The Cacadu COMPASS COME & EXPLORE THE OF OUR WORLD ADDO, BAVIAANS & GAMTOOS VALLEY, GRAHAMSTOWN, & ST FRANCIS, KAROO, SUNSHINE COAST, TSITSIKAMMA

Nieu-Bethesda

Graaff-Reinet

Aberdeen

Somerset East

Willowmore Kirkwood Wolwefontein Paterson Bathurst ADDO Addo Elephant Alexandria Kleinemonde National Park Kenton-on-Sea

N2 to Cape Town

Storms River Oyster Bay Cape St. Francis “The ”

ADDO, BAVIAANS & GAMTOOS VALLEY, GRAHAMSTOWN, JEFFREYS BAY & ST FRANCIS, KAROO, SUNSHINE COAST, TSITSIKAMMA

EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR WITHIN THE 7 WONDERS From March up to August 2009, several events, as wondrous as the 7 nodes themselves, are taking place within the District. SCIFEST AFRICA KIRKWOOD WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

SciFest Africa (previously known as Sasol Scifest) is the The 7th Kirkwood Wildlife Festival will be bigger, better first of its kind in southern Africa. It features over 600 and wilder than ever before with over 35 000 visitors JOIN THE EXPEDITION TO THE TREASURES OF THE SEVEN WONDERS activities, including interactive exhibitions, workshops, expected to attend. The Festival offers a unique blend educational theatre, field trips, a soap box derby, laser of wildlife, arts, crafts, food and live entertainment as Steal a heart under the star studded skies of the Karoo, or brave the wild of the Addo Elephant National park. Seek show and a FilmFest. Attendance exceeds 40 000 visitors. well as ’s second biggest game auction. adventure in Tsitsikamma or simply relax on the glorious beaches of the Sunshine coast. Enjoy the breath-taking When: Wednesday, 25 March 2009 to When: Friday, 26 June 2009 to Sunday, natural setting of the Baviaanskloof or surf champion waves in Jeffreys Bay. If you are not an outdoor person, soak Tuesday, 31 March 2009 28 June 2009 up the rich history and culture of Grahamstown. South Africa is home to the beautiful Cacadu district, where Addo, Where: Grahamstown Where: Kirkwood Venue: 1820 Settlers National Monument Telephone: +27 (0)42 230 0064/66 Baviaans, Grahamstown, Jeffreys Bay, Karoo, Tsitsikamma, and the Sunshine Coast converge to offer the complete Website: http://www.scifest.org.za Website: http://www.kirkwood.co.za 7 wonders of our world.

• The 7 wonders span 60 000 square kilometers of malaria-free and spectacularly diverse landscapes. BATHURST AGRICULTURAL SHOW GRAHAMSTOWN NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL • The area stretches from Graaff-Reinet in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south and between the Bloukrans River The Bathurst Agricultural Show draws approximately The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is Africa’s in the west and Great Fish River in the east. 200 stand-holders and 20 000 visitors to the festival largest and most colourful cultural event and offers a of competitions, exhibitions and demonstrations. From choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported SEE AND EXPLORE THE 7 WONDERS pigs to pottery, sheep to scrapbooking, there is something talent. Over 150 000 people flock to feast on arts, crafts for everyone. and sheer entertainment. From theatre to dance, opera 1. Addo Home to the Big 7 to cabaret, fine art to craft art, classical music to jazz, When: Friday, 03 April 2009 to poetry readings to lectures, every art form imaginable 2. Baviaans The biggest wilderness area in South Africa Sunday, 05 April 2009 is represented. More information on the Festival can be 3. Grahamstown Hosts the National Arts Festival Where: Bathurst Showgrounds, Bathurst, found on page 6 of this newsletter. 4. Jeffreys Bay The world’s best right hand surf break Telephone: +27 (0)46 625 0759 Website: http://www.bathurstshow.co.za When: Thursday, 02 July 2009 to 5. Karoo The greatest cathedral on earth Saturday, 11 July 2009 6. Sunshine Coast The area with the most sunshine hours in South Africa Where: Grahamstown Website: http://www.nafest.co.za 7. Tsitsikamma Highest commercial bungee in the world

