MdG
As already mentioned, Marina da Gama was established in 1972 and was named after the Portuguese Conqueror Vasco da Gama.
You will find many fishes in the water, and more than 150 varieties of birds. You may see an African Fish Eagle or Great Flamingo. You might also see Otters, Porcupine or Water Mongoose.
You will see more or less pond weed and algae in the water, which are harvested weekly by a swimming harvester. These plants form the habitat and nutricion of many of the water population. The water is generally safe for swimming, however, often the presence of the plants is not very inviting.
Neighboring Park Island extends into Zandvlei as an uninhabited area and offers beautiful walks, from a sheltered hut you can watch birds without being seen yourself. On the opposite side you can check in for a sailing course, or rent boats and canoes @ Zandvlei Sports Club
The absence of jet skis and motor boats contributes to the tranquility in the Marina, pedal boats, sail boats, surf boards, canoes etc. are permitted, as well as vessels driven by low noise electric motors with up to 5HP.
Fishing is permitted for owners, tenants and people renting houses in the Marina - so for you as well.
Once every month the dam separating the Marina from the ocean will be opened and “fresh” sea water will come in. It keeps a salt concentration of around 3% in the Marina water ways. This is a concentration that is still good for fishes, but bad for moskitos – too salty for their eggs.
This is why, despite all the water – you will hardly find any moskitos at all.
Be aware that like everywhere in South Africa we do live close to and with(in) nature in the Marina, so don’t be afraid of Geckos, occasional harmless spiders and ants. We do have ant traps which we replace regularly, and the house should be very clean when you arrive (our maid Shyleen is a real gem), but the occasional sighting of ants and small insects cannot be avoided by 100% - the same as everywhere in South Africa.
Safety
East Lake Island is protected through ELISA, a neighborhood financed security association, two guards are permanently watching both streets/ways to access the island.
Several infrared cameras were installed to prevent illegal access from over the water at night.
Lately the chief of Muizenberg Police stated that East Lake Island is the safest “non-gated community” in the Western Cape. There is no barbed wire within the Marina, it is also secured by cars of several armed-response-companies patrolling in the Marina.
In addition, we have installed cameras (only) outside the house surveiling the entrance, gates and the garage, but for your comfort not inside the house or overlooking the pool, patio or terrace, so you can move about freely and undisturbed during your stay.
Our brand new wireless alarm system (installation 2019/07) is almost self explanatory, the remote will show via LED when it will be active, and will also give you keyless access to the gate/front door and the garage.
Upon check-in you will get a short briefing by our caretaker Alex.
Weather
Yes, weather a known phenomenon in the area. The proximity to the sea makes it always cooler and more windy than i.e. in the winelands, where it can become really hot like in Paarl or even more in Wellington.
Sometimes you meet find a stiff breeze, so bringing a wind-braker even in summer is always a good idea.