What we love about living in Bettys Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi Els

Living in the Bettys Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi Els area of the Whale Coast region of the Western Cape is magical. There is so much to love about residing in this beautiful piece of coastline - whether you're thinking of buying property to settle down here or just want to invest in a second home.

Reasons why the Bettys Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi Els area is the perfect place to call home:

1. Amazing scenery

If you can work remotely, then the stunning scenery of the area should be a major reason for considering one of these towns as your home.

This part of the Whale Coast is called Hangklip and encompasses not only Pringle Bay and Bettys Bay, but also the village of Rooi Els further north and Kleinmond to the south.

They are accessible via Clarence Drive, which is thought to be one of the most scenic marine drives in the world. And all of these places are a mere 90kms from Cape Town and 50kms from Stellenbosch.

Riekie Nel, NS Property Solutions' agent in the area, has some advice for first-time visitors: "Take the scenic route of Clarence Drive from Gordon's Bay. This is 38kms of white beaches, with the Kogelberg Mountain range embracing the three villages of Rooi Els, Pringle Bay and Bettys Bay.

2. Unspoilt nature

Bettys Bay on a cloudy day. Image by Vas As Jordaan

Many coastal towns have beautiful views of the ocean, but few can offer an environment that is as pristinely protected and conserved as the Hangklip region is.

Pringle Bay, Bettys Bay and surrounds fall within the UNESCO-designated Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (KBR), which serves to preserve the district's unique flora and fauna.

As the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve Company explains: "Although it is the smallest of the world's floral kingdoms, it is the richest by far with 9 087 different plant species of which 6 218 are endemic (found nowhere else in the world)..."

This means that when you move to Hangklip for the pristine scenery, you're ensured that it will continue to stay exactly that way: unspoilt.

3. Towering mountains

Bettys Bay's Bass Lake, with the Kogelberg mountain range in the background. Image by Vas As Jordaan

Some people prefer the ocean while others favour mountains. The Pringle Bay-Bettys Bay area offers both!

And if the mountains are your preference, then you won't be disappointed. The peak of the Kogelberg mountain range is 200m higher than Table Mountain's, while its summit is a mere 2km from the sea.

Riekie explains that the region is a haven for mountain climbers. "From June to November and sometimes earlier, you might even see whales on the scenic route. They visit all the villages of Hangklip!"

4. Beautiful beaches

Those who love spending time on the beach are truly spoilt for choice in Hangklip's villages.

The main beaches in the area include:

Bettys Bay beach

This magnificent stretch of sand attracts board surfers and families alike. A rocky patch to the west is the perfect spot for anglers, advises Riekie.

You can walk from the main beach to Davidskraal, the mouth of a bass lake. You'll also find a shaded picnic spot nearby and a boardwalk leading to the ocean.

Jock's Bay

"This beautiful secluded beach lies just beyond the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden. It's the safest of all the beaches and offers small pools that little ones can swim and play in while Dad catches the supper," notes Riekie.

The more active beachgoer can enjoy surfing, dune boarding, sailing and several other water sports on one of the many sandy beaches, lakes and rivers.

5. An animal lover's paradise

The whales are not the only animals that attract thousands of marine animal lovers to the region each year.

"Few people are aware that nearby Rooi Els has its own seal colony and that the leopards inhabiting the area are monitored by cameras," explains Riekie. "This community is also an example of how to cohabit in peace with the baboons of the region - who are, by the way, all named."

Initiatives exist to support safe and peaceful co-existence with troops of baboons in these parts.

Don't let the idea of living close to these animals scare you. Riekie says locals often have wonderful stories to share of their adventures with the baboons.

6. Hiking trails

Coastal living doesn't just have to be all about lazy days and quiet evenings. If you choose Bettys Bay, Pringle Bay or Rooi Els as your home, you're bound to be attracted to the large number of activities in the area, such as the abundance of hiking trails.

The Harold Porter Garden's trails are a local favourite and, when open to the public, offer one long and one short route. They are set amongst the Fynbos flora, overlooking the ocean, and traverse the southern slopes of Bobbejaanskop and The Plateau.

"Stop for a picnic after your two hours of leisure walk and make it a morning to enjoy the mountains, surrounded by hundreds of different fynbos," is Riekie's tip. "Be quiet and just breathe in the fresh air."

Of course, there is so much more to love about living in Bettys Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi Els. Read all about it in our area profile: Welcome to the Whale Coast

Interested in making this region your home? Contact our agent Riekie Nel to help you find your dream home or check out our latest Whale Coast properties.