If you are looking for an escape into nature at its best, then escape to the majestic Hangklip Coast. Just an hour out of Cape Town lies a range of massive mountains that hug the spectacular, wave-swept coastline of False Bay.

All this is punctuated with golden beaches ranging from tiny to never ending. It's an area of such beauty and botanical significance that, in 1998, it became the first UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserve in southern Africa.

Nestling in this unique area lie the towns of Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond.

At Rooi Els you can catch the sun setting over False Bay while enjoying sundowners. Dive for crayfish, angle from the rocks, catch a glimpse of whales, baboon and the Cape Clawless Otter.

Pringle Bay hosts a Craft Market the first Saturday morning of each month. Bodysurf at the beach before feasting on fresh fish.

Harold Porter National Botanical garden is a must in Betty's Bay. A unique botanical garden stretching from the mountain-top right down to the sea. The more energetic can enjoy a hike up Leopard's Gorge, otherwise delight in a stroll around the Garden absorbing the sights and sounds. More than 60 bird species have been recorded.

The town of Kleinmond will cover all your daily needs. It has supermarkets, banks, launderettes and more. Explore interesting gift shops, the abalone aquarium, enjoy wine tasting and tour the honey factory complete with tasting. You can sit down to a sidewalk serving of perlemoen, mussels and crayfish - prepared before your eyes.

At the Toy museum a collection of toys cannot fail to ignite a few childhood memories. On Main Road you will also find South Africa's only museum dedicated to the fascinating history of irons and ironing.

The Cape fynbos is one of the wonders of the world. By far the smallest of the world's 6 plant kingdoms but it has the second largest diversity. The Cape Floristic Kingdom harbours 9000 different species in 90000 square kilometer. 6190 are exclusive to Cape Flora. The British Isles which are three and a half times larger, has just 1500 species and only 20 are endemic.

It was the Dutch settlers who described the hardy plants of the Cape as 'fijnbosch', meaning 'fine-leafed-bushes'. Today the term fynbos describes all the diverse types of plants, proteas, ericas, restios grasses and geophytes that have evolved to survive on the nutrient-poor soils, high winds and dry summers that characterise the southern tip of Africa.

Although apparently lush and green, fynbos is quick to burn. Fires are therefore restricted to designated safe areas.

There are three different but associated zones in a biosphere reserve: Core Zone, Buffer Zone and Transition Zone. The Core Zone is the most ecologically sensitive and pristine area. Protection of the natural environment is a priority. The Buffer Zone is mostly a natural area that acts as the buffer for the protection of the core. The Transition Zone is an area of intense utilisation and transformation where awareness is fostered.

Because the biosphere encompasses so many different biomes, it naturally boasts a rich variety of bird species. Some 360 species live, breed or visit here. If you walk along the Klein Hangklip mountain slope you are almost sure to see the Cape Rock-jumpers as well as a variety of gleaming sunbirds.

From June to November each year, Southern Right whales visit the shores to calf and mate before departing for their feeding grounds in the lower reaches of the Antarctic. About 14-16 meters in length when mature, Southern Rights are characterised by wart-like 'callosities' on their heads.

Whales can frequently be seen in the shallows of the beaches or just off the rocky shores, anywhere along the Hangklip coastline. Bryde's and Humpback whales can also be seen though not as frequently.

Hangklip is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts offering hiking, riverrafting, mountain biking, fishing, sand boarding, cycling and camping.

Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau
For more information visit the Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau.
14 Harbour Road, Kleinmond

Telephone: +27 (0)28 271 5657
Facsimile: +27 (0)28 271 4742
Email info@ecoscape.org.za
Skype: palmiet