SOMERSET
WEST - CAPE WINELANDS, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
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Somerset West (Afrikaans
Somerset-Wes) is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It
is situated in the Helderberg area (formerly called Hottentots Holland),
about 50 km (30 mi) east of Cape Town and 10 km from Strand. The
town is overlooked by the imposing Helderberg (meaning "clear mountain"),
a part of the Hottentots-Holland range of mountains. Somerset West
has a fairly decorative display of Christmas lights erected atop the street
lights of the Main Road. The Helderberg Lights Festival (aka the Strawberry
Festival), a flea market and parade, normally complements these lights.
The area also has its own community radio station, Radio Helderberg, broadcasting
community notices and playing adult orientated pop music. |
The
Helderberg Nature Reserve, a 363 hectare natural wildlife preserve opened
in 1964, contains a wide variety of smaller fauna (buck, tortoises and
other reptiles) and outstanding specimens of indigenous flora such as protea
and fynbos. Somerset West contains a number of sporting facilities
including several golf courses. The historic town of Stellenbosch
is reachable via the R44 motorway. The area between Somerset West and Stellenbosch
also encompasses a number of wine farms, where visitors can sample and
purchase wine. |
Winelands Travel Reading:
The
'Cape Olive Route'
by Nicolet
If you thought Cape Town
was all about wine and wine only, here's a well-kept secret - the Cape
Olive Route! Yes, the Cape produces many of the world's finest wines, and
has a rich heritage of viticulture dating back to the French Huguenots'
arrival in South Africa. And yes, olives are a new-comer to the area, having
only been introduced here 80 years ago. But with the change in South Africans'
diet including the increasing popularity of Mediterranean foods, fuelled
by television's international celebrity chef programmes and the mushrooming
of delicatessens all over South Africa, the demand for locally grown olives
and their by-products has soared.
To date there is not an official
Cape Olive Route, but with delightfully appointed farms dotted all around
the Western Cape we've taken the liberty of drawing up our own itinerary
- a culinary meander if you like, for olive-lovers who live in or are visiting
Cape Town.
Stellenbosch
is a good place to begin your excursion. This historic town is home to
the Universtity of Stellenbosch and is brim-full of students during the
term time, lending it a lively air. Plenty of good pubs are to be found
here, while culture vultures can enjoy visiting galleries. But the main
aim of this trip is to find olives, so before you get stuck in 'Stellies',
head for the Eikendal Vineyards - your your first olive stop. Next drive
across to Saxenberg Wine Farm near Kuils River, then back to Somerset
West where the famous Morgenster Estate, specialising in olives
and related products, is situated. These three establishments can be woven
in to a trip around the wine route, and really, there can be few combinations
to delight a foodie's heart more than fruit of the vine and fruit of the
grove...
If you want to make a day
of it, try the following route: Head off to Riebeek Kasteel and visit the
Olive Boutique in the town and the Kloovenburg Estate - home of one of
the top 15 olive oils in the world. Their selection of olive-based products
will amaze you! The town itself is delightfully bohemian with a winning
blend of artists, eccentrics and excellent chefs calling this village home.
The vineyards grow between the houses and the church and pub co-habit side
by side quite comfortably. At a mere one hours drive out of Cape Town this
makes a good day trip. To become completely steeped in the atmosphere of
a Cape olive farm, however, you can stay at the Wild Olive Farm between
Tulbagh and Ceres. This working wine and olive farm has delightful self
catering accommodation in a sprinkling of charming cottages, as well as
a lovely camping site. Not only will you enjoy seeing the olive groves
being farmed and harvested, you can also fish, swim and canoe on any of
the three dams. The views of vines and mountains are exquisite.
If you love olives but don't
want to venture too far out of town, Melissa's Food Shop is a great deli
with branches all over Cape Town. The Olive Station in Muizenberg serves
Lebanese dishes and sells olives and olive produce on site.
Lastly, here are four more
fabulous olive establishments you may wish to add to your own version of
the Cape Olive Route!
* Drakenstein Olives, Paarl
(on De Hoop Farm) * Hildebrand Estate, Wellington
* The Cape Olive Trust (at the foot of the Drakenstein Mountains) * Blackpear
Olives, Paarl.
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About the Author - Nicole
Martin's passion is writing. She writes for various travel websites. For
more of her articles visitwww.bookcapetown.com - Cape Town portal. |
SOMERSET
WEST BED & BREAKFASTS / GUEST HOUSES, CAPE WINELANDS, SOUTH AFRICA
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De
Molen Guest House, Self-Catering, SOMERSET WEST
Enjoy
the ambiance at De Molen Guest House. Experience Cape hospitality at its
best with a scrumptious breakfast against a superb natural backdrop of
breathtaking sea and mountain views. The classic character estate
has a tranquil and secure setting high up on the slopes of the Helderberg
Mountain with panoramic views on the sea, mountains and wine lands.
