Sandpiper News - Sandpiper Cottages

Mosselkraker at a glance

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0200

2 Bedrooms, en suite. Large open fireplace. Fully equipped for self-catering with TV and Wi-Fi. Adjacent to local golf course and in nature conservancy area. Walking distance to the beach.

Peaceful pieces

Zelda Vorster — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Pondokkie charm

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Pondokkie, for the nature lover, for peace and quiet, for a different view on life.

Kaia, Cosy Cabin for two.

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Ideal for a romantic weekend break away.

Nature Conservancies in the Garden Route

Fred Orban — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0200

A list of the conservancies in our area if you wish to support nature conservancy in the Garden route.

Nature Conservancy contact on the Garden Route

Cola Myoli
colaconservancy@gmail.com
Constantiakloof
ckcatwilderness@gmail.com
Fransmanshoek
fransmanshoek@gmail.com
Great Brak
gbrconcervancy@gmail.com
Midbrak
profg@telkomsa.net
Nature's Valley Trust
info@naturesvalleytrust.co.za ; hendri@naturesvalleytrust.co.za
Noetzie
noetziecommittee@gmail.com
Redford
redford.conservancy@gmail.com
Sedgefield Island
secretary@sedgefieldislandconservancy.co.za, sedgefieldislandconservancy@gmail.com
Southern Crags
southerncragsconservancy@gmail.com
Western Heads Goukamma
Johan@paradisefound.co.za

Sandpiper Leisure Centre , venue for small gatherings

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Close to the beach, beautiful rustic decor. Pizza oven, big fire place, squash, tennis, massage, jacuzzi, sauna, magnificent dining room table, equipped kitchen and cutlery and cash bar.

Focus on Mosselkraker

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Mosselkraker can sleep 4 guests and is equipped with al dishwasher, washing machine, WiFi, DSTV. All you love from your home. The Boggoms Bay golf course is across the street from Mosselkraker and the beach just down the street.

Bertus Beukes and Lukas Swart

Fred Orban — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Focus on Skuilhoek

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Focus on Kaia

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Kaia can provide cozy accommodation for 2 guests. It has limited solar power and is equipped with gas geyser and camping fridge. Thie quaint little cabin is very popular with our guests that loves nature and are looking not only for accommodation but for an unique experience.

Kus tot Kruin with Dr. Jan de Vynck

Fred Orban — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0200

An interesting discussion with Dr. Jan de Vynck regarding fossils prints discovered on a huge rock at Geelbaai near Stilbaai by Dr. Charles Helm and Dr. De Vynck. And their team. These fossil prints with geometric patterns are presumably made by ancient humans with cognitive ability. It is an early form of art for modern humans. Please tune in to get the full story. https://youtu.be/L9kvwi_B4TI

Kus tot Kruin with Prof Curtis Marean

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Prof Curtis Marean from ASU (Arizona State University) explaining the signiicance of Pinnacle Point as the oldest evidence of Modern Humans on our planet and what advantages there would be for Mossel Bay region to receive World Heritage status. The story of modern human development, diets and culture can be viewed at the POINT DISCOVERY CENTRE adjacent to the St Blaize cave. Our weekly program on Sfm 90.1 at 11h30 keeps you up to date on all matters relating to the Environment. TListen to the podcast at: https://iono.fm/e/1326196... See less
— at SFM Streek RADIO.

Focus on Pondokkie

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Discover the seaside Mossel Bay and its surroundings (Part 2)

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0200

With a trip that’s about 384 kilometers, you simply can’t just eat your way through it. You need a bit of adventure and something out of the ordinary to make it the most memorable trip of all.

We worked our way through the many restaurants and accommodations in Mossel Bay. Now it’s time to get busy with the tons of interesting and some unheard of activities that definitely will spice up your holiday. Here’s an extensive list of what to expect when you visit this coastal town:

Discover the seaside Mossel Bay and its surroundings (Part 1)

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

34.1747° S, 22.0834° E – Explore is such a beautiful verb so here is the coordinates for your next vacation. Venture off and explore it all.

Go on, read further.

Your countryside, seaside wedding at Excelsior outside Mosselbaai

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Between Mosselbaai and Vleesbaai, you will find Excelsior – an absolute hidden gem of a wedding venue. Excelsior is a fully functional farm and wedding venue for couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and get married in the countryside. Excelsior offers the following:

A spacious wedding venue that can fit 250 people
Fantastic catering
Flowers and decor as per request
Chapel and/or white tent
Pre-drinks and snacks
Licensed bar with affordable prices
Recommendations on DJs, accommodation and photographers
A relaxed countryside setting for a romantic wedding

But peace and quiet in the countryside isn't all that this stunning venue offers... Excelsior is less than 10 minutes' drive from both Vleesbaai and Boggomsbaai – two quiet seaside towns that share an incredible stretch of unspoilt beach. Imagine to gorgeous photos you could take on this beach during sunset. It truly is a special place.

