Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

waterside paths and hides from which to study the birds and the small population ofhippopotami. There are also small mammals such as mongoose, otter, grysbok andsteenbok. The Gill Field Museum is a natural history museum and is well worth a visit.Silvermine Mountain Reserve: The Silvermine Reserve off the Ou Kaapse Weg (Old CapeRoad) is part of the South Peninsula National Park (SPNP). Silvermine features manyspecies of fynbos (proteas, ericas and reeds), and several species of indigenous trees.Included in this section on the eastern side of the Peninsula are the Muizenberg and Kalk BayMountains. A mountain-bike route and several hikes lead to Noordhoek Peak and NoordhoekRidge that has picnic and ablution facilities. The Sunbird Environmental Recreation Centre ison Silvermine Road in the reserve. It has accommodation for some 42 people and offersguided walks, adventure activities, wetlands, hiking trails, night-time exploration and art andcraft sessions. The Cape Peninsula National Park (CPNP) is one of Africa’s conservationicons and protects such diverse areas as mountains, coasts and marine reserves. It lies atthe south-western tip of Africa and encompasses the Peninsula Mountain Chain that stretchesfor approximately 60 km from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south. Cape Point isthe southernmost point in the Cape Peninsula and not, as many mistakenly believe, the mostsoutherly point in Africa.Southern Black-backed Gull Sanctuary: This bird haven lies east of Muizenberg on RoadR310. The Swartklip (“Black stone”) Hills provide one of the last breeding colonies for theblack-backed gull, also called the kelp gull. These birds breed in the summer months and areeasily observed from the road.Zandvlei Bird Sanctuary: Visits to the sanctuary are only allowed in the company of a ranger.The marsh provides many of the 132 species of birds that have been identified here with anideal breeding ground.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREHistorical sites: Muizenberg has a rich historical heritage and some of its most importanthistorical sites include the South African Police Museum, the Magistrate’s Court and CarnegieLibrary, and Het Posthuijs. Het Posthuijs (the Post House) in Main Street dates from the lateeighteenth century and is considered to be the oldest structure along the False Bay coast.The Dutch East India Company originally used it as a policing post. These museums alsocontain exhibits of the Battle of Muizenberg. The Post Office in Main Road, completed in1911, is considered to be the first post office in South Africa to receive mail by air.All Saints Anglican Church: The modest T-shaped building dates from 1890 and is situated inMain Street.Muizenberg Railway Station, completed in 1913 in red-brick and sandstone, is a typicalexample of Edwardian architecture.Muizenberg Synagogue: Located in Camp Street, the synagogue was built exactly where theoriginal wood and iron building once stood.Muizenberg Toy Museum and Collectors Shop: Experience the joys of childhood again! TheMuizenberg Toy Museum and Collectors Shop at No 8 Beach Road, Muizenberg offers adisplay of toys from turn-of-the-century toy factories, including early steam trains, pedal cars,rocking horses, dolls, clockwork figures and Dinky Toys – the variety is amazing. Themuseum is housed in an historic mansion designed by Sir Herbert Baker.88