The Western Cape is probably one of the most diversely beautiful regions in Southern Africa, with lush, colourful vegetation, verdant valleys, awesome mountainous regions, exotic forests and unbelievably beautiful coastline.
Yet, travel inland for a while and you will encounter the starkly contrasting semi-arid terain of the Karoo.
Few regions offer nature lovers as much, to the point of almost being overwhelming.
Hiking, mountain-biking, wildlife exploration, birding, shark cage diving, trout fishing and wine tasting are just some of the many popular activities on offer.
In terms of cultural experiences and outdoor activities, the area is equally rich with options and possibilities. Simply put a tour of the Western Cape is certain to leave an indelible impression on even the most cynical and seasoned of travellers.
Flanked by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, this province boasts almost 1,000 kilometres of unspoilt beaches, incredible scenic beauty and year round moderate weather. It is blessed with an unparalleled botanical splendour and is fondly referred to as the Fairest Cape.
It has an exciting cultural community ranging from the descendants of the indigenous Khoikhoi, proud Xhosa, settlers from Europe and people who came from the East. This is evident in the variety of cuisine, architecture, arts and crafts, museums and historical landmarks.
Cape Town, the “Mother City” is a sprawling metropolis, offering a rich cultural life, beautiful beaches, towering mountains, nature reserves and famous wines. Cape Town's cosmopolitan population ensures a vibrant atmosphere where the cultures and foods of East and West blend. A wide variety of accommodation is available from delightful, intimate guest houses and boutique hotels, to the well known large international hotel chains.
West Coast
Diversity is a key attribute – magnificent coastline, historic fishing villages, a breathtaking flower route and a majestic inland wilderness area.
Langebaan is a tranquil all year round destination, one of the oldest and least discovered areas along the West coast. Fishing villages like Paternoster and Lambert’s Bay provide a peek into the laid back character of this part of the Western Cape.
It comes as an unexpected surprise to discover Piketberg, a quaint town nestling between rolling wheat fields, vineyards and rich fynbos.
The Cedarberg Wilderness area is ideal for mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking. Citrusdal’s hot mineral springs offer a refreshing stop-over. Clanwilliam is noted for the flowers which carpet the veld in great sweeps of colour, particularly the range of the Namaqualand daisy. The flowers may bloom at any time between end-July and mid-September depending on the rainfall. Localities also vary each year and visitors are advised to inquire from local inhabitants as to the best roads to take.
Route 62
This starts in the picturesque village of Gouda. Next is Tulbagh, a charming artists’ town with 32 national monuments. With outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and trout fishing, Wolseley is set amongst mountains and waterfalls. Ceres is a rich agricultural centre surrounded by mountains and streams. At Kagga Kamma there is a chance to learn about the San culture. De Doorns, situated in the Hex River Valley also has many historical buildings. Further north, Matjiesfontein, is a refurbished Victorian village. Return to Worcester, a great wine and brandy producing centre. On to Robertson, known for its champion horses, wine and abundance of roses, the quaint and picturesque McGregor, and Montagu, renowned for its muscadel wine and hot springs.
Winelands
Stellenbosch is steeped in South African tradition with beautiful historic buildings flanking its oak-lined main road, Dorp Street. Stellenbosch is a well known University town where modern student life fits comfortably with the history and architectural heritage of the ‘dorp’. The heart of South Africa’s wine industry, the Stellenbosch Wine Route is the country’s most famous with over 100 wine farms open to the public.
The village of Franschhoek, surrounded by vineyards and lovely old historic homesteads, is only 50 minutes away from Cape Town. Many fine restaurants, wine farms, antique shops and art galleries are within walking distance of most accommodations.
Paarl is an important agricultural and commercial centre, and regarded as the leading wine producing area. One of the first farming districts, it bears the stamp of Cape Dutch and French Huguenot settlement. A major attraction is the cellars of KWV, which spearheads the export of wines and brandies.
Somerset West is beautifully situated in a superb mountain environment lying at the foot of the Helderberg (Clear Mountain) overlooking False Bay. The Helderberg Mountain constitutes the northern arm of the great amphitheatre of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range. At the other extreme of the mountain range is Sir Lowry's Pass which crosses the Hottentots Holland mountains into the Overberg and then on to the Garden Route.
Driving from Cape Town travel via Hermanus and visit the southernmost point of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet at Cape Agulhas. On to the picturesque fishing village of Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) with its whitewashed cottages and Bredasdorp, the economic hub of Cape Agulhas.
Garden Route
One of the most scenic areas of South Africa. Bypass Caledon to Swellendam, founded in 1745, which developed as a thriving centre serving travellers to the interior. Mossel Bay, a holiday resort, is steeped in history with something for everyone. George is the perfect base to explore the region.; Stop over or continue past Wilderness to the quaint town of Knysna. Go inland to Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo. From Plettenberg Bay, meander over the Groot Rivier Pass and Bloukrans via Tsitsikamma towards Port Elizabeth.
Knysna, a spectacular environment of natural beauty, is the centre for adventure sports. Separated from the sea by the majestic Knysna Heads, no part of Knysna is ever very far away from the aquatic influence of the Knysna Lagoon.
