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15 Best Places to Visit in Western Cape

Encompassing many of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions , the Western Cape has a seemingly never-ending list of amazing places for visitors to check out. Indeed, the fourth-largest province in the country has a staggering array of beautiful landscapes on show, with Cape Town’s distinctive backdrop and the gorgeous scenery of the Garden Route just two of its many highlights.

Boasting some of the oldest settlements in the country, the Western Cape also has lots of history for you to delve into, with the famous Robben Island attracting crowds of visitors every year. Whether it’s the vineyards and wineries of Stellenbosch, the fantastic whale watching at Hermanus, or the adorable penguins at Boulders Beach, one could spend a lifetime exploring all the best places to visit in Western Cape.

Western Cape Map

15. Paternoster [SEE MAP]

One of the oldest fishing villages in the Western Cape, sleepy, laidback Paternoster is a great place to head to if you’re looking for a quiet holiday. The white-washed cottages, rugged coastline, and beautiful white-sand beaches certainly make for a scenic setting.

Although ideal for people looking to kick back and relax, Paternoster also has a wealth of great outdoor activities for you to enjoy, with hiking and mountain biking around the Cape Columbine nature reserve particularly popular pastimes.

In addition to this, visitors can also go kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, or even take a dolphin or whale watching tour to catch a glimpse of the area’s abundant marine life.

14. Agulhas National Park [SEE MAP]

Located at the southernmost tip of the continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans dramatically meet at the Cape of Storms, Agulhas National Park is a fascinating place to visit. Over the centuries, numerous ships and sailors have met their fate along its unwelcoming, rugged coastline.

Humans have long inhabited the area, and while exploring the park, visitors can check out the old lighthouse and museum, which house part of shipwrecks and ancient stone utensils once used by the Khoisan people.

With lots of marine, mammal, and birdlife also on show, the national park is delightful to hike around; wherever you go, the scenery is absolutely stunning. With dolphins, whales, and porpoises sometimes spotted offshore, Agulhas National Park is definitely worth visiting if you have the chance.

13. Swellendam [SEE MAP]

One of the oldest towns in the whole of South Africa, the charming and picturesque Swellendam definitely merits a visit. There are many historical and cultural landmarks to see around town, while its location at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains makes for a spectacular setting.

With a laidback, peaceful feel to it, Swellendam is very pleasant to wander around, with plenty of impressive colonial-era architecture and national monuments on show. The region’s many farms mean that there is loads of delicious local produce for you to try out too.

Just a stone’s throw away from the town are Marloth Nature Reserve and Bontebok National Park, both of which have a multitude of fantastic trails and paths for you to hike along.

12. Montagu [SEE MAP]

Nestled away in the Langeberg Mountains with rivers either side of it, it’s not without good reason that the small town of Montagu is known as the ‘mountain mecca.’ Famed for its fantastic wineries and vineyards, its scenic setting, and healing mineral springs, Montagu really is a treat to visit. Many guests end up staying longer than they intended.

While its wonderful hot springs and beautiful gardens are perfect for relaxing in, visitors can also go abseiling, mountain biking, or paragliding in the surrounding natural areas. Lying along Route 62 – the country’s very own version of Route 66 in the States – Montagu is also a great base from which to explore the Klein Karoo.

11. Paarl [SEE MAP]

Founded all the way back in 1687, Paarl boasts a rich history and culture, with lots of lovely Cape Dutch houses, elegant gardens, and national monuments on show.

Surrounded by towering mountains and fauna and flora-filled nature reserves, the town also has lots of great local produce and delicious wines for you to try out; all produced on its many farms and vineyards.

While ambling around the peaceful town and taking in the impressive Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian buildings is a lovely way to pass the time, visitors shouldn’t miss out on a trip to the nearby Drakenstein Prison. It was from here that Nelson Mandela was finally released from captivity.

10. Swartland [SEE MAP]

Lying just to the north of Cape Town, the beautiful Swartland region of South Africa consists of endless fertile plains shimmering with golden wheat in the summer, with farms, vineyards, and orchards punctuating the landscape.

In winter, the scenery is just as arresting; the region takes on a dark appearance due to the Renosterbos bushes that flower in the area.

Known as the breadbasket of the Cape, Swartland also boasts some lovely towns and villages, such as Darling, Riebeek West, and Riebeek Kasteel. A plethora of fresh produce is sure to be on offer wherever you may go from the many picturesque farms in the region.

9. Simon's Town [SEE MAP]

Located just outside of Cape Town on the Cape Peninsula, Simon’s Town’s has a scenic and sheltered setting on the shores of False Bay. This location means that for more than 200 years, it has been a naval base to both the British and South African navies.

The beautiful mountains looming over the town not only form an impressive backdrop but are also home to a number of great trails and paths for visitors to explore.

One of the main attractions is the magnificent Boulders Beach, which is famed for its cute residents; many people come to the beach to gaze at the hundreds of African penguins inhabiting its sandy shores.

With lots of great seafood for the taking, and shark cage diving, boat trips, and kayaking also available, Simon’s Town makes for a fabulous day trip from Cape Town, with lots for you to see and do.

8. Franschhoek [SEE MAP]

Founded in 1688 in a gorgeous, verdant valley of the same name, Franschhoek boasts a wealth of fantastic vineyards and wineries, with lots of great restaurants to boot.

The small town is very picturesque, as it is surrounded by mountains. One of the best ways to explore the valley is to board the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which takes you to many of South Africa’s best wine estates.

While relaxing in the beautiful surroundings and sampling delicious wines is how many people choose to spend their time in Franschhoek, there are also some excellent mountain biking trails and hiking paths for you to explore in the nearby mountains and hills.

7. West Coast National Park [SEE MAP]

Centered around the shimmering blue waters of Langebaan Lagoon, West Coast National Park will delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike. It is bursting with white dunes, verdant wetlands, and a rugged Atlantic Ocean coastline.

With plenty of migratory birds, and mammals such as mountain zebra, ostriches, and antelope on show, it is a great place to spot local wildlife, and many hiking paths and trails wind their way through its diverse landscapes.

Only an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town, West Coast National Park attracts visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature and escape the city’s bustling streets.

6. Robben Island [SEE MAP]

Located just off the coast of Cape Town in Table Bay, it is on Robben Island that Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years spent in jail as he protested against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

While the island has mainly been used throughout its history to house political prisoners, nowadays, it is a popular museum and tourist attraction. Many people come to the former prison to learn about both the lives of its former inmates and life in South Africa under both colonial rule and apartheid.

A very interesting and moving place, visiting Robben Island is a must for anyone interested in learning more about the country’s troubled past.

5. Hermanus [SEE MAP]

Famous for its fantastic whale watching, Hermanus is the place to head to if you want to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. The small town has a number of great vantage points to spy them from, with Gearing’s Point the best of the bunch.

Alternatively, you can take a whale-watching boat tour or go sea kayaking around the bay. Although whales are what most people come for, Hermanus has some lovely rugged coastline for you to explore, as well as some breathtakingly beautiful beaches, such as those of Voelklip and Pearly.

4. Cederberg Wilderness Area [SEE MAP]

Covering a vast expanse of territory, the Cederberg Wilderness Area encompasses some spectacular scenery. Domineering mountains stand side by side with impressive rock formations, such as the distinctive Wolfberg Arch and the awe-inspiring Maltese Cross.

A very peaceful place to visit, Cederberg Wilderness Area has some great hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing for visitors to enjoy. There’s also some fascinating San rock art dating back millennia on show.

3. Garden Route [SEE MAP]

Stretching more than 300 kilometers along the southwest coast of South Africa, the Garden Route is very popular with locals and foreigners alike. It takes you past some breathtaking scenery, with lots of lovely little towns and villages for you to stop off at along the way.

Sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains and the Indian Ocean, the beautiful beaches and bays that dot the scenic coastline offer up a myriad of astounding views and outdoor activity opportunities.

With idyllic towns such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Mossel Bay for you to check out, it’s no wonder that the Garden Route is one of South Africa’s prime tourist destinations.

2. Stellenbosch [SEE MAP]

For wine lovers, no visit to South Africa can be complete without stopping by Stellenbosch to sample some of the region’s fantastic local produce. There is a multitude of great wineries, vineyards, and wine estates for you to delve into.

Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement in the country. The center of town has lots of lovely Cape Dutch colonial architecture to discover.

With a lively and multicultural feel to its streets, thanks to its large university, the town has some great nightlife on offer, and visitors will never tire of Stellenbosch’s scenic setting below the mountain of the same name.

1. Cape Town [SEE MAP]

The second-largest city in South Africa, Cape Town is located in a breathtakingly beautiful setting on the shores of Table Bay, with the famous Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head looking down on it.

Blessed with such a dramatic backdrop, the city is visually stunning, and the vibrant feel about its streets is no less alluring.

See also: Where to Stay in Cape Town

The continent’s southernmost city and the oldest settlement in the country, Cape Town is bursting with important and interesting historical and cultural landmarks. Robben Island lies just offshore, and the surrounding nature offers up a wealth of great outdoor activities.

With lots of fascinating museums, a thriving arts and culture scene, and great restaurants, nightclubs, and bars to boot, Cape Town really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

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The Western Cape Travel Guide

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

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The Western Cape is the most mountainous and arguably the most beautiful of South Africa’s provinces. A sweep of the country’s western flank takes in wind-contoured beaches and vine-combed valleys, indigenous rock art and ancient woodland, colonial architecture and urban life. Road trips take you through spectacular mountain passes, past deserted bays and into historic villages, with tantalising glimpses of everything from whales to wildflowers along the way. Read our Western Cape guide for everything you need to know before you go.

Where to go in the Western Cape

Top things to do in the western cape, route 62 and little karoo, the overberg interior and whale coast, the west coast, the garden route, brief history, storms river mouth, knysna elephant park.

• Plett's beaches

Whaling and gnashing of teeth

Whale- and dolphin-watching in plettenberg bay, the knysna elephants, the winelands, tackling the winelands, wineries around stellenbosch, wineries around paarl, wineries around franschhoek, tailor-made travel itineraries for south africa, created by local experts.

7 days  / from 4800 USD

Cape Town and Garden Route - a luxury guided tour

Cape Town and the Garden Route have it all - a fascinating culture, safaris, chocolate and wine tasting, and much more. Discover the coastal city of Cape Town and the Peninsula before heading out to the Garden Route with Knysna and Mossel Bay, where you'll experience some game drives.

15 days  / from 4000 USD

The Cape Peninsula and Safaris in Kruger and Pilanesberg

Wildlife in South Africa is still truly wild, a fact that you'll be able to discover in this fascinating two weeks trip. Enjoy whale watching in Cape Town and first safaris in Aquila before heading up north: the famous Kruger and Pilanesberg national parks with all its wildlife await.

7 days  / from 3000 USD

Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve

For those short on time, staying close to Johannesburg may make sense. On this trip, you'll arrive and depart in Johannesburg and then transfer to the theme park Lost City before continuing to Madikwe for a few days of game drives to spot plenty of wildlife.

