Paradise Between Mountain and Sea
Rich in biodiversity and natural beauty, Betty’s Bay is nestled between the Kogelberg Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean in the Western Cape. Its rich marine life off the coast has made it an area ideal for whale calving. A penguin colony and many plant species also thrive in the coastal and mountainous regions.
Betty’s Bay boasts beautiful beaches, lovely mountain walks, penguins, some good wineries and the picturesque Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. The Kogelberg Nature Reserve, through which the Palmiet River runs, is situated close by.
The Kogelberg Biosphere is a great area for hiking and you can find up to 1 600 species of fynbos and plants. The walks along the reserve offer amazing views of Betty’s Bay. Another hiking trail of note is Leopard’s George and Disakloof Waterfalls.
A Home to Indigenous People and Wildlife
The Betty’s Bay area has also proved to be a significant archeological site as stone axes dating back to 20 000 years were found in the region. Over the years, indigenous Khoisan nomadic groups lived and fished along the coast.
As colonisation crept into the Western Cape, many of the indigenous people used this area as a shelter and it was a popular hideout for bandits and outlaws. Most of the area was uninhabited by humans, and was mainly home to various wildlife.
Historical Fact: The ‘Betty’ in question is Elizabeth Youlden, the much-loved daughter of the town’s original developer.
Whaling Station at Stony Point
The remains of the Old Whaling Station, which was in operation from 1912 to 1930, can still be seen at Stony Point. In 1976, South Africa signed a treaty to ban whaling, so the massive mammals are making a comeback. Each year the area plays host to Southern Right and Humpback Whales, who migrate to the coastal waters to calve and nurse their young.
This affords guests the opportunity to enjoy unsurpassed whale watching between May and December. Stony Point is known to be a local and tourist hotspot for land based Whale watching. The remains of the Southern Cross Whaling Station can be seen nearby. Relics include part of the jetty, the ramp used to winch carcasses ashore and the remains of the Balena, one of the last whaling vessels. Regardless of its sad past, it is still interesting to see one of the first industries that formed part of this popular whale watching area.
Home of Penguin Breeding Colonies
The Betty's Bay area is also renowned for being the home of one of only three penguin breeding colonies on the mainland of South Africa. The African Penguin colony at Stone Point is a must see. There are only three land based breeding colonies in Africa for African Penguins. The best time to visit is late afternoon when the penguins have returned from their fishing expeditions, which can extend up to 20 km a day.
The first penguins started breeding here in 1982, and within eight years the breeding population had increased to just over 100 pairs.
The Perfect Relaxing Getaway
The Whale Watching Route of the Cape offers spectacular coastal scenery, but the stars of this self-drive route from Cape Town are the south...