Cape Town is loving summer! Halfway through the season, the days are a hot 34 degrees and the beaches are full of happy holiday makers. Camps Bay is popular with families and beach sports like volleyball are often set up here. There is also an extensive list of very popular restaurants in walking distance of the sea. Clifton Fourth Beach is the place to be seen but if you want more space and quiet, the first to third beaches are welcoming. These beaches are very sheltered ensuring that there is always a sunny place by the water, even when the cape wind is blowing.

Sea Point Promenade is the place to be as the sun sets over the ocean. The nightlife that Cape Town is famous for begins with world renown restaurants in Camps Bay, the V & A Waterfront and Greenpoint, the top locations for in the city. While Long Street in the City Center and Greenpoint Main Road are two hot spots for anything from quiet drinks in up market bars to all night clubbing. There really is something here for everyone. We at Sundown Manor would like to wish everyone a happy 2011. As always, we wish that your year will be the best one yet!  

Games watched at the guesthouse are equally festive with guests and hosts dressing up and lots of good natured rivalry between the visitors of different nationalities.

Among the guests that Sundown Manor has hosted during the World Cup there have been people from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, France, America, China, England, Ireland, Dubai, Algeria, Holland, Poland, Germany, Australia, Botswana, Norway and Italy. The multi-cultural atmosphere has been fascinating and our guests have enjoyed interacting with people of other nationalities. The World Cup really has brought people together.  

Gary, your host at Sundown Manor, recently completed the magnificent otter trail. This five day hike runs along 42 km of the worlds most beautiful and untouched beaches. Nights are spent in charming cabins along the trail and the days spent hiking along beaches or discovering spectacular views and when the day gets too warm, there is the odd river to be forded too.

Sundown Manor recently became the proud hosts to two scooters that are for hire through Sundown Manor only.

Come see the sites of Cape Town from a different point of view!

The cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain remains the highlight of anyone's visit to Cape Town. But if you don't like crowds or are especially prone to hiking, there are some wonderful alternative routes on the slopes of Table Mountain and to the top of Table Mountain. These routes are generally well maintained, well sign-posted and not too busy on any given day.    

From our trip up Devil's Peak we think that the following is something that everyone should know.

• Don't underestimate the mountain, it is bigger then you think. Pay attention to estimates of length of a hike and difficulty of the hike.
• Hike in a group, never alone.
• Wear sun-screen, a hat, sun glasses and good hiking shoes (it sounds patronising, but you really would be surprised at what does happen)
• Take a bag and pack plenty of water, dehydration is a problem.
• Pack a jacket and something to eat, something small. Keep in mind that in some of the hikes, you have only to sprain your ankle badly, to necessitate a helicopter trip out. That helicopter may be busy else where for a while. By being prepared, you are making sure that you have everything covered in an emergency.
• Finally and most importantly, a camera is a must-have - the views are simply stunning! 

The World of Birds in Hout Bay is home to, not only the birds but also some of their little friends. The park is home to Meerkats, Porcupines, Duiker, Racoon, Wallabies, Tortoises and a variety of monkeys.

The little yellow monkeys are called Squirrel Monkeys and at certain times of the day you are allowed into their cage to interact with them.

The Sundown Manor Facebook page has a photo progression of a monkey, with the help of his friends, trying to steal a woman's hat. It really is too funny. The monkey's are worth the visit, on their own, just because they have such delightful character.

This is a gem of a find. Tucked into the town of Hout Bay, only 20 min from Camps Bay, I am enchanted every time I visit and have been since I first started going in 2003. This visit on Boxing Day 2009 was no different. The birds live in over 100 aviaries, they come in all shapes and sizes and in all versions of exquisite. What I love about this place is that the birds do not seem at all stressed or unhappy.

In addition to this, the walking paths take you through some of the aviaries which is really great. It does get the heart pounding a little, though, when you are in the Owl section and looking around the aviary for the camouflaged owl only to find you've wondered up right next to it without noticing.

So when you visit, bring sun block, a hat and comfortable shoes, and be sure to give yourself at least 3 hours to wonder around. There is a shop on site for snacks and light meals. For pictures of our trip, take a look on Sundown Manor's Facebook Page.

Christmas at Sundown Manor is always fun, there is something about the time of year that brings people together and we always seem to bond especially well with the guests that we have over the festive season.

This year we were especially lucky when a tour could not get a booking for Christmas Eve and instead had to eat at the house. A huge Prawn Braai (barbeque) was organised and we all ate and enjoyed far more then was strictly necessary.

So if you feel like taking a break from the madness of the Festive Season wherever you are, come spend it with us, on the beach, in the sun, relaxing. We look forward to seeing you here.

And if sun and sand are not persuasive enough, the Sundown Manor page on Facebook will show you more about the food - for me that works every time.

The world saw pictures of the World Cup Draw Party held right here on our very own party capital Cape Town! The turn out for the party was so good that the police had to close down the entrances at 7 o'clock because the party reached capacity at 120 000 people.

The site of the party was Long Street in the Historic City Centre and this was no accident. Long Street has long held the reputation as "The" place to party in Cape Town, and is lined with pubs, restaurants and clubs of all different types. This is definitely one of the experiences not to miss while you're in Cape Town.

Take a look at the World Cup Party photos on Facebook and see poor Gary as his "work meeting".

Multi award winning Beluga restaurant, in Greenpoint, runs a fantastic special throughout the year. Between 6 and 8pm all sushi and cocktails are half price but be warned, due to the poularity of this restaurant, booking is essential.

If you are not in the mood for sushi, you will no doubt find something to tempt you in their wide and varied menu.

For more information take a look at www.beluga.co.za

Every Saturday morning the Old Biscuit Mill plays host to a food market the likes of which should not be missed if you possibly have a chance to visit.

Come hungry and be prepared for a host of local wines, exotic breads, work-of-art cakes and confectionaries, traditional borewors, giant pancakes, tai salad rolls and so so much more.