Category: Tour

Activities, Tour, Vacation

6 top golfing choices in the Helderberg area and its surrounds

Can you believe we have six great golf courses in less than a 10 km radius from La Bonne Auberge? We are ideally situated for keen golfers looking to tame some of the beautiful golf courses in the Western Cape! In this blog post, we’re going to cover these courses and their various offerings. Keep reading to get yourself in the swing of things…

Erinvale Golf Club – 2 kms from La Bonne Auberge

Erinvale Golf Course, divided into two unique halves, offers a flat residential terrain in the first nine and a challenging uphill journey with stunning sea and mountain vistas in the back nine. Designed by Gary Player, this 18-hole course is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts.

Nestled amid the Erinvale Estate and encircled by the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains, the Clubhouse adds to the charm of this Par 72 course spanning 6506m


Helderberg Village Golf Club – 4,6 kms from La Bonne Auberge

The Helderberg Village Estate, formerly exclusive to residents, now welcomes non-owner members. This par 70 golf course offers varied tee boxes of off a course that was originally only nine holes. With demanding greens that require careful attention, it’s an ideal destination for a South African golf holiday.

The scenic mountain views are a bonus on the course and also from the terrace on the nineteenth hole.

Somerset West Golf Club – 4,6 kms from La Bonne Auberge

The recently revamped layout of Somerset West Golf Club offers an ideal blend of challenging play and accessibility for all skill levels. Our welcoming members, inviting 19th hole, and comprehensive facilities ensure a complete golfing experience that will make you feel right at home.

The club features an 18-hole, par 72 course stretching over a length of 5942 meters.

Strand Golf Club – 6 kms from La Bonne Auberge

At this location, you’ll discover immaculate fairways featuring unique holes that are truly one-of-a-kind. Notably, the 2nd, 4th, and 7th holes offer a distinctive golfing experience. The course as a whole presents a stimulating challenge, ensuring an enjoyable day out. In addition to the main course, there’s a driving range and two expansive putting/chipping greens for practice.

Strand Golf Course stands out as an intriguing place to play, boasting a community of genuine, down-to-earth patrons.

De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate – 7 kms from La Bonne Auberge

Tucked away in a picturesque valley on the fringes of Stellenbosch, discover a golfing treasure nestled among the vineyards. The course, designed by Peter Matkovich, optimizes the breathtaking mountain views and the charming Blaauwklippen River that meanders through the landscape.

Situated within the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, it provides an all-encompassing Winelands experience: a championship golf course, a magnificent clubhouse boasting spectacular views, delectable cuisine, and an array of top-tier wines.

De Zalze Estate is more than just a destination; it’s an experience. The 18-hole, Par 72 course stretches over a length of 5937 meters, providing a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience.

Stellenbosch Golf Club – 8 kms from La Bonne Auberge

Stellies Golf Club is a parklands course nestled in the Western Cape’s Winelands. It boasts a modern clubhouse entrance that leads to multiple floors with sweeping views of the finishing hole. The club offers stunning vistas of the surrounding Winelands, adding an element of challenge to the game.

While the course tends to be drier during the summer months, it remains highly playable with a satisfactory pace of play. Stellies Golf Club is also equipped with excellent practice facilities including a spacious driving range and a large chipping/putting area. As an 18-hole Par 72 course spanning 6284 meters, it provides a comprehensive golfing experience for all skill levels.

Activities, Restaurant, Tour

The Story of the Drunken Horse and the Timut Pepper


Discover award-winning gin from The Drunken Horse Bar – a distinctive spirit made by childhood friends in a horse trailer

Who would have thought that an old horse trailer could lead to the creation of an award-winning gin? Well, that’s exactly what happened when three childhood friends came together to launch The Drunken Horse Bar. The revolutionary yet ever-distinctive gin bar boasts a unique distillation process that utilises Nepalese Timut Pepper, resulting in a smooth gin with three flavour waves – citrus, earthy, and pepper notes. This is their story.

If you’re a traveller to Cape Town and a gin connoisseur, then you’ll definitely want to hear more about The Drunken Horse Bar. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind this gin and what makes it so unique. So, let’s get started!

The Distinctive Flavour Profile

The Drunken Horse Gin is a truly distinctive spirit with a flavour profile like no other. It boasts three flavour waves that blend perfectly together – citrus, earthy, and spicy. The first wave is a fruity citrus taste from fresh lime, grapefruit, and lemongrass zest. The second wave is an earthy note from cardamom and coriander. Finally, the third wave finishes with a spicy note from three peppers, particularly the Timut pepper, which reconnects with the citric notes of the first wave.

