The Western Cape is not only the most popular region of South Africa but also one of the most beautiful and majestic cities of the world and offers the best destinations for foreign tourists. It is home to the famous Table Mountain, landmark of the city of Cape Town, and in fact its entire geography is a rich montage of craggy mountains, deserted beaches and impossibly stunning countryside, making it the most beautiful province in South Africa.

The Western Cape is made up of about 9 to 10 distinct regions, about 3 popular tourist routes and offers many and great ‘must-see’ attractions.

Regions of the Western Cape

1.Cape Town & Peninsula - 1ST REGION

With its awesome and majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The harmonious blend of architectural styles reflects the taste and balance between the past and today’s more functional requirements.

Destinations in the Cape Town & Peninsula Region:

Atlantic Seaboard:

The Atlantic Seaboard, also known as Cape Town’s “Riviera”, and stretches from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront on the north shore of Table Mountain all the way down the west side of the cape peninsula to Hout Bay. This incredibly beautiful stretch of coast is connected by the most picturesque & scenic drive along Victoria Road. Towns to visit in the Atlantic Seaboard area

Bakoven, Bantry Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton, Hout Bay

Blaauwberg:

The Blaauwberg region stretches from Milnerton in the south to Mamre in the north and offers vast stretches of sandy white beaches on the northern side of the Atlantic Coast. The Blaauwberg Coast is best known for its spectacular views of Table Mountain across Table Bay. Places to visit when in the Blaawberg area:

Bloubergrant, Bloubergstrand, Melkbosstrand, Milnerton

Cape Flats:

A large area of wind-blown, flat land, covered predominantly by sand, lies to the north of Cape Town, known merely as the Cape Flats. Described fairly accurately as the ‘dumping ground of apartheid’ it was here that thousands of ‘non-white’ households were forced to move, and today it is home to over a million people. Yet a visit through the townships of Langa, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Cross Roads, Mitchell’s Plain and Manenberg is one of the most revealing and enriching things you can do whilst in Cape Town. Places of interest in the Cape Flats area are:

Kuils River, Langa

Cape Helderberg:

Cape Helderberg, or Helderberg basin, is one of the most visually dramatic areas in the Cape, with the Hottentots Holland and Helderberg Mountain ranges creating a powerful backdrop against which the valley descends into vineyards and finally on to a coastline swept with warm waters and effortlessly white, sandy beaches. This is the land of the Helderberg and Stellenbosch wine routes and home to the towns of Gordon’s Bay, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, Strand, Lwandle and Macassar. 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, the land that originally belonged to the Strandlopers has become a playground for visitors and locals. Scenic places to visit when touring this area:

Gordons Bay, Somerset West, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Strand

Cape Town City Bowl:

The heart of Cape Town is enfolded neatly between the harbour and the mountain, virtually in the shape of a bowl. With nowhere else to move and stretch its boundaries, the city bowl is a self-contained entity, almost like a martini before it’s poured, all shook up and tingling with taste. The city bowl holds some of the most interesting and historically significant neighbourhoods and the likes of the Bo Kaap, Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof and Gardens provide hours of easy meanderings, restaurants and historical sites. A must see when in this area:

Bo-Kaap Cape Town, District 6, Oranjezich,t Tamboerskloof, Woodstock

Cape Town North:

The northern suburbs are officially part of the City of Tygerberg, formed from the union of the municipalities of Bellville, Durbanville, Goodwood and Parow. These suburbs have experienced an enormous property growth in recent years, not least because of their access to Cape Town International Airport, Grand West Casino and a number of wine routes, including the Durbanville Wine Valley. Place of interest are:

Bellville, Goodwood, Parow , Loevensteyn

Constantia Valley:

Constantia Valley, is an abundant array of forests, hills, stately historical homes and vineyards - a heady mix of old and new that lies nestled in the shadow of the Constantia Mountain, just outside of the city centre. The valley of the vines as it is known due to the splendour of one of the Cape’s original wine routes, which today is one of the only wine appellation areas less than 20 minutes from a city centre, is an effortless green lung of the southern suburbs. Its northern boundaries lie against Kirstenbosch and Wynberg Park, whilst the Tokai Forest lies to the south of the valley imbuing it with a rich lushness even in summer. You can visit the following places:

Wynberg, Plumstead, Bishopscourt, Constantia

False Bay:

