Why Betty’s Bay?
Betty’s Bay is well known the world over because of the scenic Clarence Drive that runs from Gordon’s Bay to Betty’s Bay along the edge of False Bay then cutting through the landscape to plunge into the beautiful rolling hills and sand dunes that is the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
A rural idyll that offers everything someone seeking to get off the beaten track could desire: no street lights at night giving you the most magical of starry skies. Gravel roads for you to slowly wind through seeking new vistas at every turn. The Stony Point penguin colony, one of the last remaining growing land based colonies in Southern Africa. The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden where the Cape Floral Kingdom comes alive amidst waterfalls and dramatic mountains. Day and overnight hikes like the Overberg Camino. Long sandy beaches for swimming, angling and surfing. Rocky bays and pools for beach combing, in fact don’t just stay for a night, stay forever.
Whale Season, broadly June to December although you can never gauge when our magnificent visitors will arrive, brings the Southern Right Whale from its summer home in the Antarctic to the shores of South Africa to mate and to breed. The main hub for their activities is Walker Bay just 45 minutes from Betty’s Bay, and both land based and boat based viewing can be had at Hermanus.
Here in Betty’s Bay we see them almost daily but in smaller numbers and without the fuss and hoopla.
Beaches
There are many beaches and rocky coves in Betty’s Bay and it is fun just to explore and see what you find.
MAIN BEACH
From this beach you can walk for several kilometers to the east or to the west to the penguin colony at Stony Point along the coastal footpath (45 minutes).
Please be aware of the Oyster Catcher breeding signs on these beaches and avoid walking in the seaweed at the high water mark, which is where the birds lay their eggs and the young hide. They are an endangered bird.
If you want to swim on this beach then on arriving at the beach walk to the RIGHT (west) towards the life guard hut (only manned in season) as there is a strong rip current on the LEFT (east) side of the beach. The surf can be rough and the waves huge so care must be taken. This is the best beach for surfing
SILVERSANDS (4km)
This beach is a huge crescent that ends at Blesberg where you can dune board by arrangement. I would not recommend swimming on this beach due to the huge waves and depth of the surf, it is although a popular beach for fishermen.
JOCK’S BAY (2.5km)
A small rocky cove with the safest bathing spot for children.
Baboons
We are blessed to share our village with a troop of baboons that number around 18 at any one time. Their territory is across the entire 14 kilometers of Betty’s Bay and they have many sleep sites on the mountain as they travel.
Human encroachment into their habitat has naturally changed their behavior and they have become accustomed to associating humans with food.
Baboons are not aggressive. They are highly sentient beings that will avoid trouble and conflict if they can, nevertheless there are a few basics that all visitors to the area should know:
· Baboons can climb sheer walls and so do not think that a small bathroom window on the upper floor is not accessible.
· If you encounter a baboon inside firstly stay calm and make sure the baboon has an exit route, so open all doors and windows nearby. Then shoo him out.
· Never try to take food from a baboon, let him and the food go.
· Never get between a baboon and a baby baboon. They are very protective of their young and this may be the only time you will see them angry.
· Do not throw things at baboons or shout, it has no effect.
Penguins
The Stony Point penguin colony is a few kilometers down the road. With over 2500 pairs of nesting African penguins it is one of the largest land based sites in Africa.
It is open from 08h00 to 16h00 (last entry 15h45) and there is an entry fee.
Alternatively walking takes about 45 minutes and you can do so either along the road or along the coastal foot path from Main Beach.
Hiking
You can hike all over Betty’s Bay from gentle 2km meanders to 23km day hikes in the Kogelberg. If you are interested in hiking or hill walking contact Laura for more information.
Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
Only 2kms from Jack’s, visit the world famous gardens with their uniquely different indigenous plants. Take one of several walks and hikes up into the mountains depending on how energetic you feel.
There is an entrance fee to the garden, shop and restaurant.
Open weekdays from 08h00am to 16h30pm
Weekends & Public Holidays from 08h00am to 17h00pm
Once in the Garden, you can stay there until 19h00 when the exit closes.
· To walk Leopardskloof you must enter the garden before 12 noon and ask for the key to the gate and pay a refundable deposit at the entrance.
Wild Horses of Kleinmond
The bird hide at Rooisand is a good bet if you want to try and catch a glimpse of this herd.
Walk along the board walk to the bird hide marveling at the fish eagles, flamingos and pelicans whilst trying to spy the horses, which currently number around 20.
River Rafting or Tubing on the Palmiet River in the Kogelberg
Gravity Adventures operate river rafting and tubing, water levels permitting, on the Palmiet River which can be found between Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. Contact them to check the possibility of joining a group– 021 683 3698 or email adventure@gravity.co.za.