The Nepalese Timut Pepper

One of the main ingredients that make The Drunken Horse Gin so unique is the Nepalese Timut Pepper. This pepper is handpicked by Nepalese farmers and has hints of grapefruit, lime, passionfruit, and jasmine. It grows on the Himalayan hillsides and is integral to the gin’s overall experience. The Timut Pepper perfectly complements the other botanicals and gives the gin its signature flavour.

The I-Still Distillation Process

The I-Still method is used to distil all 12 botanicals simultaneously, creating a constant reflux with over 1000 springs, resulting in a smooth and round flavour. The final product is collected after a cold front stage. This process allows the gin to retain its unique flavour and aroma, making it a favourite among gin lovers.

Sustainability Efforts

At The Drunken Horse Bar, sustainability is a top priority. They choose to distil in Belgium and South Africa, which lowers bulk transportation and contributes to a greener planet. They also strive to reduce their carbon footprint in other ways such as using recyclable packaging and reducing waste.

Remco and Tanja, owners of La Bonne Auberge, often head over to The Drunken Horse Gin bar for a quick refreshment and the great food served at the Avontuur Restaurant, La Colombe. Check out what they think about this quirky little distillery:

“We enjoyed the Set Menu in combination with the Gin Pairing together with friends.  Hearing the origin story from the co-founder of Drunken Horse over a gin was fantastic and funny. The beautiful art that decorates the venue is also for sale.  And of course, we learned how the gin is produced. The dinner was very, very tasty and the different gin variations went perfectly with the food. We really enjoyed the evening, the location, the company and the food and are happy to recommend the Drunken Horse Gin, as well as the option for a set menu, together with the owner.”

Visit The Drunken Horse Bar

If you’re visiting Cape Town and want to discover this award-winning gin, make sure to visit The Drunken Horse Bar at Avontuur Wine Estate. You can learn about the gin’s creation, explore the art gallery, and taste the gin’s three flavour waves. Signature cocktails are available at their cocktail bar, and they also host Friday “gin-downers”  from 4-9 pm. On Sunday there are delightful picnics to be had.

Award-winning gin

The Drunken Horse Bar is a unique, award-winning gin that’s made by childhood friends who turned an old horse trailer into a mobile bar. Their innovative I-Still distillation process and use of Nepalese Timut Pepper make this gin truly distinctive. The three flavour waves – citrus, earthy, and pepper notes – blend perfectly together, creating a smooth and round flavour that gin lovers adore. But that’s not all; The Drunken Horse Bar also prioritises sustainability, making it a brand that’s easy to support. So, if you’re travelling to Cape Town, make sure to visit The Drunken Horse Bar and experience this award-winning gin for yourself!

Photo Credits: The Drunken Horse Gin website and Instagram

Activities, Restaurant, Services, Tour

Whale Watching in Hermanus, South Africa: An Experience of a Lifetime

All Hale the Whale! 

The majestic Southern Right Whales draw tourists from far and wide to the picturesque town of Hermanus, South Africa. Located on the Western Cape, Hermanus is famous for its stunning coastline, rich wildlife, and award-winning wine regions. However, whale watching in Hermanus is the highlight of a visit to this charming town. From early June to early December, the shores of Hermanus are packed with these gentle giants that offer tourists an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about whale watching in Hermanus. 

Land-based Walking Tours 

One of the most popular ways to experience whale watching in Hermanus is through land-based walking tours. Experienced and knowledgeable guides will lead you through hidden coves and inlets to view whales at a close range. The most popular whale-watching sites include Siever’s Point and the Kwaaiwater lookout point. These spots offer breathtaking views of the whales and the vibrant sunset. The town has established a whale crier system to alert visitors of sightings. He ensures that you are kept up-to-date with the whales’ whereabouts. The system involves a whale crier who blows a kelp horn to alert visitors of the presence of whales, signalling a location where the whales can be spotted. 

Whale Watching Boat Trips 

For a more immersive experience, licensed boat trips is the way to go. These are a fantastic way to get even closer to these majestic creatures. The boat trips are led by experienced guides, who provide you with insights into the whales’ behaviour and offer an exciting and educational experience. Hermanus offers several boat companies that specialize in whale-watching tours, ensuring that you get a chance to witness these giants of the sea in their natural habitat. 

Other Attractions in Hermanus 

In addition to whale watching, Hermanus offers multiple year-round attractions. The town boasts beautiful, clean beaches where you can indulge in sunbathing and swimming. The region is also rich in flora and fauna, There are a variety of hiking trails and nature reserves where visitors can view local wildlife such as baboons, rock hyrax, and birds. The Hermanus wine region is renowned for its award-winning wines – you can enjoy wine tastings and cellar tours at several vineyards located in the region. 

