The Trailhouse and Studio Loft guidebook
Sightseeing
Harold Porter national botanical garden is situated in the centre of the coastal fynbos where the flora is at its richest. Itis great for hikes, picnicking, relaxing and it has opportunities for great photographs. On Saturdays, they host parkruns and concerts during December.
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Giardino botanico nazionale Harold Porter
Broadwith RoadHarold Porter national botanical garden is situated in the centre of the coastal fynbos where the flora is at its richest. Itis great for hikes, picnicking, relaxing and it has opportunities for great photographs. On Saturdays, they host parkruns and concerts during December.
Located in the quaint coastal town of Betty’s Bay in the Overberg, the Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to a unique colony of African Penguins. Stony Point offers the public the chance to see these wonderful flightless birds up close, via the boardwalk through the colony, which allows the public to observe the penguins go about their daily activities in their natural habitat, without disturbing or disrupting them.
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Stony Point Penguin Colony
Located in the quaint coastal town of Betty’s Bay in the Overberg, the Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to a unique colony of African Penguins. Stony Point offers the public the chance to see these wonderful flightless birds up close, via the boardwalk through the colony, which allows the public to observe the penguins go about their daily activities in their natural habitat, without disturbing or disrupting them.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve is 3,000 ha in the Kogelberg Mountain Range, to the east of Cape Town, South Africa. With about 1600 plant species, it contains a floral diversity per unit area that is greater than anywhere else in the world. The reception area is about 13km from the Trailhouse Studio Loft and many hikes are laid out in the reserve. You can find a map and information at https://www.capenature.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Kogelberg-map-and-brochure.pdf
Kogelberg Nature Reserve Reception, Oudebosch
Kogelberg Nature Reserve is 3,000 ha in the Kogelberg Mountain Range, to the east of Cape Town, South Africa. With about 1600 plant species, it contains a floral diversity per unit area that is greater than anywhere else in the world. The reception area is about 13km from the Trailhouse Studio Loft and many hikes are laid out in the reserve. You can find a map and information at https://www.capenature.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Kogelberg-map-and-brochure.pdf
The reserve lies between two of the areas' favorite tourism spots Betty's Bay and Pringle Bay. Brodie Link Nature Reserve is a 94-hectare nature reserve that links the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve with the coast.
This large reserve offers incredible walking opportunities in all directions. The Brodie Link Hike is a 1.5-hour walk through one of the most beautiful fynbos areas and is easily accessible. Other trails are more difficult and there are many steep and steady climbs and loose rocks, not suitable for unfit climbers.
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Brodie Link Nature Reserve
The reserve lies between two of the areas' favorite tourism spots Betty's Bay and Pringle Bay. Brodie Link Nature Reserve is a 94-hectare nature reserve that links the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve with the coast.
This large reserve offers incredible walking opportunities in all directions. The Brodie Link Hike is a 1.5-hour walk through one of the most beautiful fynbos areas and is easily accessible. Other trails are more difficult and there are many steep and steady climbs and loose rocks, not suitable for unfit climbers.
The road along the coast between Gordon's bay and Bettys Bay is one of the most scenic roads in the world. There are several viewpoints and the views are spectacular. Whales are often seen from April to January, with peak viewing times being in September and October, to calve and mate.
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Clarence Drive
Clarence DriveThe road along the coast between Gordon's bay and Bettys Bay is one of the most scenic roads in the world. There are several viewpoints and the views are spectacular. Whales are often seen from April to January, with peak viewing times being in September and October, to calve and mate.
When going to Hermanus, you have a choice of many attractions and you can pick your favorites from whale watching, wine tasting, visiting markets, gift shops or eating out.
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Hermanus
When going to Hermanus, you have a choice of many attractions and you can pick your favorites from whale watching, wine tasting, visiting markets, gift shops or eating out.
Food scene
Coffee on Clarence
3006 Clarence DrGreat coffee and cake
Set at the foot of the Whale Coast’s Hangklip, Bistro Three Six Five restaurant is a foodie’s paradise. This dinner restaurant’s enchanting interior decor gives the space an upbeat and lively atmosphere that will keep you enamoured with conversation until your waiter presents you with your food and drink. Speaking of drink, Bistro Three Six Five has an award-winning wine list boasting the best local wines to pair with their amazing cuisine. The restaurant also has a comprehensive list of liquors, including world-class South African gins.