Did you know? Did you know? The Tsitsikamma area has Jeffreys Bay has the the highest commercial best right hand surf bungee in the world. 01 break in the world. 02 Addo Elephants & the Big 7

BILLABONG PRO The Addo area lies an hours’ scenic drive from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast and the 1820 Settler history of Grahamstown. Also located in this area is the Addo Elephant National Park which is a sanctuary for a wide range of The 24th edition of Africa’s most prestigious and lucrative surfing tournament hits Jeffreys Bay once more as the wildlife. The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in world’s best surfers go to work on the universally renowned waves. The event also features plenty of evening the area. Today, this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of entertainment including live music, spectator-friendly infrastructure and the world’s most technologically advanced antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. control tower.

When: Friday, 10 July 2009 to Monday, 20 July 2009 (provisional) 5 FACTS ABOUT THE ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK: Where: Jeffreys Bay • It includes a marine section where seasonal whales and sharks can be spotted; Website: http://www.billabongpro.com • It is a malaria free reserve; • It offers an array of activities including game viewing, horse-riding and hiking trails; • It covers 120 000 hectares of bush veld; and BILTONG FESTIVAL CITRUS CARNIVAL • It inhabits some of the densest African elephant populations on earth. The Castle Lager Biltong Festival is a closed-arena The Citrus Carnival celebrates the citrus season with festival with hundreds of different stalls, tons of plenty of stalls and a fun-filled entertainment pro- GAME DRIVES ARE ON OFFER FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TIMES: biltong and lots of entertainment on offer. The Festival gramme suitable for the whole family. A large selection Sunrise drive: 06:00 (summer) or 07:00 (winter) is currently the biggest of its kind in the of citrus products can be tasted and will be available Day drives: 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 and draws over 20 000 visitors. for purchase. Sunset drives: 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer) Night drives: 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer) When: Friday, 17 July 2009 to When: Saturday, 22 August 2009 Saturday, 18 July 2009 Where: Sunday’s River Primary School CONTACTS FOR BOOKINGS: Where: Telephone: Diane Biggs on +27 (0)83 652-9849 Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 0556 Telephone: +27(0)42 243 1333 Website: www.addoelephantpark.com Website: http://www.biltongfees.co.za PLACES TO VISIT IN THE ADDO AREA Addo Crocodile and Lion Ranch offers guided tours, a injured birds of prey and reptiles, both wild and captive restaurant and the chance to handle lion cubs. bred.Visitors also have the opportunity to experience a safe, close encounter with these majestic creatures. Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 0369 Email: [email protected]. Telephone: +27 (0)41 961 0168

Danielle Cheetah Breeding Park offers visitors a chance Addo Dung Beetle Breeding Station teaches visitors to handle cheetahs. about this unique beetle and the conservation efforts Website www.addotourism.co.za undertaken to save this insect. Did you know? Telephone: +27 (0)83 399 4129 or +27 (0)83 974 5802 Addo Valley Raptor & Reptile Centre serves as an (Magna & Rod Van Heerden) Baviaans has the animal recovery and rehabilitation centre for sick and biggest wilderness in South Africa 03 04 Baviaans Wildlife & Biodiversity