Tailor-made trips for   South Africa

From the vineyards of the Winelands to the remote and windswept West Coast, via the desiccated Little Karoo, the Western Cape brims with natural wonders and gastronomic riches. Here are some of the top places to visit in the Western Cape:

Stellenbosch and Winelands

The Winelands are a gastronomic destination famed for fine wine and dining in scenic surrounds. Limewashed Cape Dutch manors, housing some of the country’s best restaurants and guesthouses, are cradled in the belly of vine-combed valleys beneath mauve mountains.

The main wine routes unfurl from four towns: Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Somerset West. Franschhoek is the smallest, most romantic and exclusive of all the towns. A centre of culinary excellence, it is draped in a heavily cultivated Provençal character. In a region of impressive settings, it has the best – at the head of a narrow valley.

The university town of Stellenbosch, by contrast, has some attractive historical streetscapes, a couple of decent museums and cafés, and plenty of independent shops. Paarl, a pretty drive from Stellenbosch, is a workaday farming town overlooked by stunning granite rock formations. Beyond, the sprawling town of Somerset West boasts one outstanding attraction, Vergelegen, among the most impressive of the Wineland estates.

Crowned by Table Mountain , Cape Town is one of Africa’s most enticing cities. Close to the national park, the vibrant metropolis is a cultural and creative melting pot. In this extraordinary city, you can browse the world’s largest collection of contemporary African art, listen to a unique, evocatively Cape style of jazz, sip on wine in a historic Constantia estate, before partying the night away in a Long Street club. To appreciate Cape Town you need to spend time outdoors, as Capetonians do. They hike, picnic or sunbathe, often choose mountain bikes in preference to cars, and turn adventure activities into an obsession.

Pringle Bay

The coastal route along the R44 from Cape Town to Hermanus is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. The stretch is broken up by a series of mushrooming settlements, including Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay. Pringle Bay is a small coastal village tucked away at the foot of the Hangklip in the Overberg region. The town and its surroundings are part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dolphins and whales are sometimes sighted just off the coast, while oystercatchers often nest on the sandy beach.

Garden Route

Driving the Garden Route is one of the top things to do in the Western Cape. This 200km sliver of coastal plain, dotted with empty beaches and tiny coves, stretches between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth. It has a legendary status as South Africa’s paradise – reflected in local names such as Garden of Eden and Wilderness. This soft, green, forested swathe is threaded by rivers, tumbling down from the mountains to the rocky shores and sandy beaches. The coast is dominated by three inlets: Mossel Bay, the closest to Cape Town; Knysna, its surrounding hills cloaked in ancient woodland; and Plettenberg Bay, home to good swimming beaches. The whole stretch is a vast adventure playground, from forest hikes to marine safaris and river tubing.

One of the most exhilarating Western Cape travel experiences is driving the mountain route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, which runs largely along the R62 – hence Route 62. Less known than its coastal counterpart, the Garden Route , this trip takes you through dramatic mountain passes and crosses a frontier of dorps (farming towns) and drylands. This “back garden” of the Little Karoo is in many respects more rewarding than the Garden Route, being far less developed, with stunning landscapes, quieter roads and some wonderful small towns to visit.

North of Cape Town, the remote and windswept West Coast is usually explored during the wild-flower months of August and September, when visitors converge on the West Coast National Park. In addition to its colourful botanical display, much of the park’s appeal lies in the uplifting views over the still lagoon to an olive-coloured hillside, the salty air, and the Atlantic mists vanishing in the harsh sunlight. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with ostriches and thousands of migrating waders, plus tortoises galore. The West Coast’s other major draw, 200km north of Cape Town on the N7, is the Cederberg. This rocky wilderness has excellent hikes and hidden rock-art sites – the work of indigenous San people, who were virtually extinguished in the nineteenth century.

• Wine estate lunches Wine tasting is one of the most memorable things to do in the Western Cape. Eat alfresco and quaff fine vintages at the top restaurants in South Africa, while gazing out at beautiful vineyards and mountains.
• De Hoop Nature Reserve Massive dunes and edge-to-edge whales make this the most exciting coastal nature reserve in the country.
• Rooibos tea tours Visit a working rooibos farm to see where the tea is grown, and enjoy a tour and tea tasting led by a knowledgeable Western Cape guide.
• Oudrif An exceptional and remote retreat lodge on the edge of a gorge in the dry and dramatic redstone back country of the Cederberg.
• Ocean safaris Enrich your Western Cape travel by learning about whales and dolphins on an excursion around Plettenberg Bay.
• Storms River Mouth A dramatic section of coast, where hillside forests drop away to rocky coastline and the Storms River surges out of a gorge into the thundering ocean.
• Route 62 This mountainous inland route takes you via dozy villages, across spectacular passes and through semi-desert.

Be sure to incorporate the Tsitsikamma section which has it all – indigenous forest, dramatic coastline, the pumping Storms River Mouth and South Africa’s flagship hike, the Otter Trail.

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden The beautiful timber-and-steel “Boomslang” walkway twists through the forest canopy at Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, providing stunning views of Table Mountain and the Southern Suburbs.
• Explore local dorps An unsung South African pleasure is road tripping through the Karoo to elegantly decaying dorps (towns) to enjoy country hospitality, Cape Dutch architecture and off-grid relaxation. Meander slowly to the likes of Prince Albert and Nieu Bethesda.

The Little Karoo is hemmed in by a gauntlet of rugged mountains and steep-sided valleys (or poorts ) that for centuries made this area virtually impassable for wheeled transport. In the nineteenth century, the British began to tackle the problem and dozens of passes were built through the Cape’s mountains. Many were engineered by the brilliant road-builder Andrew Geddes Bain and his son Thomas. In fact, whatever the Little Karoo lacks in museums and art galleries is amply compensated for by the towering drama of these Victorian masterpieces. Some of the best of these passes are listed below.

• Cogman’s Kloof Pass

Between Ashton and Montagu, a 5km route that’s at its most dramatic as it cuts through a rock face into the Montagu Valley.

• Gamkaskloof Pass

Reached from the summit of the Swartberg Pass, this is arguably the most awesome of all the passes, leading into a dramatic and lonely valley, all on gravel.

• Meiringspoort

A tarred road through a gorge in the Swartberg, which keeps crossing a light-brown river, while huge slabs of folded and zigzagging rock rise up on either side.

• Prince Alfred’s Pass

On the R339, between the N2 (just east of Knysna) and Avontuur on the R62, a dramatic dirt road twisting through mountains, past a few isolated apple farms.

• Swartberg Pass

Between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, an over-the-Swartberg counterpart of Meiringspoort, with 1:7 gradients on narrow untarred roads, characterized by precipitous hairpins.

East of the Winelands lies a vaguely defined region known as the Overberg (Afrikaans for “over the mountain”). Of the two main routes through the Overberg, the N2 strikes out across the interior, a four- to five-hour stretch of sheep, wheat and mountains. Just north of the N2 is Greyton, the favoured weekend retreat of Capetonians, and the starting point of the Boesmanskloof Traverse, a terrific two-day trail across the mountains into the Karoo. The real draw of the area though is the Whale Coast, based around Hermanus – the whale-watching capital of South Africa. Also along this section of coast is Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point on the continent, where rocks peter into the ocean. Nearby is the De Hoop Nature Reserve, an exciting wilderness of bleached dunes, craggy coast and more whales.

The West Coast of South Africa is remote, windswept and bordered by the cold Atlantic. For many years the black sheep of Western Cape travel tourism, it has been set upon by developers who seem all too ready to spoil the bleached, salty emptiness. The sandy soil and dunes harbour a distinctive coastal fynbos vegetation, while the coastline is almost devoid of natural inlets or safe harbours. Fierce southeasterly summer winds lash the coast and dank fogs descend in winter, though in spring wild flowers miraculously appear in the veld. The southern 200km of the region, by far the most densely populated part of the coast, has many links to Namaqualand to the north – not least the flowers. The area is well known for its watersports, hiking and birdwatching.

The Cederberg

A bold and jagged outcrop of the Western Cape fold escarpment, the Cederberg range is one of the most magical wilderness areas in the region. The jagged mountains rise with a striking presence on the eastern side of the Olifants River Valley, around 250km north of Cape Town. The high sandstone peaks and long, dry valleys manage to combine accessibility with remote harshness, offering something for hikers, campers, naturalists and rock climbers.

Top image: © Harry Beugelink/Shutterstock

The Garden Route, a slender stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth, has a legendary status as South Africa’s paradise – reflected in local names such as Garden of Eden and Wilderness. This soft, green, forested swath of nearly 200km is cut by rivers from the mountains to the north, tumbling down to its southern rocky shores and sandy beaches.

The Garden Route coast is dominated by three inlets, of which the closest to Cape Town is Mossel Bay, an industrial centre of some charm, marking the official start of the Garden Route. Knysna, though younger, exudes a well-rooted urban character but has a major drawback – unlike Plettenberg Bay, its eastern neighbour, it has no beach of its own. A major draw, though, is the Knysna forest covering some of the hilly country around Knysna, the awe-inspiring remnants of once vast ancient woodlands.

Between the coastal towns are some ugly modern holiday developments, but also some wonderful empty beaches and tiny coves, such as Victoria Bay and Nature’s Valley. Best of all is the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, which has it all – indigenous forest, dramatic coastline, the pumping Storms River Mouth and South Africa’s most popular hike, the Otter trail.

Khoi herders who lived off the Garden Route’s natural bounty considered the area a paradise, calling it Outeniqua (“the man laden with honey”). Their Eden was quickly destroyed in the eighteenth century with the arrival of Dutch woodcutters, who had exhausted the forests around Cape Town and set about doing the same in Outeniqua, killing or dispersing the Khoi and San in the process. Birds and animals suffered too from the encroachment of Europeans. In the 1850s, the Swedish naturalist Johan Victorin shot and feasted on the species he had come to study, some of which, including the endangered narina trogon, he noted were both “beautiful and good to eat”.

Despite the dense appearance of the area, what you see today are only the remnants of one of Africa’s great forests; much of the indigenous hardwoods have been replaced by exotic pine plantations, and the only milk and honey you’ll find now is in the many shops servicing the Garden Route coastal resorts.

In contrast to the languid lagoon and long soft sands of Nature’s Valley, Storms River Mouth presents the elemental face of the Garden Route, with the dark Storms River surging through a gorge to do battle with the surf. Storms River Mouth Restcamp, sited on tended lawns, is poised between a craggy shoreline of black rocks pounded by foamy white surf and steeply raking forested cliffs, and is without a doubt the ultimate destination along the southern Cape coast. Don’t confuse this with Storms River Village just off the N2, which is nowhere near the sea. Even if your time is limited and you can’t spend the night at Storms River Mouth, it’s still worth nipping down for a meal, a walk or a swim in the summer.

