Things to Do in Jakkalsfontein

Get in your karretjie and head to Darling's Evita se Perron, a cabaret theatre started by Evita Bezuidenhout aka Pieter Dirk Uys, South Africa's famous satirist. Perron means 'station platform' in Afrikaans and here you will find Voortrekker Monument kitsch rivaling apartheid signs – it's a place where everyone has a chance to laugh and/or cry, then remember and celebrate that we are no longer there. Tannie believes that by acknowledging where we come from, we will understand where we are going. "In the bad old days when very few people had the vote, passenger trains steamed into Darling Station from Cape Town on a daily basis. Now everyone has the vote and there are no more passenger trains but the station has survived, thanks to a small group of darlings who did all they could to prevent the little pink blikgebou from being demolished. Darling Station is now an international port of call. The gravy train does not stop here anymore, but every tourist bus and visitors' Merc does. Our kitchen serves Tannie's legendary braai en slaai, roast lamb or bobotie, flanked by koeksisters en melktert. The droewors and biltong snack-platter, washed down with our excellent local wines makes for a special experience."

Apart from Golf, the Club also offers a wide variety of sport such as Bowls, Netball, Tennis, Ghymkana and Cricket. The club hosts annual events such as the Darling Wild Flower Show, Nissan Rally, WP Ghymkana Championships and Boland Bowls Championships. It is also a popular venue for weddings, conferences and other social functions. This cute 9-hole Golf course is only 75km away from Cape Town. It is especially popular with residents from Melkbos and Bloubergstrand. It is 5877m long and the greens have cynoden grass. The course has been open for the past 20 years, but with the recently built dam and new irrigation system, has grown into an attractive and well-maintained golf course. Bar facilities and light meals are available. With the excellent catering facilities available on site, it is the perfect venue for corporate and social golfing events.

Duckitt Nurseries is the largest orchid nursery in South Africa, if not the southern hemisphere. They specialise in growing Cymbidium orchids as cut flowers, mainly for export to Europe and the USA while many other varieties and hybrids are sold as pot plants in South Africa.  The nursery is open to the public on the first Saturday of the month from May to November from 09:00 to 12:00, where visitors will experience a spectacle of incredible flowers. Entrance is free, and plants and flowers are for sale in the pack-shed. The green house with the most spectacular display of flowers is also opened to the public.  Don't miss the annual Orchid Show on Oude Post Farm on the third weekend in September (which takes place at the same time at the Darling Wild Flower Show). This is a fully landscaped show with a tea room and sales area. Many popular and interesting new varieties of orchids can be purchased.

Groote Post is a beautiful historic wine farm dating back to 1706, situated in the Darling area on the West Coast. Many of the buildings (including the Manor House and cellar) are National Monuments. Part of a family owned, 4 000 hectare working farm the winery produces award winning wines (Double Gold Veritas for Shiraz 2004 and Gold for Sauvignon Blanc 2007).The farm incorporates a game camp, offering game drives and a bird hide. The views of the Atlantic Coast and Table Mountain are spectacular. The restaurant (housed in the Manor House) is very popular preparing modern country cuisine daily.In Spring the farm is covered in wild flowers. Along with these attractions the compelling feature of the farm is its membership of the Biodiversity Wine Initiative with a commitment made to preserving thousands of hectares of endangered fynbos.Need to know? Opening Hours Monday to Friday: 09h00 - 17h00, Saturday to Sunday: 10h00 - 14h30, Public Holidays: 10h00 - 16h00. Closed: Easter Friday, Christmas and New Years Day. Tasting fee: R15 per person for groups of 10 or more people.

