Betty’s Bay is a charming coastal village located on the Overberg coast of South Africa’s Western Cape province. Situated about 100 kilometers from Cape Town, this scenic town is nestled beneath the Kogelberg Mountains and offers stunning views of the ocean. Named after Betty Youlden, the daughter of one of the area’s early developers, Betty’s Bay is known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.
One of the main attractions in Betty’s Bay is the African penguin colony at the Stony Point Nature Reserve. This colony is part of the Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see these endangered birds up close. The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden is another highlight, showcasing a diverse range of indigenous plants and offering beautiful walking trails through the fynbos biome.
Betty’s Bay is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and whale watching during the migration season. The town’s Mediterranean climate ensures pleasant weather for most of the year, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. In other words, whether you’re exploring the natural beauty of the area or enjoying the local attractions, Betty’s Bay offers a memorable experience for all who visit.
This set of photos comes from early 2021, when I managed to convince Jessica and Emily to join me for a leisurely walk along a stretch of the coast, starting at the penguin colony. For the most part this was brilliant, until we reached a spot teeming with sand flies who then reminded the girls that it was now hot, they were now bothered, and thus it was time to turn around and walk back to the starting point via the fastest route available, i.e. the road.
Thus for the record, there was a significant amount of moaning from the girls on the trudge back. Luckily that wasn’t enough to detract from the immense beauty on such a good weather day!
Related Link: Betty’s Bay