False Bay coast is a continuous collection of seaside villages and hamlets, their narrow avenues lined with quirky and quaint shops, hotels, restaurants and pubs. Implicit in the diversity is the promise of myriad picnic spots and lookout spots, particularly during the whale season when whales enter the bay to calve. Some of the most popular of these in and around Cape Town include Muizenberg, Kalk Bay – a little character fishing village, with a vibrant day and night life, and Simon’s Town – the historical naval village. The following scenic places are a must see in this area:

Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Simon’s Town

Southern Suburbs:

The group of suburbs lying south east of the City Bowl and Table Mountain in Cape Town are collectively known as the ‘southern suburbs’. It is also the home of the University of Cape Town, which lies on the mountain above Rosebank, Rondebosh, Mowbray and Obs. As a result these parts are often a good place in which to party when the budget is tight, and there are many student digs and a lively street atmosphere. Places to see:

Rondebosch, Rosebank, Observatory, Newlands

2.Cape Overberg - 2ND REGION

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Baardskeerdersbos

The unusual name is taken directly from small spider-like creatures called “Baardscheerders”, or beard shavers, that cut human hair to use in their nests.

This particular valley has remained largely obscure until recently, and it boasts the type of seclusion found in very few places in South Africa. The rural, typically Afrikaans village is but a smattering of homes, a church, pub and a local shop of sorts, but worth a visit for its quirky atmosphere and beauty. Original mud-stone cottages still stand in Baardskeerdersbos, and the church was built in 1921. The Baardskeerdersbos Valley lies in the midst of a fynbos biome, the farms typically traditional cattle farms, vineyards and flower farms. A must see when in this area:

Harold Porter National Botanical, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Agulhas National Park

Bettys Bay

Only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Betty’s Bay is a picturesque seaside village situated along the scenic Clarence Drive Route (R44) between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond. The pretty town is positioned in a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Kogelberg Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, and bordered by fresh water lakes and the Palmiet River. Place to visit when in Betty’s Bay:

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve

Caledon:

Set against the backdrop of the Swartberg, surrounded by fields of barley and wheat, is the little town of Caledon, just 110 km east of Cape Town. Caledon is famous for its hot springs, discovered by the early Khoi-Khoi people. Caledon’s wild flower garden is world-renowned and forms part of a reserve at the entrance to Venster Kloof, so called because of an interesting rock, which looks like a window. The garden has an annual show during September at the time of year that best displays the abundant array of indigenous wild flowers that bloom in this season. What to see & do when in the Caledon area:

Cape Whale Coast, Walker Bay Wine Route

Cape Agulhas:

Cape Agulhas, or the place where two oceans meet, lies at the furthest tip of Africa, a region that includes the towns of Arniston, Bredasdrop, L’Agulhas, Napier, Elim and Struisbaai. Historically, the cape has been known to sailors as particularly hazardous, notorious for winter storms and huge rogue waves that can reach a spectacular height of 30 metres, that is why the large red and white striped lighthouse was built as early as 1848 in an attempt to warn ships of the conflicting currents, the west winds and the extremely perilous waves that combine to make it the ‘Cape of Storms’. Cape Agulhas is the official point at which the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean and the strong Aghulhas current of the Indian Ocean meet. Places to visit when in the Cape Agulhas area:

Arniston, Elim, Infanta, Bredasdorp

Gansbaai:

The village of Gansbaai - named after a flock of wild Egyptian geese that are alleged to have congregated at the freshwater fountain next to the harbour - has a large reputation. Both Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks frequent the Atlantic waters of the Danger Point Peninsula and are a major draw card for the town. Situated between the towns of Hermanus and Pearly Beach, Gansbaai lies in Walker Bay at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains with a magnificent coastline rich in fynbos vegetation. Places to see & what to do when in the Gansbaai area:

Shark Cave Diving, The Festival of the Geese

Swellendam:

Swellendam lies at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has become popular in recent times as a place to retire and as a retreat for artists seeking a lifestyle outside of the city rat race. One of the oldest settlements of colonial times, Swellendam is rich in history and buildings such as the Drostdy date back to the time when Swellendam was declared a magisterial district in 1743 and named after Governor Hendrik Swellendgrebel and his wife, Helena Ten Damme. Places of interest in the Swellendam area:

Bonebok National Park, Marloth Nature Resurve

3.Cape West Coast - 3rd REGION:

