May 2012
News from the Trails
Eve's, Darling Stagger and Five Bay Trails all have Green Flag status now.
Since our last newsletter we have launched Five Bay Trail and the Wheels of Time Cycle Trail.
Quick Trail Facts
Trails for everyone from hardcore mountain lovers, twitchers and botanists to family groups and modern-day strandlopers.
- Slackpacking trails, without the schlep, guided and catered, comfortable and safe.
- Power breaks of 2.5 days duration with the starting point less than an hour and a half's drive from Cape Town.
Wheels of Time Cycle Trail Launched
The Wheels of Time Cycle Trail is the latest Cape West Coast Trail to be launched. This is where cyclists get to take a mountain bike ride through time as they explore the rolling hills and coastal plains of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve. The ride is not aimed at adrenalin junkies or ABSA Cape Epic trainees, but rather at recreational cyclists who are keen to experience the back roads and beauty of the West Coast, from the seat of a bicycle.
The Experience:
Slow cycling across rolling hills under wide-open skies savouring the vistas of an ancient landscape along with those of working wheat farms. Take in the history of mission stations, learn about the pristine strandveld and visit !Khwa ttu, a place of hope for the San.The Trail:
Your journey begins with a 45km cycle from the Mamre Moravian Mission Station all the way to Darling. Then it's a 45km cycle through the exquisite West Coast National Park to Yzerfontein followed by a 16km cycle from Yzerfontein along the coast to !Khwa ttu.The Hospitality:
Comfy nights in 3-4 star guesthouses in Darling and Yzerfontein along with traditional gourmet meals and local entertainment by Tannie Evita or Tannie Ivy.
Guess who came peddling by?
It was an early, misty, morning as the cavalcade pulled into the Moravian Mission of Mamre. All was quiet, as security had conducted a routine sweep the day before, leaving nothing to chance, sealing manhole covers and even removing as many horse flies as possible. Prince Joseph had arrived to do the Wheels of Time.For security reasons we cannot divulge the details on route, but have received the necessary permission, in triplicate, to publish a few photographs. Prince Joseph went on to complete the roughly 100km long circumnavigation of some of the highlights of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve and to date stands as the youngest person ever to do so.
Dog Walks Five Bay Trail
This incredible dog accompanied us on the Five Bay Trail and walked with us all the way from Paternoster to Cape Columbine. He was so cute; while we had our tea break, he simply laid on his back and slept liked a dead person.
We sneaked a look at his dog tag and called his owner who came to collect him, as it was rather hot out.
Apparently it's a regular occurrence.
Seen Along the Way
We found an incredible little creature along Eve's Trail that looked like a giant ant with a striped pattern of yellow and brown over its abdomen. The body feels soft; one can imagine there is liquid inside.
 |
 |
| Sia Pallidus/Sand or Jerusalem Crickets. They have quite a severe bite and are believed to be carnivores. | Seen along the Five Bay Trail, Haemanthus pubescens (Poeierkwas) |
The Biosphere Trails – Walking the Talk
Trails Receive Green Flag Accreditation
Eve's, The Darling Stagger and the Five Bay Trails all have Green Flag status. This indicates that they strive to be environmentally and socially responsible. Read more about Green Flag accreditation on www.trailinfo.co.za
Luckily, a good trail sells itself. The best advertisement is through word of mouth from satisfied clients.
"We overnight at Thali Thali, a game farm outside Darling. Our chefs, Tannie Caroline and her niece Natasha, produce an amazing seafood potjie served on a bed of rice. And malva pudding with custard. We deserve all this pampering, having cycled 43km that day. A miracle morning sees us on top of Seeberg, in the West Coast National Park, overlooking the Langebaan lagoon. It's early and thick fog blankets much of the view.
Our chefs arrive with all the trappings to produce breakfast, complete with fresh carrot and apple juice,
potato hash and eggs. Definitely something to write home about. Our ride is easier today."
