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Nieu-Bethesda
Graaff-Reinet
Aberdeen
RietbronKlipplaat
Steytlerville
Jansenville
Willowmore
WolwefonteinKirkwood
Pearston
Somerset East Cookhouse
AlicedalePaterson Bathurst
KleinemondePort Alfred
Kenton-on-Sea
Cape St. FrancisOyster Bay
Storms River Humansdorp
KareedouwHankey
Patensie Addo ElephantNational Park
Joubertina
N2 to Cape Town
ADDOAlexandria
The CacaduCOMPASS
COME & EXPLORE THE OF OUR WORLDADDO, BAVIAANS & GAMTOOS VALLEY, GRAHAMSTOWN, JEFFREYS BAY & ST FRANCIS, KAROO, SUNSHINE COAST, TSITSIKAMMA
JOIN THE EXPEDITION TO THE TREASURES OF THE SEVEN WONDERS
Steal a heart under the star studded skies of the Karoo, or brave the wild of the Addo Elephant National park. Seek
adventure in Tsitsikamma or simply relax on the glorious beaches of the Sunshine coast. Enjoy the breath-taking
natural setting of the Baviaanskloof or surf champion waves in Jeffreys Bay. If you are not an outdoor person, soak
up the rich history and culture of Grahamstown. South Africa is home to the beautiful Cacadu district, where Addo,
Baviaans, Grahamstown, Jeffreys Bay, Karoo, Tsitsikamma, and the Sunshine Coast converge to offer the complete
7 wonders of our world.
• The 7 wonders span 60 000 square kilometers of malaria-free and spectacularly diverse landscapes.
• The area stretches from Graaff-Reinet in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south and between the Bloukrans River
in the west and Great Fish River in the east.
SEE AND EXPLORE THE 7 WONDERS
1. Addo Home to the Big 72. Baviaans The biggest wilderness area in South Africa3. Grahamstown Hosts the National Arts Festival4. Jeffreys Bay The world’s best right hand surf break5. Karoo The greatest cathedral on earth6. Sunshine Coast The area with the most sunshine hours in South Africa7. Tsitsikamma Highest commercial bungee in the world
“The ”
EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR WITHIN THE 7 WONDERS
From March up to August 2009, several events, as wondrous as the 7 nodes themselves, are taking place within the District.
ADDO, BAVIAANS & GAMTOOS VALLEY, GRAHAMSTOWN, JEFFREYS BAY & ST FRANCIS, KAROO, SUNSHINE COAST, TSITSIKAMMA
0201
Did you know?
Jeffreys Bay has the
best right hand surf
break in the world.
The Tsitsikamma area has the highest commercial bungee in the world.
Did you know?
SCIFEST AFRICA SciFest Africa (previously known as Sasol Scifest) is the first of its kind in southern Africa. It features over 600 activities, including interactive exhibitions, workshops, educational theatre, field trips, a soap box derby, laser show and a FilmFest. Attendance exceeds 40 000 visitors.
When: Wednesday, 25 March 2009 to Tuesday, 31 March 2009Where: GrahamstownVenue: 1820 Settlers National MonumentWebsite: http://www.scifest.org.za
BATHURST AGRICULTURAL SHOW
The Bathurst Agricultural Show draws approximately 200 stand-holders and 20 000 visitors to the festival of competitions, exhibitions and demonstrations. From pigs to pottery, sheep to scrapbooking, there is something for everyone.
When: Friday, 03 April 2009 to Sunday, 05 April 2009Where: Bathurst Showgrounds, Bathurst, Telephone: +27 (0)46 625 0759Website: http://www.bathurstshow.co.za
KIRKWOOD WILDLIFE FESTIVAL The 7th Kirkwood Wildlife Festival will be bigger, better and wilder than ever before with over 35 000 visitors expected to attend. The Festival offers a unique blend of wildlife, arts, crafts, food and live entertainment as well as South Africa’s second biggest game auction.