Boggomsbaai is a quiet town with no shops, no streetlights and basically no crime. If you're still looking for wedding accommodation for you, your family, or your friends, our stunning seaside cottages scattered all around the dunes of Boggomsbaai, will not disappoint. And if you really want to spoil yourself, why not book a massage for you and the girls at our lovely spa. Now, isn't that a nice way to spend your wedding weekend?

Have a look at our various cottages here and visit Excelsior's website to find out more about their wedding venue: www.vleesbaaiweddings.co.za/

Create your own magazine cover

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Wanderlust is a powerful feeling. It makes you want to drop your groceries, grab that magazine, run to the nearest travel agent and say, ‘Take me here!’. But usually, our rational minds counter with sensible words like ‘expensive’, ‘far’, ‘work’ and ‘time’. Holidays aren’t always feasible. We know this. The good news is that getting away doesn’t necessarily have to include any of those words. It could simply mean a weekend away at a secluded cottage in pristine nature.

Of course, ’getting away’ means something different to everyone and at Sandpiper Cottages, our entire philosophy is built around creating different experiences of nature seclusion, depending on what our guests want from their getaway. We love putting our guests up in the cottage that fits their needs and then seeing them leave rejuvenated and relaxed, knowing that this was exactly what they needed.

Some of us get that rejuvenating feeling when we spend time on our own, for some it’s all about getting close to nature and experiencing the natural ebb and flow of things, and for others, it is just the mere act of getting away from our daily routines and reconnecting with our loved ones. Whatever it is that you need to relax and re-center yourself, we can help you get it with our choice of secluded seaside cottages – each designed with different types of breakaways in mind.

Whether you want a small rustic cottage with a sea view for quiet contemplation or a 4 bedroom home with a pizza oven for preparing food together as a family, let us help you find a cottage that is right for you. All our cottages are close to the pristine Fransmanshoek Conservancy area in Boggoms Bay. This means that no matter which one you choose, you will find an abundance of peace and quiet on the long stretches of beach, under the unhindered starry skies, or in the solace of your crackling fire. It is your magazine cover to create.

Click here to see which cottage will be the one for you, or just give us a call and we’ll help you find it.

Take a trip to Seal Island. You might get more than you bargained for.

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0200

At Sandpiper Cottages, we value the sanctity of seclusion and that’s why our cottages are all completely private and tucked away. Of course, seclusion does not have to mean isolation, and so we make it very easy for our guests to do activities in the vibrant area that surrounds our quiet sanctuary. A particularly unique activity is a catamaran cruise around Seal Island in Mossel Bay. You never really know what you’re in store for on this multifaceted trip.

With their blubbery bodies and playful attitudes the Cape Fur seals are quite a sight to see – and with more than 3000 of them on the island, you’re definitely in store for a show or two. The seals like to laze around in the sun, play in the water and the curious little ones often come to the boat for a peek at the strange creatures on it. As you can imagine, a large group of seals like this also attracts some large predators.

For those who are interested in the great predators of the deep, you might be in for a few sightings when you visit seal island. Great White sharks often lurk in the dark, waiting for an opportunity to prey on an unknowing seal. Naturally, the Great Whites are not alone in this quest and all kinds of sharks and whales have been spotted in the area – waiting for their chance. Some amazing photos have been taken of these giants breaching and even making a kill. There is always a possibility and thus always a photo opportunity.

So whether you’re interested in watching a lively bunch of seals perform, trying your luck at photographing a shark or whale attack, or just taking a nice sailing trip out to sea, we’re sure this journey will be a fun and exciting experience for you and your family. Afterwards, come and relax at your private cottage by the sea.

Book your stay at Sandpiper Cottages now and experience Seal island as a fun excursion. Also, have a look at our special offers to see how you can save money.

What makes us human?

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0200

As you might expect, the answer is not straightforward and it has in fact been debated for centuries by scientists and philosophers alike. One thing that everyone seems to agree on is that it has something to do with our way of thinking and feeling – a unique attribute of the human mind.

We know that about 160 000 years ago modern humans started developing certain skills that set us apart from our earlier ancestors. We developed higher mental capacities such as abstract and symbolic thinking, and this brought forth a cultural change that separated human culture from social learning in animals.

Where is the proof?
We sometimes think that the evidence of this change is locked up in a glass cage in some museum, but the truth is that proof of our humble beginnings is all around us. We just don’t know where to look and what to look for.

