Experiences in and around Milkwood On The Lake

Situated within the South Peninsula, Noordhoek has so much to offer.

The village itself offers an array of restaurants, coffee shops and delis, ideal for a leisurely breakfast or a fine dining experience or even just to grab some fresh locally grown ingredients to dine in at Milkwood On The Lake.

Noordhoek is perfect for the equestrian lover and nothing beats galloping along Noordhoek beach or over Noordhoek Common. If horse riding isn't for you, then take a long walk along Noordhoek Beach or even go for a surf. Wine is synonymous with the Western Cape and Noordhoek boasts its very own winery, Cape Point Vineyards. Pop in for wine tasting, dinner or enjoy the food market on a Thursday evening and experience one of the finest sunsets ever. Noordhoek Farm Village is home to The Toad, Noordhoek finest pub, as well as  Cafe Roux and the Foodbarn. Pop in to see the latest bands or enjoy Franck's amazing cuisine at The Foodbarn but don't forget to meander through the Farm Village shops whilst you are there.

Pop in on a Wednesday to enjoy the food market and a bottle of South African wine.

Silvermine Reserve

Lake Michelle is situated at the foot of the tranquil Silvermine Reserve in the Table Mountain national park and is ideal for family walks and mountain hikes, the Reserve offers an accessible wilderness experience with spectacular views over the South Peninsula, and contains many species of indigenous Cape Fynbos - including Proteas and groves of scarce Milkwood and Yellowwood trees. It does not require strenuous hiking to take the family for a picnic at the waterfall or stroll along the banks of the reservoir. The reserve forms part of the Table Mountain Park, and is reached just a few minute’s drive from our affordable Cape Town holiday accommodation.

Country Style and Cuisine

Noordhoek Farm village is a thatched Cape Dutch yesteryear complex with a deli, 2 excellent restaurants, a pub, artist studios, antiques and African collectibles and curios. While dining or browsing let your kids play on the central lawns or the wonderful active playground. The Food Barn offers fine dining, and is presided over by famous chef Franck Dangereux , but its deli offers a wide range of organic vegetables, baked goods preserves and cheeses for you to take home and enjoy the best of the Cape. There can hardly be a better spot for an enjoyable breakfast or lunch under the oaks, or indoors, than our Cafe Roux.

Local Pubs

The Red Herring affords a great opportunity to enjoy a meal or a drink on their outside deck and enjoy the views over the beach, the spectacular sunsets, or a roaring fire indoors in the colder months. Loud, boisterous and always busy, it will lift your mood. The Toad in the Village is an English style pub which serves great steaks, pies and pizzas, and is a popular meeting place for both visitors and locals. Both pubs are just minutes from our self-catering Noordhoek accommodation.

Imhoff’s farm

10 minutes drive from Lake Michelle. Named for the then Commissioner at the Cape, Baron Gustav Wilhelm van Imhoff, who ordered the construction of the Simon's Bay refreshment station in 1743, including the cultivation of lands in the Fish Hoek and Noordhoek valleys. The historic old farmstead is just a short drive toward Kommetjie and makes a good outing and things to do for the whole family with stunning views, a farm stall, chocolate factory, cheese factory, wine shop , organic produce, unique craft shops, camel and beach rides and animal encounters are just some of the many experiences on offer. There are 2 excellent restaurants; the Bluewater cafe which offers stunning views over the beach and the wetlands to Chapmans peak. The pickled fish as its name implies serves great seafood at affordable prices.

Constantia Wine Route

The fertile Constantia Valley is just 10 minutes drive from Lake Michelle and with its moderate climate and rich soil, is home to the oldest wine estates in South Africa. The Constantia Wine Route is made up of Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg – all offer wines of top quality and have a rich winemaking history dating back to 1685. There are top restaurants at these beautiful Estates, and wine tasting and sales is available. Groot Constantia, the Cape's oldest vineyard with its historic Cape Dutch homestead is a public museum, filled with colonial treasures and is well worth a visit.

Long Beach Noordhoek

Long Beach is notable for the lack of crowds on its 8 km of pristine white sands. The beach is ideal for surfing, windsurfing, swimming or just a peaceful stroll across to Kommetjie, with its picturesque lighthouse. Explore the skeleton of the Kakapo, wrecked on 26 May 1890 on a journey from Australia. The ship went so hard aground that the crew could step put onto dry land!

