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| In the area |
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Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
The reserve is a protected area where you can breathe in the scent of the fynbos, relax in the natural environment or stroll the beaches. Pringle Bay is the second Biosphere village to be registered as a Conservancy. The people of the area work hard to ensure that the beach is kept clean, the wetlands are protected and alien trees are removed from the area. This biosphere was recently named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it is a wonderful area to explore on foot, whether a serious hiker or a Sunday afternoon stroller. The area stretches from the fynbos-rich mountains and the wetlands to the pristine seashore. |
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Botanical gardens
The Harold Porter Botanical Gardens were established to conserve and research the fynbos in the area, thereby educating the poplulation about it. Besides the rich variety of plant life to be seen in the gardens, more than sixty species of bird have been spotted here. Nestled in among the most wonderful display of the Cape floral kingdom, are wonderful picnic areas as well as easy strolls or hikes. link |
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Wild horses
In this area is found the only herd of wild horses in southern Africa, in the wetlands between the Botrivier Lagoon and Kleinmond. Believed by some to be descendents of cavalry horses released by the British after the Spouth African War, the herd was over 400 strong by the 1940s. These horses were slowly destroyed or rounded up and sold until there were only three left in the 1950s. Today there is a herd of healthy horses, cantering among the dunes, or splashing free and wild in the vlei surrounding the lagoon. See if you can spot one of these beautiful, elusive creatures. |
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Whales
From July to January you can watch the southern right whales as this is their mating and calving season. Watch as these highly intelligent gentle giants play in the waves. link |
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Penguins
Visit one of only two land-based colonies of African, or jackass penguins to be found in the Cape, at Stony Point, Betty’s Bay, just 9 km from Pringle Bay. |
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Birds
This area is heaven for the bird-watcher as a large variety of birds can be spotted in this Kogelberg Biosphere, from the black-shouldered kite up in the mountains, to the Cape wagtail around the rock pools, and cormorants along the beaches. |
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Pringle Bay
This country village offers a deli, butchery, mini-mart and a country shop, gallery, bottle store, hardware store and various craft shops and churches to explore. |
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Adventuring
River rafting on the Palmiet River, canoeing, sailing, surfing, diving and fishing can all be enjoyed on the waters in and around Pringle Bay. Shark cage diving and whale watching (June to Jan) trips can be arranged. On land, you can partake in sandboarding, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding and tennis. Ask Gloria and Peter for details of any of these adventures. If you don’t want to wander far, within 100 metres of Wild Olive, you can collect mussels, and even catch your own crayfish for dinner! |
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Hiking and nature trails
The Palmiet River trail is a wonderful mountain stroll and gives you a chance to have a quick dip in the refreshing mountain pools. Whatever hike or relaxing stroll you choose, it will restore the soul as you wander along paths that reveal hidden waterfalls, lush valleys, wonderful mountain and sea views and indigenous wildlife. Gloria and Peter will be able to steer you in the right direction, whatever level you’re looking for. link |
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Wine
Experience the Overberg wine route and relish the fine wines in to be found in the Hemel & Aarde Valley. Trips to the rich winelands of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Hermanus are easily undertaken, where you can taste some of the finest wines to be had. |
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Golf
Kleinmond Golf Course is spectacularly situated amidst the fynbos with sea and mountain views, and the spectacular Arabella Golf Course is only 15 minutes’ drive away. While you’re there, enjoy a relaxing and refreshing afternoon at the spa. And that’s not all . . . within 50 minutes’ drive, you can access another five of the Cape’s best golf courses! Take your pick! |
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Hot water springs
Only 50 km away, you will find the Caledon Spa and Casino Resort. Here you have the choice of wallowing in the famous Caledon hot springs or trying your luck at the tables . . . or both! |
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African black oystercatcher can be seen on Pringle Bay beach.
The garden at Wild Olive Guest House is filled with aromatic indigenous fynbos.
Leopard tortoise might be seen – just watch out while you’re driving.
Klipspringer can be spotted on rocky outcrops.
The seed-eating Cape bulbul, rameron pigeon, speckled mousebird and grass birds can be seen among the coastal vegetation.
Large groups of terns gather around the Rooiels estuary and they are known to rest on the beach at Pringle Bay during a gale.
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