The Last Frontier
Apart from its easy access from Cape Town along a magnificent scenic drive, Betty's Bay is a mixture of mountains and sea, lakes, wetlands and above all the unique fynbos vegetation.
Harold Porter National Botanic Garden is a place that can be visited over and over again. The plants and trees are interesting all year round, and strategically placed benches allow restful admiration of the surrounding views. There is an interpretive centre, a tea room and a souvenir shop
At Stony Point there is a nature reserve that protects a colony of sea birds. The African Penguin, four species of cormorant, gulls, terns and many land birds can be seen here. Both the above ask an entrance fee.
During the winter months rain falling among the mountains is stored underground and slowly seeps out during the summer drought. This keeps the sensitive wetlands functioning and their unusual vegetation healthy.
The sea, where the huge variety of plants and animals are as diverse and numerous as those on the land, is full of other surprises. There are whales all year round; the Humpback, Brydes and the Orca or Killer Whales, and each year, early in July, the huge Southern Right Whales slowly make their way from the Southern Ocean, into the many bays, to calve and mate.
There is a series of freshwater lakes, fed by the many ravines along the mountain chain, that support a variety of wildlife, from Vlei rats to birds. Sacred Ibis, a recent addition to our impressive bird list breed at Grootwitvlei, as do Red Knobbed Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe and Whitebreasted Cormorants.
There are two hiking trails in Betty's Bay, one for the adventurous that begins at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, over the mountain, through Oudebos forest, into the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, and the other that commences at Disa Kloof Centre, and skirts the base of the mountain in a Westerly direction. This path leads one onto the main beach.
Almost all the animals in the fynbos are nocturnal, but one can catch a glimpse of the Small Grey Mongoose, usually running across the road, and the Chacma Baboons are never far away.
Those who venture out at night, will be rewarded by an unforgettable display or stars and several planets.
Click here for businesses & attractions in Betty's Bay.
Click here for businesses in neighbouring Pringle Bay. Click here for businesses in neighbouring Kleinmond.