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

The beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden. The gardens are a celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous South African plants. Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well-laid out pathways for easy walking. Some 6000 different species of flora may be found in the Gardens. A great variety of birds inhabit the gardens and the sweeping views from the upper slopes are spectacular. Whether for a casual stroll or a lazy picnic, the gardens are a must-see when visiting Cape Town. There is a restaurant, self-service area and tea-room as well as gift shops and a nursery. The Gardens are open to visitors every day. On Sundays during the summer months from November to April, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns from 5:30 - 6:30. Concert tickets prices vary. The gates open at 3:30 so bring a picnic and relax. Tel : 021 799 8783

Chapmans Peak drive

Chapman's Peak Drive is named for the mountain on the western side of the Cape Peninsula, and was opened on 6 May 1922. It is a masterpiece of road engineering and no visitor to Cape Town should miss the opportunity to drive this spectacular scenic coastal drive from Noordhoek to Hout Bay. The drive commences hugs the mountainside high above the Atlantic Ocean, following the rock coastline hundreds of metres below, while skirting some 114 bends and curves, offering truly magnificent views of the bay, from the sandy white beaches of Noordhoek and Kommetjie to Hout bay. There are a number of rest areas where one can stop and admire the views and take a few pictures. Additionally there are pleasant spots where one can enjoy a picnic at a concrete table and seats. Descending toward Hout Bay the visitor will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Hout bay, a small fishing harbour, over which towers the impressive peak known as the “Sentinel”. If visiting in the period between July – September, one is almost certain to see whales frolicking in the bay. Chapman's Peak Drive is part of the route of two of South Africa's biggest mass-participation races, the Cape Argus Cycle Race and the Two Oceans Marathon; both of which events pass by in front of Lake Michelle.

Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point

Take a beautiful 30 minute coastal drive from Horizon Holiday Cottages to the legendary Cape Point; situated within the Table Mountain National Par. The combination of sea, mountains and indigenous animals is hard to beat. Take the Flying Dutchman funicular to the old lighthouse (and find out why it is called the Flying Dutchman) or climb the stairs to the top if you feel like exerting some energy. At the Cape Point promontory you may not literally see two oceans meeting but you will most definitely share in the “end of a continent” feel. Taking the funicular saves a long walk, up many steps, to see the lighthouse and take in the magnificent view, but many find the walk rewarding. There are several good bathing beaches in the Reserve and a restaurant- the Two Oceans –as well as souvenir shop. Visitor Centre Management and information: 021 789 9010. The vulnerable Cape mountain zebra may be found here, along with a host of other antelope species, baboons and smaller indigenous creatures such as the mongoose and dassie (Hyrax)

Cape Town Waterfront

About 30 minute’s drive; this famous waterfront was developed around the Victorian wharves of the Cape Town harbour, with buildings dating back to 1860, when Prince Alfred (Queen Victoria's son) tipped the rock for construction of the breakwater. Original buildings have been beautifully renovated while the many new buildings have been built in similar Victorian style. The Cape Town Waterfront is acknowledged to be one of the most successful waterfront developments anywhere. Popular with both of tourists and the locals; it is always buzzing with activity because of its beautiful location within the working harbour, now predominantly used by fishing boats. The waterfront is situated with beautiful Table Mountain as a backdrop and it is a short boat trip from here to world famous Robben Island. It has become an exciting and imaginative development of world-class hotels, restaurants as well as luxury residential apartments set in the marina. One needs to allow almost a whole day to experience all that the waterfront has to offer; which includes the oceanarium, maritime museum , a wide selection of shops as well as an extensive craft market. There is a choice of sailing and motor boats to take you out into the bay, whether a short tour or perhaps a sunset cruise. You can enjoy an inexpensive meal at the quayside or experience world class cuisine in the many up-market restaurants and hotels. Whatever your budget there will be something for you and your family to enjoy here. Cape Town city and the waterfront is an easy 30 minute’s drive.

Table Mountain Cableway

About 30 minutes drive to the clearly signposted cable way: Table Mountain is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world and offers a pleasant opportunity for families to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The ascent by cable car with panoramic views of the City, the ocean and the neighbouring peaks, take less than 10 minutes. Hiking is an alternative for the more energetic and there are more than 350 paths up to the top of Table Mountain. Once at the top visitors enjoy spectacular views from over one thousand metres above the city below. The area at the top of the mountain is surprisingly large, so leave enough time to stroll along the paths, enjoy the viewing platforms and soak up the vistas. The Cableway operates in the Table Mountain National Park, an important part of the Cape Floristic Region and the single richest floristic area in the world. This area is also a World Heritage Site. There is a lot of Fynbos vegetation on the mountain, with over 1 460 different species of plants. There are three signposted walks from the top station. There are also free guided walks to learn about the fauna and flora, departing at 10h00 and 12h00 daily from the signposted meeting point outside the Top Station building. Tel : 021 424 8181 for information about the weather and cable car operation.

Robben Island

Robben Island is the world famous apartheid prison where Nelson Mandela and other political dissidents were imprisoned for a great portion of their lives. Robben Island was declared a World Heritage site in 1997 and has become a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit. Tours of the island commence from the V&A waterfront with a ferry trip from which you can enjoy spectacular postcard perfect views of Table Mountain. Tours of the island are guided by former prisoners. The tour includes the maximum security prison, the limestone quarry, the churches and a kramat on the Island. Tours run daily and last for about 3-4 hours and, due to its popularity, you should book several days in advance.
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