What is still an almost undiscovered treasure of unspoilt beaches, incredible mountain ranges, rich geographical diversity, and the most astounding carpet of wild flowers in spring, has evolved into a major holiday route out of Cape Town along Route 27. The Cape West Coast stretches from Cape Town as far as the border with the Northern Cape at Touws River, including within its parameters the indescribably beautiful Cederberg Mountains, famous for centuries-old rock art. All along this stretch of coastline is a series of quaint historic towns and fishing villages with names like Lambert’s Bay, Paternoster, Saldanha and Langebaan that today roll with ease off the tongue, but until fairly recently were left to languor in relative obscurity.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Lamberts Bay:

This part of the coast is quite simply beautiful, with wide expanses of white sand under blazing blue skies and endless opportunity to experience seafood in the heart of crayfish country. The seabird breeding colonies at Bird Island attract tourists from all over the country and offer ‘up close and personal’ experiences with Cape gannets, cormorants and African penguins, only 100 metres offshore of Lambert’s Bay, and accessible by ferry or across the breakwater. Interesting place to see when in this area:

Bird Island Nature Reserve, Crayfish Festival

Lamberts Bay:

Langebaan is well known as it is the ornithological capital of South Africa, has recorded the largest oyster shell deposits in the world and enjoys a moderate climate with cool air and long sunlit days. In winter it is never very cold and the long summer days are never unbearably hot. For the holiday-maker Langebaan boasts upmarket accommodation, a choice of restaurants, two caravan parks, a golf course, tennis courts, a bowling green, a yacht club and the standard retail outlets. Places to see are:

West Coast National Park, Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Saldanha:

Saldanha is a seaside village that lies in the northern most corner of Saldanha bay - the largest and deepest natural bay in the country. Saldanha bay and Langebaan lagoon, on the south side of the bay, are very popular amongst the yachting fraternity and game fishing devotees - yellowtail and tuna are easy catches and snoek is available in winter.

Paternoster:

Paternoster, meaning “Our Father” derives its name from the prayers of ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors. Paternoster is a small, quaint and picturesque fishing village about 145km (90 minutes drive) from Cape Town and 15km north west of Vredenburg. A favourite weekend getaway destination for Capetonians, Paternoster is one of the oldest towns along the West Coast and is famous for its abundance of crayfish. Place to visit when in this town:

Art of Pottery Studio

4. Olifants River Valley - 4th REGION:

The Olifant’s River meanders through the valley bringing life to this scenic area. This beautiful green region, and the heavy fragrance of the citrus groves greet you as you drive along, the proud farming community with the renowned Groen Vallei wines. There are many beautiful villages hidden away, that offer warm hospitality to visitors and tourists. You can travel around this region for days and days and never get bored.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Cedarberg:

The Cederberg, named after the endangered Clanwilliam Cedar - a tree endemic to the area - is virtually synonymous with a series of impressive rock formations that emerged as a result of a combination of factors, including the chemical composition of rocks in the area, climatic conditions and the general flat-lying nature of the geology in the Cederberg. Place to see when in this area:

Cape Flower Route, Clanwilliam, Citrusdal, Cedarberg Wilderness area

Vanrhynsdorp:

Vanrhynsdorp is situated in the folds of the towering Matzikamma and Gifberg Mountains on the N7, 300 km north of Cape Town, en route to Namibia. Vanrhynsdorp is in administrative terms part of the Western Cape, but geographically, Vanrhynsdorp is part of the Namaqualand and is the hub of the flower routes. Places to see & what to do in this beautiful area:

Cape Flower Route

Vanrhynsdorp:

Strandfontein is a small sea side village situated at the mouth of the Olifants River. Strandfontein has become a popular holiday destination because of the excellent opportunities for the observation of Southern Right whales which come close into the protective bay during their calving season. Places of interest are:

Bird Island Nature Reserve, West Coast National Park

5. Cape Winelands - 5th REGION:

The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. Towns and villages have many historic homesteads and monuments, and every so often fruit orchards are to be seen, whose produce may be found in all corners of the world. It is the Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall of the south-western Cape that produces some of the best wines in the country.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Franschhoek:

Originally known as the Valley of the Huguenots, a community of French Huguenots were granted land in this valley by the Dutch government of the Cape, after fleeing their homeland when Protestantism was outlawed in France in 1685. Today, many of the wine farms still bear their original French names and most of these farms have beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The French corner of the Cape, Franshoek lies in one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world, just 45 minutes’ from Cape Town and within half an hour of the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West wine routes. Interesting places to see in this scenic part of the country:

Franschhoek Wine Route, Hugenot Memorial, Winelands sunset drive

Paarl:

The town of Paarl has a unique character, not least because vineyards still grow in between residential neighbourhoods maintaining a country feel to a town virtually the size of a small city, but also because it is here that the struggle to gain recognition for Afrikaans as a written language was achieved. Today the Afrikaans Language Museum bears testament to this accomplishment and there is a monument to this unique language on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. Place to see are:

Wijnland Auto Museum, Afrikaans Language Museum, Paarl Vinters

Stellenbosch:

The second oldest town in South Africa has fondly been called ‘Eikestad’ or city of oaks and its streets are lined with some of the most beautiful surviving examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture in the Cape. Dorp Street is a national monument and taking the time to walk around this cosy old part of Stellenbosch, with its secluded lanes, water furrows, restaurants and coffee shops, with superb views of mountain, vineyards and orchards, is an idyllic morning venture. What to see:

Stellenbosch Wine Route, University of Stellenbosch

Wellington:

Wellington lies on the banks of the River Kromme at the foot of the Groenberg Mountain in a glorious valley just 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. Wellington once served as the last outpost of civilisation in the Cape before entering unfamiliar territory and was known as Limiet Vallei (frontier valley) and Val du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (valley of the wagon maker) as it was here that wagons could receive attention before the start of a long and difficult journey. Interesting place to see and visit are:

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Wellington Wine Route

Tulbach:

The village nestles in amongst the Winterhoek, Witzenberg and Obiqua Mountains, which surround it on three sides and provide one of the most beautiful settings in the Western Cape. Proteas and herbs grow wild here and peaches, pears and 70 percent of the country’s plums are farmed in the shadow of the mountains. The valley is perhaps best known for its production of some of the country’s finest wines. You can visit the following places in this beautiful area:

Breedekloof Wine Route, De Oude Drostdy, Route 62,

6. Breede River Valley - 6th REGION:

The valley stretches from McGregor in the south and Gouda in the west, to Montagu in the east and the Karoo in the north with the N1 passing virtually through its centre in a north easterly direction. It derives its name from the Breede River that rises in the mountains near Ceres and flows through the valley en route to the Indian Ocean and serves as the main water source for the Breede River Valley.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Ceres:

This beautiful part of the world, named after the Goddess of Fertility for good reason, lies tucked away in a valley surrounded by the mountains of the Boland, accessed only via mountain passes that take your breath away. In winter snow can fall on the higher mountains, which brings a great many visitors to the Ceres Valley, also known as ‘the Switzerland of South Africa’. For the nature lover this part of the world offers a beauty all of its own and there are several hikes and walks along rivers and streams and in the surrounding mountains. Places to visit are:

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area, Tulbach Wine Route

Montagu:

Known as the ‘mountain mecca’ of the Cape, Montagu lies surrounded by the Langeberg mountain range nestled between the Keisie and Kingna Rivers in the western corner of Kannaland, and is famous for her orchards, vineyards, local herbs, rock formations and healing hot mineral springs. Montagu is one of the best examples of a late Victorian agricultural village in the Western Cape. Places to visit are:

Anysberg Nature Reserve, Little Karoo Wine Route, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Worcester:

Worcester is a town with a particularly impressive cultural heritage. In 1819 Worcester was proclaim a sub-drostdy of Tulbagh. Two farms were bought for the purpose of laying out a town. In 1822 Worcester was proclaimed a full drostdy. The town was named after the Marquis of Worcester brother of Lord Charles Somerset. Surrounded by Majestic Mountain and verdant valleys, the town is seated in the biggest wine-producing district in the country. There is a lot to see and do in Worcester.

Kleinplasie Living Open-air Museum, Worcester Wine Route, Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens

7. The Swartland - 7th REGION:

The Swartland, otherwise known as the wheat and rooibos-producing part of the Western Cape, lies between Malmesbury in the south, across the Riebeek Valley to Piketberg in the north, Darling in the west, to the Oliphants Mountain at Porterville in the east. This incredibly beautiful, yet often overlooked, area is named for its wide fertile plains that, after the rains in winter, turn black (swart land means black land in Afrikaans).

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Malmesbury:

Malmesbury rests in a simply gorgeous setting surrounded by mountains, wheat fields, and in winter, yellow blazes of canola and indigenous wild flowers. The largest town in the Swartland, Malmesbury is only 40 minutes’ drive from Cape Town and makes getting away for a weekend a simple matter that includes wine tasting and some superb hikes.

