Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Rhodes’ Cottage: Cecil John Rhodes, the empire-builder, retired to Muizenberg after theevents that led to the Anglo-Boer War and died here in 1902. Rhodes was Prime Minister ofthe Cape Colony from 1890 until 1896. Today, Rhodes’ Cottage in Main Road is open to thepublic as a museum and displays some period furniture and some of Rhodes’ personalpossessions.Rust en Vrede House: The renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker also left his mark in thisarea when he designed Rust en Vrede, which is still a private residence. The house isregarded by many as one of his best works.South African Police (SAP) Museum: Situated at 186 Main Road, the establishment is the firstmuseum of its kind in the Western Cape. This museum tells the story of our brave police forceand relates some of its members’ heroic deeds.NOORDHOEK (including Chapman’s Peak)Follow the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive along the mountains and discover Noordhoek(North Corner), a true country village that has become the home of many gifted artists andcraftsmen. Noordhoek was originally a farming area, but has become a popular residentialarea with a 7-km-long, sandy beach.ADVENTURE AND SPORTBeach: The 7-km-long, largely deserted beach is lovely and is ideal for a long peacefulramble or canter on horseback. The north end of the beach is popular with surfers andfishermen.ART AND CRAFTSNoordhoek Art Route: The route visits local artists whose work range from bronze sculpturesto stained glass and ceramics. Noordhoek Farm Village on Chapman’s Peak Drive has aninformation kiosk with friendly staff who will provide information on the Noordhoek area andthe Art Route.Village Farm: The farm stall sells organically grown vegetables, and a wide range of unusualgifts and clothing can be found in the quaint shops. “The Enchanting Wood” and “TheStables” restaurant in the village opens its doors at eight in the evening.ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPINGMonkey Valley Beach Nature Resort: The resort in Mountain Road, Chapman’s Peak is set ina milkwood forest and offers comfortable accommodation with spectacular beach views. Therestaurant in the resort has a warm and intimate atmosphere.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREShipwreck: The wreck of a nineteenth-century ship, the Kakapo, lies at the south end ofNoordhoek beach.NATURAL WONDERSChapman’s Peak: The road up the mountain offers one of the world’s most spectacular scenicdrives, with many picnic spots and viewing sites to choose from. Vertical sandstone cliffs thatsoar high into the sky, overshadow the 10-km road between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Giantgranite boulders seem to hold the road suspended above the shimmering sea below, creatingan awe-inspiring experience. Italian prisoners of war built the road half a century ago.89