Travel Guide SA - Western Cape

TRAVEL

SOUTH

AFRICA

It is little wonder that South Africa’s Western Cape Province draws millions of visitors each year. Situated on the south western tip of Africa, the Western Cape has long been recognised as one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Offering a range of attractions, breathtaking sights and endless activities, the Western Cape is a year-round holiday destination with friendly people, a mild climate and a rich cultural heritage

It is bordered by two oceans - the Indian Ocean to the south and the Atlantic to the west - creating a rugged stretch of coastline that is complemented by the reassuring presence of craggy peaks, lush valleys, emerald lakes and indigenous forests, sun-drenched vineyards, magnificent mountain passes and the wide, windswept spaces of the Klein Karoo. A natural collage of diversity so picturesque it defies description.

And with the host of activities on offer, the Western Cape spoils you for choice. From nature reserves, scenic drives and hiking trails to the adrenaline rush of jumping from the highest commercial bungee jump in the world (Bloukrans Bridge), world-class shark cage diving to white water canoeing (Breede River) or some of the best golf courses in the world!

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA

Sweeping sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, to awe-inspiring views of stormy cliff faced shores with thunderous crashing surf and some of the country’s greatest hikes like the Otter Trail pass.

If Culture and Heritage is what you’re after, then there’s no shortage either. Loud blubbery seals sunning themselves on the pier, the ferry to Robben Island to visit Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell. Ancient rock art in the Karoo, the completely preserved historic mission stations at Elim and Genadendal, the boisterous, mad-cap minstrels dancing in the Cape Minstrel Carnival and traditional Cape Flats life and African culture, food and music.

The Cape Whale Coast draws to our shores a uniquely intelligent and remarkable family of creatures that never fail to ignite a sense of awe in those who come to see them. The Southern Right Whale, the Bryde’s and the Humpback Whale are frequently sited along the Overberg Coast from Stony Point near Betty’s Bay to the cliff paths of Hermanus, Kleinmond, Onrus, Walker Bay, the De Hoop Nature Reserve and Witsand. These gentle giants spend summers feeding around Antarctica before migrating thousands of miles to our waters, where the sheltered bays of the South African coast provide perfect refuge to mate and calve

The Cape Winelands are another huge draw card. Ripening vineyards and Cape Dutch manor homes grace the lower slopes of indigo mountains to such effect that many visitors return again and again before fully appreciating the host of wine routes and estates on offer. Many of these are within easy reach of Cape Town, particularly those in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Wellington. But those slightly further afield in other wine-producing valleys like the Breede River Valley, the Swartland and the Olifants River Valley, are equally inviting.

Then there’s the Overberg with its myriad villages, mountains and coastline; the citrus-bearing Cederberg with its incredibly intense summers and amazing mountain scenery, and the Breede River Valley that includes timeless villages like McGregor, Swellendam and Malgas