Malmesbury might have a rural setting, but the town has a vibrant community that plays host to the annual Swartland Food and Wine Festival during winter, where wine tasting and good food are the measure of the day. Places to see and visit:

Darling Wine Route, Swartland Wine Route

Malmesbury:

Not only is Morreesburg the heart of a strong farming community but it also has one of only three wheat museum’s in the world. This one in particular attracts tourists and it’s a bonus that the local high school has now opened an art gallery, displaying over seventy local and recognised artists who form part of the local art route - fast becoming popular. Places to visit are:

Piketberg:

Piketberg lies at the foot of the Piketberg Mountain range, surrounded by fields of wheat that change colour with the seasons - from reddish brown to golden yellow in summer, and green in winter; vineyards, fruit farms and beautiful examples of indigenous fynbos. The uniqueness of Piketberg lies in its relationship to its mountain range, which stands alone, an island bordered by only three towns - Aurora to the west, Redelinghuys to the north and Piketberg on its eastern slopes - contributing to a peaceful atmosphere for those hankering after a complete de-stress. Places to see when visiting this area are:

Swartland Wine Route

8. Klein & Central Karoo - 8th REGION:

The Little or Klein Karoo, which is a long valley bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape, forms the southern sibling of the larger Karoo - the Great or Groot Karoo occupies the northern part thereof. This is the land of succulents - their thick, fleshy diversity unparalleled anywhere else in the world - peppered only by the odd bush and tree that gives the Karoo, at first glance, the appearance of arid, dry and very flat land devoid of living matter and given over to hot days and cold nights. Herds of buffalo, elephant and kudu once dominated these plains only to be hunted or driven out by modern development

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Beaufort West:

Beaufort West lies between the Gamka and Kuils Rivers, just south of a ridge of hills and north of the Nuweveld Mountains in the Central Karoo, where rocks date back some 230 million years. This quirky town - the oldest in the Central Karoo - is rich in history that holds intrigue for the scientist, the historian and the eco-tourist. Places to visit are:

Bontebok National Park, Karro National Park,

Calitzdorp:

The typical little Karoo town of Calitzdorp lies on Route 62, about four hours drive from Cape Town and roughly half way to Port Elizabeth. Calitzdorp’s beauty is also largely attributable to the fact that it is bounded on three sides by mountain ranges - the Swartberg, the Rooiberge and the mountains of the Huisrivier Pass - that shelter the town and add to its character. Tourists can visit :

Little Karoo Wine Route Bontebok Nature Reserve, Surrounding towns

Ladysmith:

Ladismith takes her name from a woman with great fortitude. Young Juana Maria de los Dolores de Leon became the 14-year old bride of Sir Henry George Wakelyn Smith in the early 1800s - thereafter known simply as ‘Mrs Henry Smith’ or Lady Smith. A childless couple, their devotion to one another is legendary. Juana often set up camp close to battle scenes in a bid to remain close to her husband - they so hated being apart. Ladismith is essentially a prosperous farming community producing fruit (grapes, a third of South Africa’s apricots, and plums), milk, wine, flowers and mutton. Where to visit when in this area:

Route 62, Anysberg Nature Reserve

Laingsburg:

Laingsburg lies at the confluence of two rivers in one of the driest parts of the country, 280 km from Cape Town just off the N1 highway that travels through the Great Karoo.

Despite its aridness, Laingsburg is well known for the freak flood that devastated the town in late January 1989. In a matter of hours the entire town was under water with only the roofs of houses visible.

Oudtshoorn:

Oudtshoorn is situated on the edge of the Garden Route, between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountain Passes. Oudtshoorn is also a wonderful exciting halfway stopover when traveling between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, with the coastal town of George about 56 km’s away. Oudtshoorn is spread along both banks of the Grobbelaars River, a tributary of the Elephant’s River, and its fertile valleys are encompassed by the Swartberg Mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south. Place of interest to visit are:

Cango Caves, Ostrich farms

Uniondale:

Uniondale lies adjacent to the Langkloof, which winds its way through the foothills of the of the Tsitsikamma Mountain range in an area renowned for its scenic drives. Uniondale came into being when the two towns of Hopedale and Lyon became one in 1856. Places to visit are:

Little Karoo Wine Route, Swartberg Nature Reserve

9. Garden Route - 9th REGION:

The Garden Route stretches on the southern coast from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River. It’s a nook of the country that offers inspiration to writers and artists whose presence gives the Garden Route a trendy flavour. It is also a top priority of many a foreign visitor. The coastal drive links a series of charming towns interspersed with natural beauty. The delightful town of George, known as “The Gateway to the Garden Route”, graces a coastal plateau in a fertile area of lush greenery at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. Oudtshoorn, “Capital of the Klein Karoo”, is set in a semi-arid valley, providing the ideal habitat for ostriches which are farmed here on a grand scale.

