Being situated in the heart of the Mother City, we implore all of our lovely guests to explore the abounding nature trails and scenic routes that exist beyond Labotessa’s doors. To set out onto the long, winding roads that mark the Cape’s magnetic allure, delivering on some of the most beautiful vistas you’ll ever encounter. Visiting clusters of coastal villages; their long stretches of sand and welcoming, laidback communities.
As we embark upon the change of the seasons, March is that month that still dishes up the summer sun, without the chaos of the holiday crowds. The roads are quieter, the pace is slower, yet the light is still exhilarating, and the weather still warrants a dip into the waves.
We wanted to share some of those special spots along the coast that we feel encapsulate the allure of the Cape. Little tips on where to take in the magic of the mountain, where the blissful beaches exist, the culinary delights and diverse cultural insights along the way. As it is with most things at Labotessa, we are ever- curious about the unconventional. We love a road slightly less-travelled and a path unbeaten. Here are some places that we love to go seek and discover, as we navigate our way around the peninsula.
Leaving Labotessa’s doors behind you, head for the revered Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Where there is more diversity in plant species, than in the entire Amazon Jungle! Settle yourselves on a blanket with a book, listen to the birds tell you their own stories about the trickling streams that run down from the mountain. Meander through the indigenous fynbos gardens and the fern forests. Get some botanical inspiration for your next work of art and follow the trails of the mongooses, the porcupines and the tortoises.
Tap into the Constantia winelands for a bit of wine tasting and feasting. With so many to mention, we’ll leave your palates to your own preferences, but we do love the tapas-inspired menu at Chefs Warehouse, Beau Constantia. Visit the Norval Foundation in Tokai, for a decent dose of contemporary African art. Then onwards to the long stretch of surfer’s haven on Muizenberg Beach or the tidal pools of St. James. Browse the bookshops and antique stores, ambling your way down cobbled lanes that escort you into the artisanal stores of Kalk Bay. Stock up on some baked goods for the road, from Olympia Café, heading south to Simon’s Town for a taste of the Cape’s vintage charm. Brimming with history, quaint cafés and old hotels, this area takes you back in time. Visit the harbour – South Africa’s largest naval base – then onto Boulders Beach, where the penguin colonies waddle about the warmer waves.
Back onto the meandering road that leads you all the way to the Cape of Good Hope. Traverse to the top of the lighthouse and see as far as the eye can see. Just before the sun begins to set, make sure you’re on your way to the spectacularly scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive. The road that escorts you around the mountain, along the coast, and back home to Labotessa’s front doors.
Of course, there is no need to accomplish the entire route in one day. There is so much to see and most importantly, it should be explored in accordance with your holiday clocks. One invigorating scene at a time. We’ll also be sharing more tips and other treats that the Cape’s routes have to offer. But that will be another platter for another sitting
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