The supremely comfortable and spacious rooms and suites offer all modern
luxury the discerning traveler needs. Nicely decorated in a natural, contemporary
style De Molen maintains its Old Cape charm. Delicious breakfasts
on your own private panoramic balcony, the breakfast room or the sunny
verandah overlooking the beautiful garden, swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The
perfect base to explore all nearby attractions. |
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Lalapanzi
Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, Self-catering, SOMERSET WEST
you’re looking for something
completely different, either as a unique holiday experience, an impressive
corporate event or as a place to hold that landmark celebration, then look
no further than the truly breathtaking Lalapanzi Lodge, in South Africa’s
Western Cape. Hidden in 600 acres of forest, fynbos and vineyards
in the foothills of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve our cosy mountain
retreat is the perfect place to unwind or use as a base to explore the
Cape. The self-catering lodges and en-suite B&B rooms all have
stunning views across False Bay and Cape Point. Situated in a secure country
estate we’re only 10 minutes from the beach, 20 minutes from Stellenbosch,
35 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and 50 minutes from Cape
Town city centre. |
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Somer
Place B & B, Bed & Breakfast, SOMERSET WEST
Spend
your vacation at the beautiful B&B in Somerset West, right next door
to the Wine Lands, Cape Town. The beach is only 5 minutes away by car and
some of the most beautiful golf courses in the Cape are located in the
surrounding countryside of Somerset. There is an ideal connection to the
airport. Enjoy a quiet location, a lawn tended with care, a large pool,
and a delicious breakfast (German continental or full English). The
rooms are modern and offer you a number of conveniences. You also have
access to the internet telephone for more affordable calls to Europe and
the rest of the world. Owner Armin gives you a hearty welcome and
if you let him, spoils you with a South African Braai (BBQ) under the stars.
He will also arrange local excursions for you (wine testing, game tours,
golfing trips, etc.). |
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Southern
Cross Guesthouse, Boutique Guesthouse/Self-Catering, SOMERSET WEST
Nestled
in the tree-filled haven of Somerset West, close to the world class golf
courses, historic wine estates, the majestic False Bay, 20 minutes from
Cape Town Airport and only 30 minutes from Cape Town is an idyllic guesthouse
in a lush park-like garden with breathtaking views of False Bay and the
Cape of Good Hope. The Southern Cross offers you the best in accommodation
and comfort: newly renovated rooms, self-catering units and rooms, set
in a huge garden with old trees and beautiful flowering beds, a big Koi-pond,
waterfalls and stunning views. |
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Spanish
Farm Guest Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, SOMERSET WEST
Spanish Farm Guest Lodge
is situated in the beautiful town of Somerset West, on the slopes of the
Helderberg Mountain. The Guest House is located on six acre property of
forest land with beautiful views of the Hottentots Holland mountain range
and False Bay. Spanish Farm Guest Lodge have five en-suite bedrooms,
furnished with Cape antiques. Four rooms have private patios, each with
television (M-Net and Satellite). Other facilities include a swimming pool
and sauna. Secure parking and laundry services are provided. Nearby
are championship golf courses, hiking trails, beach, the wine route and
it is only 20 minutes from Cape Town International airport. Spanish Farm
Guest Lodge is a holiday maker's dream, with warm and caring hosts. |
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Somerset West Accommodation
SOMERSET
WEST HOTELS & COUNTRY LODGES, CAPE WINELANDS, SOUTH AFRICA
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NH
Cape Town The Lord Charles, Hotel, SOMERSET WEST
Nestled
amid the breathtaking surroundings of the famous Cape Winelands, NH The
Lord Charles is situated conveniently a mere 30 minutes from Cape Town
International Airport. Guests are able to enjoy all the attractions of
city life, such as the best shopping and variety of restaurants, without
losing the appeal and peacefulness of the countryside. Our property
boasts 188 air-conditioned rooms and 9 luxurious suites, all tastefully
decorated in a harmonious setting for relaxation or business. A large number
of rooms have their own private terrace, leading out onto our splendid
9-hectare estate. All rooms have a magnificent view of our manicured gardens,
majestic Helderberg Mountains or a panoramic sea view over False Bay. |
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RECOMMENDED
BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Erinvale
Estate Hotel & Spa, SOMERSET WEST
Steeped
in history, surrounded by the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains and
neighbouring the magnificent Erinvale Golf Course, the Erinvale Estate
Hotel & Spa promises a peaceful and memorable stay. The property, which
is elegantly set amongst private gardens, cobbled walkways and beautiful
oak trees, is only 40 minutes from Cape Town and 20 minutes from the historic
town of Stellenbosch. Guests who stay at the Erinvale Estate Hotel &
Spa are a stone’s throw away from a world of outdoor and leisure activities
and have preferential access to golf, spa treatments, wine, chocolate and
olive tasting at famous estates, mountain biking and much more in the ‘Heart
of the Helderberg’. |
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Somerset West Accommodation
SOMERSET
WEST SELF-CATERING / VACATION & HOLIDAY RENTALS, CAPE WINELANDS, SOUTH
AFRICA
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African
Dreams Self-catering Guest House, SOMERSET WEST
African
Dreams is a modern, contemporary, luxury 4 Star guest house with a subtle
safari ambience offering outstanding hospitality, excellent cuisine, panoramic
views, tranquillity and privacy. The guest house is located in the secure
and prestigious residential area of Somerset West, known as the golfing
paradise in the Cape Winelands. Guests have the option of self-catering
or making use of the excellent breakfasts on offer. All suites feature
an en-suite bathroom, lounge, dining room, kitchenette, and terrace with
barbecue. Enjoy the tropical garden, or relax on your private terrace and
view the abundant bird life. Wake up to the sound of the African francolin
and guinea fowl, and watch the sunrise over the majestic Hottentots Holland
mountains. |
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RECOMMENDED
BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Cape
Vermeer, Luxury Self-Catering Studios, SOMERSET WEST
Featuring panoramic views
of False Bay and the Hottentots Holland Mountaints, Cape Vermeer offers
luxury self-catering studios, as well as a swimming pool and a garden and
terrace with BBQ facilities. The air-conditioned suites come with a private
terrace and elegant, modern décor. There is also a seating area,
satellite TV and a well-equipped kitchenette with a microwave, oven, stove
and refrigerator. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and guests
can enjoy private parking on site. Cape Vermeer is situated on the slopes
of Helderberg Mountain, just a 10-minute drive from several Stellenbosch
wine estates. Strand Beach and Gordon’s Bay Beach are both 15 minutes’
drive away. Cape Town International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the
apartments. |
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Somerset West Accommodation
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