Good morning Somerset westers! I hope everyone has had a good start to their week, thankfully there is no rain forecasted for the next couple days and fingers crossed it stays that way.
I have thoroughly enjoyed myself reading everyones gift card submissions, there were a few incredibly funny responses, and just a reminder the winner will be revealed in this coming Mondays newsletter.
Now in today’s edition:
The Best Winter Outings for Families
Deadly Mushroom Warning Issued
Homes of the week
Local trivia
Events happening
Wednesday/ Thursday’s Weather
-Karl Berger
News
The Best Winter Outings for Families
Looking for ways to keep the kids busy these winter holidays? There are plenty of fun indoor and outdoor activities across the Western Cape that the whole family can enjoy.
From interactive science experiences to prehistoric discoveries, these outings combine fun, learning, and adventure.
Here are five great family-friendly outings:
Wonderdal at Hazendal Wine Estate for interactive games and learning
The Iziko Planetarium in Cape Town for immersive space shows
The West Coast Fossil Park to discover ancient fossils and prehistoric animals
The Two Oceans Aquarium to get up close with fascinating marine life
The Franschhoek Motor Museum to explore one of South Africa's finest classic car collections
Whether it's raining or sunny, these attractions offer a great way to keep children entertained while making the most of the winter holidays.
Click here: to look at the best winter family outings
Deadly Mushroom Warning Issued
source: sabcnews.com
With winter rains creating ideal growing conditions, health officials are warning residents not to pick or eat wild mushrooms.
The Western Cape Department of Health says there's been a worrying increase in Death Cap mushroom poisoning, with several confirmed cases already reported.
Here's what you need to know:
Death Cap mushrooms are highly poisonous
Just one mushroom can be fatal if eaten
Cooking does not make them safe
Only eat mushrooms bought from trusted shops or supermarkets
Health officials are urging anyone who thinks they may have eaten a wild mushroom to seek medical help immediately, even if they don't feel sick yet. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
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Oyster's Global Hiring Guides help you navigate the details, avoid surprises, and hire with confidence—wherever you're growing next.
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Home 1: Under R2m
Price: R1,560,000
Address: The Huntsman / Somerset West
Details: 65 m² / 1 Bed / 1 Bath
Built/Completion: Apartment
Parking: 1 Parking Bay
Extras: Second-floor apartment, open-plan kitchen with engineered stone countertops, premium Defy appliances included (fridge, dishwasher, washing machine/tumble dryer combo), abundant natural light, pet-friendly, modern finishes, ideal for first-time buyers or investors, located in the sought-after Huntsman Lifestyle Estate.
Click here: To check out the full listing
Home 2: Between R2m – R4m
Price: R2,695,000
Address: Sitari Country Estate / Somerset West
Details: 94 m² / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built/Completion: Apartment
Parking: 2 Undercover Parking Bays
Extras: Ground-floor apartment, open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, private garden, patio with built-in braai, pet-friendly, secure estate living, ample visitors' parking, ideal for entertaining and family living.
Click here: To check out the full listing
Home 3: Above R4m
Price: R5,995,000
Address: Kelderhof Country Village / Somerset West
Details: 415 m² / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath
Built/Completion: Double-Storey House
Parking: 2 Garages + 2 Parking Bays
Extras: Corner stand, air conditioning in all bedrooms, main en-suite, guest cloakroom, bright open-plan living areas, fireplace, pet-friendly, swimming pool, backup battery/inverter, ideal for family living and entertaining.
Click here: To check out the full listing
Local trivia🧠
The first mountain barrier of the Groot Trek was right here
Long before the N2 and Sir Lowry's Pass existed, anyone travelling east from Cape Town had to cross the rugged Hottentots Holland Mountains using a steep Khoi trail known as Gantouw (also called Eland's Pass).
When the Great Trek began in 1835, many Voortrekker families heading into South Africa's interior first had to overcome this mountain range. For those leaving the Cape Colony, it marked the first major natural obstacle on their journey eastward.
