Betty’s Bay is a 12km stretch of fynbos, sandwiched between white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the Kogelberg Mountain, part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve; the first UNESCO declared Biosphere in South Africa. The drive from Cape Town to Betty’s Bay, along the R44 Clarence Drive is one of the best self-drive routes in South Africa.
Betty’s Bay has some wonderful beaches, unique for their close proximity to the mountains. Whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beaches at night, as you will be rewarded by an unforgettable display of stars and planets.
Silver Sands and Hangklip dunes lie to the west of Stony Point offering a beach of over four kilometres with great kite surfing, sandboarding and dog walking (on leashes).
The beach is also good for picnics, swimming and surfing. Beach fishing is very popular on the East end of the Silver Sands beach, at David’s Kraal picnic area. Westerly creates offshore conditions. Jock’s Bay and Shelly Beach, small coves close to the Harold Porter garden, offer the younger generation better paddling, rock pools and shell collecting. Betty’s Bay is a good diving destination for fish and crayfish. When diving for crayfish, make sure you have your crayfish licence with you and that you keep to your limit.
There are whales all year round; the Humpback, Brydes and the Orca or Killer Whales, and each year, early in July, the huge Southern Right Whales slowly make their way from the Southern Ocean, into the many bays, to calve and mate.
If it’s sandboarding you enjoy, there’s no better place to try your skill than on Silversands Dune. It is considered one of the best dunes for sandboarding in South Africa. The dune, situated between the Hangklip and Blesberg mountains, stands a whopping 250m high with a potential run of +400 meters. One can reach great speeds and enjoy the ultimate adrenaline buzz. This is also the site of the annual sandboarding competition in South Africa. Jackazz Eco-Adventures, Village Centre, Porter Drive, Bettys Bay: Telephone: +27(0)28 272-9080
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve, just west of Kleinemond, and close to Betty’s Bay, is the pristine heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. This awesome home to pristine fynbos and clear streams, also offers hiking, mountain bike trails and white water rafting.
The 200ha Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, known as little Kirstenbosch, is situated on the lower mountain slopes of the dramatic Kogelberg range. Not only is this a great place to stop for tea or lunch, but the walks are magnificent, as is the birding.
The penguin colony at Stony Point is one of four mainland colonies in South Africa and is a wonderful stop to see these birds in their natural environment.
John the Potter lives and works in Betty’s Bay and his gallery and studio, which is on the main road of Betty’s Bay, is open to the public daily; his gallery has a large selection of his well-known reduction fired and raku work. Meet John and see him at work in his studio, a must see for all Betty’s Bay visitors. Tel: 028 272 9623: Mobile 083 657 4144 or 083 657 4166
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