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Bistro Three Six Five - Pringle Bay
1861 Peak RdSet at the foot of the Whale Coast’s Hangklip, Bistro Three Six Five restaurant is a foodie’s paradise. This dinner restaurant’s enchanting interior decor gives the space an upbeat and lively atmosphere that will keep you enamoured with conversation until your waiter presents you with your food and drink. Speaking of drink, Bistro Three Six Five has an award-winning wine list boasting the best local wines to pair with their amazing cuisine. The restaurant also has a comprehensive list of liquors, including world-class South African gins.
A Unique Family Seaside Seafood Restaurant in the Harbourof Kleinmond, Western Cape.
Enjoy our seaside setting and sea view with our wonderful A la Carte menu with an excellent selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes prepared on order.
With our beautiful year round peaceful setting, and perfect location by the sea, it is no surprise that you will find seafood, fresh from the ocean made with quality care. KabelJoe's offers discerning seafood lovers a daily menu of light and delicious fare with a fresh, modern twist from our kitchens.
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KabelJoe's Seafood Restaurant
35 Harbour RdA Unique Family Seaside Seafood Restaurant in the Harbourof Kleinmond, Western Cape.
Enjoy our seaside setting and sea view with our wonderful A la Carte menu with an excellent selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes prepared on order.
With our beautiful year round peaceful setting, and perfect location by the sea, it is no surprise that you will find seafood, fresh from the ocean made with quality care. KabelJoe's offers discerning seafood lovers a daily menu of light and delicious fare with a fresh, modern twist from our kitchens.
The Moody Lagoon restaurant's menu changes based on fresh seasonal produce and the best ingredients we can get. We can accommodate most dietary requirements. Vegan and gluten-free diets are catered for. Please inform us of any serious allergies 48 hours prior to your arrival.
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Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
The Moody Lagoon restaurant's menu changes based on fresh seasonal produce and the best ingredients we can get. We can accommodate most dietary requirements. Vegan and gluten-free diets are catered for. Please inform us of any serious allergies 48 hours prior to your arrival.
The people at the market say: We are constantly reimagining our market to ensure that we offer visitors a fresh and exciting experience so if you have any artisanal products or make delicious food or craft beverages, please get in touch with us. The interior is amazing from fans, chairs, balustrades to the rocket stove fireplace.
The Elgin Market is 58km from The Studio loft via a scenic road.
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Elgin Railway Market
Oak AvenueThe people at the market say: We are constantly reimagining our market to ensure that we offer visitors a fresh and exciting experience so if you have any artisanal products or make delicious food or craft beverages, please get in touch with us. The interior is amazing from fans, chairs, balustrades to the rocket stove fireplace.
The Elgin Market is 58km from The Studio loft via a scenic road.
Honingklip brews a range of Belgian inspired beers.
Our location is idyllic, with beautiful mountain views from our verandah overlooking a secure child-friendly play area.
We also serve pizza.
Our facilities are wheelchair and pet friendly.
Honingklip Farm also has a 4x4 Route and Mountain Bike Trails.
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Honingklip Brewery
Honingklip brews a range of Belgian inspired beers.
Our location is idyllic, with beautiful mountain views from our verandah overlooking a secure child-friendly play area.
We also serve pizza.
Our facilities are wheelchair and pet friendly.
Honingklip Farm also has a 4x4 Route and Mountain Bike Trails.
Wine tasting, a restaurant, and markets during December.
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Gabrielskloof Wine Estate
R43Wine tasting, a restaurant, and markets during December.
Wildekrans Wine Estate is a picturesque 1 000 hectare estate tucked away in the beautiful Bot River Valley amongst fields of indigenous rhenosterbos. Just an hour away from Cape Town International Airport, and 20 minutes from Bettys Bay, Wildekrans is known for its award-winning wines, olive oils, and dining experiences. Wildekrans offers many outdoor activities for nature lovers and biking/hiking enthusiasts.
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Wildekrans Wine Estate
R43Wildekrans Wine Estate is a picturesque 1 000 hectare estate tucked away in the beautiful Bot River Valley amongst fields of indigenous rhenosterbos. Just an hour away from Cape Town International Airport, and 20 minutes from Bettys Bay, Wildekrans is known for its award-winning wines, olive oils, and dining experiences. Wildekrans offers many outdoor activities for nature lovers and biking/hiking enthusiasts.
Sport
The Estate is home to one of the top ranked golf courses in South Africa, with pristine grass, tricky sand traps and challenging water hazards. Designed by Peter Matkovich.
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Arabella Country Estate
R44The Estate is home to one of the top ranked golf courses in South Africa, with pristine grass, tricky sand traps and challenging water hazards. Designed by Peter Matkovich.
This coastal golf course in the village of Kleinmond is situated in the Overstrand, in the Overberg Region and forms part of the famous Whale Coast, 16 kilometers from Bettys Bay, which is considered one of the hidden treasures of the Western Cape.