The West Coast village of Darling – only one hour’s drive from Cape Town – is home to artists, actors, retired financiers, farmers and other interesting people (Cloof proprietors count themselves amongst those).Even if the region geographically and demographically is more than a little off-centre, Darling’s annual wild flower show – showcasing a selection of the 1 200 flowering species to be found here – makes it the focal point of the Cape Floral Kingdom.Cloof Vineyards, situated on the eastern slopes of Dassenberg, 70 kilometres north of Cape Town, are surrounded by wheat fields. In winter the most brilliant of greens, these fields ripen in early summer to earthy golden when the vineyards have burst into vibrant green leaf.Late in 2006 Cloof were named Champions under the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, in recognition of the steps they’ve taken to conserve pristine natural vegetation, and to rehabilitate previously cultivated areas. The programme also sets extremely strict standards in terms of the potential environmental impact of vineyard and cellar activities.Darling’s unique combination of soils and climate give rise to the trademark bold-flavoured richness of Cloof wines, which ultimately is the real reason for visiting Cloof.Their passion for bold, well-defined flavours is expressed also in various food events at Cloof. Celebrating the best of country produce and simplicity in preparation, their wines are considered as being the ideal complement.Afrikaans has a word, gesellig, which best describes the happy mood that settles on a group when hospitality, good company, wine and food are brought together. That is the Cloof life and you are invited to share it with them.Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm

About an hour’s drive north of Cape Town, the West Coast National Park stretches from Yzerfontein up to the edge of Langebaan. The park surrounds most of the enormous Langebaan Lagoon, a water sports junkie’s paradise with awesome kayaking, snorkelling and some of the best windsurfing and kite surfing on the planet. In summer, migratory water birds flock in thousands from as far away as northern Eurasia. In the middle of the lagoon is Schaapen Island, a bird sanctuary that is off limits, but you can paddle close to it and watch the garrulous marine birds. The park is a good place for cycling and spotting eland and small animals but the star attraction is the spring wildflower spectacle. Kraalbaai has a few lovely houseboats for rent and there’s a superb restaurant at Geelbek. Bicycles and canoes can be hired in Langebaan.

Discover Elandsfontein’s rich fossil heritage on a guided Quad Bike Fossil Safari or 4WD Nature Drive. The dunes on Elandsfontein are the final resting place of early humans and animals that date back to the early Stone Age. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served. All quad bikes have fully automatic gearboxes to ensure that even novice riders can enjoy this unique experience. To manage the impact on the dunes the number of quad bikes is limited to eight, but each quad bike is big enough for two passengers. Watch wildlife in comfort during the 4WD Nature Drive. Originally the home of the largest inward migration of game in the history of the Western Cape, Elandsfontein is waiting to be discovered by nature lovers. Guests on the three hour nature drive can expect to see include eland, hartebeest, zebra, wildebeest, oryx, kudu, bontebuck, springbuck and Cape buffalo, the first of the Big Five to be reintroduced into the reserve. Unspoilt nature and rich and diverse birdlife complete the experience. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served.

This is one of the best places on the West Coast to see fields of wild flowers! The Postberg Section of the West Coast National Park is only open to visitors during spring. You can also do some game viewing from your own vehicle - spot various antelope from Africa's largest, the eland, to pronking sprinbokkies or maybe a shy little greysbok. Ostrich and their chicks wander about and if you've got sharp eyes you will discover tortoises, field mice, mangoose and myriads of birds, bees and butterflies. There are also some great whalewatching areas. Picnic, barbecue and ablution facilities are available for day visitors. There is a shop at the entrance that sells various field guide books.

Big Bay is one of two Bloubergstrand beaches – the other is unsurprisingly called Little Bay (or Small Bay) – and is a favourite surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing spot, drawing international enthusiasts to annual competitions. Not only is it a great fun family beach, the long, flat sandy Big Bay Beach is perfect for sun tanning, walking, flying kites and just vegging out. If you can cope with ultra chilly water the swimming and bodysurfing is safe and fun. A rocky point divides the descriptively named Big Bay and Little Bay Beaches of Blouberg. There’s a plethora of shops and eateries along the beachfront road.Ever wondered which one of Cape Town Beaches is best for taking photos of Table Mountain and the sea? Well, Blouberg (Blue Mountain) is the spot from which the postcard images are taken. Don’t miss the awesome sunset views – watch the face of Table Mountain turn golden as the setting sun blazes across the Atlantic Ocean.

