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“The family that adventures together, thrives together” Family adventure holidays have become a hugely popular option for South African families who are increasingly choosing fun and memorable experiences and excursions over more sedate and traditional holiday options.   Lounging in the sun on the beach or next to the pool has its place in every summer holiday, but when interspersed with adventure experiences such as canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horse riding – the list is extensive – a family holiday becomes a memory of a lifetime. Here is a list of five key reasons why you should choose a family adventure holiday this summer:  1. Challenge yourselvesSome of our best personal qualities come from challenging ourselves. Succeeding at a challenge provides a real sense of accomplishment – and for children in particular, it can give them a huge confidence boost. Adventure holidays give everyone a personal challenge, whether it’s conquering a fear of heights, or having the confidence to paddle on a river. Achievement can even come from having a go at something you didn’t think you would like or enjoy.  2. Share incredible experiencesThere’s no greater way to maximise your quality time together as a family than by taking part in fun experiences together. These shared experiences create memories for life. When you are laughing together; when you watch your children experience something for the first time; when you collectively conquer a fear; when you all sleep out under the stars together; or sit around the campfire telling stories – these are all precious times that will imprint into your memory forever. These magical moments are priceless. 3. Keep fitOutdoor pursuits are a great way to keep fit! An adventure holiday gives you lots of opportunities to get out and about moving, and to find an outdoor activity you enjoy and can take up on your return home as a way to exercise. For children, inspiring a love of the outdoors from a young age helps encourage a love for fitness. 4. Strengthen family bondsA study has shown that shared adventurous activities foster open communication, encourage solidarity, and create a stronger sense of shared memories, all of which help to build a better family dynamic. 5. It will make you happierAdventure holidays that involve being outdoors and active can make you feel happier and calmer. Exercise has many documented health benefits which in turn impact your mental health. Coupled with being out in nature – it’s a winning recipe for improved wellbeing. According to Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of Bergrivier Tourism, they have spotted some trends amongst visitors to the Bergrivier region which show that families are taking more and more activity and adventure holidays. “The desire for this kind of holiday has never been greater and the ability to swap screen time for family time is being sought by an increasing number of families. Parents want to get to know their children again, to see bonds between siblings strengthen and to create long-lasting memories.” Ndlangisa provides some tips on family adventure destinations and activities to try this summer which are right on Cape Town’s doorstep: The Bergrivier region is known as the adventure capital of the Western Cape for a reason,” says Ndlangisa. “There is so much on offer that adventure-seeking families will be spoilt for choice! The region is also renowned for its untamed natural beauty, boasting breathtaking landscapes, from rugged mountain ranges to tranquil riverbanks. Families can hike, bike, and explore to their heart’s content.” VelddrifThe hugely popular West Coast village of Velddrif hugs the banks of the beautiful Berg River. This lovely town is perfectly located to offer a myriad of activities to families who are water-sport enthusiasts – such as canoeing and kayaking, boat trips up the Berg River, sailing, surfing, skiing, kite-boarding, stand-up paddling in the river – and so much more.  The Berg River is also a fishing hotspot and is one of the most popular bird-watching sites in South Africa. Be sure to visit the renowned Bokkom Laan (also a Heritage Site) – the oldest road in the town that snakes up the edge of the Berg River. For places to stay, you can choose from a selection of cottages and lodges situated along the Bergrivier River, offering both relaxation and immediate access to adventurous activities. Piketberg Piketberg, which is nestled at the foot of the Piketberg Mountain range, draws adventure-seeking families looking to enjoy – amongst many other things – the stunning natural surrounds and the abundant outdoor activities.  Amongst these is hiking, mountain biking, camping, canoeing, fishing and 4x4ing. “A highly recommended activity to try in Piketberg is the Historic Walking route, and for adventurous families, a top destination to stay and play is the Klein Tafelberg adventure centre,” says Ndlangisa. PortervilleLast but certainly not least on the list of highly recommended towns to visit this summer in pursuit of family adventure is Porterville, a quaint village nestled on the slopes of the Olifant’s River Mountains at the base of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area. Long known as the paragliding and hang-gliding capital, outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat with a visit to Porterville, which offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails to fascinating destinations where impressive rock formations can be found. There is also an uphill waterfall trail at Waterval (a hugely popular camping spot) which is dotted with 22 waterfalls snaking their way down the mountainside, interspersed with crystal clear pools for a cooling dip.  “Whether it is camping, birdwatching, river cruising, canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, or horse-riding – there are so many adventures to be had in the Bergrivier area that families are truly spoilt for choice,” concludes Ndlangisa.

People of all ages and from all walks of life are becoming kayaking and canoeing converts for a number of reasons.   It’s an outdoor adventure that gives you the chance to explore and be close to nature.   It improves your health, cardiovascular fitness, and body strength.   It is fun and relieves stress.   It’s a versatile and adaptable watersport that can be done on rivers, dams and in the ocean.   You can do it alone, or in a group with friends and family.   It can be done through all the seasons of the year.   It is suitable for all ages, doesn’t need a lot of technical skills, and kids can get started at a young age.  The good news for those keen to try their hand at kayaking or canoeing is that there are several hotspots in the Bergrivier region close to Cape Town that offer fantastic opportunities to get out on the water for a paddle.  Velddrif and surrounds The hugely popular coastal village of Velddrif, which hugs the banks of the Berg River, is perfectly located to offer the ideal setting for a kayaking or canoeing adventure. The Berg River estuary in Velddrif is also one of the most popular bird-watching sites in South Africa (it has been declared a Ramsar Site) and there is no better way to get up close and personal with the many thousands of feathered friends to be found here than by being quietly out on the water.   Paddling on the Berg River is easy – the water is quiet and serene, so the whole family can enjoy a trip down the river, soaking up the beautiful surroundings. A stop-off at the iconic Bokkom Laan, the oldest road in the town (and a heritage site) which snakes up the edge of the Berg River is a must-visit for anyone in the area.   This quaint dirt road is dotted with jetties on the water’s edge and historic fish-drying sheds – many of which have been converted into eclectic coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries and gift shops. Park your canoe or kayak and stroll along to visit the ‘’Bokkomhuise’’ and taste Bokkoms, and pop in at Vishoekie art studio to see Saralize Tolken’s art.  Also to be found on Bokkomlaan is Canoe and Kayak World where you can hire a kayak or canoe and also book a guided tour of the river. Bokkomlaan is also the departure point for boat trips up the river on the Crackling Rosie, Knot Xtreme and Step Lightly River Cruises. Kayaks Velddrif is another option for personalised guided kayak tours on the Berg River.  Velddrif is a foodies paradise, so if you have built up an appetite from your canoeing or kayaking adventure you can choose from many options including eclectic, rustic, fine-dining or takeaways. Many glorious locations up and down the Berg River provide accommodation which ranges from rustic to luxury, as well as various camping sites which enjoy exceptional views and offer great launch sites for your kayak or canoe.  In the town itself, visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations including self-catering apartments, cottages, and holiday homes, as well as B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels.  For those keen to widen their watersport option, there are a multitude of offerings in Velddrif and its immediate surroundings to suit all tastes. Why not try your hand at stand-up paddling, or perhaps windsurfing or kiteboarding? Surfing off the beach at nearby Dwarskersbos is always popular, and for a more sedate watersport, you can throw in a line for some relaxed fishing.  Also to be found on Bokkomlaan is Canoe and Kayak World where you can hire a kayak or canoe and also book a guided tour of the river. Bokkomlaan is also the departure point for boat trips up the river on the Crackling Rosie, Knot Xtreme and Step Lightly River Cruises. Kayaks Velddrif is another option for personalised guided kayak tours on the Berg River.  Velddrif is a foodies paradise, so if you have built up an appetite from your canoeing or kayaking adventure you can choose from many options including eclectic, rustic, fine-dining or takeaways. Many glorious locations up and down the Berg River provide accommodation which ranges from rustic to luxury, as well as various camping sites which enjoy exceptional views and offer great launch sites for your kayak or canoe.  In the town itself, visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations including self-catering apartments, cottages, and holiday homes, as well as B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels.  For those keen to widen their watersport option, there are a multitude of offerings in Velddrif and its immediate surroundings to suit all tastes. Why not try your hand at stand-up paddling, or perhaps windsurfing or kiteboarding? Surfing off the beach at nearby Dwarskersbos is always popular, and for a more sedate watersport, you can throw in a line for some relaxed fishing.  Piketberg and surrounds Moving inland a bit, canoeing and kayaking hotspots can be found near the town of Piketberg, which is nestled at the foot of the Piketberg Mountain range.  Die Ark Camping near Koringberg offers a fabulous farm stay with canoeing on the farm dam. Kruistementvlei in Piket-Bo-Berg, which is situated in the mountains above Piketberg, offers camping as well as cottages and canoeing and kayaking on the dam. Kleine Paradys in Piketberg has campsites, glamping options in fully equipped caravans, as well as cottages, with guests able to enjoy canoeing and kayaking in the river – as well as fishing, a heated pool, kids play area, and farm animals. (Note that these locations do require you to bring your own canoe or kayak with you.)  When it comes to canoeing and kayaking in the Bergrivier area there is a range of options available from DIY which requires your own boats and paddles, to guided and hosted tours that provide all the equipment needed. For more information on the Bergrivier area and where to canoe or kayak, as well as places to stay and other things to

Bird-watching is a healthy, happy hobby that has more and more South Africans of all ages calling themselves “Twitchers”. Experienced bird-watching enthusiasts know that this pastime is something to twitter about. There is something special about spending your spare time immersed in nature, quietly taking in picturesque rivers and mud plains, beautiful ocean landscapes, lush forests, sweeping grasslands, rugged mountain wildernesses, or rolling rural countryside – all while observing the myriad of feathered friends to be found in these varied habitats, and enjoying their antics as they flit, flutter, forage, feast, nest, swim, wade and sing their way into your sightings records. Birds of a feather flock together – where to go bird watching For those who may be keen to embrace bird-watching, or for the more experienced twitcher who is looking for multiple memorable sightings, a must-visit birding hotspot which is right on Cape Town’s doorstep is the hugely popular West Coast village of Velddrif, which hugs the banks of the Berg River, just a few kilometres from where the river enters the ocean at St Helena Bay. This lovely town is one of the most popular bird-watching sites in South Africa, with the tidal mudflats and salt marshes presenting more than 250 species of birds – that is 25% of all the bird species that have ever been recorded in the entire Southern African region. The estuary, floodplain, and saltpans cover a large area, extending 40km inland along one of the Cape’s biggest rivers. This area encompasses a wide diversity of habitats, including sandy beaches, mudflats, reedbeds, riverine channels, strandveld and floodplain, and it is famously rich in birdlife – with the highest density of waders along the eastern Atlantic seaboard. The estuary is the third biggest in SA and is rated as one of the most important birding areas in the world.  It has also been declared an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife South Africa and BirdLife International and declared a wetland of importance by the Ramsar Convention (referred to as a Ramsar site). Visitors can expect to spot many resident bird species – with the river and reedbeds teeming with bird life. The sight of hundreds of Greater and Lesser Flamingos in a large swathe of pink is always an incredible sight. Egyptian Geese, Yellow-billed Ducks, Cape and Red-billed Teals, Cape Shovelers, Red-knobbed Coots, Spur-winged Geese, Moorhen, Warblers, Weavers, Southern Red Bishops, Kingfishers, and the African Fish Eagle are just a very few examples of what can be spotted here. The iconic Bokkom Laan, the oldest road in the town (and a heritage site) which snakes up the edge of the Berg River is a must-visit for anyone to the area – especially birders. This quaint dirt road is dotted with jetties on the water’s edge and historic fish-drying sheds – many of which have been converted into eclectic coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries and gift shops. Park your car and stroll along to spot Greats White Pelicans, the African Marsh Harrier, Kingfishers, Grey Herons and many more different species. You can also visit the ‘’Bokkomhuise’’ and taste Bokkoms, pop in at the Riverstudio to see the work of local artist Marina Clunie art, or Die Vishoekie art studio to see Saralize Tolken’s art. Enjoy a meal at the Avoo Health Café which specialises in locally produced produce. Places to stay in Velddrif include Happy Campers on the Berg River with campers enjoying their own private jetty’s; the Kliphoek River Resort with a slip way to launch your boat; Knorvarkie, another gem on the banks of the Berg River; Kuifkopvisvanger, also on the banks of the river; the Stywelyne Beach Resort in Laaiplek right next to the beach; as well as the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort, right on the beach in Dwarskersbos. Many glorious locations up and down the Berg River offer accommodation which ranges from rustic to luxury. In the town itself, visitors can choose from self-catering apartments, cottages, and holiday homes, as well as B&B’s, guesthouses, and hotels. A wonderful way to spot birds on, and alongside, the Berg River – and make memories and have fun – is to book a river cruise with Cracklin’ Rosie River Tours or Knot Xtreme Bergrivier Boat Cruises. Alternatively, you can rent a kayak or small boat from Canoe & Kayak World and take yourself out onto the water of the Berg River for a leisurely bird-watching paddle. Next to Velddrif, on the border between Laaiplek and Port Owen is Rooibaai – a great bird-watching site where visitors can sometimes be surprised by rare waders at low tide. A wooden walkway nearby takes you closer to the hundreds of Flamingos, as well as the chance to experience the more than 100 000 Cape Cormorants flying past Rooibaai just before sunset. Laaiplak harbour is another good bird-watching location that offers a glimpse of Kelp, Hartlaub’s and Grey Headed Gulls. The nearby Rocherpan Nature Reserve is well worth the 25 minutes it will take to drive from Velddrif. One can choose to drive through the reserve or hike along the footpaths. Numerous bird hides and picnic areas offer you the chance to spot birds such as the African Black Oystercatchers, African Hoopoe, Kelp Gull and so many more – in fact over 180 different species can be spotted at the Rocherpan Nature Reserve. Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn

2023 is already in full swing, and many of us may have set a New Year’s Resolution to get out and about more this year – to travel, make memories and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer. If you are planning your “experience itinerary” and are not already a regular at the multitude of country markets which attract visitors in their droves, then be sure to add this to your list of must-do’s! Here are some ideas of must-visit markets right on Cape Town’s doorstep that are situated in gorgeous country locations that offer a jam-packed weekend away or day trip deluxe! The CEX Community Market in the beautiful town of Porterville takes place every month and the next event will be on Saturday 12 February with a Valentine’s Day theme. Visitors can look forward to hand crafted wares, artisanal foods, arts, live music and warm country community hospitality. There truly is something for everyone at this market – invest in some art; stock up on, and taste, fresh local produce and other delicacies, enjoy a delicious snack, relax and savour small town life – the list goes on. Porterville is an increasingly popular village nestled on the slopes of the Olifant’s River Mountains at the base of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area. The area offers a variety of wonderful hiking trails and mountain bike routes. There is an uphill waterfall trail dotted with 22 waterfalls snaking their way down the mountainside, interspersed with crystal clear pools. Porterville boasts an artisanal gin distillery in the mountains above the town and a variety of eateries to suite all tastes in the village. An art experience is highly recommended as Porterville is home to a large community of artists. A short drive from Porterville will take you into the mountains above the neighbouring town of Piketberg. The area, known as Piket-Bo-Berg, is home to a hugely popular monthly market which takes place from 9am to 12pm on the Kruistementvlei Farm on the last Saturday of every month – the next one takes place on 28 January. The Piket Bo-Berg Farmers Market has become an institution for locals and visitors alike – who are drawn to the hand-crafted items and delicious goodies, ranging from crispy croissants and baked treats to artisanal charcuterie meats and the valley’s own fresh fruit, as well as olive oil on tap and mead made the traditional way.  There are also stalls that sell items such as books, olive products and beautifully crafted wooden games and items for the home. The town of Piketberg itself, which is nestled at the foot of the Piketberg Mountain range, offers stunning natural surrounds and abundant outdoor activities for hikers, mountain bike enthusiast, trail runners and fun-seeking families. Piketberg boasts a unique and fascinating self-guided tour – the Piketberg Historical Route – which is the best way to experience the heritage of this town, with its meticulously restored cottages and the imposing neo-gothic style Dutch Reformed Church. A visit to Org-de-Rac, the local organic winery, is a must to sample their wine and cheese pairing, as well as the fresh oysters served with Methode Cap Classique. And while in Piketberg, don’t miss Piketberg’s increasingly popular Last Friday – a food and art festival that takes place across the village on the last Friday of every month – the next event takes place on Friday 27 January. Visitors can expect a celebration of arts, culture, live music and delicious artisanal foods and drinks. Piketberg’s neighbouring town of Goedverwacht, which was established in 1889 as a Moravian Mission station also offers a wonderful authentic market experience. The Goedverwacht Organic Market, next taking place on Saturday 5 March, offers fresh organic produce, food stalls, home-made products, freshly baked roosterkoek, tractor rides and more. This fascinating little settlement, with its historic whitewashed thatched homes and brightly painted windows and doors, boast a beautiful old water mill – now the Mill Museum – a parsonage, as well as the imposing Moravian Church (all National Monuments).  Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the picturesque surrounds. Not far from the towns of Piketberg and Goedverwacht is Koringberg, which hosts the wonderful monthly Farm Stall Market at the Desert Rose Farm Stall. The next market takes place on Saturday 11 February and market-goers can expect live music, wine and beer tasting, and sales, baked goods, fresh produce, delicious food, great coffee, arts and crafts, as well as a kids corner with face painting and a play area. Moving further towards the coast, market and memory-making seekers will come to the town of Velddrif, and neighbouring Port Owen, with its monthly Port Owen Market (which takes place on the first Saturday of the month) that offers unique and local wares, as well as handmade artisanal products and fresh produce – all presented in the beautiful setting of the Port Owen mariner. The popular West Coast village of Velddrif is one of the post popular bird-watching sites in South Africa, and the area offers abundant water-sports and fishing opportunities. The Fisheries Museum is well worth a visit to find out about the colourful history of the fishing industry along this coast.  The area also offers 4×4’ing, hiking, mountain climbing, and more. A boat cruise up the river is a must-do experience, and Bokkomlaan – the oldest road in the town that snakes up the edge of the Berg River – is a great place to relax and sip artisanal coffee or a cocktail. Also visit the art gallery and eclectic shops dotted along this quaint dirt road. Velddrif is a foodie’s paradise and some recommended experiences include wine and biltong tasting, Bokkom tasting, a craft beer tasting, gin tasting, and an artisanal cheese tasting. From markets and bustling rural village life, to wide open spaces and breath-taking scenery, these towns within the Bergrivier region, situated right on Cape Town’s doorstep, have it all. Make 2023 one of your most travelled and memorable yet by getting out there and experiencing