Cape Town Day Trip: South Africa’s Rugged Beauty in Tsaarbank

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Are you sick of South Africa yet? No? Good. It seems silly perhaps, but even though my first visit to South Africa was only 18 months ago, I’m pretty sure my blog has more posts dedicated to the country than any one place—and my latest find is a great day trip from Cape Town.

In truth, South Africa is one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet. Every bend you drive around is just another magnificent vista, another photo opp waiting to be exploited.

When we went to West Coast National Park with Kristin and Brian, our last stop was Tsaarbank, one of the northernmost points on the peninsula within the park and prime territory for whale-watching.

Of course, the first thing we saw there was not whales but…a Semester at Sea bus! And we were two hours from Cape Town in a much less touristy area, too. The funny thing about traveling with Semester at Sea is that no matter where you go within the country in which you’re docked, you are guaranteed to see at least one other group of SAS participants (often times, many more). We simply take over the country, big or small.

The rocks out at Tsaarbank are perfect for monkeying around and serve as a perch to watch for wildlife.

But given that the surf looked like this, I knew we had no chance of seeing our barnacled friends.

Still, the tempestuous waters didn’t stop any of us from having a full-on photo shoot (as we’re wont to do).

Brian could even use this one for his company back home. Fitting head shot for an outdoors retailer, don’t you think?

Sadly, no jumping shots were had as slippery rocks + jumping do not = a fun outcome, particularly if you’re already extremely accident prone like me.

Have I mentioned before my outright love for South Africa and how I can’t wait to return to this very spot again someday? No? Then maybe this will convince you:

Langebaan: A South Africa Road Trip
Langebaan: A South Africa Road Trip
COMMENTS
  • October 28, 2011

    I SO want to got back to South Africa. I loved everything I saw there and there’s still So much yet to see. These water shots are Awesome!

    • October 30, 2011
      Kristin

      Thanks, Gaelyn–I have to give credit to Scott for most of them! But yes, I agree with you: There is not a bad vista in South Africa, of this I am certain. I’m ready to return for a third time!

  • October 28, 2011

    That last picture looks like a little bit of heaven. Sigh.

    • October 30, 2011
      Kristin

      That would be how I would sum up South Africa in one word: celestial.

  • October 28, 2011

    Holy balls, that looks amazing! The water doesn’t even look real; it looks like something out of a movie.

    • October 30, 2011
      Kristin

      That’s Scott and his evolving photography skills at work! =)

  • October 28, 2011

    That last shot is A-mazing. It looks so much like smoke, or dry ice. Gah, I want to go to there!

    • October 30, 2011
      Kristin

      Thanks, Kelly! The waves at Tsaarbank were the most powerful I’d seen anywhere in the world–made for great photo opps!

  • October 28, 2011

    How does one get the dry-ice-water effect? It is mesmerizing.

    xox

    • October 30, 2011
      Kristin

      Really good equipment and the right kind of filters! A long exposure and tripod is key.

    • October 31, 2011

      You’ll need a filter so dark you can’t see through it. Think welding hood dark. Ridiculously dark. Dark dark.

  • October 28, 2011

    Nope, not sick of SA at all. In fact, just informed Swede, after reading all of these posts, that I desperately want to take a long vacation there someday. Amazing.

    • October 30, 2011
      Kristin

      Someday as in the next year or the next? Yes, I’d support that decision =)

      • October 30, 2011

        With any luck, yes, sometime in the next year or the next. Sadly, I apparently did not win the Powerball/Mega Millions last night, otherwise that “someday” would be “tomorrow.” 😉

  • October 28, 2011

    Great photos, it looks beautiful there.

  • October 29, 2011

    These are some of my most favorite pictures you’ve ever taken!

    • October 30, 2011
      Kristin

      Thanks, love! That’s very sweet of you!

  • October 30, 2011

    I’ve never heard of this place but it looks stunning! I never realized that this was one of your favourite places (by number of posts/photos taken). Learn something new everyday!

    • October 30, 2011
      Kristin

      Haa, I didn’t either! Actually, I inevitably am always asked “where’s your favorite country?” which is usually followed by an “um…well, I like Australia…and the Cook Islands…and New Zealand…no, wait! It’s South Africa! Definitely South Africa!” You should go =)

      • October 30, 2011

        Actually my very good friend is living there and working as an agent for a safari company there. I should connect you two (that is if you decide to go back. I have a feeling that won’t be too much of a chore!). You’re definitely motivating me to get there, especially since I’ll have free accommodation. SIGH!

  • October 30, 2011

    No wonder you have so many posts dedicated to South Africa. Abso-freakin-lutely GORGEOUS!! The pictures of the ocean spilling over the rocks are insane. Makes me want to go there tomorrow.

  • October 31, 2011
    JeJe

    Finally… my favorite pictures get their due!!

  • October 31, 2011

    This post made me check airfare prices to South Africa because I want to go so, so bad and need to know how much money I can squirrel away. Thank god I’m not having kids to eat up all my travel funds!

  • November 2, 2011

    Wow, that last photo!

  • November 10, 2011

    I am so glad that people enjoy South Africa. We have such a beautiful country and love showing it to people.

  • November 16, 2011

    You make me so proud to be South African =)

    Oh and Table Mountain was voted as one of the new 7 wonders of the world …

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