Walking is the main activity at the Mouth, and at the visitors’ office at the restcamp you can get maps of short, waymarked coastal trails that leave from here. These include steep walks up the forested cliffs, where you can see 800-year-old yellowwood trees with views onto a wide stretch of ocean. Most rewarding is the three-kilometre hike west from the restcamp along the start of the Otter Trail to a fantastic waterfall pool at the base of 50m-high falls where you can swim right on the edge of the shore. Less demanding is the kilometre-long boardwalk stroll from the restaurant to the suspension bridge to see the river mouth. On your way to the bridge, don’t miss the dank strandloper (beachcomber) cave. Hunter-gatherers frequented this area between 5000 and 2000 years ago, living off seafood in wave-cut caves near the river mouth. A modest display shows an excavated midden, with clear layers of little bones and shells.

If you’re desperate to walk the Otter Trail (5 days; 42km; book through SAN Parks), which begins at Storms River, and have been told that it is full, don’t despair. A single person or a couple do stand a chance of getting in on the back of a last-minute cancellation, so it may be worth hanging out at the Mouth for a night or two.

Swimming at the Mouth is restricted to a safe and pristine little sandy bay below the restaurant, though conditions can be icy in summer if there are easterly winds and cold upwellings of deep water from the continental shelf.

Heading east from Knysna along the N2, you come to the Knysna Elephant Park. The park was established in 1994 to provide a home for abandoned, orphaned and abused young elephants, and opened to the public in 2003. The youngest of its charges are reared by park staff, who hand-feed them forty litres of baby formula a day, and sleep next to them at night. Of the activities on offer, the most popular are the roughly hour-long tours, which leave every half hour, where you’ll get the chance to touch and feed one of the pachyderms. You can also take a two-hour ride on an elephant or a guided nature walk of the same duration alongside one.

Plett's beaches

Visitors principally come to Plett for its beaches – and there's a fair choice.

• Central Beach Right at the central shore of the bay, this is where the fishing boats and seacats anchor a little out to sea. The small waves here make for calm swimming, making it an ideal family spot.
• Keurbooms Beach On the northern side of the Keurbooms Lagoon, the beach feels less developed than those on the other side and stretches for over 10km along a section of coastline where you can see groups of dolphins playing in big breakers.
• Lookout Beach One of the nicest stretches of sand for bathers, body-surfers or sun lizards, Lookout Beach has a marvellously located restaurant, from which you can often catch sight of dolphins cruising into the bay.
• Lookout Rocks To the southeast of Lookout Beach, attracts surfers to the break off a needle of rocks known as the Point.
• Robberg Beach Just south of Beacon Island, the beach stretches for roughly six soft, sandy kilometres to the Robberg Peninsula, offering excellent long beach walks. It's also accessible by road at several points along the way.

For conservationists, the monumental 1970s eyesore of the Beacon Island Hotel, on a promontory on the southern side of the Piesang River mouth, may not be such a bad thing, since previously the island was the site of a whale-processing factory established in 1806 – one of some half-dozen such plants erected along the Western Cape coast that year. Whaling continued at Plettenberg Bay until 1916. Southern right whales were the favoured species, yielding more oil and whalebone – an essential component of Victorian corsets – than any other. In the nineteenth century, a southern right would net around three times as much as a humpback caught along the Western Cape coast, leading to a rapid decline in the southern right population by the middle of the nineteenth century.

The years between the establishment and the closing of the Plettenberg Bay factory saw worldwide whaling transformed by the inventions of the Industrial Revolution. In 1852, the explosive harpoon was introduced, followed by the use of steam-powered ships five years later, and the cannon-mounted harpoon in 1868. In 1913, Plettenberg Bay was the site of one of seventeen shore-based and about a dozen floating factories between West Africa and Mozambique, which that year between them took about ten thousand whales.

Inevitably, a rapid decline in humpback populations began; by 1918, all but four of the shore-based factories had closed due to lack of prey. The remaining whalers now turned their attention to fin and blue whales. When the South African fin whale population became depleted by the mid-1960s to twenty percent of its former size, they turned to sei and sperm whales. When these populations declined, the frustrated whalers started hunting minke whales, which at 9m in length are too small to be a viable catch. In 1979 the South African government banned all activity surrounding whaling.

Elevated ocean panoramas give Plettenberg Bay outstanding vantages for watching southern right whales during their breeding season between June and October. An especially good vantage point is the area between the wreck of the Athene at the southern end of Lookout Beach and the Keurbooms River. The Robberg Peninsula is also excellent, looming protectively over this whale nursery and giving a grandstand view of the bay. Other good town viewpoints are from Beachy Head Road at Robberg Beach; Signal Hill in San Gonzales Street past the post office and police station; the Beacon Island Hotel on Beacon Island; and the deck of The Lookout restaurant on Lookout Beach.

Outside Plett, the Kranshoek viewpoint and hiking trail offers wonderful whale-watching points along the route. To get there, head for Knysna, taking the Harkerville turn-off, and continue for 7km. It's also possible to view the occasional pair (mother and calf) at Nature's Valley, 29km east of Plett on the R102, and from Storms River Mouth. For more information about whales, see the section on Whale-watching and other activities.

Traffic signs warning motorists about elephants along the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are rather optimistic: there are few indigenous pachyderms left and, with such a large forest, sightings are rare. But such is the mystique attached to the Knysna elephants that locals tend to be a little cagey about just how few they number. By 1860, the thousands that had formerly wandered the once vast forests were down to five hundred, and by 1920 (twelve years after they were protected by law), there were only twenty animals left; the current estimate is three. Loss of habitat and consequent malnutrition, rather than full-scale hunting, seems to have been the principal cause of their decline.

The only elephants you're guaranteed to see near Knysna are at the Knysna Elephant Park or the Elephant Sanctuary, both near Plettenberg Bay.

South Africa has over a score of recognized wine routes extending to the Karoo and way into the Northern Cape, but the area known as the Winelands is restricted to the oldest wineries outside the Cape Peninsula, within a 60km radius of Cape Town. The district contains the earliest European settlements at Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Somerset West, each with its own wine route, on which you travel from one estate to the next to taste the wines. On the hillsides and in the valleys around these towns you’ll find a flawless blending of traditional Cape Dutch architecture with the landscape. The Winelands are best covered in a car, as half the pleasure is the drive through the countryside; without your own transport, you could take a day-trip to the Winelands with one of several Cape Town-based companies.

The most satisfying of the Winelands towns is Stellenbosch, which enjoys an easy elegance, beautiful streetscapes, a couple of decent museums and plenty of visitor facilities. One of the region’s scenic highlights is the drive along the R310 through the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Paarl, the workaday farming town of the region. Smallest of the Winelands towns, with a rural yet sophisticated feel, Franschhoek has the most magnificent setting at the head of a narrow valley, and has established itself as the culinary capital of the country. The major draw of the sprawling town of Somerset West is Vergelegen, by far the most stunning of all the Winelands estates.

Of the several hundred estates in the Winelands, the wineries in our selection were chosen not primarily because they produce the best wine (although some do), but for general interest – beautiful architecture or scenery – or just because they are fun. When planning, bear in mind that although all the wineries offer tastings, many offer a lot more, such as restaurants, picnics and horseriding. Choose an area to explore and don't try to visit too many wineries in a day unless you want to return home in a dizzy haze. Most estates charge a fee for a wine-tasting session (anywhere up to R40) and some only have tastings at specific times; see the individual accounts for more details.

The definitive and widely available John Platter's South African Wine Guide (also available as an iPhone app) is a useful companion, which provides ratings of the produce of pretty well every winery in the country.

Stellenbosch was the first locality in the country to wake up to the marketing potential of a wine route. It launched its wine route in 1971 to huge success; today tens of thousands of visitors are drawn here annually, making this the most toured area in the Winelands. Although the region accounts for only a fraction of South Africa's land under vine, its wine route is the most extensive in the country, approaching three hundred establishments; apart from the tiny selection below (all of which produce creditable wines and are along a series of roads that radiate out from Stellenbosch), there are scores of other excellent places, which taken together would occupy months of exploration. All the wineries are clearly signposted off the main arteries.

Delaire Graff Estate

On the Helshoogte Pass, 6km east of Stellenbosch along the R310 to Franschhoek; 021 885 8160, delairewinery.co.za . The highly regarded Delaire Graff restaurant has possibly the best views in the Winelands, looking through pin oaks across the Groot Drakenstein and Simonsig mountains and down into the valley. Tasting Mon–Sat 10am–5pm & Sun 10am–4pm; summer sundowners with musical accompaniment Fri & Sat 5–9pm; three wines R30, five wines R50, six wines R60.

Jordan Vineyards

11.5km west of Stellenbosch off the R310; 021 881 3441, jordanwines.com . A pioneer among the new-wave Cape wineries, Jordan's hi-tech cellar and modern tasting room are complemented by its friendly service. The drive there is half the fun, taking you into a kloof bounded by vineyards that get a whiff of the sea from both False Bay and Table Bay, which has clearly done something for its output – it has a list of outstanding wines as long as your arm and an award-winning restaurant. Tasting daily 9.30am–4.30pm; R25 for six wines, refundable with purchases.

4km north of Stellenbosch on the R44; 021 889 5510, morgenhof.com . French-owned chateau-style complex on the slopes of the vine-covered Simonsberg, owned by Anne Cointreau-Huchon (granddaughter of the founder of Remy Martin cognac). Morgenhof has a light and airy tasting room with a bar. Delicious light lunches are served outside, topped off with ice cream on the lawns. Tasting May–Oct Mon–Fri 9am–4.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am–3pm; Nov–April Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat & Sun 10am–5pm; R20 for five wines.

Neethlingshof

6.5km west of Stellenbosch on Polkadraai Rd (the R306); 021 883 8988, neethlingshof.co.za . Centred around a beautifully restored Cape Dutch manor dating back to 1814, reached down a kilometre-long avenue of stone pines, Neethlingshof's first vines were planted in 1692. There's a restaurant and for R95 you can try their "flash food" light lunch – pairings of six wines with six bite-sized takeaways (booking essential). The estate has two labels: Premium and Short Story reserve range, which consists of a Pinotage, a red blend and a flagship Noble Late Harvest white. Tasting Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat & Sun 10am–4pm; R30 for six wines.

6.5km west of Stellenbosch, off the M12; 021 881 3815, overgaauw.co.za . Notable for its elegant Victorian tasting room, this pioneering estate was the first winery in the country to produce Merlots, and it's still the only one to make Sylvaner, a well-priced, easy-drinking dry white. Tasting Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 10am–3.30pm; free.

Rustenberg Wines

Rustenberg Rd, 5km north of Stellenbosch; 021 809 120, rustenberg.co.za . One of the closest estates to Stellenbosch, Rustenberg is also one of the most alluring, reached after a drive through orchards, sheep pastures and tree-lined avenues. An unassuming working farm, it has a romantic pastoral atmosphere, in contrast to its architecturally stunning, hi-tech tasting room in the former stables. Tasting Mon–Fri 9am–4.30pm, Sat 10am–1.30pm; free.

