A PLACE WHERE WHALES PLAY AND WILD FLOWERS BLOOM
Truly a fit description for this magical Overberg coastal town, situated on the Whale Coast Route in the heart of the renowned Cape Floral Kingdom (more info at www.southafrica.info). Surrounded by the majestic Kogelberg Mountains to the north and the sandy beaches and rugged shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean to the south, a more idyllic location can hardly be imagined. The town is a mere 60km from Cape Town International Airport and can be reached - either from Gordon's Bay to the west or Hermanus / Kleinmond in the east - via the scenic R44.

BYGONE DAYS
Betty's Bay's history is filled with fascinating stories of early Khoi-san inhabitants, runaway slaves, shipwrecks and pirates. In 1912 it was formally put on the map when a whaling station was established at Stony Point, the remains of which can still be seen today. The town was named after Betty Youldon, daughter of one of the early developers.

BETTY'S BAY TODAY
Located in the Kogelberg Biosphere, (more information at www.kogelbergbiospherereserve.co.za) an UNESCO World Heritage site, Betty's Bay is a haven for the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, either as a holiday destination, or a place to spend carefree retirement years. The distinctly rural lifestyle in Betty's Bay led residents to create a well-developed safety net system to

answer their needs. The Hangklip Community Care Centre is an independent voluntary body providing affordable, well-balanced meals to anybody who needs it. Crime rate is low and a well structured neighborhood watch, working closely with the police and security companies, provides additional peace of mind. Nearby towns such as Kleinmond, Hermanus and Strand conveniently offer quality medical care, schools and entertainment. Local restaurants and a fast food outlet offer various options to treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal. While you will be able to get everyday necessities at convenient stores such as Penguin Place or Central Shop, Betty's Bay also boasts art galleries, gift and souvenir shops, a pottery, boutique, beauty parlor, deli etc., all spread out in three shopping areas along Clarence Drive. The larger shopping malls of Strand and Hermanus are just around the corner, while the quaint shops in Harbour Road, Kleinmond is certainly well worth a visit.

Being 13 km's long, Betty's Bay can broadly be divided into the following areas:

Sunny Seas, only 10km from Kleinmond. This area, set against impressive Perdeberg mountain is bordered by a mainly rocky shore.
The central part of town around the sandy shore of Jock's Bay. You will find Meridian Realty's office in the business centre just opposite Penguin Place Superette.
Malkopsvlei / Bass Road area including the Main Beach. The municipal offices, library and a shopping centre border this area.
The Lakes area. This area is geographically dominated by two beautiful fresh water lakes. At the coast it includes Stony Point and lovely stretches of rocky shore.
The Silversands area. The main attraction of this area is the beautiful 2km long pristine beach of Silversands, breeding ground for the endangered black oystercatcher.

Attractions

Penguins
The African (Jackass) Penguin colony at Stony Point, Betty's Bay, is one of only three land-based colonies on the African continent. The species is listed as vulnerable in the Red Data book. The first nest was noticed in 1982. Today the penguins can easily be reached via a boardwalk and viewed from platforms, the best viewing times being early morning and evening. Breeding season is from February to October.

Harold Porter Botanical Garden
One of the best places to marvel at the wonder of the 1600 exquisite fynbos species that grace this region, is to visit the well known Harold Porter Botanical Garden, one of nine national botanical gardens in South Africa. Spectacularly set between the mountain and the ocean, this is truly a "garden for all seasons". Leisurely walks and picnics can be enjoyed and the restaurant and nursery visited while sweeping mountain slopes, deep gorges and natural fynbos can be explored via walking trails. (Read More)

Outdoor activities
Hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, angling, swimming, canoeing, deep sea fishing, diving, surfing, kite surfing, sand boarding, bird watching... or just relaxing in the sun! Long white beaches, clean amber coloured rivers, fresh water lakes, lagoon at Kleinmond, safe tidal pools for children, walking trails, breathtaking surroundings and fragrant air makes this area a paradise for outdoor activities. There are golf courses at Kleinmond and Arabella.

Whale spotting
Enjoy wonderful whale watching opportunities from June to December when Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate to these coastal waters to calf and nurse their young. (www.whalecoast.info)

Homes for sale in Betty's Bay

All real estate in Betty's Bay is full title freehold properties. Only half of the 3046 plots are developed. Permanent residents inhabit +/-650 of the houses, the rest being holiday homes. House prices vary between R600 000 to R8 000 000 and more, depending upon quality, size and location whereas plots sell from R280 000 to several million. Visit www.meridianrealty.co.za for more information and to view properties for sale within Betty's Bay.