- Dawne Haddad for Weekend Argus and Sunday Independent
View the article as it appears in the Travel section of the
Saturday Star, April 28, 2012.
Spotlight on Will Guillum Scott
(Social Media Administrator)
Will Scott was born in 1973 in Cape Town and spent his youth in the Eastern Cape training most of his time (six hours a day six days a week - so this man knows commitment!) for trampolining. Will was chosen to represent the springbok team at the World Championships in 1990.
However, on 6 June 1990, literally a month before departure, Will Scott had a tragic accident that left him as a quadriplegic. Not to be stopped, Will graduated from Stellenbosch University in 1998 and busied himself studying, researching and looking for his plan B. We have had the privilege of sourcing the skills of this dedicated and committed man!
Editor: Why were you selected to join the Trails team?
Will: I was brought on board to add a dynamic online dimension to the trails product.
Editor: What aspect of the trails most excites you?
Will: As a start-up, there is an opportunity to gain experience through trial and error, allowing one to better contribute to something bigger than the sum of its parts.
Editor: Best tweet thus far?
Will: Any tweet that gets a response or a re-tweet and gets the conversation going. That's what it's all about.
Editor: What is your biggest trail challenge?
Will: Being unable to experience them directly due to my disability, it is often difficult to see them through the eyes of a client.
Editor: Your hope for the Trails?
Will: To be successful, which is to say that they bring magic moments for our clients and fulfillment for all of us working on them.
The Cape West Coast Trail Welcomes
Astrid Links to the Team.
(Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve Trails Booking Administrator)
Astrid hails from Piketberg. She has a tourism qualification, some administrative experience, a well-rounded exposure to tourism through the West Coast District Municipality and the support of Dave Cornelius and Kiwiet van Rooyen. Astrid will be looking after trail bookings.
Astrid Links can be contacted at:
Tel: 0861 (TRAILS) 872457
Email: trails@capebiosphere.co.za
Bookings
If you are thinking about doing the trail during the flower season (August - October),
December or any other holidays - please book now, accommodation comes at a premium during these times.
Billboard
Keep an eye out for our billboard on the grounds of Woodbridge Primary School that can be viewed from Marine Drive heading toward Tableview. With much appreciation to OpenXposure for their sponsorship.
What are they saying about us?
"I thought it was a wonderful experience. I returned feeling energised and healthy. A wonderful three days. I am happy to have the memories captured in the photographs taken by Peter Schuman."
Wheels of time comment from cyclist.
"Ja dit was, baie rustig en plesierige stap."
Comment from clients on Five Bay Trail.
Trails Dates and Special Offers
Corporate packages launched
Watch this space for hiking, cycling, canoe club packages
We will shortly be working on a series of packages that will support local guest houses practicing responsible tourism.
If you are thinking about doing the trail during the flower season (August - October), December or any other holidays - book now, accommodation comes at a premium during these times. Check out our website for set trail dates, we also organise customized trails to set in your schedule.
2012 Dates & Rates
Click here do download our Wheels of time Promo!
| 1 | Customised TrailsYou can choose your own dates and we will customize a trail for you. You may even want to do 2 or 3 of the trails back to back for an overall West Coast experience. Itineraries and quotes are provided on request. |
| 2 | Scheduled TrailsAlternatively you can join other guests on one of the following set date trails in 2012. The price is R2500 per person, with a 10% discount for groups of 8 or more. |
| 3 | Exploratory TrailsAlternatively you can join other guests on one of the following subsidized exploratory trails in 2012: The price is R2000 per person. |
Prices are fully inclusive of 2 nights accommodations in 3-4 star guesthouses, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, guides, activities, equipment, luggage transport and local transfers. Terms & Conditions Apply.
Ask us about our customized, shortened and/or self-catering budget options which range from R1600 - R2000 per person. Terms & Conditions Apply.
Write to us:
We would love to include some of your hiking stories in Biosphere Buzz.
Send your news: media@capebiosphere.co.za
For more information, visit www.capebiosphere.co.za