Simonsig Estate

9.5km north of Stellenbosch, off Kromme Rhee Rd, which runs between the R44 and the R304; 021 888 4900, www.simonsig.co.za . The winery has a relaxed outdoor tasting area under vine-covered pergolas, offering majestic views back to Stellenbosch of hazy stone-blue mountains and vineyards. The first estate in the country to produce a bottle-fermented bubbly some three decades back, it also produces a vast range of first-class still wines. Tasting Mon–Fri 8.30am–5pm, Sat 8.30am–4pm, Sun 11am–3pm; R25 for five wines and a bubbly.

About 8km south of Stellenbosch, off Annandale Rd, which spurs off the R44; 021 880 1683, uvamira.co.za ; map. Enchanting boutique winery that punches well above its weight, and worth visiting just for the winding drive halfway up the Helderberg. The highly original tasting room, despite being fairly recently built, gives the appearance of a gently decaying historic structure, and there are unsurpassed views from the deck across mountainside vineyards to False Bay some 50km away – on a clear day you can even see Robben Island. Tasting Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat & Sun 10am–4pm; R20 for Cellar selection (four wines), R30 for Vineyard selection (two premier wines), R40 for all six wines.

There are a couple of notable wineries in Paarl itself, but most are on farms in the surrounding countryside. Boschendal, one of the most popular of these, is officially on the Franschhoek wine route, but is within easy striking distance of Paarl.

Backsberg Estate

22km south of Paarl on Simondium Rd (WR1); 021 875 5141, backsberg.co.za . Notable as the first carbon-neutral wine estate in South Africa, Backsberg produces some top-ranking red blends, and a delicious Chardonnay, in its Babylons Toren and Black Label ranges. Outdoor seating, with views of the rose garden and vineyard on the slopes of the Simonsberg, makes this busy estate a nice place to while away some time. There's also a restaurant and a maze to get lost in. Tasting Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am–4.30pm; R15 for five wines.

Suid Agter Paarl Rd, on the southern fringes of town; 021 863 2450, fairview.co.za . One of the most fun of all the Paarl estates (especially for families), with a resident population of goats who clamber up the spiral tower at the entrance, featured in the estate's emblem. A deli sells sausages and cold meats for picnics on the lawn, and you can also sample and buy the goat's, sheep's and cow's cheeses made on the estate. As far as wine tasting goes, Fairview is an innovative, family-run place, but it can get a bit hectic when the tour buses roll in. Tasting Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 9am–4pm, Sun 10am–4pm; cheese selection R15, six wines and cheese selection R25, eight wines plus cheese and olive oil selection R60.

Taillefert St; 021 807 3390, laboriewines.co.za . One of the most impressive Paarl wineries, all the more remarkable for being right in town. The beautiful manor is fronted by a rose garden, acres of close-cropped lawns, historic buildings and oak trees – all towered over by the Taal Monument. There's a truly wonderful tasting room with a balcony that jetties out over the vineyards trailing up Paarl Mountain, as well as a great restaurant with terrace seating under oaks with gobsmackingly good views of the town vineyards and mountains. Tasting Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Nov–April Sun 11am–3pm; R25.

Rhebokskloof

Signposted off the R45, 11.5km northwest of Paarl; 021 869 8386, rhebokskloof.co.za . A highly photogenic wine estate, a popular wedding venue, and a great place to bring kids, Rhebokskloof sits at the foot of sculptural granite koppies overlooking a shallow kloof that borders on the mountain nature reserve. The estate's renowned restaurant overlooks an artificial lake with swans. For those too young to legally imbibe, there's a kids' playground, pony rides and remote-controlled boats on the lake, among the extensive offerings. Horse and quad-bike trails for adults are also operated from Rhebokskloof. Tasting daily 9am–5pm; R50 for five wines.

Franschhoek's wineries are small enough and sufficiently close together to make it a breeze to visit two or three in a morning. Heading north through town from the Huguenot Monument, you'll find most of the wineries signposted off Huguenot Road and its extension, Main Road; the rest are off Excelsior Road and the Franschhoek Pass Road.

Pniel Rd, just after the junction of the R45 and R310 to Stellenbosch; 021 870 4272, boschendalwines.com . One of the world's longest-established New World wine estates, Boschendal draws busloads of tourists – 200,000 visitors a year – with its impressive Cape Dutch buildings, tree-lined avenues, restaurants and cafes, and of course its wines. Tasting takes place at the Cellar Door Tasting Centre, where you can sit indoors or sip under shady trees. Informal tasting daily 8.30am–4.30pm, R20 for five wines; conducted tasting daily Oct–March 8.30am–6pm & April–Sept 8.30am–4.30pm; R30.

Cabriére at Haute Cabriére

About 2km from town along the Franschhoek Pass Rd; 021 876 8500, cabriere.co.za . Atmospheric winery notable for its Pinot Noirs and colourful wine-maker Achim von Arnim, whose presence guarantees an eventful visit; try to catch him or, more commonly now, his son Takuan, when they demonstrate sabrage – slicing off the upper neck of a bubbly bottle with a French cavalry sabre. Tasting Mon–Fri 9am–4.30pm, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 11am–4pm; R10 per wine or R30 for five.

Robertsvlei Rd, signposted off the R45; 021 876 2044, www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za . Small winery in a beautiful setting that produces outstanding wines year after year. Although only ten-or-so minutes' drive from the village throng, it feels surprisingly remote; vineyard and cellar tours are frequently conducted by the owner. Tasting Mon–Fri 11am–4pm plus Sept–April Sat & Sun 11am–3pm; tasting R30 (three whites and three reds).

Mont Rochelle

Dassenberg Rd; 021 876 2770, www.montrochelle.co.za . Set against the Klein Dassenberg, Mont Rochelle has one of the most stunning settings in Franschhoek and an unusual cellar in a converted nineteenth-century fruit-packing shed, edged by eaves decorated with fretwork, stained-glass windows and chandeliers. Tasting daily 10am–6pm; R25.

Solms Delta

13km north of Franschhoek along the R45; 021 874 3937, solms-delta.co.za . The pleasingly bucolic Solms Delta produces unusual and consistently outstanding wines which, on a summer's day, you can taste under ancient oaks at the edge of the vineyards. You can also order a picnic basket to enjoy on the banks of the stream that traces the estate's boundary. There's a fine museum here, too. Half the profits from the wines produced go into a trust that benefits residents of the farm and the Franschhoek Valley. Tasting Sun–Thurs 9am–5pm, Fri & Sat 9am–6pm; R10 (refunded if you buy wine).

Stony Brook Vineyards

About 4km from Franschhoek, off Excelsior Rd; 021 876 2182, stonybrook.co.za . A family-run boutique winery, with just 140,000 square metres under vine, that produces first-rate wines, including its acclaimed flagship Ghost Gum Cabernet Sauvignon, which takes its name from a magnificent old tree outside the house. Tastings are convivial affairs conducted by the owners. Mon–Fri 10am–3pm & Sat 10am–1pm; R20.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Western Cape

Written by Karen Hastings , Carri Wilbanks and Becca Blond Updated Apr 25, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Drenched in natural beauty, the Western Cape Province arcs enticingly around its capital, Cape Town , which sits in one of the world's most seductive settings, between mountains and the sea. This incredibly photogenic province claims two of South Africa's iconic landmarks: Table Mountain and Cape Point, as well as the southernmost point of the African continent, Cape Agulhas , where the mighty Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

Along the coast, whales swim in the cool, clear waters; penguins waddle along white-sand beaches; and sightseers can hike trails sliced into rugged cliffs above the pounding sea.

From Cape Town, the hinterland undulates to farming country and charming Cape Dutch towns like Stellenbosch , Swellendam , and the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn. Farther inland, the stark semi-desert landscapes of the Great Karoo and surrounding parks provide the perfect counterpoint to the lush coast. Here, visitors can photograph contorted russet-hued rock formations; seas of colorful wildflowers; and seemingly endless fields of fynbos, the prolific native scrub.

Travelers can also explore part of the Western Cape's coastline on the Garden Route, which is one of the most famous scenic drives in the country.

Discover the best places to visit in this diverse region with our list of the top tourist attractions in the Western Cape.

1. Table Mountain, Cape Town

2. robberg nature reserve, plettenberg bay, 3. boulders penguin colony, 4. cape point, 5. karoo national park, 6. stellenbosch, 7. the wildflowers and birds of west coast national park, 8. knysna heads, the garden route, 9. hermanus: whale watching and water sports, 10. cederberg wilderness area, 11. cape agulhas, 12. matjiesfontein, 13. oudtshoorn, 14. swellendam and bontebok national park, 15. gondwana game reserve, map of tourist attractions in the western cape.

No self respecting tourist should leave Cape Town without snapping a picture of Table Mountain, one of the most photographed landmarks in South Africa . This iconic flat-topped landmark towers 1,087 meters above the city center and beckons both locals and visitors to perch atop its panoramic plateau and breathe in the splendor of this ravishing city.

Composed of thick beds of sandstone and slate, the mountain is the crown jewel of Table Mountain National Park, which protects an incredible diversity of plants and animals. The best time to summit Table Mountain is when the peak is clear from the layer of clouds, called the "tablecloth," which frequently forms a fluffy duvet over the mountain's peak. Choose the right timing, and lucky visitors can soak up spectacular views of Cape Town and the entire Cape Peninsula from the top.

The easiest way to ascend this famous landmark is to hop aboard the revolving cableway, which runs daily-except in high winds. Once on top, sightseers can explore three short nature walks or relax on the deck at the café here and gape at the views. Energetic climbers who wish to ascend the mountain on foot can choose between more than 350 routes catering to different abilities. The climb can take anywhere from two to four hours.

To photograph the mountain itself, rather than the view from the peak, hike or drive up the adjacent Signal Hill or Lion's Head -both offer fantastic vantage points. In a gorgeous setting on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens belongs to the Cape Floristic Region UNESCO World Heritage site and is another must-see while in Cape Town.

• Read More: Best Attractions & Places to Visit in Cape Town

About eight kilometers from the popular coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, the Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the top attractions on the famous Garden Route , a roughly 200-kilometer scenic drive stretching from Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape, to the Storms River, on the Eastern Cape . This magnificent reserve resides on a four-kilometer-long peninsula at the foot of the Mountain of the Seal, where some of the rocks date back through millennia.

Hikers will be in heaven here. Breathtaking trails of varying difficulty thread throughout the peninsula, but the queen of them all is the 10-kilometer hike around the point, skirting rugged sea cliffs and passing beautiful beaches. Birdlife is prolific-especially water birds, some of which breed here. Seals bask on the beach and splash in the sea, and in season, whales and dolphins swim the waters along the coast. Keep a look out for great white sharks as well.

The visitor center at the parking lot dispenses information on the local flora and fauna.

A must-see for wildlife lovers is the Boulders Penguin Colony with three beautiful beaches, where these charismatic creatures waddle along the clean white sands. In Simon's Town , about an hour's drive from Cape Town, the beaches are home to a breeding colony of more than 2,000 endangered African Penguins.

As well as viewing the penguins up close, visitors can paddle in the clear, calm waters. Huge granite boulders shelter the bay from winds and currents making this a fabulous swimming spot for children. A short walk from here, Foxy Beach has a boardwalk that leads past the prime penguin-viewing sites. The beaches are part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, and the park charges a daily conservation fee.