When: Friday, 26 June 2009 to Sunday, 28 June 2009Where: KirkwoodTelephone: +27 (0)42 230 0064/66Website: http://www.kirkwood.co.za
GRAHAMSTOWN NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is Africa’s largest and most colourful cultural event and offers a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talent. Over 150 000 people flock to feast on arts, crafts and sheer entertainment. From theatre to dance, opera to cabaret, fine art to craft art, classical music to jazz, poetry readings to lectures, every art form imaginable is represented. More information on the Festival can be found on page 6 of this newsletter.
When: Thursday, 02 July 2009 to Saturday, 11 July 2009Where: GrahamstownWebsite: http://www.nafest.co.za
The Addo area lies an hours’ scenic drive from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast and the 1820 Settler history of Grahamstown. Also located in this area is the Addo Elephant National Park which is a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife. The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area. Today, this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.
5 FACTS ABOUT THE ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK:• It includes a marine section where seasonal whales and sharks can be spotted; • It is a malaria free reserve;• It offers an array of activities including game viewing, horse-riding and hiking trails;• It covers 120 000 hectares of bush veld; and• It inhabits some of the densest African elephant populations on earth.
GAME DRIVES ARE ON OFFER FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TIMES:Sunrise drive: 06:00 (summer) or 07:00 (winter) Day drives: 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 Sunset drives: 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer) Night drives: 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer)
CONTACTS FOR BOOKINGS:Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 0556 Website: www.addoelephantpark.com
PLACES TO VISIT IN THE ADDO AREA
Addo Crocodile and Lion Ranch offers guided tours, a restaurant and the chance to handle lion cubs.
Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 0369 Email: [email protected].
Danielle Cheetah Breeding Park offers visitors a chance to handle cheetahs.
Website www.addotourism.co.za
Addo Valley Raptor & Reptile Centre serves as an animal recovery and rehabilitation centre for sick and
injured birds of prey and reptiles, both wild and captive bred.Visitors also have the opportunity to experience a safe, close encounter with these majestic creatures.
Telephone: +27 (0)41 961 0168
Addo Dung Beetle Breeding Station teaches visitors about this unique beetle and the conservation efforts undertaken to save this insect.
Telephone: +27 (0)83 399 4129 or +27 (0)83 974 5802 (Magna & Rod Van Heerden)
Baviaans has the
biggest wilderness
in South Africa
Did you know?
BILTONG FESTIVAL
The Castle Lager Biltong Festival is a closed-arena festival with hundreds of different stalls, tons of biltong and lots of entertainment on offer. The Festival is currently the biggest of its kind in the Eastern Cape and draws over 20 000 visitors. When: Friday, 17 July 2009 to Saturday, 18 July 2009Where: Somerset EastTelephone: +27(0)42 243 1333Website: http://www.biltongfees.co.za
CITRUS CARNIVAL
The Citrus Carnival celebrates the citrus season with plenty of stalls and a fun-filled entertainment pro-gramme suitable for the whole family. A large selection of citrus products can be tasted and will be available for purchase.
When: Saturday, 22 August 2009 Where: Sunday’s River Primary SchoolTelephone: Diane Biggs on +27 (0)83 652-9849
BILLABONG PRO
The 24th edition of Africa’s most prestigious and lucrative surfing tournament hits Jeffreys Bay once more as the world’s best surfers go to work on the universally renowned waves. The event also features plenty of evening entertainment including live music, spectator-friendly infrastructure and the world’s most technologically advanced control tower.
When: Friday, 10 July 2009 to Monday, 20 July 2009 (provisional)Where: Jeffreys BayWebsite: http://www.billabongpro.com
Addo Elephants & the Big 7
03 04
The Baviaans area, rich in natural and cultural diversity, includes a cluster of protected areas of which the most well-known is the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. The Reserve, a World Heritage Site and South Africa’s largest protected area has seven biomes, an abundance of bird and animal life, and holds ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. The fertile Gamtoos Valley is known for small stock farming, and is surrounded by quaint towns of Willowmore,Steytlerville, Patensie, and Hankey which all have scenic routes, a variety of arts and craft to appreciate.