Kleinmond Golf Course
Kleinmond Golf CourseThis coastal golf course in the village of Kleinmond is situated in the Overstrand, in the Overberg Region and forms part of the famous Whale Coast, 16 kilometers from Bettys Bay, which is considered one of the hidden treasures of the Western Cape.
Neighborhoods
Rooisand Nature Reserve is a beautiful bird watching vlei area bordering on the Botriver lagoon. Access to Rooisand is via a dirt road off the R44 en-route to Hermanus about 26km from The Studio Loft.
Hangklip-Kleinmond boasts many other beautiful and quiet places in which a wide variety of birdlife abounds. Seashore, coastlands, wetlands and fynbos covered mountains are home to many small and large birds some of which are becoming endangered.
Rooisand
Rooisand Nature Reserve is a beautiful bird watching vlei area bordering on the Botriver lagoon. Access to Rooisand is via a dirt road off the R44 en-route to Hermanus about 26km from The Studio Loft.
Hangklip-Kleinmond boasts many other beautiful and quiet places in which a wide variety of birdlife abounds. Seashore, coastlands, wetlands and fynbos covered mountains are home to many small and large birds some of which are becoming endangered.
Hangklip road is a 4.7 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pringle Bay, Western Cape, South Africa that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking.
Hangklip Road
Hangklip RoadHangklip road is a 4.7 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pringle Bay, Western Cape, South Africa that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking.
Betty's Bay recently topped a list of 'Charming South African towns'. Betty’s Bay is a very special part of the Western Cape, exuding an unspoiled beauty that is truly memorable. The Kogelberg mountain frames it on one side and the ocean on the other. Rod’s Trail winds its way through this splendour, along the foot of the mountain, showing off the magnificent combination of mountains, sea and high African skies.
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Betty's Bay
Betty's Bay recently topped a list of 'Charming South African towns'. Betty’s Bay is a very special part of the Western Cape, exuding an unspoiled beauty that is truly memorable. The Kogelberg mountain frames it on one side and the ocean on the other. Rod’s Trail winds its way through this splendour, along the foot of the mountain, showing off the magnificent combination of mountains, sea and high African skies.
Pringle Bay is situated between Betty's Bay and Gordon's Bay, many of the houses in the small community are only used as holiday houses by their owners. It is accessed by the R44, which connects it to the N2.
It is well known for the Hangklip (hanging rock) that leans out to sea and marks the eastern end of False Bay. The Hangklip Mountain at 484m above sea level is packed with numerous natural caves, and was once a refuge for bandits and slaves escaping their Dutch masters, hence the mountain cave being named “Drostersgat”. The beach is exposed to the wind, and frequently empty, but very safe. The village is family-friendly and is home to a number of restaurants and curio shops which serve locals, holiday-makers and passers-by. There is a regular market on Saturday mornings.
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Pringle Bay
Pringle Bay is situated between Betty's Bay and Gordon's Bay, many of the houses in the small community are only used as holiday houses by their owners. It is accessed by the R44, which connects it to the N2.
It is well known for the Hangklip (hanging rock) that leans out to sea and marks the eastern end of False Bay. The Hangklip Mountain at 484m above sea level is packed with numerous natural caves, and was once a refuge for bandits and slaves escaping their Dutch masters, hence the mountain cave being named “Drostersgat”. The beach is exposed to the wind, and frequently empty, but very safe. The village is family-friendly and is home to a number of restaurants and curio shops which serve locals, holiday-makers and passers-by. There is a regular market on Saturday mornings.
The village of Kleinmond is the main commercial point for the residents of Hangklip, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay as well as the local Kleinmond community. Discover a vibey yet unhurried shopping experience with the wide selection of boutique shops, galleries and well-stocked supermarkets that have everything you would expect to find in larger towns. Food lovers are in for a gastronomic experience and are spoiled for choice with Kleinmond’s selection of coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs. Some of these gathering spots offer live music and have become a social destination for residents, visitors, and tourists to Kleinmond.
If you decide to stroll the coastline and keep your eyes on the ocean in whale season.
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Kleinmond
The village of Kleinmond is the main commercial point for the residents of Hangklip, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay as well as the local Kleinmond community. Discover a vibey yet unhurried shopping experience with the wide selection of boutique shops, galleries and well-stocked supermarkets that have everything you would expect to find in larger towns. Food lovers are in for a gastronomic experience and are spoiled for choice with Kleinmond’s selection of coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs. Some of these gathering spots offer live music and have become a social destination for residents, visitors, and tourists to Kleinmond.
If you decide to stroll the coastline and keep your eyes on the ocean in whale season.