Official site: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions.php

Cape Point, about 60 kilometers from Cape Town, is one of the most popular day trips from the city. Not only is this the southwestern-most point of the African continent, it's also part of the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the richest areas of flora on the planet. The birdlife is also prolific with more than 250 species.

The view from the Cape Point Lighthouse is spectacular-visitors can climb up the stairs, or better still, take the Flying Dutchman funicular to the top. Other highlights here include exploring the nature trails, whale watching, and wildlife spotting-look for Cape zebra and eland, and watch out for the troops of cheeky baboons.

Traveling to this far-flung strip of land can be just as scenic as the site itself. The drive along the Cape Peninsula passes through pretty beach towns and prime penguin viewing on the beautiful beaches at Boulders Bay . On the return trip, travelers can wind along sheer sea cliffs on Chapman's Peak Drive and soak up amazing sunset views along the way.

Just outside the town of Beaufort West , Karoo National Park is a land of haunting beauty, where the flattened peaks of the Nuweveld Mountains rise above vast, red-earthed semi-desert landscapes dappled with greens and golds. Established in 1979, the park forms part of the Great Karoo , South Africa's largest ecosystem, and is an important fossil site. It protects many endemic species including buffalo and rhino, as well as species that have been reintroduced such as Cape mountain zebras, springboks, kudus, lions, and brown hyenas. Oryx and klipspringer are a common sight here, and the bat-eared fox is perfectly suited to the arid conditions.

Birders are also rewarded with the chance to spot one of the breeding pairs of the rare Verreaux's Eagle, as well as a startling diversity of smaller species. Park highlights include Klipspringer Pass, the breathtaking panorama from Rooivalle View Point, and the Fossil Trail . To learn fascinating details about the park, stop by the Ou Schuur Interpretive Centre .

Karoo National Park is a popular stopover on the drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg and accommodates visitors in comfortable Cape-Dutch-style cottages. Note that 4WD vehicles are required for some of the tracks.

Beaufort West, the gateway to the Karoo, is the birthplace of the famous heart surgeon Christiaan Barnard. Many prizes and distinctions won by Barnard are displayed in the town's museum, which stands near the little parsonage where he lived as a child.

Official site: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/karoo/

Elegant Stellenbosch, the second oldest European settlement on the Cape, offers day-trippers from Cape Town a peaceful change of pace from the city buzz. Vine-cloaked fields, old oaks, and cobbled streets greet visitors, and charming Cape Dutch-style buildings lend the air of a bygone era.

Stellenbosch is also renowned for its fertile soils and fresh produce, which visitors can sample at a range of gourmet restaurants and cafés. Stellenbosch University is the oldest and most celebrated university in South Africa, and the students imbue the town with a bubbly vibe. Stop by the University Botanic Gardens to see indigenous succulents, orchids, and cycads, as well as the welwitschias, which are common in the deserts of Namibia.

Also worthwhile is the Village Museum a group of four houses dating from 1709 to 1850, which have been carefully restored and furnished in the original style, and the Rupert Museum focusing on South African art. Not far from town, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve has fantastic hiking and biking trails. While in the region, visitors can feast on more gastronomic treats and breathtaking bucolic scenery at the nearby towns of Paarl and Franschhoek .

About a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, West Coast National Park is a haven for birders. This coastal park was established in 1985 and encompasses the Langebaan Lagoon, as well as four small offshore islands.

The park is home to more than 250 species of birds, as well as many Arctic migrants in winter. Among the numerous species are cormorants, seagulls, small sandpipers, curlew sandpipers, plovers, gannets, flamingos, and the black-footed penguin.

Wildlife is also abundant, though this is not a park to see Africa's Big 5. Among the mammals are bontebok, eland, springbok, kudu, and blue wildebeest. An asphalted road runs round the lagoon with bird hides and viewing platforms.

In the old farmhouse of Geelbek, at the south end of the lagoon, an information center doubles as the starting-point of several nature trails. Sightseers can also board a bird-watching cruise on the lagoon.

Besides birding, other popular things to do here include hiking and biking the nature trails, kayaking on the lagoon, and photographing the kaleidoscopic wildflowers that carpet the barren landscapes here between August and September.

Official site: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/

The magnificent Knysna Heads are one of the most popular attractions along the Garden Route, the scenic 200-plus-kilometer drive from Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape, to the Storms River, in the Eastern Cape . These two massive crags loom above a sparkling lagoon and provide plenty of panoramic viewpoints overlooking the thrashing surf below and the rugged and rocky coast.

Hiking trails thread throughout the heads, and sightseeing boats offer a dramatic vantage point from the sea. Visitors can also linger at one of the cafés in the area and dine with a view. Knysna is also famous for its oysters, which the town celebrates at its annual oyster festival held in late June or early July. In the forests around Knysna, hikers can look for wildlife among centuries-old yellowwood trees and beautiful pink-flowered Cape chestnuts where elephants once roamed.

About 120 kilometers east of Cape Town, Hermanus is a popular holiday resort and one of the best places in the world to see whales close to shore . From July through November, large numbers of southern right whales swim along the coast here, and the town celebrates these gentle giants each September at the annual Whale Festival .

Besides this amazing wildlife spectacle, the top tourist attractions here are the beautiful sandy beaches to the east of town and the excellent water sports facilities. Thanks to some record catches, the coastal waters attract large numbers of anglers. The heart of town around the harbor is quite small and easy to explore on foot with restored fishermen's houses now occupied by restaurants and shops.

Other highlights include the 12-kilometer-long Cliff Path and the delightful bird-rich Fernkloof Nature Reserve, just outside of town, webbed with hiking trails that thread through native fynbos and proteas. Book accommodation in Hermanus well in advance during the peak tourist season, from December to January, when the population doubles.

About two hour's drive from here, the De Hoop Nature Reserve encompasses a picturesque stretch of coast and its beautiful hinterland with 1,400 species of plants, some extremely rare, and 63 species of mammals (50 of them on land and 13 in the sea).

About 300 kilometers north of Cape Town, the rugged Cederberg Wilderness Area wows photographers with its wide-open vistas and bizarre rock formations tinged red by iron oxides. The Cedarberg is also famed for its wooded gorges and caves adorned with Bushman paintings, as well as its unique flora, such as the white snow protea, which is only found in this area.

Named for the once plentiful cedars that grew here, the Cederberg is a range of hills extending for some 100 kilometers between Clanwilliam to the north and Ceres to the south, which reaches its highest point in the Sneeuberg (2,028 meters). Hiking trails criss cross the area, and, not surprisingly, rock climbing is also popular. The best time for a visit to the Cederberg is between September and April-especially September and October when the wildflowers are in bloom.

In the fertile valley of the Olifants River, the town of Clanwilliam makes a great base for visiting the Cederberg Wilderness Area, with its Cape Dutch-style buildings; Rooibos Teahouse; and the beautiful Ramskop Nature Reserve, which ignites in a blaze of colorful wildflowers during August and September.

North of Clanwilliam, a scenic road winds its way up to the Pakhuis Pass with panoramic views. Another worthwhile side trip, 32 kilometers from Clanwilliam, is the beautiful Biedouw Valley with bizarre rock formations and gorgeous spring flowers. Also stop by the quaint little town of Wupperthal with its white-washed thatch-topped cottages.

About 220 kilometers from Cape Town, Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of the Republic of South Africa as well as the African continent itself. Here, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, a fact that is announced rather unassumingly on a small cobalt blue sign. Although not as scenic as the dramatic coastline at Cape Point ( South Africa's most southwesterly point), this is a place for travelers to tick off their bucket list. It is also a good place to stop and breathe in the crisp sea air on the gently sloping rocky beaches, and snap a photo next to the sign.

Cape Agulhas means "Cape of Needles," possibly alluding to the fact that compass needles of the early Portuguese navigators pointed due north here; others think that the name refers to the sharp reefs off the coast. The lighthouse, now a museum, was built in 1848 and is the second oldest in South Africa. A radio beacon warns ships rounding the Cape, although visitors will see the rusted hulls of vessels that succumbed to frequent rogue waves. The sea in this area is one of the world's most productive fishing grounds.

Matjiesfontein , in the Little Karoo, halfway between Cape Town and Beaufort West, is a quirky little town that feels like it's frozen in time. In 1880, a Scot named James Logan settled here and founded a spa after the dry air cured his chronic lung disease. The spa was a great success, and in the late 19th century, it lured the rich and famous, among them the Sultan of Zanzibar and Lord Randolph Churchill (Winston Churchill's father).

Matjiesfontein was declared a national monument in 1975, and today, it preserves many buildings of the Victorian era, including the elegant Lord Milner Hotel. Staff dressed in period costume add to the historical feel. Matjiesfontein is popular with South Africans for weekend trips as well as international travelers who stop here on train journeys from the interior of the country to Cape Town.

Oudtshoorn is all about the ostriches. This quaint old town nestled between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains in the Klein Karoo dubs itself the "ostrich capital of the world." And indeed you will find everything from ostrich egg omelettes to ostrich steaks on restaurant menus, while shops are filled with ostrich feather dusters and ostrich leather purses and even ostrich biltong, which is the South African version of jerky.

There are also numerous farms surrounding Oudtshoorn that breed ostriches and give tours. Highgate Ostrich Show Farm is one such place, 10 kilometers south of town. Back in town, the C.P. Nell Museum tells the story of Outdshoorn's relation to this flightless bird, tracing its history back to the first ostrich-feather boom of 1865 to 1870.

If you're sick of ostriches, head north to the Cango Caves. They are a wild network of 20-million-year-old limestone caves that are the largest of their kind in all of Africa. Tours are offered of this awesome underground wonder.

Located on the N2 highway about 220 kilometers east of Cape Town, Swellendam is South Africa's third oldest own and is well preserved. Most of the 50 heritage buildings display the signature white Cape Dutch architecture, and the town hosts a number of good restaurants and small hotels.

The town sits at the edge of the beautiful Langeberg Mountain range. Pay a visit to Two Feathers Horse Trails to explore on horseback. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, they will tailor trail rides for you.

Swellendam also serves as the gateway to South Africa's smallest national park, Bontebok National Park . The park was established in 1931 for the purpose of preserving the bontebok, which is a medium-sized antelope.

While not as well known as other South African provinces for its safari experiences, the Western Cape is nonetheless still home to opportunities for Big Five wildlife viewing. Yep, you can see lions, buffalos, elephants, rhinos, and leopards (the Big Five) along with a host of other African animals from giraffes to zebras here.

Head to the Gondwana Game Reserve in Kleinberg on the Garden Route for one such experience. The property is home to a few different lodging options. You can stay at the luxury Kwena Lodge, which features 180-degree views from giant windows thanks to the circular design of the 14 individually standing suites.

The Fynbos Villas and Bush Villas are perfect for families. They are spacious three- or four-bedroom dwellings. They come with kitchens, and a dining area opening onto a wraparound deck for game viewing and endless stars at night. There is also a tented eco-camp that is a very unique experience for those who want to be involved in conservation work and have a remote, natural safari experience. Three- and five-night packages are available.

