HISTORY
The Strandlopers (literally ‘beach combers’)
were the only inhabitants of Table Bay and the surrounding
areas when Jan van Riebeeck, an employee of the Dutch
East India Company (VOC), landed at the Cape in 1652.
Cape Town celebrated the 350th anniversary of this
historical event in the year 2002. In 1655 the first
expedition to the east of the Fort at Cape Town was
launched, climbing the dauntingly steep mountains above
present-day Gordon’s Bay. The then governor of
the Cape, WA van der Stel, acquired as much land as
possible and named his farm Vergelegen, where he lived
until his recall to the Netherlands in 1708.
SOMERSET WEST
In 1817 four farmers, who owned different parts of
a divided Vergelegen, decided the time was right for
the building of a church. The British governor Lord
Charles Somerset granted permission for the construction
of a church and the laying out of a village around
it, and graciously allowed the patrons of the church
to name the new village ‘Somerset’. In
1850 the name of the settlement was changed to Somerset
West to avoid confusion with the town of Somerset East.
Modern-day Somerset West is a far cry from the tiny
settlement that it once was, but the town still has
an historical air which adds to its character and charm.
Oak tress and thatched cottages, historic buildings
and national monuments combine with the presence of
a bustling, close-knit community to give the town a
pleasant, comforting aura.
STRAND
Some 300 years ago a certain Corporal Muller and eight
soldiers of the Dutch East India Company crossed the
Lourens River and set foot on the now famous white
sand of the Milk Bay Beach at Strand. Coloured and
Malay fishermen settled on the coast and the fishing
village of Mostert’s Bay developed. In about
1850 the place was named Van Ryneveld’s Town.
After that the name changed frequently, first to Hottentots
Holland-Strand, then Somerset Strand and, 1937 in became
just Strand. Strand is situated on the shores of False
Bay, at the foot of the Hottentots Holland mountain
range, only 48 km from Cape Town by national road (N2).
It is linked with the rest of the scenic Western Cape
and wine lands by well-maintained roads.
GORDON’S BAY
Gordon’s Bay was named after Rober Jacob Gordon,
a Dutch military officer who commanded the Cape garrison
in the latter part of the 18th century. Today this
picturesque cove with its steep mountain backdrop against
which magnificent residences perch precariously, is
home to the South African Naval College and its sheltered
harbours play host to numerous regattas and other yachting
and angling events. Gordon’s Bay combines the
flavour of an international resort with the charm of
and old-style coastal town. In summer its narrow streets
and bustling beachfront come alive with the sounds
of happy holidays in progress.
ATTRACTIONS
Beaches
The Helderberg is renowned for its long stretches of white, sandy beaches.
Safe swimming, in warmer waters, has ensured the popularity of the
Helderberg as a prime holiday destination for water-sports enthusiastic.
Best spots for: - swimming, sunbathing & walking: Melkbaai Beach,
Strand Bikinis Beach and main beach, G’Bay. Windsurfing: Strand
beach (in front of the Life Saver’s Club House). Surfing: Kogelbay
situated Clarence Drive, Gordon’s Bay is a must for the best
surfing experience and has the only braai area on the Helderberg coast.
Strand beach (in front of the Lifes Saver’s Club House) can also
be recommended.
Godon’s Bay Harbours
An evening stroll along the harbour wall is sure to be rewarding as yachts
and boats sail in the moor at the protected marina. Harbour cruises
leave daily from the Gordon’s Bay harbour. For bookings Tel:
(021) 851 4022. The new Gordon’s Bay Waterfront Development (Harbour
Island) is an exciting entertainment area with many restaurants, pubs
and accommodation facilities available. This is also a very prominent
area for housing.
Whale Watching
Between June and December each year hundreds of Southern Right whales
visit the sheltered, shallow bays of the South African coastline to
calve and nurture their offspring. Many of these massive mammals visit
False Bay each year and the best place to spot them are at official
whale watching spots found on Clarence Drive, the coastal road from
Gordon’s Bay to Rooi Els.
Steenbras Dam
The Streenbras Dam is primarily a water source for the City of Cape Town.
There are several secluded picnic sites and braai areas within the
1200 hectares of pine plantations around the dams. The waters are stocked
annually with trout and fishing is permissible provided a permit is
obtained. Birdlife is plentiful and hundred of Egyptian geese nest
on the shores and islands of the upper dam. The dam can be accessed
from Gordon’s Bay. The 4km road to the dam offers magnificent
views of the Helderberg, Cape Peninsula as far as Table Mountain and
even as far as Cape Point.
Arts & Crafts
Somerset West is famous for its two craft markets, which are held at
Southey’s Vines (Tourism Bureau offices) in Main Street on Saturday
mornings. The Country Craft Market is becoming well-known world wide
for it’s many handcrafted items. There are over 200 stalls; all
manned by the crafters themselves. Equally interesting is the Helderberg
Veldwinkel. In the summer months this market is also held in the evening.
Spookhill
A visit to this spot often generates intense discussion on whether the
fact that cars roll uphill here is an official illusion or one of the
world’s great unsolved mysteries. It is found at the top of the
Parel Vallei Road in front of the Straightway Head Country House.
Helderberg Nature Reserve
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is one of the treasures of the Helderberg
region. It starts at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain, where
families picnic in the shade of the ancient oaks amidst rolling lawns,
and reaches up to the mountainside where hardy fynbos plants cling
to the steep slopes. Birds are abundant in the reserve and cover the
years some 169 species have been recorded. Several species of small
antelope occur in the reserve and visitors may be privileged to spot
Bontebok, Grey Duiker, Grysbok and Steenbok. The natural vegetation
of the Reserve consists largely of Mountain Fynbos. There are several
walks in the reserve.