Rooi Els perches like a child's puzzle piece on the edge of Route 44, the first little seaside village after leaving Gordon's Bay.
Birders love Rooi Els for the endemic Cape rockjumper, rock thrush, and other unusual birds, and residents have seen the odd leopard on their roads on a moonlit night. On the north bank of the Rooi Els River, roughly a kilometer from the sea is the Rooiels Cave where Stone Age relics have been uncovered. The villages small but lovely sandy beach, can be seen from the R44.
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Rooi-Els
Rooi Els perches like a child's puzzle piece on the edge of Route 44, the first little seaside village after leaving Gordon's Bay.
Birders love Rooi Els for the endemic Cape rockjumper, rock thrush, and other unusual birds, and residents have seen the odd leopard on their roads on a moonlit night. On the north bank of the Rooi Els River, roughly a kilometer from the sea is the Rooiels Cave where Stone Age relics have been uncovered. The villages small but lovely sandy beach, can be seen from the R44.
Within driving distance of one of South Africa's busiest cities, lies a region of contrasts and wonder. The Overberg has rugged mountain ranges, fynbos, rolling wheat and canola fields, and splendid coastal vistas. It is for you to reflect, discover and maybe even have the adventure of a lifetime.
Driving southeast on the N2 from Cape Town, visitors will climb the Hottentots Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry’s Pass just after Somerset West. You can also turn towards Gordon's Bay and drive along the majestic Clarence Drive,
the R44, passing through Rooiels, past Pringle Bay and then to Bettys Bay and onwards. The Overberg is a magical area and within its borders lie the Kogelberg Biosphere, a Unesco heritage site because of the amazing fynbos found in this area. The area also hosts many wine-producing establishments. The diverse region includes the cool climate of Elgin, the warm Bot River wine route, the maritime climate of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley to the richness of the Stanford valley; and then onwards to the windswept plains of the Agulhas region. The region’s different terroirs will spoil you for choice in its diverse variety of wines and, between tasting, you can glory in beautiful coastal vistas, mountain ranges, soft gentle valleys and long rolling hills with huge skylines.
Overberg DC
Within driving distance of one of South Africa's busiest cities, lies a region of contrasts and wonder. The Overberg has rugged mountain ranges, fynbos, rolling wheat and canola fields, and splendid coastal vistas. It is for you to reflect, discover and maybe even have the adventure of a lifetime.
Driving southeast on the N2 from Cape Town, visitors will climb the Hottentots Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry’s Pass just after Somerset West. You can also turn towards Gordon's Bay and drive along the majestic Clarence Drive,
the R44, passing through Rooiels, past Pringle Bay and then to Bettys Bay and onwards. The Overberg is a magical area and within its borders lie the Kogelberg Biosphere, a Unesco heritage site because of the amazing fynbos found in this area. The area also hosts many wine-producing establishments. The diverse region includes the cool climate of Elgin, the warm Bot River wine route, the maritime climate of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley to the richness of the Stanford valley; and then onwards to the windswept plains of the Agulhas region. The region’s different terroirs will spoil you for choice in its diverse variety of wines and, between tasting, you can glory in beautiful coastal vistas, mountain ranges, soft gentle valleys and long rolling hills with huge skylines.
Consigli per viaggiatori
Muoversi in zona
The only public transport is a taxi, private or public.
It is best if you arrive here with your own transport. Parking is fairly safe as we have never had an incident. You can also get along with a bicycle or motorbike.
Da non perdere
Harold Porter, Rod's Trail and Stony Point
Harold Porter National Botanical Garden is world-class.
Rod's Trail is an impressive hiking trail. It is fairly easy to walk and takes you from the mountain onto the beach and back with amazing plants and views along the walk. Wear hiking shoes.
At Stony Point, the penguins can be seen up close and the views are spectacular.
Usanze e culture
We are eco-friendly.
Because The Studio Loft is located in a Biosphere, we drive safely to protect wildlife like baboons, deer, and tortoises. We also recycle as far as possible and ask that you do the same and not litter.
We aim to make our establishment as green as possible but it is still a work in progress.
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Restaurants
Many of the restaurants are small and booking is often essential. We will assist if possible.
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All seasons in one day
Bettys Bay can have all four seasons in one day so pack layers. Make sure you have walking shoes, swimming gear and something warm too.
Metodi per risparmiare
save
Save by parking your car and walking where you want to be. It is possible to spend 4 days without driving.
Metodi per risparmiare
Harold Porter
The first Tuesday of every month is Senior Citizens Day at the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden. Visitors over 60 will enjoy free entry to the garden as well as 10% discount on plant sales.