Unlike many wildlife reserves in South Africa, Gondwana offers a number of different packages, from all-inclusive with full board and game drives to bed and breakfast choices.

Address: R327 Heuningklip Farm, Herbertsdale, 6505

Official site: https://gondwanagr.co.za/

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Go to the Mother City : Cape Town is the major city of the Western Cape and a destination in its own right. It would be easy to spend weeks exploring the Mother City, as it is called. For a more in-depth read check out our guide to the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cape Town & Easy Day Trips . It will introduce you to top beaches like Camps Bay and Clifton Beach , as well as historic must-sees, like Robben Island , where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

Eastern Cape Explorations: From the Western Cape it is also easy to access the Eastern Cape, which is filled with game parks, culture, and plenty of wild beaches. For more on exploring this province, see our Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Eastern Cape article. It gives the scoop on areas like the Wild Coast, where the surf beaches are fantastic and the Xhosa culture strong, as well as Addo Elephant Park , South Africa's third largest national park.

More on South Africa

The Top 18 Things to Do in the Western Cape, South Africa

Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Getty Images

Wrapping around the twin coasts of southern South Africa , the Western Cape is roughly the size of Louisiana. Its landscapes are both majestic and varied, ranging from beaches and coastal woodland to the semi-arid desert of the Karoo and the soaring Cederberg Mountains. A third of the province’s population live in Cape Town, a top South African tourist destination famed for its world-class culture and cuisine. Other must-do activities in the Western Cape include wine tasting, whale watching, and learning about South Africa’s multicultural history. 

Drive the Garden Route from Mossel Bay to Storms River

TripSavvy / Chris VR

Arguably one of the most scenic drives in South Africa, the Garden Route stretches for roughly 125 miles along the coast, and is a great introduction to the province for first-time visitors. Make stops along the way to see some of the Western Cape’s most attractive towns and beaches. Tee off on championship golf courses in George; ride epic surf breaks in Victoria Bay; visit the wildlife sanctuaries around The Crags; go zip lining in Tsitsikamma National Park; or bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge , home to the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump. 

Watch Southern Right Whales in Hermanus

Jan-Otto/Getty Images

Part fisherman’s village, part holiday resort, the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus is best known as the whale watching capital of South Africa. Every year, southern right whales arrive by the hundreds to mate, calve, and raise their young in the protected waters of Walker Bay (and within a few hundred feet from the shore!). You can watch them for free from lookout points along the Hermanus Cliff Path, and with an official Whale Crier to announce sightings, you’ll never miss out on the action. Whale season runs from June to December.

Snack on Fresh Oysters in Knysna

Cultura Exclusive/Sofie Delauw/Getty Images

Another Garden Route gem, Knysna is framed by the Outeniqua Mountains on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. In between the two lies a beautiful estuary and lagoon, creating the perfect habitat for fresh oysters. Oysters are the focus of many Knysna restaurants. You can pair oysters with local white wine while learning more about the oyster industry on a cruise of the lagoon , or immerse yourself in oyster-producing culture at the annual Oyster Festival . The latter is usually held over 10 days at the end of June.

Hike Coastal Trails in Robberg Nature Reserve

@places-4-you/Getty Images

A 15-minute drive from the center of Plettenberg Bay takes you into the pristine wilderness of Robberg Nature Reserve . Here, you can expect stunning ocean panoramas, unique sand dunes, evidence of Stone Age habitation, and the Cape Seal Lighthouse (the highest on the South African coastline). While exploring the peninsula’s hiking trails, keep an eye out for blue duiker and abundant birdlife. Seals and dolphins are spotted year-round, while whales are frequently seen in winter. The daily conservation fee costs 50 rand (about $2.80) per adult and 30 rand (about $1.70) per child. 

Tee Off at an Iconic Golf Course

Richard Heathcote/Staff/Getty Images

According to Golf Digest South Africa , all three of the golf courses at Fancourt Hotel near George rank among the top 15 courses in the country. One of them, The Links, occupies the number one ranking and is an iconic destination for golf enthusiasts. Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the course offers 18 championship holes set amidst undulating, dune-style landscapes, the Outeniqua Mountains serving as the backdrop. To play on The Links, you need to be a member or an overnight guest at the 5-star Fancourt Hotel. 

Head Underground Into the Cango Caves

Dominiquedelacroix/Getty Images 

Venture inland to the Klein Karoo region to discover one of the Western Cape’s most famous geological features: The Cango Caves. Carved millions of years ago out of Precambrian limestone, the cave system now offers guided Heritage and Adventure tours. Wander from one illuminated dripstone cavern to the next, marveling at the fantastic formations created by age-old stalagmites and stalactites. The caves can be found roughly 20 miles north of Oudtshoorn (a town famous for its ostrich farms) on the R328. They are open every day except Christmas Day .

Go On a Self-Drive Safari Through Karoo National Park

 Jessica Macdonald

Located near Beaufort West in the Great Karoo, Karoo National Park offers a completely different safari experience to Big Five reserves like the Kruger . Its semi-desert scenery ranges from vast areas of open scrubland to towering plateaus accessed by switchback passes. The best way to explore is in your own vehicle (rent a 4x4 if you want to tackle the park’s off-road eco trails). Keep an eye out for desert-adapted wildlife, ranging from eland and klipspringer antelope to hyenas, jackals, and lions. Entry costs 224 rand (about $12.70) per adult, per day. 

Visit Cape Agulhas, Africa's Most Southerly Point

Vera Shestak/Getty Images 

Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point on the African continent, and the official meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. These geographical extremes are marked by a cairn (great for photos). You can also climb 71 steps to the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and Museum—the oldest working lighthouse in Southern Africa —and hear stories of the many ships that have fallen foul of the region’s rough seas. The wreck of the Meisho Maru is still visible on the Cape Agulhas shoreline. Entry to Agulhas National Park costs 184 rand (about $10.40) per adult. 

Admire Stunning Scenery in the Cederberg Mountains

Michael Cook - Altai World Photography/Getty Images

The Cederberg Mountains stretch between the rural towns of Clanwilliam and Citrusdal, and are known for their dramatic sandstone rock formations. Come to hike and rock climb amidst astonishing scenery, and to discover the mysteries of the region’s ancient San and Khoi rock art sites. Fly fishermen can cast a line into mountain streams in hope of hooking a Clanwilliam yellowfish, while botanists will appreciate the endemic fynbos that make the Cederberg part of UNESCO ’s Cape Floral Region. The CapeNature-managed Cederberg Wildnerness Area offers self-catering chalets and campsites.

Fish for Record Catches in the Breede River

jess311/Getty Images

The mouth of the Breede River is known as one of the best destinations in the Western Cape for fishermen. Fish the estuary for trophy saltwater species including kob, spotted grunter, and garrick—or join a deep sea charter in search of musselcrackers and yellowfin tuna in season. Mudlark Riverfront Lodge makes for an excellent base, with boats available for rent and great shore fishing from the property itself. Before wading too deeply into the river, remember that the biggest bull shark on record was also caught in the Breede River. 

Tour the Picturesque Villages of the Cape West Coast

Ulrich Doering/Getty Images

If you’ve done the Garden Route and want to step off the beaten track, journey up the Atlantic coast instead. The Cape West Coast stretches north of Cape Town to the provincial border, and is dotted with rugged, unspoiled beaches and sleepy fishing villages. Some of the top places to visit include Elands Bay (home to some of the best surfing in the country), St. Helena (famous for whale watching), and Paternoster. Paternoster is a top spot for foodies, with renowned seafood restaurants such as Leeto Restaurant at the top-rated Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel .

Look For Birds and Blooms in West Coast National Park

geoffsp/Getty Images

Located just 1.5 hours from Cape Town near the idyllic town of Langebaan, West Coast National Park is a well-known destination for birders and botanists. Its focal point is the Langebaan Lagoon, a world Ramsar site. Here, a series of hides allow birdwatchers and photographers a close-up view of indigenous and migrant waterbirds, including large flocks of greater and lesser flamingos. From August to September every year, the park’s main attraction is its wildflowers , which bloom in an astonishing profusion of color across the Seeberg/Mooimaak and Postberg areas. 

Spend the Day on the Franschhoek Wine Tram

Jessica Macdonald

The Western Cape is famous for the world-class vineyards that dot the hills and valleys of the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch , Paarl, and Franschhoek. With so many to choose from, one of the best ways to experience the region’s winemaking heritage is on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. This hop-on, hop-off service transports you between selected wine farms on a vintage tram or tram-bus, leaving you free to enjoy the spectacular scenery en route. Choose from several different routes and decide how long you want to spend at each stop. 

Learn About Apartheid History in Cape Town

TripSavvy / Faye Strassle

In between experiencing all the amazing things that Cape Town has to offer, take the time to learn about apartheid, the era of state-sanctioned racism that ended with the democratic election of Nelson Mandela in 1994. Your first stop should be Robben Island and the former prison where Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years alongside other notable freedom fighters. Next, visit District Six , where Black Africans were forcibly evicted after the neighborhood was designated a whites-only area in 1966. Or, take a guided tour of Khayelitsha township .

Take a Drive Along the Southern Peninsula

Explore beyond Cape Town’s touristy V&A Waterfront by hiring a car and taking a drive through the seaside villages and viewpoints of the Southern Peninsula. Top stops along the way include the historic naval base of Simon’s Town and nearby Boulders Beach , where you can walk among the world’s most famous colony of endangered African penguins. Continue on to Hout Bay via Chapman’s Peak Drive, stopping at cliffside viewpoints along the way to admire mesmerizing ocean views. If you're feeling hungry, Hout Bay’s harborfront Wharfside Grill is well-known for its local seafood.

Climb or Ride the Cableway Up Table Mountain

Chiara Salvadori/Getty Images

Table Mountain ’s flat-topped silhouette looms over Cape Town city center and contributes to its status as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A visit to the top is a rite of passage for any first-time visitor, whether you choose to ride the cableway or hike up the mountain’s north face. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the city and Table Bay spread out below. The easiest hiking route takes 2.5 hours, while the last cable car takes you up in time for sunset. 

Dive With Sevengill Sharks in Cape Town's Kelp Forests

James R.D. Scott/Getty Images

For adrenaline junkies in search of the ultimate rush, there’s nothing quite like encountering apex marine predators in their natural environment. Into the Blue Scuba Centre in Cape Town offers qualified divers the opportunity to come face-to-face with prehistoric sevengill sharks in the kelp forests near Simon’s Town. Shark Explorers , on the other hand, allows non-divers the chance to view them from the safety of a shark cage. Cape Town’s dive sites are also frequented by smaller shark species, including the adorable striped pyjama shark. Shore dives start from 450 rand (about $25.50) per person.

Travel Back in Time in Colonial Matjiesfontein

GroblerduPreez/Getty Images 

Founded in 1884 by Scottish railwayman James Douglas Logan, the Central Karoo town of Matjiesfontein grew to fame during the Victorian era as a spa town. In 1975, the entire town was declared a National Monument in recognition of its fine Victorian architecture. Stay at the beautifully restored, 19 th -century Lord Milner Hotel and discover its history as a military hospital during the Anglo-Boer War. Visit old-fashioned cars and wagons at the Transport Museum, or take South Africa’s shortest hop-on, hop-off tour aboard a vintage London bus. 