Some destinations & attractions in the Cape Overberg region:

Brenton on Sea:

Brenton on Sea lies virtually encircled by the Goukamma Nature Reserve, its slopes rich with fynbos, only 500 kilometres from Cape Town and 60 kilometres from the airport at George. The little community derives its name from the fragile free-flying butterfly, the Brenton blue, occurring only on the south-facing slopes of coastal fynbos at Brenton on Sea. Places of interest are:

Lake area National Park, Goukamma Nature Reserve

George:

Regarded as the administrative capital of the Southern Cape, George is a rather big town with a sophisticated infrastructure. It has redressed its former image of an industrial town to that of a major tourist mecca - not hard to do when you have two of the top ten golf courses in South Africa, theatres, a wide expanse of forest, rivers and the Indian Ocean on your doorstep.

Hartenbos:

Hartenbos lends itself to family holidays and during school vacation the tranquil town becomes a bustling seaside destination. The village of Hartenbos started life as a farm granted to Esaias Meyer, a local farmer, as a reward by the Dutch East India Company after he helped shipwrecked sailors. He called the farm Hart en Bosch (deer and bush). Most of the farm was later bought by the Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging (Afrikaans language and culture organisation) and turned into a holiday resort for its members during the years of apartheid.

Knysna:

Knysna is a natural paradise of lush, indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches. She nestles on the banks of a breathtakingly pretty lagoon, now a protected marine reserve that is home to the extraordinary sea horse and over 200 species of fish.

Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide endless opportunity for leisure and outdoor adventure. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafés beckon with small-town charm and hospitality. The area around Knysna is a veritable Garden of Eden.

Knysna Elephant Park, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary, Featherbed Natures Reserve, Robberg Nature Reserve

Mossel Bay:

Mossel Bay lies halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, close to the towns of Swellendam, Outdshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna on the Garden Route and is synonymous with the Mossgas project, where offshore gas fields are mined for gas that is then converted into petroleum. Despite this obvious industrial leaning, Mossel Bay has a tradition of unhurried hospitality and there is sufficient natural beauty in the town and its surrounds to make a stopover essential. Places to see:

Garden Route Nature Reserve, Jukani Wildlife Ranch

Plettenberg Bay:

Plettenberg Bay lies almost on the border of the Western and Eastern Cape. Built on the hillside, most of the town is on a steep slope leading down to the sea, which means that regardless of where you find yourself accommodated, you will be treated to spectacular views of the bay and surrounding hills and mountains. Plettenberg Bay has a relatively long history for a South African town, having been regularly visited by Portuguese explorers during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Sedgefield:

Sedgefield is a beautiful seaside village surrounded entirely by lakes, sand dunes covered in fynbos, pine plantations, the Swartvlei Estuary and the Indian Ocean. Described by some as a sleepy little village, Sedgefield borders the Goukamma Nature Reserve and the Wilderness National Park, leaving the visitor spoilt for choice when it comes to bird watching and walks through indigenous fauna and flora.

Tsitsikamma:

Described as the ‘garden of the garden route’, the Tsitsikamma actually deserves a more vivid description to encapsulate the beauty of the place. Far from being a garden, the Tsitsikamma is a place where magic and the ancient have merged to create a fairytale. The Tsitsikamma forest is a huge protected conservation area that supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem. This isn’t any forest. It is eons old and trees tower above one as one walks in the immediate cool and shade their protective cover creates; the floor of the forest an intricate trail of ferns, moss and fragile fungi. But it is the waters contained in rivers that have carved their way through mountains to create spectacular gorges that have earned the area its unusual name.

Storms River, Natures Valley, Bloukrans River Bridge, Eersterivier

Wilderness:

Wilderness is an attractive holiday resort with beautiful beaches and numerous vantage points from which to watch the whales and dolphins. As far back as the late 1800’s the reputation of Wilderness with its natural bounty of rivers and lakes and intrinsic peace and tranquillity, ideal for seaside holidays, was established in a little stone farmhouse.

A seaside boarding house was established in the old homestead - and so began the tradition of hospitality which has made this small resort town famous all over the world.

Pictures of the Western Cape

FRANSCHOEK Plettenberg Bay Somerset West & Gordons Bay Aerial view of Knysna Hartenbos	Tulbach Farmlands Table Mountain Cango Caves Oudtshoorn

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am and is filed under Places of Interest. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.