Situated only twenty minutes from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, the Westcoast Ostrich Show Ranch is a popular tourist destination offering informative tours with a high quality, great value leather and curio shops and an ostrich meat orientated restaurant. The business is family owned and run, with Gavin and his son, Pawel, on hand to greet visitors. The farm lies on the sea facing slopes of the Durbanville Hills, which offer magnificent views of Table Mountain and the Hottentots Holland Mountains, an area steeped in local history.History reveals that ostrich chicks were traded by the original Khoi inhabitants with the Dutch Settlers in 1652 and exported from Cape Town to Batavia (now Indonesia) in 1656. Ostriches were also exported to India and the Emperor of Japan in 1658.The first documented ostrich farm was established in the centre of Cape Town in 1679. The Westcoast Ostrich Ranch has pioneered the revival of ostrich farming in the shadow of Table Mountain (Hoerikwagga). Guided tours in English, Afrikaans, German and Frenchare on offer. The tour comprises a forty-five minute informative trail that includes a visit to the display room, the leather factory and the cactus garden. The tour travels through the ostrich breeding enclosures and it is not uncommon to see a newly hatched chick or to witness an egg being laid. The ranch has over 220 birds ranging from one day old chicks to 20 year old breeding couples.The ranch stocks a variety of ostrich species and other birds, which include, the Westcoast white ostrich, dwarf ostriches, black-neck ostriches, emus, rheas and peacocks. The highlight of the trail is the ostrich show, where each member of the tour has the opportunity to sit on a live ostrich, stand on an ostrich egg and feed an ostrich. Tea and coffee is included.

Bayside Mall Shopping Centre is your one stop shopping mall with free parking. Here you will be able to shop for all your requirements from groceries to fashion, movies to perfume, restaurants to jewellery - all under one roof. Bayside Mall's fashion offering includes most of South Africa's major retailers, as well as a number of quality speciality stores. Bayside Mall offers a large variety of eateries, including loads of coffee shops and restaurants. Ster-Kinekor, situated at the heart of the food court, offers 8 spacious cinemas and the latest sound technology.

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, SANCCOB is a non-profit sea bird rehabilitation centre based in Cape Town. Their primary focus is to conserve and protect South Africa's sea birds, especially threatened species, for the benefit of present and future generations.SANCCOB rehabilitate ill, injured, oiled and orphaned sea birds on a daily basis, prepare for and manage the rehabilitation of sea birds during a major oil spill, raise awareness about conservation through environmental education and collaborate on research projects. SANCCOB has treated more than 83 000 sea birds throughout the last 37 years.Private groups may book an exclusive “behind the scenes” tour at SANCCOB. The tour includes a short video about the infamous Treasure oil spill and a tour of select areas of SANCCOB’s rehabilitation centre. Please note that some areas of the centre are restricted. Tours are 45 minutes in length. The maximum number of people per group is 8.

Milnerton Aquatic Club (MAC) is situated on the banks of the Rietvlei Nature Reserve with sweeping views of Table Mountain. The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a haven for bird life and has a walking trail for people to enjoy the tranquillity of the outdoors.Because of the location, ideal wind and water conditions, MAC has become a very popular destination for overseas water sports enthusiasts who spend between 3 to 6 months of the year here.MAC has a membership of around 600 with three divisions, namely power, sailing and board sailing. A recent addition to the sailing section has been that of the Cape Radio Yacht Club and its members with their model remote controlled sailing boats who enjoy the perfect water conditions that MAC has to offer.Club members can enjoy the facilities of the club's galley and the "Wet Start" Bar which offers stunning views of the water and Table Mountain.When the sun goes down, members often enjoy the sunset while a braai and sundowners after a day on the water. MAC also has a large swimming pool, a toddler's pool, a small play park for its members.Whatever you choose to do, or not to do at MAC you can enjoy a fun filled carefree day exactly as you wish, whether it is on or off the water.