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Explore Western Cape

Plan Your Trip to Western Cape: Best of Western Cape Tourism

Essential western cape.

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More Western Cape Picks

Iconic things to do.

Must-see attractions in Western Cape

Babylonstoren

This 2.5-sq-km wine and fruit farm is on the north slope of the Simonsberg mountain between Klapmuts and Paarl. Its highlight is an 800-sq-metre, formally…

Franschhoek

There’s enough to keep you occupied for a full day at this vast estate just west of Franschhoek. As well as tastings of the superb shiraz range, wine…

This is a quintessential Winelands estate, with lovely architecture, food and wine. Tasting options include bubbly, brandy or wine and chocolate pairing…

West Coast Fossil Park

West Coast & Swartland

The first bear discovered south of the Sahara, lion-size sabre-toothed cats, three-toed horses and short-necked giraffes are all on display at this…

Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Western Cape

This coastal reserve has excellent hikes and is a prime birdwatching spot. The main attractions though, other than the ocean vistas, are the impressive…

Spice Route

Spice Route is known for its complex red wines, particularly the Flagship syrah. Aside from wine there is a lot going on, including glass-blowing…

Spier Hotel and Wine Farm

Stellenbosch

Spier has some excellent shiraz, cabernet and red blends, though a visit to this vast winery is less about wine and more about the other activities…

This quiet spot in a gracious old homestead serves delectable, organically made wines. The formal tasting takes around an hour, or you can join a two-hour…

Viljoensdrift

One of Robertson’s most popular places to sip, especially on weekends. Put together a picnic from the deli, buy a bottle from the cellar door and taste on…

Simon van der Stel’s son Willem first planted vines here in 1700. The buildings and elegant grounds have ravishing mountain views and a ‘stately home’…

Genadendal Mission Station

Some 6km west of Greyton is Genadendal, the oldest mission station in South Africa, founded in 1738 and for a brief time the largest settlement in the…

Dias Museum Complex

Garden Route

This excellent museum offers insight into Mossel Bay's role as an early stomping ground for European sailors. Named for 15th-century Portuguese explorer…

Stanford Hills

Taste the Jacksons pinotage here – a fine example of South Africa’s home-grown grape variety. There’s also charming self-catering accommodation available …

Warwick Estate

Warwick’s red wines are legendary, particularly its Bordeaux blends. The winery offers an informative Big Five wine safari (referring to grape varieties,…

Cederberg Wilderness Area

As you drive, bike or hike through the bizarre-shaped, weathered-sandstone formations, glowing ochre in the fabulous Cederberg light, you'd be forgiven…

Swartberg Nature Reserve

The main attraction in the Swartberg Nature Reserve is Gamkaskloof, a narrow valley better known as Die Hel. One of the most remote settlements in the…

De Hoop Nature Reserve

Covering 340 sq km and extending 5km out to sea, this reserve has a magnificent coastline, with long stretches of pristine beach and huge dunes. It’s an…

Cango Caves

Named after the Khoe-San word for ‘a wet place’, the Cango Caves are heavily commercialised but still very impressive. The one-hour tour gives just a…

Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve

This mountainous and forested reserve stretches from Jonkershoek in the west to Villiersdorp in the east, skirting the Theewaterskloof Dam. There are day…

Tastings take place on a wooden deck overlooking a reservoir – it's a delightful spot. The real draw, though, is the 'blend your own' experience, where…

Plettenberg Bay

This very popular attraction helps rehabilitate wild monkeys that have been in zoos or private homes. The walking safari through a dense forest and across…

The stunning contemporary architecture here is a fine contrast to the familiar Cape Dutch buildings at older estates. The estate specialises in biodynamic…

Grande Provence

A beautifully revamped, 18th-century manor house that is home to a stylish restaurant and a splendid gallery showcasing contemporary South African art…

Villiera produces several excellent Méthode Cap Classique wines and a highly rated and well-priced shiraz. Excellent two-hour wildlife drives (adult/child…

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

A Big Five reserve in the Little Karoo, 18km west of Barrydale, with wildlife activities for those staying in its three ultra-luxurious lodges.

Knysna Lagoon

The Knysna Lagoon opens between two sandstone cliffs known as the Heads – once proclaimed by the British Royal Navy to be the most dangerous harbour…

Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Proclaimed in 1988 as South Africa's first Unesco Biosphere Reserve, the Kogelberg has incredibly complex biodiversity, including more than 1880 plant…

Garden Route National Park (Wilderness Section)

Formerly the Wilderness National Park, this section has now been incorporated into the vast and scattered Garden Route National Park along with the Knysna…

West Coast National Park

This park encompasses the clear, blue waters of the Langebaan Lagoon and is home to an enormous number of birds. It covers around 310 sq km and protects…

Robberg Nature & Marine Reserve

This reserve, 8km southeast of Plettenberg Bay, protects a 4km-long peninsula with a rugged coastline of cliffs and rocks. There are three circular day…

Karoo National Park

The Karoo National Park covers 900 sq km of impressive Karoo landscapes and representative flora. Lions have been reintroduced and you might also spot…

Goukamma Nature Reserve

This reserve is accessible from the Buffalo Bay road, and protects 14km of rocky coastline, sandstone cliffs, dunes covered with coastal fynbos (fine bush…

!Khwa ttu is the only San-owned and -operated culture centre in the Western Cape. It's based on an 8.5-sq-km nature reserve within the ancestral lands of…

Marloth Nature Reserve

Perched in the Langeberge, 1.5km north of town, this reserve is particularly pretty in October and November when the ericas are in flower. If the day…

Agulhas National Park

Africa's southernmost national park has exceptional birdwatching possibilities and hikes ranging from 3km to 10km in length. Recommended is the 5.5km…

Solms-Delta

In addition to tastings and sales, various heritage tours are available at this excellent winery. The museum here covers Cape history and tells the Solms…

Tokara is renowned for its excellent wines – particularly chardonnay and sauvignon blanc – and for its upmarket restaurant (mains R210 to R260; bookings…

Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Showcasing the array of succulents and desert plants found in the Karoo, this garden is well worth a stop if you're travelling along the N1. Only a small…

Wupperthal Mission Station

This Moravian mission station, 74km southeast of Clanwilliam, dates back to 1830. Attractions include the original church and workshops – where handmade…

A short drive from the centre of Stellenbosch, this wine estate is also great for families: kids can enjoy the petting farm, lawn games and a juice and…

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Western Cape

• 2 Cities and towns
• 3.1 National parks
• 3.2 Other nature reserves
• 3.3 Islands
• 4 Understand
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By train
• 6.3 By a guide

The Western Cape is the most south-western province in South Africa , covering many of South Africa's tourist destinations and attractions.

Regions [ edit ]

The Western Cape can be divided in the following regions:

Cities and towns [ edit ]

• -33.925278 18.423889 1 Cape Town — one of the world's top destinations
• -33.936667 18.861389 2 Stellenbosch — a university town in the winelands
• -33.724167 18.955833 3 Paarl — famous for having one of the world's largest rock outcrops and the Afrikaans Language Monument.
• -33.9667 22.45 4 George — gateway to the Garden Route
• -34.035556 23.048889 5 Knysna — a beautiful city in the Garden Route
• -34.183333 22.133333 6 Mossel Bay — stunning beaches
• -33.583333 22.2 7 Oudtshoorn — the ostrich capital of the country, near the Cango Caves

Other destinations [ edit ]

• -34.582778 19.352222 2 Gansbaai — on the majestic Walker Bay and with an unspoilt and untouched hinterland, ruled by floral abundance
• -34.416667 19.3 3 Hermanus — famous for the whale-watching
• -33.783333 20.116667 4 Montagu — hot spa water, high quality rock climbing routes, and plenty of adventure activities
• -34.023056 20.44 5 Swellendam — one of the oldest European settlements in South Africa, houses some fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture
• -33.351089 18.149639 6 Yzerfontein — spring flowers, whales, a sixteen-mile beach and west coast hospitality
• -32.274167 19.209167 7 Wupperthal — a tiny beautiful village near the Cederberg Wilderness area
• -32.816667 17.883333 8 Paternoster — a tiny fishing village on the West Coast, an area with stunning flowers
• -33.9667 23.8833 9 Storms River — near the Tsitsikamma National Park

National parks [ edit ]

• -34.827222 20.006667 10 Agulhas National Park
• -34.0667 20.45 11 Bontebok National Park — a small but beautiful park near Swellendam
• Knysna Lake Area
• -34.021669 23.895561 12 Tsitsikamma National Park
• -33.9899 22.6088 13 Wilderness National Park
• -32.2622 22.3091 14 Karoo National Park — a sanctuary for herds of springbok, Oryx, zebra, buffalo, hartebeest, rhinoceros, eland, kudu, klipspringer, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackal, ostriches, and lions
• -33.9667 18.425 15 Table Mountain National Park
• Tankwa Karoo National Park
• West Coast National Park — 120 km north of Cape Town , between Yzerfontein & Langebaan

Other nature reserves [ edit ]

• Cederberg Wilderness Area , ☏ +27 27 482-2812 . Rugged and isolated area with some fine hiking options. Permission is required and the number of hikers is limited.  
• -34.4342 20.5478 16 De Hoop Nature Reserve - perfect for whale watching
• Great Winterhoek Wilderness Area .  
• Knysna Elephant Park .  

Islands [ edit ]

• -33.423056 18.084722 17 Dassen Island — 10 km west of Yzerfontein
• -33.805 18.37 18 Robben Island — in Table Bay

Understand [ edit ]

The Western Cape is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa and offers a broad range of attractions. From the tourism hot-spot of Cape Town to the lovely scenery of the Garden Route the region offers something for everyone. So this is the right place for starting your South Africa experience.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Cape Town's international airport is the country's second largest after Johannesburg . There is also an airport in George which offers connections to most major cities in South Africa.

By train [ edit ]

Spoornet [dead link] operates regular inter-city trains from Cape Town to Johannesburg , Worcester , Beaufort West , Durban , Kimberley , Bloemfontein , Pietermaritzburg and East London .

MetroRail [dead link] operates frequent commuter trains to towns and suburbs near Cape Town , such as Simon's Town , Bellville , Malmesbury , Somerset West , Stellenbosch , Strand , Worcester and Paarl .

By car [ edit ]

The Western Cape is easily accessible from the rest of the country by car.

By bus [ edit ]

Greyhound offers a plethora of inter-city routes nation-wide.

Get around [ edit ]

The main bus companies offer regular services in the Western Cape (e.g. Intercape, Greyhound, Translux) as does the Baz Bus.

There is a good road network and as some places are not accessible by public transport this is a good way to travel the Cape. Car rental is available in Cape Town and in the larger towns.

By a guide [ edit ]

There are a few hundred registered and qualified guides who know their way in Cape Town and the Western Cape. The Cape Tour Guides Association [dead link] can provide travellers with a list of all tour guides and their specialities.

