Olifantsbos, Table Mountain National Park
Secluded and romantic and unknown even to most locals, Olifantsbos is a perfect hideaway. A lone cottage sitting 20 metres from a small, sandy beach where the Cape Floral Kingdom meets the fury of the Atlantic ocean. An eland might drop by and, without trying too hard, you’re likely to spot blesbok and red hartebees. In front of you, the shore is crowded with oyster catchers, terns and gulls. Behind you, there’s evidence of the wind and sand at work in the eye catching rock strata.
The idea
To own the beach and spend a night in complete seclusion, less than 45 minutes’ drive from the city
The camp
A whitewashed three-bed-roomed cottage with an annex, sleeping up to 12 people. The kitchen is fully equipped with upmarket appliances. Linen and towels are provided, as well as wood for the fireplace. Water and the fridge are both gas-heated. Lighting is powered by solar panels. Two outdoor braais, one in a delightful lapa with shelter from the wind.
Soak up the solitude
Your neighbours are a herd of blesbok on the doorstep and ostriches on the beach.
Activities
The short scramble to the lookout at the top of the rocks is worth the effort. Two excellent circular hikes are the Thomas T Tucker Shipwreck Trail along the beach or the Sirkelsvlei Circular Route, which has impressive sea views and great birding opportunities.
Bring along
All your food and drink, walking shoes, hiking map, mountain bike, swimsuit, binoculars for whale watching. When it’s rainy, cold and windy, bring extra logs for the fire. Read Mountains in the Sea – an Interpretive Guide to Table Mountain National Park by environmental journalist John Yeld.
Where on earth
The cottage is located deep in the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park, on the southwest corner of the Cape Peninsula. Check in is at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre.
The best approach
Drive from Simon’s Town to Park HQ to pick up your keys, backtrack to the junction and descend to the ocean. Beyond the parking lot is a padlocked boom guarding the gate to privacy. – RB
Remember
The weather may turn at a moment’s notice, so take warm clothes when hiking.
Avoid
Flee the crowds at Cape Point and spend time exploring the park instead.
Contact
Table Mountain 021-701-8692
SANParks reservations 012-428-9111 www.sanparks.org
Photos by Dawid De Bruin. Article taken from the Spring 2010 edition of Wild card magazine.
