The African Dream
The
stunning beauty of Southern Africa invariably leaves a lasting impression
on the visitor. South Africa is a land of contrasts and the Cape Region
is no exception. As one travels through this fascinating area the terrain and
climate may change but the friendliness of its people does not. South Africans
are justifiably proud of their wonderful country and want their visitors to have
an unforgettable time and return again and again.
With its near perfect
climate, golden beaches and an abundance of things to do and see, the Eastern
Cape is rapidly becoming a highly favoured holiday destination for South Africans
and International travellers alike. Just an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth,
Port St. Francis and neighbouring St. Francis Bay are in my opinion the jewels
in the crown and there could not be a better time than the present, with the current
exchange rate, to invest in property in this up and coming and yet exclusive resort.
Why Port St. Francis?
It's
new, it's up and coming, it's unique and it represents excellent value for money.
It's one hours drive away from Port Elizabeth and its airport with frequent connections
to Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Perfect Mediterranean climate. In summer
daytime temperatures seldom exceed 30oC and in winter rarely fall below 15oC.
Safe, uncrowded beaches with St. Francis Bay and nearby Jeffreys Bay a Mecca for
the international surfing set.
Malaria free game viewing at nearby Addo
and Shamwari and with whale watching from August to December, it really is possible
to see 'The Big Six'.
All sorts of watersports and excursions are available
directly from the Port and St. Francis has some of the best beach and sea angling
in South Africa.
For nature lovers, there is an abundance of birdlife very
close to the Port and the famous Irma Booysen nature reserve is on the doorstep.
The
Port has its own retail complex including shops, a pub, restaurants and a Yacht
Club. Eating out in particular is extremely cheap compared with the UK.
Situated
at the gateway to the Garden Route, this unique village was founded on a 16km
stretch of pristine coastline which features an open estuary, two capes and two
protected bays.
Established in 1965, this picturesque "little Venice"
was the first in Southern Africa - and today still stands as its foremost residential
marina development.
The new "Port St. Francis" yacht harbour is
destined to become the peaceful rendezvous of many round-the-world seafarers,
whom shall find a true Shangri-La in this unique Waterfront-style development.
Together
with the tranquility of raw natural surroundings, this eco-paradise offers endless
adventure for young & old - the Nature Reserves are home to rare sea otters
and endemic fynbos species; the unique Buffelsbosch dunefield is of archaeological
significance; the river, estuary & varied coastline features breathtaking
trails and, arguably, the best fishing & diving in the Eastern Cape.
From
the St. Francis Bay Marina, you can step off your lawn, on to your boat
for a 12km jaunt up the meandering Kromme River - or access the ocean via the
river mouth, just 1km away.
St Francis Bay has much to offer in the
way of activities and the lifestyle one leads is that of peace, relaxation and
a stress free environment. Endless kilometers of unspoilt coastline and pristine
beaches offer a wide variety of plant and wildlife. Spectacular surroundings can
be explored whilst walking or riding along the many trails in the area making
it one of the most superb hiking territories. The nearby Kouga Mountain provides
not only a magnificent back-drop, but also scenic hiking trails able to support
more animals, birds and insects per square metre than any other area on Earth.
There are more bird species noted in the Eastern Cape than there are in
the entire USA.
Boasting the highest number of sunshine hours on the South
African coastline, the warm sea waters bordered by 5km of gently sloping,
sandy beaches makes it the ideal playground for those keen on swimming and sunbathing.
Water temperatures vary between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius during Summer and 14
to 19 degrees Celsius during Winter. Conditions for snorkeling, diving and spear-fishing
are excellent whilst for surfers, the now internationally renowned "Bruce's
Beauties", offer 500 metres of surfing sensation in a bay which is also suited
to beginners. Good news for avid conchologists is that many rare shells can be
collected off the shores of our golden beaches.
For
the sailing, canoeing and motor boat enthusiast the wide Kromme River, its Yellowwood
tributary and the spectacular canals in the village, provide 40km of superb, navigable
water ways. Here, as well as in the bay, windsurfers and hobiecats are a familiar
sight and where colorful regattas are a regular event. A favorite pastime would
be sailing the protected waters of the bay or water skiing off your doorstep in
the warm waters of the river and canals.
The peninsula and bay are renowned
for superb deep-sea fishing and rock angling. The protected Santareme Bay and
Kromme River abound with leerfish, kob, yellow tail, steenbras, red roman, baardman
and many other sought after species. The bay is also famed for its calamari, while
the rocks are an unspoilt treasure trove of every form of marine life.
This
paradise would not be complete without its unique natural phenomenon - that being
the St Francis Golf Estate. This 18-hole golf course formed by nature with century
old sand-dunes creates a backdrop to one of the most challenging courses ever
constructed in Southern Africa.
