The Helderberg basin offers a wealth of activities for young and old, sportsmen, wine connoisseurs, food lovers, cultural and art fundi’s and much more.
Blue Rock Quarry is approximately 2 kilometres from Chelaya and is so named for the blue rock harvested there years ago. When it fell into disuse, it was filled up with water and now plays host to a range of watersports and recreational activities.
It is ideal for wakeboarding and waterskiing.
See ‘Adventure‘
Gordon’s Bay Harbour: Stroll along the harbour wall on a sunny day alongside the turquoise sea. The small harbour is host to a number of boats and yachts and offers a picturesque view of Gordon’s Bay. The harbour is nestled between the General Botha naval base and the popular Bikini beach on the other side.
Clarence Drive leads out of Gordon’s Bay around the coast to Crystal Pools. This wonderful walk meanders up the Steenbras River for about one kilometre and ends in large mountain pools where you can picnic and swim if you are brave enough to enter the freezing cold water. Enjoy the vast variety of flora and fauna along the way.
If you are looking for shelter from “the Cape Doctor”, then Kogel Bay, along Clarence Drive is definitely worth a visit. This vast beach, with powerful waves is a surfers paradise with beautiful, white sands below the cliffs and a number of caves to be explored.
Continuing along Clarence Drive you will reach Rooi Els, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay. A must is the Harold Porter Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay where you can take short walks up to the waterfalls or longer hikes depending on fitness levels. Not to be forgotten is the visit to the penguins at Stoney Point. They have been fenced off for their safety but visitors can marvel at their odd wobbly trips to the sea where they transform into speed machines as they dive into the waves.
Somerset West Nature Reserve: This nature reserve offers wonderful hikes, bird watching, picnic areas, sunset concerts, an herbarium, a tea room and a meeting place for like minded souls. It also offers private nooks and benches for one to spend a meditative moment or two.
There are three historic farms in the Helderberg basin. Lourensford Wine Estate is a magnificent estate nestled in the fertile bowl of the Helderberg Mountains and was founded in 1700. It has a proud history and apart from its wines offers the River Garden restaurant, The Coffee Company, an art gallery, monthly markets, a deli and picnics in the garden. It is also host to some large events, such as “The Getaway Show”, “Kamers Vol Geskenke” and “K Day”.
Vergelegen Wine Estate is well renowned for its wonderful wines, the Vergelegen Restaurant and the Rose Terrace. It offers various walks through the estate and hosts popular events such as Candles by Candlelight and Noddy for the children at Christmas time. The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra performs here annually.
Morgenster Wine Estate offers wine tasting and sales, stunning olive products and an olive nursery. Visit their newly opened Sophia’s Restaurant, named after Sophia Loren.
There are a number of golf estates in the area, see our Recreation page for more information.
Monkey Town is always an attraction for the children and is situated directly below Chelaya. In the afternoons, while relaxing on the lawns, you will hear some of the monkeys “whooping” for their food. Monkey Town offers guests of Chelaya a discount when visiting them.
Below are some of the top rated restaurants in the area:
• Waterkloof
• Stephanie’s
• Henri’s
• 96 Winery Road
• Avontuur
• Harbour Lights
Other activities in the area include:
The beautiful Strand beach
Helderberg Farm – R44 Somerset West
Horse Riding – Sir Lowry’s Pass
Fishing tours – Gordon’s Bay
Shark cage diving – Gansbaai
Shopping at Somerset Mall