https://www.noordhoeknests.com/blog/2021-03-19T00:00:00+02:00Noordhoek Nestshello@noordhoeknests.comCopyright (c) 2026, Noordhoek Nests2021-03-19T00:00:00+02:00https://www.noordhoeknests.com/blog/post/why-winter-in-cape-town-is-the-best-kept-secret/

<p>Between June and September is Cape Town’s ‘Winter’ but don’t let that put you off visiting, it’s actually our favourite time of year. We still get plenty of sunshine and the Cape is at its most lush.</p> <p>With night time lows of 14 degrees and day time highs that can be up in the 20’s the term Winter is hardly comparable to the much colder winters in Europe. This is a great time of year for families to head over and for people who don’t like the busy and super hot Summer months.</p> <p><br />Imagine snuggly nights in with a glass of red, and gorgeous sunny days with clear crisp air perfect to get out and about to explore in. It’s a lot less busy at all the must see tourist spots, so less queuing and it’s much easier to get that perfect photo.</p> <p><br />There are also cheaper flights and great offers to be had at some of the fine dining restaurants, which can include 2 and 3 course menus with wine pairing for a discounted price.</p> <p><br />Noordhoek is particularly stunning in the Winter and a walk along our local beach or one of our awesome Cape Point hikes are the perfect way to get out and really enjoy it. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled whilst you are out as June is the start of Whale watching season so you are likely to get to see Southern Right Whales, Orca’s and Bryde's Whales as well as dolphins, seals and more.</p> <p><br />You can always finish your afternoon with a drive along Chappies enjoying one of our breathtaking Winter sunsets, whilst sipping on a local craft G &amp; T.</p> <p><br />Wine tasting is enjoyable year round, but is also the perfect rainy day activity if the sun doesn’t show. And with Constantia just a short 20 minute drive from us you can easily spend the day sampling some of the best wines Cape Town has to offer.</p> <p><br />Winter is when the locals come out to play and the perfect time to see this stunning peninsular in its full glory.</p> <p><br />So what are you waiting for… come visit us now.</p>

Copyright (c) 2021, Noordhoek Nests2021-03-19T00:00:00+02:00https://www.noordhoeknests.com/blog/post/forthegram/

<h2>Here is our Top 10 Instagram photo hot spots to visit whilst you are here:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Top of Table Mountain</strong><br />No trip to Cape Town would be complete with out the obligatory ‘top of Table Mountain ‘pic. I mean who would believe you had even been there if you don’t have it. If you are brave enough to climb up as well your will get a whole lot more braggable photos on the way as well as the smug feeling that you did it.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Penguins at Boulders Beach</strong><br />Probably some of the cutest photos you will ever post on your social media will be of our African penguins, playing, cuddling and generally just being adorable. Plus the fact that you will see them on stunning boulders beach which is the most breath taking back drop and against the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean you really can’t get a bad pic.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Muizenberg Colourful Beach Huts</strong><br />You will see them on postcards everywhere but why not get your own photo and get yourself in it too. Plus the beach huts are on a stunning beach with some great rock pools so you can make an afternoon of it and have a dip in the Atlantic at the same time.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Cape Winelands</strong><br />Some of Cape Town’s most stunning scenery can be found in our Winelands whether you visit Constantia, Stellenbosch or Fanschoek you’ll be able to get a great shots of rows upon rows of grapevines with mountain backdrop and of course a glass of Merlot in hand to complete the shot.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>V&amp;A Waterfront</strong><br />You will be spoilt for choice with live African music, dancers, the ferris wheel, lazy seals, food markets, local crafts, yachts, the ocean, Table Mountain, just make sure you have enough memory free for all the photo ops. Plus enjoy some souvenir shopping whilst you are there.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Chapmans Peak Drive</strong><br />Said to be one of the most stunning coastal drives in South Africa, this must do is perfect at sunset. There are various viewpoints along the way to guarantee you get that perfect picture.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Colourful Bo-Kaap</strong><br />With houses painted in every colour of the rainbow you will definitely be able to find a backdrop to suit your mood and outfit. There are also some great Cape Malay restaurants to grab a bite after all that posing.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Camps bay</strong><br />Camps Bay Beach is a place to see and be seen. It has a bustling seafront with loads of great bars and restaurants as well as stunning beaches full of beautiful people.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Noordhoek Beach</strong><br />If you prefer a quieter beach head over to Noordhoek, there is 8 km of white sand, and wild ocean. It also has a protected reserve area in the dunes and you can often spot whales and seals. You can horse ride along the beach or climb up Chapmans Peak to get a stunning birds eye view. If you stay for Sunset you will get a perfect orange African sun setting over the ocean.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Cape Point</strong><br />If you are all about the animals a day in Cape Point won’t disappoint. With locals including baboons, Zebras, Ostrich, Bontebok, Eland, Tortoise, birds, seals and lots more. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready.</li> </ul>