ACTIVITIES IN THE BAVIAANS AREAThe Baviaanskloof with its breathtaking mountain passes that wind through the magnificent wilderness area offers mountain biking, hiking, camping, 4x4 trails, hunting safaris, rock and mountain climbing, bird watching and scenic drives among other things.
THE BAVIAANS BACK TO FRONT CIRCLE ROUTE
The Baviaans Back to Front Circle Route will take you by car (recommended a 4x4 or 4x2 with diff-lock) through the culturally rich Karoo towns of Steytlerville and Willowmore to the lush crags of the Baviaanskloof and the ever-changing scenery of the Groot Rivier valley.
Telephone: +27(0)44 923 1702 (Baviaans Tourism Office)
MOUNTAIN BIKING The Baviaanskloof offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to discover the wilderness, ‘Karoovlaktes’ and Winterhoek Mountains from the seat of a mountain bike. The valley also hosts the annual Trans Baviaans mountain bike marathon, considered to be the longest one-day mountain bike race in the world.
Telephone +27(0)498 391122 (Baviaanskloof Mountain Pass Tours)
4X4 TRAILS Winding trails will take you through breathtaking scenery, and although not a particularly difficult 4x4 trail, some parts are sufficiently demanding to make it exciting.
Telephone: +27(0)49 839 1160 (Chris or Tanya Lamprecht) Email [email protected]
CAMPINGThe campsites of Doodsklip and Rooihoek are both located on the upper reaches of the Kouga Dam in close proximity to pure white sandy beaches that fringe the deep river pools which are ideal for swimming.
Telephone: +27 (0)44 923 1702 (Baviaans Tourism Office), or +27 (0) 83 420 5434 (Jane Zaaiman) Email: [email protected]
INTERESTING THINGS TO SEE IN THE AREA Hankey Vergaderingskop/Assembly Hill offers the perfect vantage point that overlook the raging waters of the Gamtoos sweep.
Sarah Bartmann’s grave, a National Heritage Site, houses the remains of the Khoi-san woman who was exhibited as the Hottentot Venus in both London and Paris.
The Sundial, said to be the largest of its kind in southern Africa (diameter is 36.4 meter), was erected by the late Dirk Shleringhout in 1989 after his arrival in the Gamtoos Valley from Holland after the Second World War.
Grahamstown lies at the heart of the Eastern Cape’s 100-year long frontier war. The area is steeped in the history of the Xhosa’s and the Settlers. This is where you can find a blend of history, art and culture packaged in a rustic city with architectural wonders making it the perfect fusion of the past and present. Grahamstown boasts true country hospitality with its world class game lodges, hotels and guest houses, renowned schools such as the Rhodes University, as well as famous coelacanth, and Botanical Gardens which also distinguish Grahamstown from other small cities. In July, this quiet city comes alive with culture and activity, drama and jazz, flea-markets and cabaret as visitors flock to the city for the annual Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
PLACES TO VISIT FOR THE HISTORICAL BUFFS: • The1820SettlersMonument was erected in honour of the Settlers, who had a great impact on the country due to their campaign for Press Freedom and the need for a democratic government.
• The Settlers’ Memorial Tower forms part of the Town Hall in Grahamstown. It bears a simple marble table which commemorates the heroic 960 km ride of Dick King from Port Natal to Grahamstown in 1842.
• Artificer’sSquare derived its name from the inhabitants, artisans, whose services were in demand for military buildings with an increase in 1820 Settlers moving into Grahamstown from 1823 onwards.
• Fort Selwyn on Gunfire Hill, constructed in 1836, was converted into a domestic residence and teagarden and declared a National Heritage Site eleven years later. It now forms part of the Albany Museum.
• TheAlbanyMuseum, the second oldest museum in the country, was established in 1855 and has 5 components namely, the History Museum, the Observatory Museum, the Provost Prison, Fort Selwyn and the Natural Science Museum.
• Theoldestletterbox in the country is located on the corner of Somerset and Worcester Street.
