Picture Perfect Cape Town April 2021

Creaatignigc M Every day

CONTACT US Email: deon@pictureperfectcapetown.co.za Website www.pictureperfectcapetown.co.za

April has dawned upon us and has brought on a very different Easter. Picture Perfect Cape Town went to explore the garden route with a focus on Knysna . An amazing experience and well worth the trip . Please support our local businesses like the Red city bus and the Table mountain cableway this long weekend .

Wishing everyone an amazing Easter with family and loved ones .

Deon

EDITOR IN CHIEF/ PHOTOGRAPHER DEON MYBURGH

ASSISTANT EDITOR & CO-ORDINATOR TERRY GABRIEL

From 1 to 30 April, Robben Island Museum (RIM), is offering a 15% discount on all group tickets of three or more. Friends, family and everyone in between can now enjoy a fun day out, taking advantage of the last remaining summer days, as well as a financial saving.

With the Easter Weekend and school holidays on the horizon, there is no better time to bring the family to the island for a truly memorable day out. A visit to RIM is a unique experience that touches one’s senses from the time one boards the ferry at the Gateway to Robben Island, the journey across the Atlantic, that incredible moment when one sets foot on the island, the flurry of emotions experienced on the guided tour, to the tranquil journey back to the mainland,” said Siphuxolo Mazwi, RIM Senior Manager of Marketing and Tourism.

During the months of lockdown, RIM has used to the opportunity to upgrade the island, and in particular to expanding the range of exhibits. These include the visitors’ centre, where wives and mothers of prisoners gathered to see their loved ones, albeit for a few brief moments; the Sobukwe Complex, which housed South Africa’s first political prisoner on the island, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe as well as the artillery room where the eeriness of the weapons and their handlers still linger in the air.

While not all the new exhibits have been launched yet, visitors will get a sneak preview of some of the artifacts inside the maximum security prison, under the knowledgeable guidance of a former political prisoner, who speaks not only of the facts as recorded in the history books, but shares first-hand, an anecdotal encounter of life behind the bars of a once notorious prison, that is today a celebration of triumph over adversity.

“Many establishments in the tourism sector have taken strain over the past year, and RIM is no exception. Visitor numbers are still 90% down from previous years. This has a direct impact on the short-term sustainability of the island. We are however confident that RIM will survive the economic onslaught of COVID-19 and we are ready to welcome visitors from Cape Town and beyond. In the spirit of responsible tourism, all COVID-19 protocols are strictly observed both on the ferry as well as on the island.

We also encourage visitors to purchase their tickets online, via Webtickets to avoid queueing at the Gateway,” concluded Mazwi.

The ferry operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, at 11h00.

Should the demand increase, additional tours will be made available. Regular local ticket prices are R400 per adult and R210 for children under 18. This holiday, come and experience a fusion of history, heritage and family fun!

The Easter Escape Get 40% off your Easter holiday! Terms & Conditions Apply:40% off BAR (Best Available Rates) at the time of booking. For all new direct bookings only – via The President Hotel website or Reservations Department on 021 434 8111 or reservations@presidenthotel.co.za. Valid for travel dates from 1 April 2021 until 30 April 2021. First night’s payment required in order to guarantee reservation. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival date. This offer is subject to availability.

Blackout dates may apply. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with corporate rates, contract rates, group rates or any other offers.

Alexander Road, Bantry Bay Cape Town, South Africa, 8001 Tel: +27 (0) 21 434 8111 Email: info@presidenthotel.co.za

A FIRST FOR AFRICA, VÏB CAPE TOWN IS SET TO REVOLUTIONISE THE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE The new Vïb Cape Town is a first for Africa.

One of only four of its kind in the world, it is the only Vïb in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere! Short for ‘vibrant’ and pronounced ‘vibe’, Vïb is the newest hotel offering from global hospitality group Best Western International and a coup for Cape Town.

181 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town 8005, or reservations or more information contact: enquiries@vibcapetown.com

Easter Weekend 1 – 5 April 2021 Easter Family Staycation, Stay3 Pay2* this Easter ! Take advantage of the long weekend and tag yourself in a new Location! Includes continental breakfast. Offer valid from 1 – 5 April 2021 Turn it into a family getaway! We’ll keep the kids entertained for the weekend, with a kid’s play room and kids movies available. Kids under the age of 6 stay for free and eat dinner for free** the entire weekend. Upgrade your Sunday Breakfast to a Lazy Sunday Brunch for only R280pp! Kids pay R150! Enjoy a five course brunch, a glass of bubbles and the silky sounds of the legendary Alvin Dyers @alvindyers . *Special Applies to Rack rate only. **Kids meals must be ordered from the kids menu. One free child’s meal per main meal ordered by an adult. All inhouse guest can join us for the Lazy Sunday brunch for a discount of 20%, not to worry your kids will be entertained why you enjoy the good food and drinks. Special applies to the rack rate only Weekly Staycation Stay with us during the week at only R450 per person sharing. This offer is available from Monday – Friday, continental breakfast included. Rates apply to our Standard City Facing rooms only. Valid until 30 April 2021. Enquire now, don’t miss out.

23 April – 02 May – School Holiday Need a break, so do your kids!

Book one room get the second room 50% off the rate during the school Holiday*.