Copyright (c) 2021, Noordhoek Nests2020-07-07T00:00:00+02:00https://www.noordhoeknests.com/blog/post/10-things-we-love-about-noordhoek/

<p>We also have loads of hidden gems of our own for you to enjoy when you don’t want to venture too far as well.</p> <h2>The Beach</h2> <p>Everyone loves the beach but we have to boast that ours is pretty special. With 8 km of white sand, Chapmans Peak overlooking and stunning blue water you can’t ask for much more.</p> <p>It’s also with in walking distance from the guest house so super easy to get to and enjoy.</p> <h2>The Farm Village</h2> <p>Whether you want to go out for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner there’s plenty of choices. With 5 different restaurants, curo shops, a night markets on Wednesdays, an ice cream parlour and live music most nights it’s the hub of Noordhoek and definitely worth a visit or two during your stay.</p> <h2>Horse Riding</h2> <p>If you like horses you will love Noordhoek, not only do we have happy horses running free on our common you can also book and go on a horse ride with one of our local stables. You can head off through the dunes or down onto the beach it’s a super fun relaxing way to spend an afternoon.</p> <h2>Silvermine Dam</h2> <p>This stunning nature reserve has lots of great hikes for all abilities as well as braai areas and of course plenty of spots to chill and swim in the dam. The perfect place to laze away for a whole day. Keep your eyes peeled as there is also loads of flora and fauna to spot as well. The perfect place for the whole family.</p> <h2>Star Spotting</h2> <p>As we don’t have street lamps in Noordhoek there isn’t much light pollution which means on a clear night you can lay out and star spot to your heart’s content. It’s also perfect if there is any luna activity too.</p> <h2>Cape Point Vineyards</h2> <p>This wine farm offers wonderful wine tastings everyday, hosts a great food market on Thursday evenings and also has a fantastic restaurant where you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner and delicious picnics you can enjoy on the lawn looking out over the ocean.</p> <h2>Chapmans Peak Drive</h2> <p>Chapmans Peak Drive is a must do on any trip to Cape Town. It is an absolutely stunning drive with breathtaking views the whole way along. We happen to have the best look out point on our side with amazing photo ops of the beach, the mountain and out over the atlantic.Plus you can even hike up one of the mountain path to the view points if you don’t fancy driving. This is the perfect spot for some sundowners. A nice refreshing G &amp; T whilst watching a classic African sunset over the ocean.</p> <h2>The Food Barn</h2> <p>You will find the Food Barn up there in Cape Town’s top rated restaurant lists wherever you look and it just so happens to be in Noordhoek. French style fine dining at its best, it’s a real treat. You will need to book in advance though but just let us know when you would like to go and we can get a table reserved for you.</p> <h2>Aegir Craft Brewery</h2> <p>Just a 5 minute walk or stumble from the guest house we have an awesome craft brewery, you can taste the full flight they offer or just sit back and enjoy a nice cold one with one of their delicious hot dogs in their courtyard. With open air movie nights on Thursdays, live music on Saturday afternoons and a great vibe all the time it’s a great local stop to refuel.</p> <h2>Village Roast</h2> <p>If you have an early start to get out and explore the city or cape Point don’t worry our local Coffee shops has you covered. With delicious locally roasted coffee beans and even freshly baked croissants it’s a must stop shop before heading out in the morning. Why not even buy a bag of coffee beans to take home with you to enjoy even after your holiday too.</p>

Copyright (c) 2020, Noordhoek Nests2020-07-07T00:00:00+02:00https://www.noordhoeknests.com/blog/post/cape-town-animal-experiences/

