Tygerberg & Blouberg - 145km

KOEBERG NUCLEAR POWER STATION

...operated by the electricity utility, Eskom, is the only nuclear plant in Africa. Based on the pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, construction began in 1976 and Koeberg I came on stream in 1984. Koeberg II was synchronised to the electricity grid the following year, and the two reactors can generate a maximum of 1 840 MW. Koeberg’s most conspicuous features are the two dome-shaped structures housing the nuclear reactors.

The reactors, which use enriched uranium dioxide for fuel, heat pressurised water; in a separate system, the water is transformed into steam, which drives the turbines in each unit. The turbines in turn drive the two generators with an output of 921 MW each. An area of 3 000 ha to the north of the power station has been set aside as the Koeberg Nature Reserve to protect the strandveld flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the reserve via one of three day-walks.

MELKBOSSTRAND

...takes its name from the milkwood trees (Sideroxylon inerme) growing along the coastal dunes north of the town. It has long been a favourite summer holiday destination with Swartland farmers, and is the venue for the annual Beach Festival on 2 January when traditional boeresport competitions like toutrek (tug-of-war) are held. The sandy beaches are popular with sunbathers and surfers.

BLOUBERGSTRAND

...is renowned for its classic view of Table Mountain 4, and its beaches draw many sunbathers, surfers, windsurfers and anglers. The town owes its name to a nearby hill which appears blue when viewed from vessels approaching Table Bay, and was originally named Blaauwberg (Blue Mountain) by the Dutch. In 1806, when the Cape was occupied by Britain for the second time, the Battle of Blaauwberg was fought here.

After a skirmish between the 6 654-strong British force under Major-General Sir David Baird and a 2 000-strong force commanded by the Governor, Lieutenant-General Jan Janssens, the defenders withdrew and the colony surrendered. Bloubergstrand has several well-known restaurants with superb views across Table Bay to Table Mountain and the city, making it an ideal place to enjoy sundowners or dinner before returning to Cape Town.

MILNERTON

...was named after Sir Alfred Milner, Governor of the Cape Colony between 1897 and 1901. The historic wooden bridge to Woodbridge Island was built by British troops in 1901 to defend the coast against possible attacks by Boer guerrilla forces during the South African War. It is still used as a pedestrian crossing over the Rietvlei estuary. The 21-m-high Milnerton Lighthouse, built in 1960, is a local landmark and is one of only a few cylindrical lighthouses along the South African coast.