Self-Catering/Vacation Rental Apartments in False Bay/Helderberg, South Africa
Gordon's Bay Tourism & Travel Guide

Gordon's Bay is the smallest of three towns in the Helderberg region, so named after the Helderberg Mountain which is part of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains which dwarf the locality on two sides. Gordon's Bay was originally named "Fish Hoek", many years before the town of the same name, located on the western side of False Bay, was founded. 

The older part of Gordon's Bay is host to the South African Navy's Naval College, an officer training center located adjacent to the old harbour and yacht marina. Above the harbour on the mountainside is a giant anchor and the letters "GB". Many think that this stands for Gordon's Bay, but in fact it stands for General Botha which was the original name of the Naval station in the town. The Steenbras Dam, Cape Town's primary supply of drinking water, is located on the mountain above the town.

Gordon's Bay is host to one of the few blue flag beaches in South Africa, Bikini Beach. Bikini Beach is popular among teenagers, specifically female students from the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University. The Beach enjoys funding from the City of Cape Town to properly maintain facilities that include the public showers, changing rooms, clean bathrooms and a grassy promenade. The beach is also considered safe with regular patrols from a seasonal security guard.

South Africa Holidays - Gordon's Bay and Beyond   by Rachel Hill

There are many wonderfully scenic routes that people on South Africa holidays can enjoy. A very good base from which to explore a few of them is Gordon's Bay, 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Cape Town. This community is on the slopes of the Hottentotts Holland Mountains overlooking False Bay. It's a popular place with whale watchers in October and November. It is also an excellent starting point for touring the spectacular coastal route called Clarence Drive (R44).

This is one of South Africa's most scenic drives. To really appreciate it take any one of the dirt roads that lead down to the sea from the highway. From the road between Gordon's Bay and Rooiels there are numerous paths to the seashore. However, if you go down to watch the waves pounding on the rocky coast, use caution. Don't go alone, and keep a few yards back from the water if the waves are big. Under certain conditions, huge freak waves can suddenly roar in. If you decide to check out the lovely beach at Pringle Bay, watch for the sign that warns of quicksand.

Betty's Bay

If you want to see African penguins on your South Africa holidays, Betty's Bay is one of only two mainland locations in the country where they can be found. (The other is Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula). Betty's Bay is 30 km (19 miles) southeast of Gordon's Bay. This pretty hamlet, set amidst wild and untamed scenery, is popular with South African retirees and weekend vacationers. The main penguin colony is at Stony Point, 600 yards from a parking area. There is a fence to keep the birds from being disturbed by tourists and land predators, but the occasional leopard still manages to get through. Betty's Bay is also the site of the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden. This 440-acre protected nature reserve is in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The rich profusion of plant life supports 78 species of birds and many species of small mammals, including large troops of chacma baboons. Cradled between the Atlantic Ocean and the lofty peaks of the Kogelberg Range, the setting is magnificent. You can take walking trails through the reserve to the mountains. Book ahead for the services of a guide.

Kleinmond

The quiet coastal town of Kleinmond, 25 km (15 miles) southeast of Gordon's Bay, is another little gem awaiting visitors on South Africa holidays. Kleinmond is perched on a magnificent stretch of shoreline. In the background are the mountains of the Palmietberg. Like Betty's Bay, it's a popular place with retirees and weekenders looking for a break from the cities.

There's an attractive collection of restaurants and shops near the harbour. Not far from the town is the Kogelberg Nature Reserve; this 66,000 hectare park extends along the Palmiet River from the mountain almost to the sea. The nature walks are well-marked, and in addition to the gorgeous flora you will see some beautiful birdlife. At the eastern end of town is Sandown Bay. Here you will find a long, sandy beach. Swimming is risky because of dangerous currents, but if you're lucky you might see the famous Bot River horses that live in the marsh. According to legend, they are descendants of horses from the time of the Boer War.

About the Author: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist at www.southernafricatravel.co.uk.