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Kelp Shack Magic

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Description
We visit Soetwater Nature Reserve in Kommetjie, where you will be taken on an unexpected environmental and culinary journey. The Cape kelp forests have recently been announced as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It is the only forest of giant bamboo kelp on our planet and stretches north for more than 1000km into Namibia. You will go on a short magical coastal walk, where you will learn about the indigenous flora and fauna as well as past and present history of the area. Later you will get a chance learn how to cook with kelp and all sorts of seaweed. It’s all about connecting us as humans to nature and promoting sustainable food sourcing.

What's Included
Food - Lunch - A delicious 4 course kelp inspired meal. All ingredients are organic and locally sourced so menu changes according to availability
Drinks - Water - cold local spring water supplied throughout the meal
Local Guide
Transportation - Round Trip - Pick up and drop off at accommodation

What's Not Included
Additional Drinks - there is a BYO (Bring your own alcohol) policy so you can bring whatever you would like to drink on the day)

Things You Should Know
There is a tidal pool near the Kelpshack so if you would like to take a dip in the ocean you can.
All food is vegan friendly and they can cater for any kind of dietary requirements.
We visit a bird sanctuary on this excursion. This is not a bird park and all birds have been rescued and are taken care of by the local team.
Positive Impact - if you would like you can make a donation to the bird sanctuary on the day. Money will go towards the care of the birds, maintenance of the sanctuary which is also used as environmental education centre for children.

Host Introduction
Lappies, a passionate environmentalist who has been in the Soewater Nature reserve for over 20 years, will take you on a short nature walk. Lindy is a seaweed foraging expert and runs multiple workshops. She will show us how to cook with kelp, the different types of seaweed as well as whip up a delicious meal that will blow your mind. All the ingredients she uses for the meal are locally sourced (often from her own garden) and she will show you creative and alternative ways to prep and eat seaweed.

Minimum Number To Operate
10 people

Maximum Capacity
12 people

Deadline To Book
7 days prior to the start of the experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Nation Reviews

This could have been a show on the Food Network

This could have been a show on the Food Network. It was a cool experience to see all the different ways a chef can prepare and use kelp. This did not include any ocean time swimming in the kelp.

It was so fun!

It was so fun! We learned so much from all three of our guides/cooks and got to see a scenic tour of cape town and surrounding areas, learn about the sweet water beach area specifically and then had a delightful meal!

I loved getting out into a more rural area.

I loved getting out into a more rural area. The archeological talk and birds added to the wonderful setting and food

So fun!

This experience was so fun! Lappie's knowledge about Soetwater and the indigenous people that lived there was so engaging. We walked along the beach, did a little bird watching and made our way to Lindy's Kelp Shack for lunch. Lindy was a gracious host who taught us all about the different ways to prepare kelp and served us delicious appetizers and lasagna. There was also local beer there for purchase brewed in small batches by her boyfriend. The bird sanctuary was so cool and Lappie's passion for rescuing birds is adorable. If you're lucky, he'll let you feed them!

What a unique experience!!

I am so happy this was part of our core experiences. This is something truly special that you wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. Not only was the food absolutely amazing (to my surprise) but we learned a ton about kelp and how to harvest it. You build so much respect for these people and their craft. Plus it's a super cute space and we got to feed the birds and hold the snakes in Lappie's sanctuary. I highly recommend this and definitely donate to the sanctuary!