Killarney is a classic motor racetrack in Cape Town boasting magnificent views of Table Mountain. The course is ideal for novices but also presents a stern challenge for those willing to pin back their ears. Every facet of circuit racing is catered for, including motocross, karting, super motards, stock cars and drag racing. www.wpmc.co.za

The sugar-white sandy Sunset Beach is paradise for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. It also has fantastic views of Table Mountain, the city and Robben Island. Enjoy beach strolls as the sun sets across the ocean providing magical twilight skies.

Green Point Lighthouse is an eye-catching landmark in Mouille Point with its bold red and white candy stripes. Dating back to 1824, it was the first solidly constructed lighthouse built on South Africa’s coastline. The original lanterns were equipped with single wick Argand lamps fueled by sperm whale oil. The weak rays could not be seen further than 6 sea miles. In 1865 the tower was extended to its present height and was electrified in 1929. The lantern was replaced with a 3rd order dioptic lens flashing light that can be seen for 25 nautical miles. Visitors can take a self-guided tour inside the tower.

The multipurpose Green Point Urban Park functions as an inner city “people’s recreation park” for relaxation, education and amusement – beckoning jaded urbanites to get outdoors and play. Energetic types can make use of the fitness park with cycling, outdoor training and gym facilities. Along with these exercising features, the venue includes a play park, an adventure park, learning park for functions and seminars, art exhibition and craft park, concert arena, outdoor markets and more. Areas for relaxation and enrichment include a biodiversity garden celebrating the region’s unique natural heritage and picnic spots. Well-behaved pooches on a leash are welcome in certain areas – make sure you take a poop scoop along. Water features and benches provide pleasant pit stops. Open seven days a week from 07:00 to 19:00.

The Paddocks Shopping Centre is perfectly positioned and just a short drive from Century City, Canal Walk and the Cape Town CBD and is positioned close to the upcoming and densely populated area of Royal Ascot.It is conveniently located on the West Coast for easy access and an enjoyable experience for all. The Paddocks Shopping Centre is characterised by its high shop fronts allowing for fantastic views of Table Bay, Table Mountain, the harbour and Robben Island.Some of the tenants include Woolworths, Super Spar, Standard Bank and a variety of fantastic restaurants including Bihari Indian Restaurant, The Dros Restaurant, Mugg 'n Bean and Cape Town Fish Market. The Paddocks Shopping Centre offers covered and uncovered free parking.Need to know? Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 16:00, Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00 - 14:00.

The stunning location of Cape Town Stadium is just a stone's throw from the ocean with the mountains of Cape Town forming the backdrop for matches. The location couldn't be more ideal as it is a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. One of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, five first-round matches, one second-round match, one quarterfinal and one semifinal kicked off at Cape Town Stadium. A fundamental upgrade transformed the old Green Point Stadium into a multi-purpose sports facility situated between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town's seaboard suburb of Green Point. Cape Town Stadium was completed at the end of 2009 and provides seating for 70 000 people. It features a retractable dome to shelter spectators and players should Cape Town's unpredictable winter weather become unfavourable.

Five million years ago the Cape’s West Coast was very different from what it is today. A wide range of animals (now extinct) lived in riverine forests, wooded savannah, and ocean as well as on offshore islands.Phosphate mining operations at Langebaanweg uncovered one of the richest fossil sites in the world. Over the past 40 years bones of 200 different kinds of animals, many of them new to science have been recovered. A few years after mining operations ceased in 1993, a 14 hectare fossil-rich area within the mine property was declared a National Heritage Site.The West Coast Fossil Park, a component of Iziko Museums, offers visitors an opportunity to have an on-site fossil experience. Learn about mysterious ancient environments, fascinating animal life and the climatic changes that occurred in this region 5 million years ago on a guided tour. The West Coast Fossil Park also has a kiddie’s play park, gift shop, picnic areas as well as a lovely coffee shop. Need to know? The main tour runs from 11:30 – 13:00 every day of the week and includes a slide presentation and visit to the dig site.Mini tours are available every hour from 9:00 –15:00 weekdays (except at 12:00); phone +27 (0)22 7661606 for mini-tour times over weekends and public holidays. The mini tour includes a visit to the dig site.