ERINVALE GOLF COURSE: is roughly a 6 minute drive from the Mooring House Guest Lodge. The course was designed by Gary Player and little of his immaculate challenges have been altered. The first nine holes are on the low, flat part of the estate and the second nine are on high, undulating ground. This will give you two different feels, but there remains a common thread – that is the standard of the superbly shaped greens, with truly consistent putting surfaces. Throughout the course there are majestic mountain backdrops, panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides planted with vine and sparkling views of the ocean from the higher vantage points. To contact Erinvale Golf Course call Tel: (021) 847 1144 or go directly to their website ERINVALE GOLF ESTATE. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOMERSET WEST COUNTRY CLUB: is the closest golf course to the Guest House and is a matter of minutes away. The Somerset West golf club is open to non-members and the Pro shop rents golf clubs. Golf carts are available if you do not want to walk the course. The Somerset West golf course is essentially a golf course of three different parts, but in no way does that change its country feeling or style. It is a parkland type course of 5942 meters in length and is an 18 hole par 72. As you play take time to look at the magnificent Helderberg mountain that gently slopes down to the course and look out for the White Squirrel's that live around the first (top) nine holes. Contact: Club: (021) 852 2925 - Pro Shop: (021) 852 3625 or visit their website directly SOMERSET WEST COUNTRY CLUB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STRAND COUNTRY CLUB: roughly a 6 minute drive from Mooring House Guest Lodge. It is no exaggeration to say this championship course is exposed to fresh and strong breezes sometimes even gales. In fact, in honour of the wind, an annual tournament called the 'Southeaster' is held every April. If played it is best to Tee off early before the wind picks up. Strand is also known for its water features. The golfer will encounter no less than 11 of them during a round. The course is not overly long, especially off the club tees. The Strand Golf Club offers a challenging layout and has the Hottentots Holland mountain range forming a splendid backdrop and only a short distance from the beach. This course is definitely worth a visit. Pro shop Contact number: 021 - 854 3309 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DE ZALZA GOLF ESTATE: Roughly 10 minutes from Mooring House Guest Lodge is De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, It is located in the rural tranquillity of the Cape Winelands, no other real estate in the Western Cape offers residents as rich a combination of scenic beauty and architectural integrity with sporting, outdoor and cultural advantages. The course was designed by the famous Peter Matkovich and rated No.3 in the Western Cape and No. 27 in South Africa (2005 Golf Digest Rankings). Overlooked by the towering Helderberg Mountains and surrounded by rolling vineyards and orange groves, there are testing water features and classic golf holes with the most spectacular backdrops. They can be contacted on Tel: (021) 880 7300 or visit their website directly: DE ZALZA GOLF ESTATE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STELLENBOSCH GOLF CLUB: One of the best golf courses in South Africa. This championship course which hosted, among other tournaments, the South African Masters and South African Open, will test your golfing skills. The course is - compared to those in Cape Town and on the Cape Peninsula - well protected from the wind. The - relatively narrow - fairways are lined with trees. Hole 8 (par 5) requires for instance an absolutely straight stroke in order for the ball not to land in vines or bushes. Stellenbosch lies in the centre of the fertile and very scenic wine growing area of the Cape, less than 20min drive from Mooring House Guest Lodge. . With its numerous diligently restored buildings in the Cape Dutch style and its renowned university, it is one of the most attractive travel destinations at the Cape. Just as rewarding is a visit to the town's exclusive golf course situated just out of town amid vineyards. They can be contacted on Tel: +27(21)8800244 or visit their website directly: STELLENBOSCH GOLF