Our review 

Whale watching in Hermanus is a fantastic experience that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Tanja and Remco, the owners of La Bonne Auberge, list whale watching as one of their most unforgettable experiences; 

Hermanus prides itself on being the whale capital of the world, and rightly so. We love to see and watch the whales, whilst walking along the cliffs and the footpaths amongst the fynbos. It is always a special and unique experience. The many hikes around Hermanus and the cliff paths are majestic. The town itself and its variety of wonderful restaurants are also always worth a visit. We particularly like Fick’s Pool Restaurant, Dutchies and the Cave Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Don’t miss out! 

The Southern Right Whales offer an exhilarating and unforgettable experience whilst they migrate. Their journey starts in Antarctica right to the shallow waters of Walker Bay where they breed and care for their young. Hermanus offers multiple tour options where you can view these gentle giants up close. Plan your trip to Hermanus and experience the magic of these majestic creatures. 

Activities, relax, Rest, Tour

Oh, what a view from the Helderberg Nature Reserve!

Can you feel the stress of the day just melt away?!

The Helderberg Nature Reserve is a protected area of natural beauty in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is located just outside of the city of Stellenbosch, it is home to a unique and diverse range of plant and animal life. The Reserve has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the most important areas of conservation in the country.

Location

Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, the Reserve covers an area of over 3,000 hectares. The reserve includes a range of habitats – grasslands, fynbos, wetlands, and forests. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species.

There are various hiking trails, catering for all fitness levels. After walking you could enjoy a picnic in the gardens while watching tortoises stroll across the lawn. Birdwatchers and animal lovers, take your binoculars and cameras – you won’t be left empty-handed.

Wildlife

The reserve is home to a variety of animals including Bontebok, Cape Hare, Common Duiker, Porcupine, Genet and Small Grey Mongoose! It supports a substantial population of antelope, including Eland, Grey Rhebuck, and Bontebok. It is also home to predators such as the Leopard, Caracal, and Black-backed Jackal.

Bird lovers

The Helderview Nature Reserve is truly a paradise for birdwatchers and a great place to observe a wide variety of bird life. There are over 400 species of birds, including the endangered Cape Vulture and the critically endangered Black Harrier Hawk.

The reserve is a great destination for bird lovers to observe a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. The nature reserve is home to a variety of bird species including the African Fish Eagle, the Black Kite, and the Black-bellied Bustard. Each of these species can be seen soaring through the clear skies of Helderview Nature Reserve, while some can be heard singing from the forest below.

It also provides a safe nesting ground for many of these birds, allowing them to breed and thrive in this protected environment. Visitors to the nature reserve can also expect to see plenty of waterfowl, waders, and smaller birds, such as the Cape Robbin Chat, the White-throated Swallow, and the Black-headed Weaver.

Flora

If flora appeals to you, Helderberg Nature Reserve is representative of Mesic Mountain Fynbos on the upper reaches and the Renosterveld on the lower reaches. And as you probably know, Fynbos is indigenous to the Western Cape.

Conservation and research

The Helderberg Nature Reserve was established in 1997 to protect the unique biodiversity of the Helderberg region. It is also an important site for conservation and research. It is home to a number of research projects, which focus on the conservation and management of the local biodiversity. This includes projects to protect rare species, manage fire, and study the impact of climate change. The Reserve is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike, or by car.

Hiking and activities

La Bonne Auberge’s owners, Remco and Tanja, visit the reserve regularly as one of their favourite activities. This is what they have to say about Helderberg Nature Reserve:

“We adore being in the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Several hiking trails also provide a variety of activities for our guests staying at La Bonne Auberge Guest House. We’re just a stone’s throw away in the Helderberg Nature Reserve. It’s perfect for an early morning hike or a late afternoon picnic.  We personally enjoy the peace and quiet of the reserve, as well as the beautiful flora and fauna. The the view of the sea from a little higher up is magnificent!  It is ideal for short or long hikes on a daily basis.  A visit to the Helderberg Nature Reserve is always worthwhile.”

There are several trails and boardwalks that lead visitors through the reserve, allowing them to experience the unique beauty of the area. It provides a safe and healthy environment for wildlife and visitors alike and is a great opportunity to learn more about nature and the environment. The Reserve is also an important part of the local economy, providing jobs for local people and helping to protect the local environment. It is an essential part of the Western Cape’s heritage and an important part of South Africa’s natural beauty.

Photo Credits: Tanja Overman and Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve | Facebook and Instagram Pages

Contacts

  • 21 van Zyl Street, Somerset West 7130, Western Cape, South Africa
  • +27 (0)78 203 7120
  • [email protected]

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