Grahamstown A vibrant mix of arts & culture

The Baviaans area, rich in natural and cultural diversity, includes a cluster of protected areas of which the most Grahamstown lies at the heart of the Eastern Cape’s 100-year long frontier war. The area is steeped in the history of well-known is the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. The Reserve, a World Heritage Site and South Africa’s largest the Xhosa’s and the Settlers. This is where you can find a blend of history, art and culture packaged in a rustic city protected area has seven biomes, an abundance of bird and animal life, and holds ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. with architectural wonders making it the perfect fusion of the past and present. Grahamstown boasts true country The fertile Gamtoos Valley is known for small stock farming, and is surrounded by quaint towns of , hospitality with its world class game lodges, hotels and guest houses, renowned schools such as the Rhodes Steytlerville, Patensie, and Hankey which all have scenic routes, a variety of arts and craft to appreciate. University, as well as famous coelacanth, and Botanical Gardens which also distinguish Grahamstown from other small cities. In July, this quiet city comes alive with culture and activity, drama and jazz, flea-markets and cabaret as ACTIVITIES IN THE BAVIAANS AREA visitors flock to the city for the annual Grahamstown National Arts Festival. The Baviaanskloof with its breathtaking mountain passes that wind through the magnificent wilderness area offers mountain biking, hiking, camping, 4x4 trails, hunting safaris, rock and mountain climbing, bird watching and scenic PLACES TO VISIT FOR THE HISTORICAL BUFFS: drives among other things. • The 1820 Settlers Monument was erected in honour • The oldest letter box in the country is located on the THE BAVIAANS BACK TO FRONT CIRCLE ROUTE CAMPING of the Settlers, who had a great impact on the corner of Somerset and Worcester Street. The Baviaans Back to Front Circle Route will take you by The campsites of Doodsklip and Rooihoek are both country due to their campaign for Press Freedom and • The Cathedral of St Michael and St George has the car (recommended a 4x4 or 4x2 with diff-lock) through located on the upper reaches of the Kouga Dam in the need for a democratic government. highest spire in South Africa and houses a the culturally rich Karoo towns of Steytlerville and close proximity to pure white sandy beaches that fringe • The Settlers’ Memorial Tower forms part of the magnificent organ. the deep river pools which are ideal for swimming. Willowmore to the lush crags of the Baviaanskloof and Town Hall in Grahamstown. It bears a simple marble • The only genuine Victorian Camera Obscura in the the ever-changing scenery of the Groot Rivier valley. table which commemorates the heroic 960 km ride Southern Hemisphere is located at the Observatory Telephone: +27 (0)44 923 1702 of Dick King from Port Natal to Grahamstown in 1842. Telephone: +27(0)44 923 1702 (Baviaans Tourism Office), or Museum. (Baviaans Tourism Office) +27 (0) 83 420 5434 • Artificer’s Square derived its name from the inhabitants, (Jane Zaaiman) artisans, whose services were in demand for military NATURE ENTHUSIASTS LOOK OUT FOR: MOUNTAIN BIKING Email: [email protected] buildings with an increase in 1820 Settlers moving The Baviaanskloof offers outdoor enthusiasts the into Grahamstown from 1823 onwards. • The Botanical Gardens which date back over a century are the second botanical garden established by the chance to discover the wilderness, ‘Karoovlaktes’ and INTERESTING THINGS TO SEE IN THE AREA • Fort Selwyn on Gunfire Hill, constructed in 1836, Winterhoek Mountains from the seat of a mountain was converted into a domestic residence and English in the Cape Colony. Much of the original gardens Hankey Vergaderingskop/Assembly Hill offers the perfect bike. The valley also hosts the annual Trans Baviaans teagarden and declared a National Heritage Site eleven still remain in tact and restoration of the gardens to vantage point that overlook the raging waters of the mountain bike marathon, considered to be the longest years later. It now forms part of the Albany Museum. its former glory is underway with future plans to one-day mountain bike race in the world. Gamtoos sweep. establish it as an educational venue and open-air • The Albany Museum, the second oldest museum in amphitheatre. Telephone +27(0)498 391122 (Baviaanskloof Sarah Bartmann’s grave, a National Heritage Site, the country, was established in 1855 and has 5 Mountain Pass Tours) houses the remains of the Khoi-san woman who was components namely, the History Museum, the • South Africa’s first dinosaur which was discovered exhibited as the Hottentot Venus in both London and Observatory Museum, the Provost Prison, Fort Selwyn near Grahamstown and the story of the coelacanth, 4X4 TRAILS Paris. and the Natural Science Museum. believed to have been extinct, plays itself out at the Winding trails will take you through breathtaking scenery, South African Institute for Aquatic Bio-Diversity. and although not a particularly difficult 4x4 trail, some The Sundial, said to be the largest of its kind in southern parts are sufficiently demanding to make it exciting. Africa (diameter is 36.4 meter), was erected by the late Dirk Shleringhout in 1989 after his arrival in the Gamtoos Telephone: +27(0)49 839 1160 Valley from Holland after the Second World War. (Chris or Tanya Lamprecht) Email [email protected]

