Plettenbery Bay Game Reserve- Blog on Rhino Horn Trade

One of our Cape Country Routes members, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve recently posted an blog on their blog site about the controversial movement towards legalizing Rhino horn trade. We found it very interesting and thought some of you would be interested, so here it is! Give it a read.

"The catastrophe of the Rhino Horn Poaching disaster is only getting worse and conservationists and the government are scrambling to find a solution.

In the last 3 years there has been a massive call to try to end the totally cruel butchery of these animals for their horns. Shocking images have been blasted across social networks and front pages and countless campaigns have rocked the country and yet it seems there has been no change. If anything the issue has become exponentially worse.

The newest attempt at saving these animals and ending the horrific torture they go through during the terrible dehorning process, is leading the entire movement in the opposite direction.

South African Cabinet member, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa, along with many conservationists, argued that the final and probably the only option that we have left is to legalise the international trade of these horns.

This radical proposal has been met with many different responses. The obvious outcry by many is due to the absurdness of the idea while others are starting to see the potential success of this proposal. With the trade being legalized, the black market will, agreeably, not be eradicated (as it never will) but will potentially be radically decreased.

This will also enable the trade to be monitored and will hopefully assist in the sustainable farming of these horns. It will most defiantly decrease the huge numbers of awful attacks on these animals where their noses are hacked to pieces and the rhinos are left alive in agonising pain.

We have seen enough disturbing images to last a life time and the numbers of dead rhinos have sent shivers down even the most hardened folks' spines. Let's hope that whatever the solution to this disaster, it is implemented soon."

The Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful and botanically luscious drives in South Africa. Both South Africans and tourists alike take time to meander down this well-maintained road that connects the Eastern and Western Cape. It is absolutely spectacular with its breathtaking landscapes of towering rocky mountains and magnificent gorges as well as unique flora, and beautiful wildlife. There are also many exciting activities including the longest bungee jump in South Africa, the 216-meter long Bloukrans bungee jump.

Knysna

Cape Country Routes has some great accommodation along the route so click here for great deals and fabulous ideas and suggestions on what to do when you find yourself wanting to be in this sanctuary of calm and relaxation.

Four Passes & Winelands Route

As everyone knows, the Cape is renowned for its beauty, diversity, wide range of activities, warm people and great wine.  We have four mountain passes that wind and meander through some of the most incredible wine regions in the world. These four passes are:

Sir Lowry’s Pass - Houwhoek Pass - Franschhoek Pass - Helshoogte Pass

These passes are all located within easy driving distance of one another and  they make for a perfect full day's trip or a very relaxed 2 day trip for the whole family.

Activities and sights include olive, wine and fruit farms, rivers, mountain hikes, craft stalls, monuments, towns steeped in history and so much more.

If you have not yet experienced these passes, phone some friends, gather your family and start planning!

For more info click here. 

Horseback Safaris at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve

Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve offers its visitors the wonderful opportunity of experiencing an African safari on horseback. This is an amazing chance to take a "ride on the wild side" so to speak. The horses and game alike are used to being in proximity to one another so you can get up close to the wild animals with relative ease.

Their Experienced and knowledgeable game rangers will ensure that the safari will remain etched in your mind forever. They will take you to locations that are usually inaccessible to even the most hardy off road 4x4s allowing you will get within very close range to Africa's finest game.

Breathe in the fresh, clean air and feel the long grass brush below, you may even feel as though you are adventuring through Africa's unchartered and untouched landscape.

Our horses are well trained and friendly so even someone who is an inexperienced rider or nervous around horses will feel at ease. We will ensure that each person is paired with the correct horse to suit them. The 2 hour ride is easy and comfortable and you can enjoy a drink at our fabulous bar when it is all over.

For bookings click here or call 044 535 0000/1 or 084 792 8288

Best Markets Around The Cape

The Cape has blossomed into a treasure trove of charming markets that are tucked in between the nookies and crannies of the Cape rocky mountains. It's become a place where budding entrepreneurs come to display their unique goods from crafts, food, wines, vintage products, antiques, clothes, books, toys and electrical goods. There is something for everyone and on weekends these markets come alive with both Capetonians and tourists alike.

The Woodmill Lifestyle Market- Stellenbosch

This trendy market in the heart of Stellenbosch is open every Friday night from 17h30- 22h00. It features an eclectic mix of a variety of products from boutique food and wine stalls to high-end products and great live music for entertainment.
-Vredenburg Road,  082 828 3944

 

The Botrivier Holistic Fair, Botrivier

This is a holistic fair happens on the where traders display products that encourage holistic health and healing. It is held on the first Sunday of every month from 10h00 to 16h00 and longer in summer, catering for keen marketers from all over the Cape region including the Helderberg and Overberg regions as well as Cape Town.
-gsteyl@lantic.net

 

Fernkloof Farmers Market- Hermanus

The Overberg region produces some of South Africa's richest and delectable fruits and foods and over 30 of the farmers who grow these foods meet every Saturday morning in Hermanus to trade. This is a spectacular market where you can get your hands on some of the juiciest fruits and treats for unbelievable prices.
-Montessori School yard, 072 883 3894

Millstone Eco-friendly Farm Stall & Café- Pinelands

This has been called one of the Capes best kept secrets. Nestled in the pristine little town of Pinelands, this ecofriendly farm stall radiates a homemade feel. It's a rare slice of the old rustic Cape where you can sit back and soak up a sunbeam while sipping on freshly squeezed organic fruit juice or heavenly cappuccinos. Located on the same site as a horse riding school you can take a ride along the meadowland which is easily big enough for a good gallop along the river. A very short drive from Cape Town, its a beautiful day out for the whole family.
-Alexandra Street, Pinelands,  021 447 8226

Root 44, Audacia Market -Stellenbosch

This weekend market open on Saturday and Sunday from 9h00 to 15h30. They have become one of the most popular markets around the Cape and it's no surprise. This market prides itself on being totally shopper friendly, catering for any shoppers need. Stalls are weather protected by Downings marquees and offer anything from some of the best-up-and coming craft beers and mouthwatering foods. Antiques, clothing, wines, jewellery, books, homeware, decedent treats and awesome live entertainment makes this market a must-do.
-Audacia Wines, Corner of R44 & Annandale Road, 021 881 3052