Western Cape

Birding:
There is a walking trail from the cottages to the dam and wetlands, and also hiking trails throughout the farm. Guests can also visit the Langeberg Mountains which is one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in the Western Cape. Some of the threatened bird species that can be observed are Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard, Martial Eagle, Black Harrier, Hottentot Buttonquail, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Warbler Karoo Korhaan, Cape Rockjumper, Striped Flufftail, Cape Spurfowl, Cape Sugarbird, Swee Waxbill and Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler. For more information see here.

Arabella Hotel & Spa is just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town. It is situated in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by one of the richest plant kingdoms in the world.

Embraced by the majestic Kogelberg Mountains and bordered by the vast Bot River Lagoon, the hotel invites you to indulge in a sensory experience that will leave you with treasured memories – beautiful aromas of fresh salty sea air and fynbos; distinctive sounds of exotic birdlife and enriching sights of emblematic green mountains and sparkling waters that meet an indigo sky.

The hotel is adjacent to the Rooisands Nature Reserve, bordered by the pristine Bot River Lagoon and embraced by the rugged steep cliffs of the majestic Kogelberg Mountains.

See whales cavort in Walker Bay from the shores of Hermanus or enjoy a close encounter with these gentle ocean giants from a kayak or boat. The boat trips also bring you unequalled engagements with Great White Sharks, Dolphins and other marine life. A true escape to unforgettable experiences.

The destination offers a number of activities to guide you on your path towards complete relaxation. Explore the Overberg with its magnificent charms and treasures that await you. Be enriched by exciting quad bike rides, kayaking expeditions at sea and lazy horseback rides while golden shores and serene Botanical Gardens will leave you in awe of its unspoilt beauty. A valley of vineyards and wine and historic museums invite you to absorb the town’s legacy; magnificent hiking and mountain biking trails and captivating boat rides with the ocean’s big 5 will leave you inspired.

Discover indigenous fynbos, wild flowers and an abundance of rare birdlife on the Bot River Lagoon, or in the surrounding majestic mountains of the Kogelberg Biosphere. Take leisurely strolls through the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens or bask in the sun on the soft white sand of Kleinmond Beach. With its big waves and open waters, surfing is also a popular sport in this blue flagged strand.

Take scenic drives to uncover the many cultural and heritage treasures the region has to offer. The meandering mountain pass along the coast leads you to unspoilt beaches and penguin colonies. Narrow roads covered by shady trees will take you to quaint towns with old-world charm. The way to Hermanus is lined with markets, museums and arts and crafts shops, as well as the Hemel & Aarde Valley where you can absorb the culture of the Overberg.

Duinepos Chalets is a retreat for bird and nature lovers. The charming Chalets are situated inside the West Coast National Park, located 15 km from the Langebaan Lagoon and 17 km from the Langebaan town centre. The camp is based inland amongst the natural bush.

We offer 11 self-catering Chalets which sleep four to six guests in each. It is secluded and quiet making it one of few places where one can still wake up with only the sound of birds. This is why birders from all over the world migrate here for the Duinepos experience. We provide excellent value for money and our affordable rates ensure that we can share the experience with as many guests as possible, and they keep coming back.

Duinepos Chalets is the ideal place where outdoorsy families and groups can have quality time. No television and limited mobile reception will ensure that days are spent in nature and evenings are filled with conversation, board games and books. The West Coast National Park and surrounds offer much to do. Various hiking, biking and birding trails depart from the Duinepos camp. The Langebaan lagoon is also a water sport paradise.

At Duinepos we have a definite “greening”philosophy” that we implement in our operations from house-keeping to administration. While we are working towards becoming an official green destination, we do our bit to be kind to the environment.

A birder’s paradise!

The West Coast National Park is a birding spot of note and is considered as the flagship birding destination along the West Coast. The Langebaan Lagoon, a Ramsar wetland of global importance, supports an exceptional species richness. The 16 km long lagoon area of the park provide important bird habitats.

The park, which is part of the West Coast Biosphere Reserve, forms part of the Flamingo-birding route and is a important birding area.The park is best known for the large numbers of migrant waders that to be found on the mudflats during summer. It also offers exceptional terrestrial birding opportunities.

Over 250 bird species have been recorded in the park and there is a good chance that during your visit you might also spot a few rare migrant visitors. Besides the lagoon area that is a haven for birds, the park’s strandveld fynbos also supports rich birdlife.

In some years, wader numbers can increase to 50,000 in summer. These visitors are migrating from their breeding in Siberia and Greenland and live of tiny invertebrates than can be found in the nutrient rich waters of the mud banks here. The lagoon is seen as an extremely important wetland for waders in South Africa. Several bird hides (including the one at Geelbek and Abrahamskraal) have been constructed in the park.

The nearby islands of Schaapen, Jutten, Malgas and Marcus support important breeding colonies of coastal birds including African Penguin, Cape Gannet and Crowned and Bank Cormorant. During a single day of bird-watching, even novice birders will spot a significant number of species in the different habitat types of the area. Start early in the morning to ensure good birding. Make sure to pack your hat and binoculars for some world-renowned birding!

A rustic diamond on the wild and beautiful West Coast of South Africa, Strandkombuis is nestled in the dunes between a nature reserve and the longest stretch of beach in the country. This is a magical place in a world of its own; the perfect getaway.
Our restaurant deck looks out over a Rooi Pan that attracts coastal and wetland species of birds in the winter, with the rains, and a rich variety of different species in the summer, when the pans are dry, increasing the salinity.