05 06 Jeffreys Bay Karoo A surfer’s paradise History & legends

Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay for short) is a town located just off the N2 highway, about an hour’s drive southwest of Port The area, characterized by broad plains that roll away toward distant koppies and multilayered mountains that seem Elizabeth. This picturesque town is bracketed by an amphitheatre of towering mountains, known for its world to touch the indigo sky, is renowned for its richness of dinosaur fossils. Also, one can stop almost anywhere in the renowned surfing beaches and has one of the most abundant natural coastlines in South Africa with over 400 types Karoo and listen to the silence, breath in the aged earth and gaze at a startlingly clear horizon that seems drawn of seashells to collect. at the other end of the earth. The Karoo’s clear night sky is densely studded with countless stars and huge, bright planets; offering some of the best star gazing in the world. For over forty years now, Jeffreys Bay has lured surfers from across the globe to the legendary break of ‘Supertubes’ HOW THE KAROO WAS FORMED and its ruler straight hollow cylinders. The multiple sections of the lengthy wave grant its deserved reputation as Approximately 250 million years ago, the Karoo, an area in excess of 400 000 square kilometres, was a vast inland sea. one of the world’s best right hand point breaks and explains why the town is set to host the 24th Billabong Pro As the world’s climate gradually changed from cold to hot, the water evaporated leaving a swamp where reptiles and competition in July 2009. amphibians prospered. Less than two hundred years ago large herds of antelope and zebras still roamed the grass flats while the Hottentots and Bushmen, the last Stone Age people, shared the “Place of Great Dryness”. They differed basically The wave season in Jeffreys Bay runs from June to August although good waves can be seen as early as April and in their cultures and lifestyles with the Hottentots herding their sheep and cattle in the age-old pastoral pattern and the as late as September. There are approximately 8 well established surf spots to choose from if you are able to surf Bushmen following their traditional nomadic pursuits of hunting and feasting. already. Alternatively, it might be worth your while to attend a surf academy (more information below). TOWNS TO VISIT IN THE KAROO Those in search of relaxation can head for Dolphin Beach The Jeffreys Bay Surf School will provide, where needed, ABERDEEN The restored Sid Fourie House serves as the local in Jeffreys Bay. It is a stretch of sand and was awarded all the surfing equipment while the instructor is a qualified Aberdeen was founded in 1856 and is a declared museum and has a variety of collections relating to both international Blue Flag status – an eco-grading given to SSA Surf Instructor. architectural conservation town and a veritable repository the lifestyles of the past and the locality in particular. beaches or marinas that meet the highest safety and of styles including Victorian, Georgian, Karoo, German, Jansenville offers travellers a welcome break in their environmental standards. Fully equipped lifeguards are Gothic Revival, Russian, Art Nouveau and Flemish Revival. journey through the Karoo Heartland. always on duty here, making it a place where the family OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE ACADEMY COOKHOUSE NIEU-BETHESDA can spend a glorious day in the sun. INCLUDE: Cookhouse is best known as a railway junction where The village of Nieu-Bethesda lies at the foot of the today visitors can shop at a country-style shop that Sneeuberge, approximately 50 kilometres from Graaff- JEFFREYS BAY 7 DAY SURF ACADEMY sells tartan tam-o-shanters (Scottish bonnet) and Reinet. The village was established as a mission station • A surf tour to Cape St Francis and other breaks in and deerstalkers (tight fitting hat with visors), or try out the in 1875. It is known for its sacred bushman rock art sites around Jeffreys Bay; Jeffreys Bay Surf School offers the 7-day all-inclusive range of delectable products at the local cheese shop. and the Owl House which is a museum dedicated to the • A visit to a local surfboard shaper to get insight into eccentric artist, Helen Martins. surf academy which is designed for those who want what it takes to create a surfboard; and GRAAFF-REINET to make surfing part of their lifestyle. Seven lessons, • A visit to the highly informative J-Bay Surf Museum to Graaff-Reinet located on the banks of the Sundays PEARSTON suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, last two River and surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park The peaceful little hamlet of Pearston, immortalised understand how surfing developed and to see how hours. Beginner surfers start out at the beach break is the oldest town in this area. With over 220 National by Eve Palmer in The Plains of Camdeboo, personifies the town has grown over the past 40 years. with lessons on how to surf for the first three days. The Heritage Sites, more than any other town in South the Karoo. It is characterized by multilayered Karoo Mountains and koppies in the distance across endless final goal is to paddle out to a gentle intermediate break Africa, Graaff-Reinet houses magnificent examples of Telephone: +27 (0)42 293 1625 Cape Dutch, Gothic and Victorian architecture. Visitors expanses of Karoo plains. and ride open faced waves. Email: [email protected] should be sure to enjoy late afternoon sundowners at the Toposcope and take in breathtaking views of SOMERSET EAST Spandau Kop and the Valley of Desolation. Established in 1825 by Lord Charles Somerset and found at the base of the Boschberg Mountain, Somerset East JANSENVILLE is home to many beautiful National Heritage Sites and Jansenville, named after the last Dutch Governor of the buildings of historical importance. It is also known to Cape, at the heart of the mohair industry also has many produce some of the finest roses in the country, while the game farms and hunting concessions. Walter Battiss Art Gallery, in the hometown of this grand old man of South African art, has the largest collection of his work in Africa on display.