Terms and conditions apply. We’ll keep the kids entertained: Our complimentary shuttle will have a scheduled transfer per day to each of the kids entertainment centers in Cape Town. Pick and Drop off time will be standard. Kid’s play room and kids movies available. Kids under the age of 6 eat dinner for free** the entire weekend. *Special Applies to Rack rate only. **Kids meals must be ordered from the kids menu. One free child’s meal per main meal ordered by an adult.

Attractions visited Aquarium V&A Waterfront Cape Town Science Centre Cape Town Cable Way - Table Mountain Hop on Hop off Bus Live music Entertainment by Maxine and Vaughn Caesar every Thursday and Friday from 6pm to 9pm.

Please note, Easter Sunday will be the last Lazy Sunday for season.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is very excited to announce that due to popular demand, its “After 3 Special” has been extended until further notice! That means that visitors can take advantage of this late-afternoon promotion offer over the Easter weekend and beyond. As of 26 January, the Aquarium has been offering visitors discounted entrance fees for tickets purchased after 15h00 daily as part of its “After 3 Special”. The special entrance fees are only applicable to tickets bought onsite at the Aquarium’s ticket office from 15h00 onwards, and are only valid for entry on the day that the tickets were bought. The Two Oceans Aquarium has introduced this special discounted entrance fee for those who would like an underwater escape adventure to end the day, once the household chores and shopping are done and home-schooling has wrapped for the day.

From 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2022 the discounted rates are as follows: Adults: R155 (normally R210) Children 4-17 years, SA pensioners and students: R120 (normally R160) Children 4-13 years: R75 (normally R100) Children under 4: Free

Knysna, probably from a Khoisan word meaning "place of wood" or "fern leaves" is a town with 85,708 inhabitants as of 2019 in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is part of the Garden Route. It lies 34 degrees south of the equator, and is 55 kilometres east from the city of George on the N2 highway, and 33 kilometres west of the town of Plettenberg Bay on the same road. Little is known about the indigenous inhabitants of Knysna, the Khoikhoi. The area east of present-day George was separated by high mountains and deep gorges, making it virtually inaccessible to European travellers.

The town is primarily built on the northern shore of a large warm-water estuary, known as the Knysna Lagoon, which is fed by the Knysna River. The estuary opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands. These are popularly known as "The Heads", and have become infamous due to the loss of boats and fishermen passing through their treacherous and unpredictable waters.

The Paquita, a German vessel, sank on the eastern side of the Knysna Heads in 1903. Near them are geological formations, known locally as "The Map Stones." To the north of Knysna, Afro-Montane or temperate rainforest covers the hilly terrain for 20 km until changing to fynbos or macchia high in the Outeniqua Mountains.

The eastern head is heavily developed, while the western head is a private nature reserve, formerly owned by teacher and television presenter William Smith. which he inherited from his father, famed ichthyologist J. L. B. Smith.

The town is a popular destination for both tourists and senior citizens entering retirement, especially among the British and former expatriates due to the yearround warm climate. Recently, the town has also become a preferred destination among golfers, as the town boasts several world class golf courses, including Pezula Golf Course, Simola Golf Course and the well established Knysna Golf Course situated on the lagoon. It is near the towns of Plettenberg Bay and George, where there are airports. Knysna is also home to Mitchell's Brewery although the company no longer brews beers in the town. The forest, rivers, estuary, and ocean surrounding the town are dotted with hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Hikers, runners, kayakers, swimmers, surfers and fishermen are known to be particularly fond of Knysna.

Wilderness is a town in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, on a coastal stretch known as the Garden Route. It’s home to wide beaches and trails. The Map of Africa, a hilltop lookout point, has views of the Indian Ocean, the Outeniqua Mountains and the Kaaimans River. Nearby Wilderness Natural Park, part of the sprawling Garden Route National Park, is a habitat for wildlife including leopards, monkeys and eagles.

Brenton-on-Sea is a settlement and seaside resort town 15km west of Knysna in the Garden Route District Municipality of the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Named after Sir Jahleel Brenton, who declared Knysna a harbour in 1818, the area is home to the endangered Brenton blue butterfly.

It is part of the Garden Route and a popular spot for seaside vacations and holidays.

The endangered Brenton Blue butterfly is responsible for large sects of land in the Brenton area remaining undeveloped. The last breeding colonies of the tiny endemic butterfly are found here and in 2003, the land was proclaimed a Special Nature Reserve to try to save the species. Imagine a place, surrounded by the most beautiful beaches in the world, an endless expanse of the turquoise blue ocean framed against a backdrop of lush fynbos dunes. Imagine long, lazy days on the beach, cocktails and exquisite cuisine. This special place is a Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort in Knysna, on South Africa's famous Garden Route. A world where unspoilt nature and luxury meets.

Buffelsbaai (also Buffels Bay and Buffalo Bay) is a small seaside village 20 kilometres from Knysna in the Garden Route District Municipality of the Western Cape province of South Africa. The village is named after Buffelsbaai which stretches east of the village.

The cargo ship Kiani Satu, travelling from Hong Kong to Ghana with a shipment of rice, ran aground and sank off the coast of the town in August 2013. Leaked oil from the vessel and threatened the nearby Goukamma Nature Reserve; 217 birds were cleaned by SANCCOB after the spill.