Lwandle Hostel Museum and Arts & Crafts
Centre
This is the fist township-based museum in the Western Cape and the first
museum to commemorate migrancy in South Africa. Lwandle started in 1958
as single dwelling hostels for migrant workers. It is now a vibrant community
of families. The museum, located in the former community hall, (with
the theme “From homestead to hostel”) through its exhibits
commemorates the trails, tribulations and triumphs of migrant workers
and hostel life in Southern Africa.
Vintage Train Rides
Enjoy a ride along the branch line over Sir Lowry’s Pass, past
Steenbras Dam, Elgin and the Houwhoek Pass, with spectacular views all
the way. The train runs at weekends over the Christmas Holiday period
and on selected dates during the year.
Helderberg Wine Route
In as much as the Helderberg Wine Route shares many attributes associated
with Stellenbosch and its wine growing region, it also has so much
more that sets it apart. The personality of the wines produced in the
Helderberg area are influenced by the proximity to the ocean and therefore
the cooling summer sea breezes. The soils too, which are amongst the
finest in the region, have a marked effect on the growing and nurturing
of theses vines. The wine makers, viticulturists and wine growers,
who craft their wines, mirror the distinction and uniqueness of the
wines. Their energy and enthusiasm is matched only by knowledge that
the material they are working with is truly unique. This is also reflected
in the numerous awards bestowed upon the members of the Helderberg
Wine Route in recent years.
Helderbrau
Helderbrau is one of the few private ly owned small breweries in the
country. They offer unique tasting German beer on tap. Brewery Tours & Tastings:
Private beer tasting and brewery tours can be arranged at any time
by appointment.
ACCOMMODATION & CONFERENCES
Accommodation
The Helderberg offers the visitor a wide range of accommodation to suit
every taste, from five start hotels, excellent guesthouses and bed & breakfasts
to self-catering chalets and camping facilities.
Conference Facilities
The Helderberg is very well known for its many conference venues that
cater for meetings of all sizes. No request too big or too small. From
a 2 man meeting to 800 delegate conferences, we can assist in finding
you the perfect venue.
SPORT & ADVENTURES
Adventure Sports
Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at archery, shark diving, deep-sea
diving, fresh water fishing, rock angling, fly fishing, deep-sea/game
fishing, paragliding, paintballing and 4 x 4 Trails, all available
in the Helderberg!
Watersports
The Helderberg is a well-known coastal paradise with many fun activities
along its scenic stretch of beaches in Gordon’s Bay, Macassar & Strand.
The beaches are ideal for sailing, surfing, boating, fishing, water-skiing,
windsurfing and much much more! For the best surfing experience “Kogelbaai” beach
is a must. The long stretch of pure white beach is situated on Clarence
Drive just outside Gordon’s Bay and is an ideal spot for camping
and caravanning and is also the only “braai” area on the
Helderberg coast.
Abseiling
Adrenalin junkies can contact Abseil Africa for an abseiling excursion
at Kamakaze Kanyon at the Streenbras River Gorge.
HIKING IN THE HELDERBERG
Danie Miller Hiking Trail
This path traces the foot of the mountains at Gordon’s Bay, offering
splendid views of False Bay and the Helderberg. The trail takes on from
Aurora Drive to the landmark Gordon’s Bay anchor. (± 7km,
90 minute walk).
Steenbras River Gorge Hiking Trail:
Permits are required for this walk, which starts at the mouth of the
Steenbras River, on the scenic coastal road from Gordon’s Bay
to Betty’s Bay (R44). The trail is classified as moderate to
difficult walk.
Wagon Wheel Trail
Historic trail, starting opposite the viewpoint on the Sir Lowrey’s
Pass on the N2. This trail will take you through the historic “Gantouw
Pass” where you can clearly see the ruts left in the road by the
wagons as well as the two original canons used in earlier days for signaling.
The wagon wheel tracks are declared National Monuments.
Boland Hiking Trail
This is a network of paths that can be tackled in various configurations;
offering hikes of between two and five days long. There are starting
points at Sir Lowry’s Pass, Stellenbosch, Franschoek and at Nuweberg
(between Grabouw and Villiersdorp).
Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary has a bird hide for ornithologists and keen photographers.
Situated in Broadway Boulevard, opposite Vicotria Road in Somerset
West.
Helderbergplaas (farm) Hiking Trail
Helderbergplaas offers a number of options for young and old. No permits,
required for overnight hikes. There are five easy walks in the Granny
Forest that offers more than 90 species of birds and many varieties
of fynbos. You might also be lucky enough to spot some Grysbuck, Duiker,
Leopard, Lynx, Silver Jackal and foxes on your walk.
You will now also find exciting 4x4 trails on this farm. It is 12km long
and takes about 2 hours. There are 5 stages over mountainous terrain
and offers terrific views over False Bay and Table Bay.
Silwerboomkloof Trail – Natural Heritage
Site
This pleasant hiking trail for people of all ages offers beautiful vistas
and takes on through an area rich in bird life.
Helderberg Nature Reserve
There are several delightful self guided trails in the Reserve, ranging
from comfortable on the lower slopes to moderate/difficult hikes on
the higher slopes. A map of these walks can be seen inside the arched
entrance to the garden section of the reserve.
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