07 08 Sunshine Coast Tsitsikamma Adventurous canoe trails Bungee & canopy tours

The Sunshine Coast has more sunshine hours per year than any other part of South Africa, which makes it easy to The Tsitsikamma area stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to Eerste Rivier in the east and is bordered understand why many flock there during winter. With its miles of sun-drenched coastline, warm sparkling ocean and on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean. The region is covered unspoiled beaches, the Sunshine Coast will enchant, entice and excite all who visit the area. Stretching from Port in large tracts of indigenous forest, commercial plantation and Fynbos as well as an estimated 116 different types Alfred, and along the coastal towns of Kenton-on-Sea, Bushman’s River, Bokness, and Cannon Rocks, the Sunshine of giant trees including Yellowwood, Candle Wood, Knob Wood, Hard Pear, Stink Wood and Iron Wood. Deep river Coast is a coastal belt beset with countless little villages, each offering access to beaches, rivers, lagoons, canoe gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea, creating spectacular waterfalls and deep kloofs. and hiking trails. Whether you are into sea kayaking, canoe sailing, row boating, wild water canoeing or surf skiing, the Sunshine Coast will surely cater for your invigorating experience. A mild all year round climate allows one to make the most of all the outdoor activities that are on offer, whilst a high rainfall ensures the lushness of vegetation that the area is renowned for. This paradise of forest, fynbos and sea is CANOE TRAILS IN THE SUNSHINE COAST: home to a variety of birds and animals, while whales and dolphins are constant visitors to the coast. 21 KILOMETRE TRAIL 30 KILOMETRE TRAIL TSITSIKAMMA CANOPY TOUR The tour consists of ten platforms and ten ‘fufi’ slides of which the longest is approximately 80 metres. It takes This is South Africa’s only self-guided canoe trail which The 2-day canoe trail is 30 kilometres. The maximum roughly three hours to complete a tour which unfolds a new world as you launch yourself from one platform to the is 21 kilometres starting at Port Alfred and ends at amount of people allowed on the trail at any onetime is next. This provides an unbelievable view of enchanting lush flora. Horseshoe Bend, located in Water’s Meeting Nature 12. Children under 15 years old must be accompanied Reserve. Look out for scenic views of the Horseshoe by an adult. An overnight hut is provided. The closest Bend in the Kowie River and abundant bird life, including town to the location is Kenton-on-Sea. To make a reservation, contact: the conspicuous fish eagle. The maximum amount of Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour Tsitsikamma Tree Top Canopy Tour Telephone: + 27 (0)46 648 1223 people allowed at any one time on the trail is 16. Telephone: +27 (0)42 2811 836 Telephone: 042 281 1836 (Ken Kings) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Contact: Water’s Meeting Nature Reserve If you are