it was the time of year that these comical animals begin their life cycle.

After a relaxing stroll, up and down the walkway, taking in the sea air, the natural beauty of our country, and of course that unbeatable African sun, I made my way to a boulder, overlooking the ocean. It was there that I got to spend a special moment with one of these animals.

As I sat and starred out into the vast blue waters, a penguin burst out of a wave, onto a rock. This was no ordinary rock mind you. It was a rock with a 70 degree gradient. I had the opportunity to view this determined little creature, make its way up this cliff like rock, one small jump at a time. I noticed little claws on the end of its webbed feet, and realized that I had learned something new.

After our goodbyes, I left Pingi (His adopted name), on the boulders, and made my way back to Boulders Beach Resort, where I was staying the night. I remember smiling to myself, and knowing that I would remember the moment for a long time to come.

Along the Southern Coast of Africa, there is no end to the spectacular beauty that the vegetation and layout of the land provides. Many beaches kiss the coastline in the form of breathtaking bays, however, there is one such immaculate stretch of coast that stands out like a perfect rose, amongst a bunch of beautiful roses. This little piece of paradise is called Victoria Bay.

I have visited this sliver of coastline on a few occasions, over the years, but each time, the first sight of the mountain, vegetation and beach combination comes into view, a smile immediately spreads across my face. There is loads of parking space, running up to the section of grass, before the sandy shore. On this grass section, there is a restaurant, as well as a small hatch, selling all types of soft drinks. As one gazes across the expanse that is the open ocean, a visual feast is what meets you. Mountains loom directly on the sides of the beach, on which an old train service runs, offering equally spectacular views. These mountains are covered in thick, lush greenery. As you make your way around the side of the soft sands, leading up to the salt water, there is a short promenade consisting of guest houses and a small pier. A large, man made rock pool sits in the side of the bay, offering a far calmer ocean experience, to the wave ridden waters. World class surfing is to be had here.

For the more adventurous of heart, there are various large boulders to be explored, at the end of the promenade. Small rock pools are also there to be enjoyed, which are protected from the open ocean. A trail that leads you up the side of the mountain, for a closer inspection of the local plant life, is also in the close vicinity, with plenty of birdlife on display. This is truly an amazing location.

Things to remember on this enchanted little journey definitely include sun cream, as the temperature can reach into the high thirties, on many occasions during the summer. A towel, sunglasses and liquids would also all be most important.

Just forty minutes down the South Coast from Cape Town, lies a beautiful little beach, in a small town, nestled at the base of Hottentots Mountain Range. This is Gordons Bay Beach. The combination of the White Sands, Blue Waters, and Majestic Mountains make for a true visual spectacle.

The day, on which I had the pleasure of enjoying this little patch of the world, I soaked up the glorious sunshine, as well as those views, which included rolling clouds, colliding into the large mountains. The area is quiet, out of season, with much peace and tranquility to be had. However, during the peak season of summer, this little town is flocked to by sun worshippers, and holiday makers of all kinds. This injects life into this usually layed back destination.

I viewed many types of Yachts, that were both moored, and sailing in the bay. If I was to ever consider the option of a boat such as one of these, (If I should ever be so lucky), then this would be the place to convince me.

After what seemed but a moment, I had to continue my way towards Plettenberg Bay, taking with me what seemed like a daydream. The smile was off to an early start, on my voyage.

Wilderness Beach is one of those locations that truly lets one know that they are in Africa. Besides from the African Sun in the Summer time, one can view the dense vegetation that grows right up to the beach, giving a complete wild coast feel to it. It is located between Mossel Bay and Knysna, which in themselves, are worth the trip.

This is one of those beaches that you can be enjoyed during the day and the evening. During the day one can absorb the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and the expanse of white sand, giving one all the room in the world to relax, or to run around like a wild person. A walk along this beach is a really calming experience, as well as a feast for the eyes. During the evening, one can witness some of the most spectacular sunsets, as well as a variety of sea creatures, such as the brightly coloured sea snails, that form into mass groups, and seem to enjoy their organized chaos.

Many fisherman flock to this shore, as there is apparently great fishing to be had in these parts. A variety of fish are on the menu in Wilderness, due to these fisherman, and their abundant catches.

They are plenty of accommodations to stay at, which are right on the beach, offering those fantastic views, from your very own balcony. I had the pleasure of staying at the Wilderness Beach Lodge, which enabled me to enjoy my time to the fullest. This is a unique beach experience, and one that should not be missed by anyone traveling along the Garden Route.