There are a few special places in Southern Africa where you’ll still find evidence of the emergence of modern humans. At Sandpiper Cottages we are very fortunate to have one such a place in our backyard. Evidence of abstract thinking, symbolic behaviour, tool making and craftsmanship have been found all around Pinnacle Point and the greater Mossel Bay area. Finding the clues can be tricky though and you would probably need an archaeologist’s insights. You’d probably need someone like Dr Peter Nilssen.

Dr Nilssen has a PhD in archaeology and is part of the team researching what has come to be known as the Point of Human Origins, close to Sandpiper Cottages. People come from all over the world to experience the story of our origins through tours led by Dr Nilssen and daily cave visits led by his trained guide. We have a good relationship with Dr Nilssen and we’ll happily organise tours or have him over for a talk at one of our ‘Klanke, Kultuur & Kaggelkos’ evenings.

How do I get involved?
If you ever feel the need to return to your roots, or you’re just curious about the story of modern human origins, come and stay at Sandpiper Cottages and check out Dr Nilssen’s insightful talks and tours. After your journey into the past, come and join one of our ‘Klanke, Kultuur & Kaggelkos’ evenings where we can all discuss where we came from, think about where we’re going and appreciate what it means to be human in the present moment.

Book a stay with us now and get back to your roots. Read more about the Point of Human Origins and Dr Nilssen’s tours here. Also be sure to check out our special offers here.

Want a real holiday? Leave your digital devices at home.

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Studies show that raised cortisol levels (brought on by long-term stress) can make us more susceptible to illnesses. There is in fact an entire field of study dedicated to this phenomenon called psychoneuroimmunology. But in today’s world, getting away from it all is becoming harder as we become more attached to our digital lives.

Today, retreats and getaways that encourage you to leave all electronics behind are gaining increasing attention – it’s called digital detoxing. In a study done in Morocco, digital detoxing had profound effects on people’s sleep quality, the way they engaged with one another, and even their posture! After only three days without technology they were walking more upright, making more eye contact and having more creative (and funny) conversations as they tried to figure out things they would previously have just googled.

If you fancy a bit of digital detoxing, Sandpiper Cottages offers the ideal setting to leave the stress of constant digital demands behind, and get you back in touch with nature. At one of our secluded seaside cottages, all you’ll find is sun, sand and the gentle sound of the waves.

Curious to find out more about digital detoxing? We found this article by the New York Times enlightening: The Busy Trap

Discover Pinnacle Point - The Point of Human Origins Cave

Sat, 26 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0200

We often get asked what kind of activities guests can enjoy while they are here at Sandpiper Cottages in Boggoms Bay, and one of the first places that come to mind is Pinnacle Point – The Point of Human Origins. This beautiful gem has revealed the earliest evidence for modern human behaviour. Here is what you can expect:

The Point of Human Origins can be found on the way to Mossel Bay and is only 29km from our cottages in Boggoms Bay. It makes for a great family outing. A fun fact about Mossel Bay is that mitochondrial DNA research has shown that all humans alive today descend from a small population that lived between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago. Archaeological research has shown that at least some of those people lived in Mossel Bay.

This short, rugged stretch of South African coastline is not only breathtakingly spectacular, it is also home to some of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever made regarding the origins of all people alive on earth today.

These important archaeological sites are now accessible to small groups of people. These exciting, stimulating, half-day or 1.5 hour excursions will change the way you think about our origins as modern, thinking people.

After a stimulating day at the Pinnacle Point Cave, you will look forward to the peace and serenity of Boggoms Bay again. Our cottages are nestled in this beautiful bay at the start of the Garden Route, just off the main routes. For the rest of your stay you can indulge in such activities as sun tanning on the beach, body surfing, fishing or beach combing along a section of the famous Oystercatcher Trail. We guarantee our guests to feel completely relaxed by the time their holiday has come to an end!

PLEASE NOTE: tours and cave visits to Pinnacle Point by appointment only.

View Sandpiper Cottages

Garden Route Guide A cozy winter weekend at Boggomsbaai

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0200

http://www.gardenroute-guide.co.za/sandpiper-cottages-self-catering/

Mossel Bay judged best place to do business in SA

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0200

The survey excluded the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, eThekwini, and Tshwane - South Africa’s four largest metropolitan areas - in order to “focus on up-and-coming places to do business.”

According to the cover story in the April 12 edition of the magazine, “After applying financial and non-financial indices from Government reports, business organisations and financial intelligence agencies, Finweek has whittled down a list of candidate municipalities to 10 that aren’t only business friendly but show the greatest potential for growth and opportunity. These score well in a combination of gauges, including impressive economic growth levels, budgets for economic development, geographical positioning, large populations and tailor-made business incentive packages.”

The report put Mossel Bay Municipality ahead of Rustenburg in the North West (in second place), and Msunduzi in KwaZulu-Natal (third). The city of George, at 6th place, was the only other Western Cape municipality in the top ten.