The original route was incredibly dangerous. Ox wagons had to be lowered down rocky slopes using ropes, and by 1821, more than 4,500 wagons crossed the pass each year—yet over 20% were damaged during the crossing. The grooves carved into the rock by wagon wheels can still be seen today on parts of the old Gantouw trail, preserving the marks left by travellers nearly 200 years ago.
In 1830, a safer route—today's Sir Lowry's Pass—was opened, making travel between Cape Town and the Overberg far easier. It remains one of South Africa's most important mountain passes and is still the main gateway east from Cape Town.
Events coming up this week (6-12 July)
Botanical Drawing Masterclass | 09:30–16:30, July 8
Location: Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Immerse yourself in a full day of botanical drawing at Vergelegen’s beautiful Camellia Garden under the guidance of renowned botanical artist Sally Arnold. This advanced masterclass is designed to help participants refine their observational drawing skills while exploring the beauty and detail of botanical subjects.
Gimme Shelter – A Night of Rolling Stones Music | 19:30, July 9
Location: The Drama Factory, Strand
Description:
Experience the timeless music of The Rolling Stones in this high-energy tribute show at The Drama Factory. Performed by four of Cape Town’s top musicians, the concert celebrates the legendary band's greatest hits with powerful live performances and authentic rock-and-roll energy.
French Fête at Leopard's Leap | 17:00, July 10
Location: Leopard's Leap Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Description:
Celebrate the start of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Weekend with a festive French-inspired evening at Leopard's Leap Wine Estate. Enjoy an atmosphere filled with French flair, exceptional food and wine, live entertainment, and the charm of one of the Cape Winelands' most celebrated events.
Golden Oldies – Performed by Akkedis | 19:00, July 10
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Enjoy an evening of timeless classics as the legendary Akkedis Band brings its popular Golden Oldies show to the Lourensford Wine Cellar. Featuring beloved hits from decades past, the performance promises a nostalgic journey through some of the greatest songs ever recorded.
Franschhoek Bastille Festival | 12:00, July 11
Location: Franschhoek
Description:
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival, where French heritage meets the best of the Cape Winelands. Enjoy exceptional wine tastings, delicious food, live entertainment, and a lively village filled with French-inspired festivities.
Franschhoek Bastille Boules Tournament | July 11–12
Location: Dutch Reformed Church, Franschhoek
Description:
Join the annual Franschhoek Bastille Boules Tournament for a weekend of friendly competition and community spirit. Teams of three will compete in this traditional French game as part of the Franschhoek Bastille Festival celebrations, with all proceeds supporting the SPCA Franschhoek.
Events coming up next week (13 -19 July)
The Honky Tonk Hoedown | 17:30, July 16
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Pull on your boots for an evening of country and pop-country fun at The Honky Tonk Hoedown. Enjoy live music, line dancing, and even a mechanical bull rodeo in a lively atmosphere that brings a taste of the Wild West to Daisy Jones Bar.
Karen Zoid | 19:00, July 18
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Experience an intimate live performance by one of South Africa’s most celebrated rock artists as Karen Zoid takes to the stage at Lourensford Estate. Known for her powerful vocals, honest songwriting, and electrifying stage presence, Zoid brings a fresh, stripped-back performance to the atmospheric Lourensford Wine Cellar.
Citrus Festival 2026 | July 18–19
Location: Boschendal, Franschhoek
Description:
Celebrate the return of Boschendal’s much-loved Citrus Festival with a weekend of fresh citrus picking, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment. Set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the festival offers visitors the chance to enjoy seasonal produce, outdoor activities, and the vibrant atmosphere of one of the region’s favourite annual events.
Here Be Dragons: Folk 201 | 13:00, July 19
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Experience an afternoon of captivating folk and Baroque-inspired music as the Here Be Dragons ensemble returns with the next chapter in its musical journey. Blending influences from cultures around the world, Folk 201 offers audiences a rich tapestry of traditional melodies, intricate arrangements, and masterful musicianship.