• TheCathedralofStMichaelandStGeorge has the highest spire in South Africa and houses a magnificent organ.
• TheonlygenuineVictorianCameraObscura in the Southern Hemisphere is located at the Observatory Museum.
NATURE ENTHUSIASTS LOOK OUT FOR:
• The Botanical Gardens which date back over a century are the second botanical garden established by the English in the Cape Colony. Much of the original gardens still remain in tact and restoration of the gardens to its former glory is underway with future plans to establish it as an educational venue and open-air amphitheatre.
• South Africa’s first dinosaur which was discovered near Grahamstown and the story of the coelacanth, believed to have been extinct, plays itself out at the South African Institute for Aquatic Bio-Diversity.
GrahamstownA vibrant mix of arts & culture
05 06
Baviaans Wildlife & Biodiversity
The area, characterized by broad plains that roll away toward distant koppies and multilayered mountains that seem to touch the indigo sky, is renowned for its richness of dinosaur fossils. Also, one can stop almost anywhere in the Karoo and listen to the silence, breath in the aged earth and gaze at a startlingly clear horizon that seems drawn at the other end of the earth. The Karoo’s clear night sky is densely studded with countless stars and huge, bright planets; offering some of the best star gazing in the world.
HOW THE KAROO WAS FORMEDApproximately 250 million years ago, the Karoo, an area in excess of 400 000 square kilometres, was a vast inland sea. As the world’s climate gradually changed from cold to hot, the water evaporated leaving a swamp where reptiles and amphibians prospered. Less than two hundred years ago large herds of antelope and zebras still roamed the grass flats while the Hottentots and Bushmen, the last Stone Age people, shared the “Place of Great Dryness”. They differed basically in their cultures and lifestyles with the Hottentots herding their sheep and cattle in the age-old pastoral pattern and the Bushmen following their traditional nomadic pursuits of hunting and feasting.
KarooHistory & legends
Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay for short) is a town located just off the N2 highway, about an hour’s drive southwest of Port Elizabeth. This picturesque town is bracketed by an amphitheatre of towering mountains, known for its world renowned surfing beaches and has one of the most abundant natural coastlines in South Africa with over 400 types of seashells to collect.
For over forty years now, Jeffreys Bay has lured surfers from across the globe to the legendary break of ‘Supertubes’ and its ruler straight hollow cylinders. The multiple sections of the lengthy wave grant its deserved reputation as one of the world’s best right hand point breaks and explains why the town is set to host the 24th Billabong Pro competition in July 2009.
The wave season in Jeffreys Bay runs from June to August although good waves can be seen as early as April and as late as September. There are approximately 8 well established surf spots to choose from if you are able to surf already. Alternatively, it might be worth your while to attend a surf academy (more information below).
Those in search of relaxation can head for Dolphin Beach in Jeffreys Bay. It is a stretch of sand and was awarded international Blue Flag status – an eco-grading given to beaches or marinas that meet the highest safety and environmental standards. Fully equipped lifeguards are always on duty here, making it a place where the family can spend a glorious day in the sun.
JEFFREYS BAY 7 DAY SURF ACADEMY
Jeffreys Bay Surf School offers the 7-day all-inclusive surf academy which is designed for those who want to make surfing part of their lifestyle. Seven lessons, suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, last two hours. Beginner surfers start out at the beach break with lessons on how to surf for the first three days. The final goal is to paddle out to a gentle intermediate break and ride open faced waves.
The Jeffreys Bay Surf School will provide, where needed, all the surfing equipment while the instructor is a qualified SSA Surf Instructor.
OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE ACADEMY INCLUDE:
• A surf tour to Cape St Francis and other breaks in and around Jeffreys Bay;• A visit to a local surfboard shaper to get insight into what it takes to create a surfboard; and• A visit to the highly informative J-Bay Surf Museum to understand how surfing developed and to see how the town has grown over the past 40 years.