interested in renting equipment, contact Kenton Website: www.stormsriver.com Website: www.treetoptour.com Telephone: + 27 (0)46 625 0876 Marina Canoe and Paddle Ski Hire on +27 (0)46 648 1223 BLOUKRANS BRIDGE BUNGEE Tsitsikamma is home to the world’s highest commercial kilometres and offers a variety of recreational and bungee jump where the brave can take a 7-second adventurous activities which include the Otter trail, free fall from the 216 metre high Bloukrans Bridge. abseiling, paddle-diving, scuba-diving, hiking, snorkelling, The bridge-walking tour is recommended for the boat rides and canoeing up the Storms River. faint-hearted. The experience of a catwalk 216 metres above the ground to take in breathtaking views and The Park is well-known for its 42 kilometre “Otter marvel at the engineering feat of the Bloukrans Bridge Trail” which is a challenging yet exhilarating hike that up close is also rewarding. follows the spectacular Eastern Cape coastline from Storms River Mouth to Natures Valley. The five-day hike Telephone: +27 (0)42 281 1458 is only for the super fit and is a true test of character Email: [email protected] and strength for many visitors. A more luxurious hiking experience is the 20 kilometre Dolphin Trail. It takes one on trip from the forest ferns to the Storms River Mouth TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK in the Park where luxurious accommodation set in Nestled between the Nature’s Valley and the mouth of different views is offered to visitors. Storms River is Tsitsikamma National Park, Africa’s first and largest marine park and one of three national parks Telephone: + 27 (0) 42 281 1607 in the Cacadu district. The park stretches for about 80 Email: www.sanparks/parks/tsitsikamma

09 10 CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE 7 WONDERS:

AREA WEB CONTACT TEL EMAIL Sunday’s River greateraddo@gmail. +27 (0) 71 437 8487 Tourism Bureau com Addo www.traveladdo.co.za Greater Addo Tourism +27 (0) 42 230 0066

Hankey Tourism +27 (0) 42 284 0543 Baviaans & The www.travelbaviaans. co.za tourism@baviaans. Gamtoos Valley Baviaans Tourism +27 (0) 44 923 1702 co.za www.travelgrahams info@grahamstown. Grahamstown Makana Tourism +27 (0) 46 622 3241 town.co.za co.za jbay-tourism@ Jeffreys Bay Tourism +27 (0) 42 293 2923 Jeffreys Bay & St www.traveljeffreysbay. telkomsa.net Francis co.za info@stfrancistourism. St Francis Tourism +27 (0) 42 294 0076 co.za Aberdeen Heritage +27 (0) 49 846 0803 [email protected] Archive & Tourism Bureau

Blue Crane Route bluecranetourism@isat. +27 (0) 42 243 6448 Tourism Office co.za Karoo www.travelkaroo.co.za Graaff-Reinet Publicity +27 (0) 49 892 4248 [email protected] Office Nieu-Bethesda Tourism info@nieubethesda. +27 (0) 79 070 8988 Bureau co.za

Kenton-on-Sea Tourism +27 (0) 46 648 2418 [email protected] www.travelsunshine- Sunshine Coast coast.co.za tourism@ndlambe. Port Alfred Tourism +27 (0) 46 624 1235 co.za www.traveltsitsikamma. Tsitsikamma Tsitsikamma +27 (0) 42 280 3561 [email protected] co.za Information Centre