Jakkalsfontein, Western Cape, South Africa
These two weeks at Jakkalsfontein have been very special. This wonderful house on the beach overlooking the Atlantic ocean with its pounding waves and endless white sands is a get-away-from-it-all dream. I could live here forever. Ostrich patrol the skyline whilst colourful birds dart from the bush into the huge blue skies above. The sound of the breakers lull us to sleep and mesmerise our days.
.It has been hard to venture far from this paradise and we have spent most of our time soaking up the sun on the terrace, or walking on the beach below. We shop in the nearby town of Yzerfontein and have enjoyed delicious food cooked on the braai here, washed down with plenty of excellent South African wine.
At the weekend, we were delighted to be joined by my cousin Carol and her daughter, Anne-Marie from Cape Town. They rented a house on the same estate just a few minutes away and we spent a lovely few days together. We went out for a very good lunch at La Petite Maison (run by a French chef and his South African wife) at Langebaan, and enjoyed each other’s company in both our lovely houses.
Their dog, Jamie, an ageing but beautiful Cavalier Spaniel, although a little nervous of the sea, enjoyed his very first walk on a beach!
To celebrate Valentine’s day we visited the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre. The San, or Bushmen, are the world’s last living hunter-gatherers. A guided tour of the ‘Way of the San’ led by a young San tribeswoman was both informative and entertaining. Located on a nature reserve in the Cape Floral Kingdom, the views from the hilltop were fabulous. Afterwards, we enjoyed a very good lunch in their restaurant whilst being entertained by a large not-so-slow tortoise.
The Langebaan Lagoon in the West Coast National Park had been recommended, so today we explored this vast wilderness famous for its white dunes, wetlands and birdlife, before going for a swim in the warm turquoise waters. There is only one restaurant in the park, the Geelbek, which has mixed and somewhat dubious reviews on Trip Advisor, but we decided to lunch there. It is housed in a restored Cape Dutch building, a national monument, which is thought to have erected by Alexander van Breda in 1860 (whoever he was, but his initials are there over the front door). Rather neglected, it it is still a pretty sight and the lunch of calamari and chips was predictable but pleasant.
Tomorrow is our last day here and all we want to do is stay at home! We will cook lovely ostrich fillet steaks and sweetcorn on the braai, drink much wine, watch the endless waves and enjoy one last miraculous sunset.
On Friday, we will drive back to Cape Town, hand over the hire car, and if all goes to plan, be picked up at the airport by a private transfer to take us to Hermanus for the next and last leg of this amazing adventure. Our friends, Denise and Frank Moore, will be joining us in Hermanus and we are really looking forward to their company. Should be fun!
Denise
2023-02-16
Fantastic pics, see you very soon!!
Mike
2023-02-16
So Beautiful! see you both at the 60th reunion for Burma 34 nextyear!
Peter & Wndy
2023-02-16
Oh dear - You obviously have contracted a very bad case of West Coast Fever! There is no known cure.... Once you head for Hermanus don't forget to try Hook Line & Sinker in Pringle Bay. but you MUST book otherwise she will turn you away!
Dana
2023-02-16
Looks wonderful. So happy for you.
Jennifer P
2023-02-16
Great pictures as always. Travel safely to your next destination.💕
karen kenady
2023-02-16
Your digs sound/look about like ours here in Mexico. Just finished a nice walk on the beach and now ready for java on the "plage" before heading into Zihutenejo (and maybe another chili relleno at tjhe Mercato Centrale). Waves pound here as well, but no Ostrich.... See you next month. Hugs, karen & craig.
Suzette
2023-02-16
I am quite jealous of you guys, but also glad you enjoy your time in SA, we do have a beautiful country. Save travels for the last leg of your holiday.
Karyn
2023-02-17
Beware the Ostrich Patrol! Love them. So far from the Rest of the World madness. Lap it up! Kx
Mike
2023-02-17
Wow! such an amazing experience just love the isolation and views!
Mike
2023-02-17
Planning to be at the Reunion for Burma 34! Hope to see you both there
Carol
2023-02-18
Lovely enjoying the sunsets with you both. Enjoy Hermanus! Love carol x
victoria
2023-02-20
Stunning!