CLUB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEVONVALE GOLF & WINE ESTATE: Situated roughly 40minutes drive from Mooring House Guest Lodge, this magnificent 18-hole championship golf course needs little introduction offering a regular challenge to both local and international golfers. The course is interesting every time you play it, with abundant bird life all around the fairways and water features. The original layout, designed by Ken Elkin, who designed many of the Capes better known courses, has seen several improvements of late. The introduction of indigenous plants and the removal of alien trees have not only beautified the environment, but have created panoramic vistas of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Tel: (+27 21) 888 4735 (pro shop) or visit their website directly: DEVONVALE GOLF & WINE ESTATE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOLF AT HELDERBERG VILLAGE: Roughly 5 minutes away from Mooring House Guest House lies Helderberg Village and boasts a beautifully maintained 9 hole course in a housing estate; safe parking; golf cars to rent; equipment to rent; club house & cloak rooms (no lockers); golf shop with basic supplies; halfway house (snacks & drinks); bar and meals available; visitors welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Tel : 021 855 8334 (pro shop) or visit their website directly: HELDERBERG VILLAGE GOLF CLUB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR MORE GOLF COURSES IN CAPE TOWN AND OTHER AREAS PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK: GOLFONCOURSE |
| MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE Bed and Breakfast OR Self Catering Accommodation in Somerset West |
| LOOKING FOR PROPERTY IN SOMERSET WEST YATES ESTATE S SPECIALISING IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE AND RENT IN THE HELDERBERG REGION - HOUSES FOR SALE IN SOMERSET WEST, STRAND AND GORDONS BAY |
| Take a tour through the vineyards at Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, taste wines, stroll through the impressive gardens, tour the Historical Homestead, relax with coffee at the on-site coffee shop or lunch at Lady Phillips Tea Garden, spoil yourself to a pre-arranged picnic under the trees within the Vergelegen Estate |
| STRAND BEACH AT NIGHT WITH VIEWS OF TABLE MOUNTAIN IN THE DISTANCE. LOVELY WHITE SANDY BEACHES. SURFING AND WIND SURFING ARE VERY POPULAR AT THE STRAND BEACH. |
| EIKENDAL WINE ESTATE. RELAX IN THE LEISURELY AMBIANCE SURROUNDED BY VINEYARDS. SAMPLE WINES OR ENJOY LUNCH OR DINNER. JUST 5 MINUTES FROM MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE. THIS IS JUST 1 OF MANY, MANY WINE ESTATES WHICH PROVIDES BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING. |
TABLE MOUNTAIN. BY FAR THE MOST FAMOUS LAND-MARK IN SOUTH AFRICA, THE IMPOSING PROFILE OF TABLE MOUNTAIN RISES OUT MAJESTICALLY HIGH ABOVE THE MOTHER CITY. IF YOU HAVE AN ADVENTUROUS SOUL YOU CANNOT HELP BUT BE TEMPTED TO GO PLAY ON HER FLANKS, EXPLORE HER RAVINES OR CLIMB TO HER SUMMIT. THE HIGHEST POINT ON THE MOUNTAIN IS KNOWN AS MACLEAR’S BEACON AND REACHES AN ALTITUDE OF 1086M ABOVE SEA LEVEL. RIDE THE CABLE CAR TO THE TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN WHERE VISITORS CAN ENJOY THE VIEWS. THERE IS A RESTAURANT AND CURIO SHOP ON THE TABLE TOP. VISITORS SHOULD TAKE A LIGHT JERSEY AS IT CAN BE A LITTLE BIT BREEZY ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. |
WHALE WATCHING. HERMANUS IS ROUGHLY AN HOUR'S DRIVE FROM MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE ALONG THE N2 HIGHWAY OR THE ALTERNATIVE COASTAL ROUTE STARTING FROM GORDONS BAY, THROUGH KLEINMOND AND INTO HERMANUS. DURING LATE OCTOBER TO VERY EARLY DECEMBER WHALES ARE PROMINENT ALONG THIS COAST AND IN HERMANUS. |
| PLEASE VIEW MY BLOG PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT WHAT TO DO AND WHAT TO SEE IN THE SOMERSET WEST AREA, THE WINELANDS AND CAPE PENINSULA. THIS BLOG HAS JUST BEEN STARTED DEC '08 AND WILL BE UPDATES AS AND WHEN WE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCE THE VENUES DISPLAYED. |
| HELDERBERG NATURE RESERVE ROUGHLY 5 MINUTES FROM MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE VISITORS CAN WALK THROUGH THE SCENIC HELDERBERG NATURE RESERVE. SEE BONTEBOK STROLL LEISURELY THROUGH THE PICNIC GROUNDS WHILST LARGE TORTOISE FEED RHYTHMICALLY ON THE GARDEN LAWNS. AN ENTRANCE FEE IS PAYABLE. RESTAURANT IN THE RESERVE. |