Telephone: +27 (0)42 293 1625 Email: [email protected]
Jeffreys BayA surfer’s paradise
TOWNS TO VISIT IN THE KAROOABERDEENAberdeen was founded in 1856 and is a declared architectural conservation town and a veritable repository of styles including Victorian, Georgian, Karoo, German, Gothic Revival, Russian, Art Nouveau and Flemish Revival.
COOKHOUSECookhouse is best known as a railway junction where today visitors can shop at a country-style shop that sells tartan tam-o-shanters (Scottish bonnet) and deerstalkers (tight fitting hat with visors), or try out the range of delectable products at the local cheese shop.
GRAAFF-REINETGraaff-Reinet located on the banks of the Sundays River and surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park is the oldest town in this area. With over 220 National Heritage Sites, more than any other town in South Africa, Graaff-Reinet houses magnificent examples of Cape Dutch, Gothic and Victorian architecture. Visitors should be sure to enjoy late afternoon sundowners at the Toposcope and take in breathtaking views of Spandau Kop and the Valley of Desolation.
JANSENVILLEJansenville, named after the last Dutch Governor of the Cape, at the heart of the mohair industry also has many game farms and hunting concessions.
The restored Sid Fourie House serves as the local museum and has a variety of collections relating to both the lifestyles of the past and the locality in particular. Jansenville offers travellers a welcome break in their journey through the Karoo Heartland.
NIEU-BETHESDA The village of Nieu-Bethesda lies at the foot of the Sneeuberge, approximately 50 kilometres from Graaff-Reinet. The village was established as a mission station in 1875. It is known for its sacred bushman rock art sites and the Owl House which is a museum dedicated to the eccentric artist, Helen Martins.
PEARSTONThe peaceful little hamlet of Pearston, immortalised by Eve Palmer in The Plains of Camdeboo, personifies the Karoo. It is characterized by multilayered Karoo Mountains and koppies in the distance across endless expanses of Karoo plains.
SOMERSET EASTEstablished in 1825 by Lord Charles Somerset and found at the base of the Boschberg Mountain, Somerset East is home to many beautiful National Heritage Sites and buildings of historical importance. It is also known to produce some of the finest roses in the country, while the Walter Battiss Art Gallery, in the hometown of this grand old man of South African art, has the largest collection of his work in Africa on display.
07 08
The Sunshine Coast has more sunshine hours per year than any other part of South Africa, which makes it easy to understand why many flock there during winter. With its miles of sun-drenched coastline, warm sparkling ocean and unspoiled beaches, the Sunshine Coast will enchant, entice and excite all who visit the area. Stretching from Port Alfred, and along the coastal towns of Kenton-on-Sea, Bushman’s River, Bokness, and Cannon Rocks, the Sunshine Coast is a coastal belt beset with countless little villages, each offering access to beaches, rivers, lagoons, canoe and hiking trails. Whether you are into sea kayaking, canoe sailing, row boating, wild water canoeing or surf skiing, the Sunshine Coast will surely cater for your invigorating experience.
21 KILOMETRE TRAIL This is South Africa’s only self-guided canoe trail which is 21 kilometres starting at Port Alfred and ends at Horseshoe Bend, located in Water’s Meeting Nature Reserve. Look out for scenic views of the Horseshoe Bend in the Kowie River and abundant bird life, including the conspicuous fish eagle. The maximum amount of people allowed at any one time on the trail is 16.
Contact: Water’s Meeting Nature Reserve Telephone: + 27 (0)46 625 0876
30 KILOMETRE TRAIL
The 2-day canoe trail is 30 kilometres. The maximum amount of people allowed on the trail at any onetime is 12. Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. An overnight hut is provided. The closest town to the location is Kenton-on-Sea.
Telephone: + 27 (0)46 648 1223 (Ken Kings)
If you are interested in renting equipment, contact KentonMarina Canoe and Paddle Ski Hire on +27 (0)46 648 1223
BLOUKRANS BRIDGE BUNGEE Tsitsikamma is home to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump where the brave can take a 7-second free fall from the 216 metre high Bloukrans Bridge. The bridge-walking tour is recommended for the faint-hearted. The experience of a catwalk 216 metres above the ground to take in breathtaking views and marvel at the engineering feat of the Bloukrans Bridge up close is also rewarding.