West Coast Birding (from Cape Bird Club website)

In winter small flocks of both Lesser and Greater Flamingo feed here, with significant numbers of roosting African Black Oystercatcher always present. Equally large tern roosts can be seen; Swift and Common Tern (in winter and summer), Caspian Tern is often present. Sandwich Tern adds to the numbers in summer. Look out for Little Tern which has been recorded in summer.
Hartlaub’s and Kelp Gull are always present, as are Black-winged Stilt and Avocet.
Great White Pelican occasionally roost when the pans are full. White-fronted and Kittlitz’s Plover can be seen and nest in the area.
During summer, palearctic migrant waders occur, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Common Ringed Plover, Sanderling. European Oystercatcher a vagrant, has occurred more than once.
In the surrounding strandveld Karoo Scrub Robin, Cape Robin-chat, Cape Bulbul, Bokmakierie, Pied Starling, Cape Wagtail are all common, as are Grey-backed Cisticola, Cape Weaver, Cape Bunting, Southern Double-collared and Malachite Sunbird. Black Harriers can also be seen hunting low over the strandveld.
An additional birding option after the pans can be made to the coast at Yzerfontein village and harbour. Bank Cormorant does breed on the small offshore island of Yzerklip (Meeurots) and often many thousands of Cape Cormorant are seen flying low over the water in long flocks going to roost on the island or around the harbour.
In summer during strong winds and bad weather flocks of Sabine’s Gull come close inshore to the harbour to roost in sheltered waters in the evenings.

Bed & Breakfast
Our bed and breakfast accommodation sleeps 65 people in 27 rooms, each with its own, private en-suite bathroom. The decor is classic and simple; whitewashed walls with reclaimed wood fixtures and features; all contributing to Strandkombuis’ natural, rustic harmony. Our rooms – suites, doubles, twins, and family rooms – all have private, en suite bathrooms. Please bring cots for infants.
Restaurant
Our outdoor restaurant – under our main Bedouin tent – has a fully-stocked, fully-licensed bar, a wood-fired pizza oven, and three braai pits. We are most famous for our Sunday Seafood Buffet – our deep-fried calamari are the best on the West Coast – and we our eclectic menu of gourmet, wood-fired pizzas draws a crowd on Friday nights.
Activities
A short walk along the beach from us you’ll find the town of Yzerfontein, an urban conservancy with natural unspoilt fynbos, spectacular sunsets, and views of Dassen Island and Table Mountain. Popular with surfers and windsurfers, there’s plenty to do on and off the water… walk the coastline, go fishing, take a boat from the harbour, explore the local 4×4 and mountain bike trails. The nearby olive farms and wine farms of Swartland are also world-class.
Our Heaviside Dolphins in the bay are joined from July to December by migrating whales. And every year in the spring, the flowers on the West Coast put on a show that will take your breath away. And Strandkombuis is no exception. Our coastal strandveld and fynbos put on their own spectacular display after the winter rains.
Continue up the coast, with its spectacular seascapes, magnificent lagoons and historic fishing villages, to explore Saldanha, Jacobsbaai, Langebaan, Paternoster, and St Helena Bay. And if you’re planning to drive the West Coast Way and see it all, stop in with us on the way up and on the way back.

We are situated on the slopes of the Cape Peninsula above the historical town of Simon’s Town with its fascinating Naval Base. We offer panoramic views across beautiful False Bay and the Swartkop Nature Reserve which is home to many bird species including the Cape sugarbird, Protea Seedeater (Canary), Cape rockjumper, Cape bulbul, Cape sparrow and various species of Sunbirds.

Magellan’s Passage Guest House is just an 18 minute walk from the beach. With panoramic views of False Bay, Magellan’s Passage in Simon’s Town is an eco-friendly guesthouse featuring renewable energy supplies. It also offers a large sundeck with outdoor seating as well as a lift. The modern, air-conditioned suites all have king size beds with luxury linen and include flat-screen TV’s with DSTV (guest house bouquet of channels), free Wi-Fi, room fan, tea and coffee station, minibar, telephone, room safe and a desk. The en- suite bathrooms come with under floor heating, luxury vanity products and a bath as well as a shower.

Guests at Magellan’s Passage can make use of the sundeck, library and the dining room, where breakfast is served daily and lunches and dinners are available on request. There is also free private parking. Extra services available at a surcharge include airport transfers as well as a mobile spa service. Magellan’s Passage offers a concierge service and a 24 hour duty manager. Boulder’s Beach which is home to the African Penguin is only 1.5 km from the guest house. Chapman’s Peak is situated 17 km away and Cape Point another birding hotspot is 24 km away.

• Black Shouldered Kite
• African Fish Eagle
• Cape Eagle-Owl
• Cape Spurfowl
• Brown-hooded Kingfisher
• African Paradise Flycatcher
• Knysna Turaco
• Pin-tailed Whydah

We are also close to several bird hides and other Parks Board hiking trails, and have visitors such as a large tortoise, Rooikat, African Wild Cat, and others.

The following birds can be observed at the Wilderness National Park:

• White-fronted Plover can be seen on the exposes mudbanks of the Touw River adjacent the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp.
• Great Crested and Black-necked Grebe are present on Rondevlei and Bo Langvlei.
• Wildfowl is prolific including Yellow-billed, Maccoa & White-backed Duck, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard and Cape, Red-billed & Hottentot Teal.
• There is a hide at Rondevlei, from where American (Purple) Gallinule, African Rail, Black and Baillon’s Crake can be seen.
• The Swartvlei Estuary immediately east of the Touw River lakes host Caspian Tern and Kelp Gull as well as some waders.

• The forested hillsides that surround the area are home to several raptors, including: African Cuckoo Hawk, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Black and Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk.
• Red-necked Spurfowl can also be viewed along quiet roads with overgrown verges.