my views

With South Africa under national lockdown Level 3 to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, the beaches and many recreational activities like picnicking, braaing and swimming are off limits. And while a dip in the ocean may not be permitted, a walk alongside it, smelling the fresh sea breeze and feeling the cool ocean spray is a great consolation.  Hike the Hoek van Bobbejaan Trail We hiked the Hoek van Bobbejaan Trail in Cape Point, which is part of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve. It is a circular route with an estimated hiking time of 3 hours.  The trail starts with a sharp, stair-like descent to the beach. There were many people foraging in the low tide for crayfish. This is allowed, provided you have a permit. We also saw quite a few people angling (fishing). We were fortunate that there was a bit of mist when we started (just after 8am) so it was nice and cool.  A misty morning Can you spot the diver? He's searching for crayfish Stunning ocean views As our hike continued, the

Most people who know or follow me on Insta , are aware that most of my Sundays (sometimes Saturdays) are spent in Silvermine Nature Reserve , which is part of the Sanparks Table Mountain National Park. Where is Silvermine Nature Reserve? If you are travelling on the M3 towards Muizenberg, you turn right at the end of the road to take Ou Kaapse Weg on the way to Noordhoek. As you ascend the incline, the road will take a sharp right and Silvermine Nature Reserve Gate 1 is on the right hand side. If you are somewhat puzzled by my directions, just Google Maps it! How much does it cost? There is an entrance fee of R35 per adult and R15 per child. If you have a four-legged, furry friend, they charge R70 for the dog and an accompanying adult. Waleed and I used to pay these fees weekly, until we got a couples' Wildcard (which provides unlimited entries into any of the parks or reserves) and a My Activity Permit for Kygo (this allows him into certain parks, reserves and beaches). Fo

We spent the Valentine’s weekend, celebrating my dad’s 62nd birthday, on Good Hope Farm . It is about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town (during relatively low to no traffic). Travelling on the N1, through the Huguenot Tunnel, you will pass Goudini Spa, go through Worcester and Robertson and cross the Breede River, where the farm is a little oasis at the end of a gravel road, at the base of an amazing mountain range. The route is scenic and lined with loads of vineyards and you pass quite a few wine farms on your way to the farm. You don't get more rustic than a vintage petrol pump One of the cottages on Good Hope Farm The mountains go on forever and ever... framed by marshmallow clouds. A digital detox We reached the farm just before sunset and as soon as we entered the gate my google maps app lost connectivity. I was surprised, and in hindsight, pleasantly so that there was no signal on the farm and no internet in the cottages. We connected to the WIFI at the main