Telephone: +27 (0)42 281 1458 Email: [email protected]
TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK Nestled between the Nature’s Valley and the mouth of Storms River is Tsitsikamma National Park, Africa’s first and largest marine park and one of three national parks in the Cacadu district. The park stretches for about 80
kilometres and offers a variety of recreational and adventurous activities which include the Otter trail, abseiling, paddle-diving, scuba-diving, hiking, snorkelling, boat rides and canoeing up the Storms River.
The Park is well-known for its 42 kilometre “Otter Trail” which is a challenging yet exhilarating hike that follows the spectacular Eastern Cape coastline from Storms River Mouth to Natures Valley. The five-day hike is only for the super fit and is a true test of character and strength for many visitors. A more luxurious hiking experience is the 20 kilometre Dolphin Trail. It takes one on trip from the forest ferns to the Storms River Mouth in the Park where luxurious accommodation set in different views is offered to visitors.
Telephone: + 27 (0) 42 281 1607Email: www.sanparks/parks/tsitsikamma
The Tsitsikamma area stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to Eerste Rivier in the east and is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean. The region is covered in large tracts of indigenous forest, commercial plantation and Fynbos as well as an estimated 116 different types of giant trees including Yellowwood, Candle Wood, Knob Wood, Hard Pear, Stink Wood and Iron Wood. Deep river gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea, creating spectacular waterfalls and deep kloofs.
A mild all year round climate allows one to make the most of all the outdoor activities that are on offer, whilst a high rainfall ensures the lushness of vegetation that the area is renowned for. This paradise of forest, fynbos and sea is home to a variety of birds and animals, while whales and dolphins are constant visitors to the coast.
TSITSIKAMMA CANOPY TOURThe tour consists of ten platforms and ten ‘fufi’ slides of which the longest is approximately 80 metres. It takes roughly three hours to complete a tour which unfolds a new world as you launch yourself from one platform to the next. This provides an unbelievable view of enchanting lush flora.
To make a reservation, contact:Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour Tsitsikamma Tree Top Canopy TourTelephone: +27 (0)42 2811 836 Telephone: 042 281 1836Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: www.stormsriver.com Website: www.treetoptour.com
TsitsikammaBungee & canopy tours
Sunshine CoastAdventurous canoe trails
CANOE TRAILS IN THE SUNSHINE COAST:
09 10
AREA WEB CONTACT TEL EMAIL
Addo www.traveladdo.co.za
Sunday’s River Tourism Bureau
+27 (0) 71 437 [email protected]
Greater Addo Tourism +27 (0) 42 230 0066
Baviaans & The Gamtoos Valley
www.travelbaviaans.co.za
Hankey Tourism +27 (0) 42 284 0543
Baviaans Tourism +27 (0) 44 923 [email protected]
Grahamstown www.travelgrahamstown.co.za
Makana Tourism +27 (0) 46 622 [email protected]
Jeffreys Bay & St Francis
www.traveljeffreysbay.co.za
Jeffreys Bay Tourism +27 (0) 42 293 [email protected]
St Francis Tourism +27 (0) 42 294 [email protected]
Karoo www.travelkaroo.co.za
Aberdeen Heritage Archive & Tourism Bureau
+27 (0) 49 846 0803 [email protected]
Blue Crane Route Tourism Office
+27 (0) 42 243 [email protected]
Graaff-Reinet Publicity Office
+27 (0) 49 892 4248 [email protected]
Nieu-Bethesda Tourism Bureau
+27 (0) 79 070 [email protected]
Sunshine Coast www.travelsunshine-coast.co.za
Kenton-on-Sea Tourism +27 (0) 46 648 2418 [email protected]
Port Alfred Tourism +27 (0) 46 624 [email protected]
Tsitsikamma www.traveltsitsikamma.co.za
Tsitsikamma Information Centre
+27 (0) 42 280 3561 [email protected]
CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE 7 WONDERS:
