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Swimming
and Deep Sea Angling |
For
lovers of the sea there are safe swimming beaches and opportunities
for a wide range of water sports, surfing, windsurfing, angling, deep
sea diving and snorkeling. Deep sea angling expeditions can be taken
from Struisbaai. |
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Spookdraai
Hiking Trail |
The
"Spookdraai" (literally Ghost's Corner) hiking trail at Cape Agulhas,
which can be completed in under two hours, has been created to add an
extra dimension to the value of the visitor's stay in this region. It
takes the hiker on a short journey during which he/she will become acquainted
with the fynbos, the bird life and historical points of interest.
Look-out spots highlight the outstanding features:
- the
southernmost towns
- the
sea, where two oceans meet and
- the
vlei's.
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| Two
Oceans Hiking Trail |
The
trail starts at the Cape Agulhas Private Nature Reserve and leads through
natural fynbos vegetation. Extremely rare and endangered fynbos species
can be seen.
The reserve also teems with bird-life. Magnificent views of the two oceans
as well as the Karsriviervlei and Soetendalsvlei further
enhance the hiking experience. |
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Places
to Visit & Things to See |
De
Hoop Nature and Marine reserve, De Mond Nature Reserve and Heuningberg Nature Reserve are beautiful places to spend a day
with the family. |
| Bird
watching is also an attraction, with rare species including the endangered
Blue Crane, Cape Vulture, Flamingo and African Black Oystercatcher. |
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The
Flora (Fynbos) |
Fynbos
is the natural vegetation of a relatively narrow strip along the Southwestern
Cape coastal area. This small region is the home of more than 8 500
fynbos varieties. More than 6 000 of these are found nowhere else in
the world. A large number are very rare and are in danger of becoming
extinct. This region, although the smallest in area, is the richest
of the six floristic kingdoms. As 8 500 plant species grow here, it
is an important area for ecological
conservation on an international
level.
Well-known fynbos species are the Proteas and the Ericas.
Best time of the year to view this fynbos is from Autumn to Spring -
when most species flower.
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Whale
Watching |
Southern
Right Whales visit the Overberg coast from July to December to calve.
The best vantage point is at Koppie Alleen in the De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Coastal resorts also offer excellent whale spotting opportunities.
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Where
Two Oceans Meet |
As
determined by the International Hydrographic Organisation, the two mighty
oceans Indian and Atlantic meet at the most southern tip of the continent
of Africa - Cape Agulhas.
However,
the meeting point of the two ocean currents, the warm Agulhas
Current and the cold Benguela Current, is a totally different
issue, and must not be confused with the meeting of the Oceans. |
The point where these currents meet fluctuates considerably, and is constantly on the move along the southern and southwestern Cape coast, most often occuring somewhere
between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point.
Contrary to what one may think, this meeting produces no fireworks,
clashing of cymbals or dramatic crashing of waves! |
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Shipwrecks |
The
stretch of coast around the southernmost tip of Africa is known as the
"Graveyard of Ships" for various reasons: gale-force winds,
ever-changing weather conditions, high swells and the treacherous coast
line, have caused numerous wrecks.
More
than 125 of the approximately 2 130 ships that
have been wrecked along the South African coast since 1552 are
found along the Overberg coast, which covers a distance of approximately
100km.
Certain
items from these wrecked ships such as figureheads, cannon, anchors,
porcelain and rare coins can be viewed at the Shipwreck Museum in
Bredasdorp. The museum is the only one of its kind
in the country. |
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Southernmost
Tip |
Make
your mark by taking a picture at Cape Agulhas showing that you,
of all the teeming millions in Africa, were the southernmost person for
that instant in history! |
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Calendar
of Events |
| March |
Struisbaai Graca Yellowtail festival
Struisbaai Yellowtail derby |
| June |
Fynbos Flowers |
| July |
Fynbos Flowers
Whales along the coast |
| August |
Fynbos Flowers
Whales along the coast |
| September |
Fynbos Flowers
Whales along the coast
Grain Fields starting to change Colour |
| October |
Foot of Africa Marathon and Festival
Whales along the coast
Fynbos Flowers
Grain is Reaped |
| November |
Grain is harvested
Whales along the coast |
| December |
Trans-Agulhas Rubber Duck Competition
Whales along the coast |
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