Mossel Bay - which has a population of 130,000 - was found to have an economic growth rate of 6.5% between 2005 and 2010, with the Municipality spending R6,257.00 per year oneach citizen. The Municipality generates 65% of its own revenue, and its audit status is given as ‘Clean.’ In addition, the municipal area has the “Lowest number of people living in poverty (13%) compared to the 40% national average,” while, “Almost 50% of the population has a matric, and 17% have some form of post-matric qualifications.”

“This is an enormous honour for us and for Mossel Bay,” said the town’s mayor, Alderlady Marie Ferreira (DA).

“We’re fortunate to have a formidable team of directors and staff who are all committed to making local government work - and Finweek’s vote means that their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“In itself, that’s a great reward,” she said.

The municipal manager, Dr. Michele Gratz, said that the article touched on an important point - the fact that the Municipality is prepared to engage with everyone in order to ensure that it produces an enabling environment in which business can flourish.

“We’ve just completed a Participatory Assessment of Competitive Advantage (PACA) process, during which we consulted with people from across the political and economic spectrums.

“The support was fantastic - hundreds of people turned up for twenty different workshops, and their well-thought out and practical suggestions have now been incorporated into a draft economic development plan which will shortly be tabled at Council.

“The key word here is ‘Participatory:’ the PACA process was a community-wide project, and because of the depth of our engagement with one another, we believe that the business community will take ownership of the strategy - and that that will result in continuing economic growth.”

She said, too, that the Finweek article was, “Spot on when it said that the municipality is reviewing by-laws that may inhibit economic development.

“We understand that every economy is driven by its businesses, and that our role is to smooth the way so that businesspeople can operate efficiently and effectively. Maintenance of infrastructure and operational issues are of paramount importance and are critical factors for all businesses.

“To help us in this, Mossel Bay Municipality is fortunate in having an excellent team of Directors and some very good officials who go beyond the call of duty to ensure and improve service delivery.

“At the same time, the Municipality has also launched a series of poverty alleviation strategies which appear to be bearing some fruit in lowering the number of people living in poverty.“

René Bongers - the chairman of Mossel Bay Tourism, a Section 21 company funded largely by the Municipality and charged with the task of marketing the town - congratulated the Mayor and her Council on the results of Finweek’s survey.

“Mossel Bay has always been one of South Africa’s preferred holiday destinations, and this accolade is an important milestone in positioning it as a business and investment destination, too.”

He said that the PACA process had identified tourism and the environment as the two golden threads that run through the local economy.

“Tourism is an enormous contributor - both financially, and in terms of the number of jobs it creates - and there’s no doubt that it has grown as a result of the riches of the natural environment of Mossel Bay.

“Having a strong Municipality working hand-in-hand with a well organised and vocal environmental lobby, I have no doubt that the town will continue on its current upward path - whilst always retaining the natural beauty and sense of place that have attracted visitors for generations” he said.

Alderlady Ferreira congratulated her officials and the businesspeople of Mossel Bay on their contributions to the nomination.

“Thank you all for caring for your town, and for your loyalty to your community,” she said.

Welcome to Sandpiper Cottages Mossel Bay

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

They spend their evenings around large open fireplaces and experience their first braais and see what the difference is between how we do our meat and why a BarBQ will always be 2nd best to a Braai. They enjoy our all weather tennis court, our glass backed squash court, our bubble bath with a view over a great bay, enjoy our sauna and indoor pool. They savour the wines from our area on the deck of our Leisure centre. No noises from cars or buses or sirens, just the whisper of the ocean in the background. Why don`t you in Mossel Bay or George or Knysna or somewhere where you may live on the Garden Route, come and enjoy what folks from distant countries come here to enjoy..you are only half an hour or an hour away from a great experience ! Bring your friends along with you...

At Sandpiper in Boggomsbaai, we have decided to make February and March special months for our locals. February is not only going to have a Valentines weekend at Sandpiper in Boggombaai, but we are offering 2 and 3 day packages with special attractions and super discounts for groups of friends and families for bonding opportunities. We are making the entire February a Valentines month, where friends can reunite with friends and families can discover the importance of enjoying time together. We are also offering Late Summer specials for March. Our packages will include options such as beach walks with a guide and a beach lunch, picnic basket for the beach, braai packs, Oysters and Champagne on our Deck, horse riding on the massive dunes at Vleesbaai, sandboarding, 4x 4 dune trail, tennis, squash, sauna, massage therapies, pedicures and manicures and of course special discounts for groups of 4 to 6 persons in our 2 and 3 bedroomed cottages, We also have self catering options, should you want to do your own thing.

Contact us at 044 699 1204 or on our web site www.sandpiper.co.za or join our Facebook fan club Sandpiper Guest Cottages and start living the life you have always wanted to live...