Eco-Tourism Visitor/Education Centre
The "Living Auditorium"
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EAST FORT GATE PROJECT
Chapman's Peak Drive Tourism Development

Environmental education is a high priority for our youth and adults alike. A sustainable way of life for the future of mankind depends totally on our care for our environment, and education is the only way that we will attain the goal of sustainability. The Cape Peninsula National Park, and East Fort in particular, offers a wonderful platform for stimulating and  also  very exciting educational experiences making it "fun" to learn about our environment.
The "Living Auditorium" will not only inform our visitors about our wonderful Cape Peninsula but will also be set aside to accommodate school parties from time to time covering a wide variety of topics which will fire the imaginations of learners and educators alike.

Each and every audio-visual
presentation introduces one
to a field experience which
is available from
East Fort Gate.

Audio Visual Topic

Field "Experience"

The Cape Peninsula National Park :-

Aimed at tourists who will be continuing on their journey along the Peninsula illustrating destinations like the Boulders Penguin Colony, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, as well as Table Mountain etc.

Walks around Chapman's Peak
and Hout Bay :-

 Find out where you can walk in and around Hout Bay and where the CPNP's trail network joins East Fort Gate. Also learn about safety in our mountains and what type of clothing and equipment you may need.

The Geology of the Peninsula :-

Chapman's Peak Drive presents a unique opportunity to see some very interesting geological formations it is also an ideal introduction to learners who may be seeking a career in geological science. (Guided tours by arrangement).

How was Chapman's Peak Drive built?

 Learn why Chapmans Peak Drive was built and how the original road was built. Learn about the modern techniques used today to make Chapmans Peak safer than ever before.

Whales of the Southern Oceans:-

Since the international moratorium on whaling, the numbers around our shores have risen dramatically. Learn about them and how to to identify the most frequent visitors to Hout Bay and East Fort. You may be lucky enough to see them in the Bay in the months from late August to October.

The Fauna of the Cape Peninsula
National Park:-

 Whilst The Cape Peninsula no longer boasts any of the "Big Five" it still has many species which you may be lucky enough to see. Whilst many of them are shy or nocturnal, if you are aware of their habitat, you may be able to predict their presence - an exciting challenge.

Early mining in Hout Bay:-

 Chapmans Peak has a historic manganese mine. Learn about it and what manganese can be used for. You can also take a walk to the site (get rid of some vacation calories) and experience magnificent views of the Bay +/- 2hrs

The Cape Fynbos Biome:-

 The Cape Fynbos Biome forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom which is the smallest in physical size but by far the most diverse and the oldest of the five plant kingdoms of our planet. Learn about the unique fynbos of the Peninsula and then see real example of the Cape's floral heritage here on Chapmans Peak.

Indigenous plants for water-wise gardening:-

 South Africa has less than 60% of the world average rainfall. The Western Cape in particular is prone to periodic drought. Learn how to use "water wise" indigenous plants many of which grow on the slopes of Chapman's Peak. (Talk and tour by arrangement).

Afro Montane Forests:-

 Hout Bay derives its name from the forests which abounded in the area. They were however rapidly exploited in the 17th Century. However, on the slopes of Chapman's Peak is an Afro Montane Pocket Forest in "Blackburn Ravine" which is representative of what Hout Bay's Forests were once like. You can also walk to the site and experience the forest for yourself. 1-2 hrs.

Military history of East Fort:-

 East Fort has a fascinating history and a tour of the site is a must. See the French gun battery whose guns last fired in anger in 1795 the year of the first British occupation of the Cape. Learn about the "Battle of Hout Bay" and how the community preserves a tradition. (Guided Tours on the hour.)

Cape Peninsula Military history Trail :-

 The Cape Peninsula is where East meets West. Historically the riches of the East were unattainable to Europe without the Cape of Good Hope settlement to provision ships on their long journeys. The Cape held the key to those riches and hence it was heavily defended by numerous forts and gun batteries. East Fort was a major link in the chain of defences but also learn about Cape Town Castle, Fort Wynyard, the Noon Gun, The Apostle Battery,   Muizenberg Battery, Scala Battery, the Martello Tower, Simonstown's Naval Museum and many other Military Defences which made the Cape of Good Hope the most heavily defended Peninsula in the southern hemisphere if not the world.

Birds of the Cape Peninsula:-

 South Africa has a huge variety of birds and Birding is the fastest growing pastime for all international tourists. The Cape Peninsula is represented by marine species including the Cape Jackass Penguin, montane fynbos species, many raptors also the world largest bird the Ostrich. Learn more about where you will find these species. Hout Bay also has the largest Bird Park in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hout Bay Visitors who stay locally will be able to take advantage of  many of the audio-visual presentations on a daily basis and use them as a program for several days of activities in and around Hout Bay and the Peninsula.

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