<p>Cape Point is a beautiful nature reserve which offers loads of sighting opportunities. We often see zebra, baboon, ostrich, Eland, porcupine, and bontebok and if you keep your eyes peeled over the ocean whales and dolphins too. Book one of our full or half day tours and our expert guide will show you the more off the beaten track parts and all the best places to spot the animals.</p> <p>Kalk bay is a lovely place for small bohemian shops, lunch by the ocean and for seeing seals.They love to hang out at the harbour hoping for a free fish to two when the fishermen come in and you can see them playing in the water and sunning themselves on the quay.</p> <p>If you have a whole day and are happy to go further a field, the best whale spotting is in Hermanus. The recommended months for this is June to November. You can sit by the ocean and relax whilst keeping a ook out or head out on a boat trip if you want to get up close.</p> <p>For the more adrenaline fuelled traveller ‘shark cage diving’ with definitely be a big lure. Gansbaai is the best place to do this and it’s usually an early start but is definitely a big fat tick off your bucket list. Even just going on the boat and watching from above is an amazing experience so don’t worry if half your party isn’t quite as up for it they will still get a thrill.</p>

Copyright (c) 2020, Noordhoek Nests2020-07-07T00:00:00+02:00https://www.noordhoeknests.com/blog/post/what-to-pack-when-visiting-cape-town/

<h2>SUMMER IN CAPE TOWN (NOVEMBER – FEBRUARY)</h2> <p>Cape Town is perfect in the Summer, with balmy temperatures and sunny days. You will enjoy plenty of long hot days and stunning sunsets. It is also a popular time for kite surfing so be aware some places can get pretty windy too.</p> <p>Temperatures: 17°C – 29°C</p> <p>Sunshine: Average of 26 days per month</p> <p>Hours of daylight: 13-14</p> <p><strong>YOUR SUMMER PACKING CHECKLIST:</strong></p> <p>Sunblock<br />A good sun hat<br />Sun glasses<br />Insect repellant<br />A light jacket or windbreaker<br />Swimming Cosume<br />T-Shirts, shorts, sandals</p> <h2>AUTUMN IN CAPE TOWN (MARCH – APRIL)</h2> <p>Autumn sees temperature cool slightly, although the days will still be warm a light jacket is a must to beat the chill in the evenings. It’s less windy than the summer months and is a great time of year to head out as it’s not as busy as Summer so you really get to experience local Cape Town.</p> <p>Temperatures: 15°C – 27°C</p> <p>Sunshine: 25 – 27 days per month</p> <p>Hours of daylight: 11 – 12</p> <p><strong>YOUR AUTUMN PACKING CHECKLIST:</strong></p> <p>Sunblock<br />Sandals and closed shoes<br />Layers – clothes good for sudden changes in temperatures<br />Light jacket</p> <h2>WINTER IN CAPE TOWN (MAY – AUGUST)</h2> <p>Winter in Cape Town is still full of sunny days and blue skies but the temperature is cooler (although very mild compared to a Winter in the UK.) It is classed as the rainy season with about 7 – 9 rainy days per month but you get wet whilst surfing anyways so it’s never stopped us before. Plus with some of the best food and wine in the world there’s always plenty to keep you entertained.</p> <p>Temperatures: 12°C – 22°C</p> <p>Sunshine: 19 – 22 days per month</p> <p>Hours of daylight: 9</p> <p><strong>YOUR WINTER PACKING CHECKLIST:</strong></p> <p>A waterproof hooded coat<br />Good water resistant boots<br />Lighter clothes for the warmer days.<br />A Warm fleece</p> <h2>SPRING IN CAPE TOWN (SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER)</h2> <p>Spring is our favourite time in Cape Town, everywhere is super lush from the rain throughout the Winter and the city bursts into colour from all the flowers. The temperature heads back up into the 20’s and there is very little wind making it perfect to get out and enjoy the sunshine.</p> <p>Temperatures: 17°C – 29°C</p> <p>Sunshine: 22 – 25 days per month</p> <p>Hours of daylight: 11 – 12</p> <p><strong>YOUR SPRING PACKING CHECKLIST:</strong></p> <p>Layers – clothes good for sudden changes in temperatures<br />Sunblock<br />Sunglasses<br />A warm jacket or fleece</p>

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