| CAPE POINT ENJOY A DAY TRIP SCENIC COASTAL DRIVE TO MUIZENBERG AND ON TOWARDS CAPE POINT - ROUGHLY 1 HR FROM THE GUEST HOUSE. EITHER WALK UP TO THE VIEW POINT OR RIDE THE FUNICULAR. RESTAURANT AND CURIO SHOP ON SITE. ( MANY A VISITOR HAS THOUGHT THAT THIS IS THE SOUTHERN POINT OF AFRICA AND WERE DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN THAT THE MOST SOUTHERN TIP OF AFRICA LIES IN CAPE AGHULAS - ANOTHER DAY TRIP WORTH TAKING - ROUGHLY 1HR AND 40MIN DRIVE FROM MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE.) FROM CAPE POINT DRIVE TO HOUTBAY OVER CHAPMANS PEAK FOR TRULY EXCEPTIONAL SCENERY AND SEE DOLPHINS SWIMMING IN THE BAY. LUNCH IN HOUT BAY AND THEN DRIVE ON TOWARDS CAPE TOWN, BACK ONTO THE N2 AND HOME TO MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE. VIEW FROM CHAPMAN'S PEAK TO HOUT BAY. |
| SOUTHERN MOST TIP OF AFRICA CAPE AGHULAS ALTHOUGH MANY A TOURISTS BELIEVES THAT THEY HAVE STOOD ON THE MOST SOUTHERN TIP OF AFRICA WHEN VISITING CAPE POINT - THEY ARE SADLY MISTAKEN. TAKE A DAY TRIP FROM MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE AND VISIT CAPE AGHULAS ONLY 1HR AND 40MIN AWAY. CAPE AGHULAS IS THE ACTUAL MOST SOUTHERN POINT OF THE AFRICAN CONTINENT AND IS THE MEETING POINT OF THE TWO OCEANS - THE INDIAN OCEAN AND THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. RESTAURANTS AND CURIOS IN THE TOWN. A MUST DO ITEM DURING YOUR STAY. |
DOMBEYA YARNS EXPERIENCE A CONVENTIONAL WORKSHOP OF HAND SPINNING, DYEING, WEAVING AND KNITTING AT THE FOOT OF THE BEAUTIFUL HELDERBERG MOUNTAIN JUST 10 MINUTES FROM MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE. SPECTACULAR VINEYARD VIEWS CAN BE ENJOYED WHILST SITTING IN THE TEA GARDEN (TEAS AND LIGHT LUNCHES SERVED). |
| MOYO'S A TRUE AFRICAN DINING EXPERIENCE UNDER THE STARLIGHT AFRICAN SKY, SET IN A GARDEN IN THE WESTERN CAPE WINE LANDS, MAYO'S (BETWEEN SOMERSET WEST AND STELLENBOSCH) IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER RESTAURANT. WITH A SEATING CAPACITY OF 1200 THIS INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE, IT IS A MUST ON ANY WESTERN CAPE VISIT. JUST 15 MINUTES FROM MOORING HOUSE GUEST LODGE ENTER THE ALMOST NOMAD AFRICAN VILLAGE SETTING OF MOYO'S’S |
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MY BLOG We are currently updating MY BLOG to list all activities. However, this will be a slow process as we will only include those places we visit personally so we can give a true and accurate account of the venue. Please visit. |
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MFULENI TOWNSHIP PROJECT Mooring House, Guest House in Somerset West provides suitable accommodation for volunteers assisting with the Mfuleni Township Project. Easy access to and from the N2 route to the Township roughly a 20 minute drive away. Just off the N2 and close to Blue Downs. The build will take place in Mfuleni which is a relatively new township about 40 kilometres from Cape Town, South Africa (about 1 hour by bus). It is a predominantly "Black" (African) township, although there are also some "Coloured" members of the community. [Wikipedia] The area got its name from the Xhosa word meaning “by the river”. People started to settle there in the 1960s. In the beginning it was a transit area for migrant labourers. The first houses were built in 1976 and most of the dwellings are houses or brick structures with a yard (44%), however, there are also many informal shacks without water and electricity supply (36%). Founded by Irish property developer and philanthropist Niall Mellon in 2002, the charity began building houses in its first township, Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, in 2003. Since then, Mellon's volunteers have built over 600 quality homes in Imizamo Yethu and a second township, Netreg off Cape Town's N2, where the organisation started work in April 2006 Every year the charity organises a building blitz where Irish volunteers are asked to raise €4 000 each and travel to Cape Town for a week-long intensive build. As the 350 men and women prepare for the 2006 volunteer blitz in Mfuleni, NMTI's third township, the organisation has already started recruiting what it hopes will be a massive 1 000 volunteers for "the largest ever exodus of Irish people to a charity event overseas" in November 2007. |