See [ edit ]

• Table Mountain in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
• Cape Winelands around Paarl , Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
• Garden Route along the South Coast

Do [ edit ]

The Western Cape offers nearly everything a traveler could want. From buzzing night-life in Cape Town and Stellenbosch to wonderful beaches and many outdoor options. So the basic itinerary should include some days in Cape Town , a visit to the Cape of Good Hope (and don`t miss the penguins at Boulders Beach ), wine tasting in Paarl or Franschhoek or Robertson , Swartland and Overberg , and a trip along the Garden Route . There are also a number of smaller National Parks with hiking trails for a day out. One of the newer 'primary unusual destinations' is Soekershof Walkabout located in Klaas Voogds along Route 62. This place consists among others of the largest permanent hedge mazes in the world; a philosopher's garden and unique succulent gardens with the oldest cactus -anno 1910- of South Africa. Visitors can earn a memento by fulfilling a quest. In the Robertson Valley are diverse hiking trails such as Arrangies Kop and Die Vrolijkheid

• Rock Climbing
• Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay The waters of Cape Town are relatively extensively surveyed and explored by divers. There are more dive sites than most people would visit in a lifetime's diving, some of them quite deep, and many requiring specialised equipment and the competence to use it. Also a large number of relatively easy and accessible dives, including shallow shore dives. There is also relatively good supporting infrastructure of dive shops, schools and charter boats. Conditions are variable and mostly depend on recent weather conditions, but there are sites reasonably protected from wind and waves from most directions.
• Diving in Hermanus
• Diving at Gansbaai
• Diving at Agulhas and Struisbaai
• Diving at Knysna and the Dalgleish Bank
• Diving at Plettenberg Bay

Events [ edit ]

The Cape Epic is a seven-stage mountain bike race from Cape Town to Val de Ve Estate in March.

Eat [ edit ]

Cape Town offers everything you want. Along the coast look-out for some fish and oysters, while in the Cape Winelands head for some of the countries finest dining experiences.

Drink [ edit ]

This is the region to taste South Africa's best wine. Tour the cellars around Paarl , Stellenbosch and Franschhoek but check for a driver before.

The wine producing areas in the Overberg , Swartland and Robertson are gaining international recognition. The wine tasting in these areas is free. While the wines of the traditional wine-producing areas of South Africa are moved to the lower shelves of the European supermarkets, the ones from the upcoming areas can be found in top restaurants and special liquor stores and wine boutiques in Europe and North America as premium brands.

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Plan Your Trip to Western Cape: Best of Western Cape Tourism

Essential western cape.

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18 SECLUDED SMALL TOWNS IN THE WESTERN CAPE TO VISIT IN 2021

I have never thought that in my lifetime I will experience a time where borders would be closed for international travel due to a world-wide pandemic or having anxiety about catching a deadly virus when I think about visiting other countries.

To help you travel safely around the Western Cape and still maintain social distance, I have compiled a list of beautiful secluded small towns and farms you can visit in 2021. I have visited every town in this list and experienced tour activities and accommodation establishments I recommended to ensure that my advice is based on first-hand experience and that every supplier is tried-and-tested, registered, and uses only the best qualified Tour Guides and operators and the area is safe for anyone to visit.

I have negotiated some discounts on your behalf with some of the accommodation establishments and activities suppliers.

1. ST HELENA BAY

St Helena Bay has to be one of my top favourite seaside small towns in the Western Cape. I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, I love nature and sometimes I prefer the quietness away from the city buzz. This coastal holiday destination with an unspoiled coastline and picturesque sea views offers me all three.

This bay was named after the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama in 1947 after discovering it during his pioneer voyage from Europe to India. Residents here are fortunate to begin and end each day with both the sunrise and sunset across the sea. This is due to its geographic location along perspective bay, facing northeast to northeast inland. Looking over St. Helena Bay lies Cape St Martin Private Nature Reserve where you can watch the amazing sunrise and sunset over the sea. The actual bay of St Helena stretches from Dwarskersbos in the north, past Shelley Point Peninsula, to Cape St Martin in the west, traversing a total of eighteen bays.

There are three gorgeous beaches surrounding the peninsula of Shelley Point, each with its own unique characteristics. Tucked away on the northern side where Shelley Point Hotel is located, is the protected Shelley Bay named due to the fusion of sand, beach pebbles, and shells found around the area. On the western side is Britannia Bay beach, an unspoiled 5km stretch of white sand, and Stompneus Bay beach on the eastern side is characterised by little coves of alternating rock and sand.

For accommodation with a private beach book at Shelley Point Hotel or Oystercatcher Lodge on Shelley Bay side or The Tin Shack on the hill to enjoy views of Stompneus Bay.

ACTIVITIES IN SHELLEY POINT

1. COASTAL DRIVE

The total duration varies from 2.5 hours to about 4 hours depending on the time available to guests and it costs only R250 per person (maximum of 6 guests per trip). Book directly with Shelley Point Hotel and Spa at +27 22 742 1065 or by e-mail at [email protected] / [email protected]

2. ENJOY A GUIDED SEA KAYAK TOUR

Explore the calm water of St. Helena Bay and the bays surrounding Shelley Point on a guided Sea Kayak tour. There is an opportunity to see wonderful wildlife such as dolphins, seals, penguins, whales (seasonal), sunfish, and occasionally otters in their natural environment. For rates, availability and bookings contact [email protected] or +27 82 805 5363.

3. HORSE RIDING EXPERIENCE

Explore the beauty of the West Coast’s white sandy beaches on a horseback. Price is R400.00 per person and booking is essential. Book directly with the hotel at +27 22 742 1065 or by e-mail [email protected] / [email protected]

4. PLAY GOLF ON 9-HOLE LINKS GOLF COURSE

A challenging 9-hole links golf course winds its way through the lush peninsula. Splendid homes blend seamlessly into the environment, well-manicured gardens, fairways, and green belts all add to an unprecedented day out.

Rates start from R160 – R320. For availability and bookings please contact the Shelley Point Golf Club at 022 742 1037

5. EXPLORE SHELLEY POINT PENINSULA, HIKE AND CYCLE

You can bring your own bicycle or rent one from the hotel and enjoy trails and gravel roads in the surrounding hills. You can also explore Shelley Point Peninsula to enjoy the beauty of three natural bays and sandy white beaches. Enquire directly with the hotel at +27 22 742 1065 or by e-mail [email protected] / [email protected]

2. PATERNOSTER

Paternoster is a small, quaint, and picturesque seaside fishing town situated about 150km from Cape Town city and 15km from Vredenburg on the West Coast.

Nestled between Saldanha Bay and St Helena Bay, Paternoster is now a sought-after tourist destination known for its remarkable coastline of jagged cliffs and white boulders, amazing sunsets, warm-hearted people, freshly caught fish, and crayfish, scattered old colourful fishing boats, unspoiled white sandy beach, and the traditional white-washed fishermen’s cottages.

Only 4km from Paternoster is Cape Columbine, a nature reserve that boasts one of the last manned Lighthouses (built 1936) in South Africa. Here you will also find the popular Tietiesbaai lagoon which has many picnic spots and an overnight camping area.

FUN THINGS ABOUT PATERNOSTER:

1. The panty bar at the Paternoster hotel – Located at The Paternoster Hotel, this unique and famous Pub, worldwide known as the Panty Bar, once served as a jail. Yes, there are many panties hanging from the ceiling collected from honeymooners.

2. Paternoster brewery – Paternoster has its own beer, Paternoster Pilsner. The brewery also offers food and tasting experiences from their restaurant.

3. Beach horseback riding – Ride a horse along the beach. Drikus offers 1h15min daily rides for beginners and well-experienced riders.

4. Kayak Paternoster – Paddle out between the rocks to see visiting seabirds, penguins, and Paternoster from a different angle with an experienced guide. Other water activities include kite surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kite flying, hiking, and for the brave – swimming in the cold West Coast water.

5. Marine wildlife – Spotting dolphins, seals, birds, and whales (in season – July to October) is also a popular activity in the bay.

6. Electric bike tours – WOW eBikes is a vibrant and dynamic tour company offering electric bike tours to Columbine Nature Reserve including Tittiesbaai and Paternoster beach.

ACCOMMODATION IN PATERNOSTER:

There is plenty of accommodation in the area from B&B, apartments, holiday homes, guest houses, cottages , and hotels . Check out Gonana Guest House if you would like accommodation with easy access to the beach – Just a few steps away.

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel (For those with luxury taste), and Paternoster Lodge , Paternoster Villas , Paternoster Dunes Boutique Guest House are worth checking out too.

RESTAURANTS IN PATERNOSTER:

For authentic fish and chips or fish burgers, look for ON THE ROCKS CAFÉ next to the main beach. For crayfish, go to The Paternoster Crayfish Wharf situated on the grounds of a working fish factory, Paternoster Vissery. Other popular restaurants are Noisy Oyster Paternoster, Paternoster Lodge Restaurant, Gaaitjie, and Wolfgat. Wolfgat needs to be booked months in advance because of its international popularity.

Remember to take a walk around the area and to support local businesses such as art galleries, pottery studios, glass studio, food stalls, and stores.

3. LANGEBAAN

Langebaan is a coastal town on the West Coast, located just 120km from Cape Town. There were two things that made me decide to get inside my car and drive to this place, Club Mykonos Resort and Langebaan Lagoon inside the West Coast National Park.

It’s amazing how much I’ve learned about this town and the two main things that made me fall in love with it are now just part of many things I love about Langebaan.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND LANGEBAAN

1. VISIT WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

West Coast National Park is popular for its bright blue salt lagoon, birdlife, and for spring flowers which occur only between August and September in the Postberg Flower Reserve section of the park. Wildlife inside the park includes small animals such as tortoise, caracal, bat-eared fox, cape gray mongoose, reptiles, and other large animals such as antelope, bontebok, eland, gemsbok, red hartebeest, kudu, steenbok, duiker, ostriches, and mountain zebra in the Postberg section.

2. VISIT POSTBERG FLOWER RESERVE DURING FLOWER SEASON

This is one of the most visited flower hotspots on the West Coast. Even though it’s part of the West Coast National Park , the Postberg Flower Reserve is only open during the flower season (August and September). This is to make sure the reserve is as undisturbed as possible until the next season.

3. VISIT CLUB MYKONOS RESORT AND CASINO

My little piece of Greece on the West Coast – At least that’s how I felt when I first visited Club Mykonos Resort in Langebaan. Located on the serene shores of the scenic Langebaan Lagoon, Club Mykonos is a family-friendly premium holiday resort offering different types of accommodation, activities, a variety of eateries and facilities.

4. SLEEP AT KRAALBAAI LUXURY HOUSEBOATS INSIDE WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

Kraalbaai Luxury Houseboats are located on the Langebaan Lagoon inside West Coast National Park. This unique experience offers you the opportunity of “living on the water”. With breathtaking lagoon views and all nature has to offer on your doorstep, these houseboats are ideal for a family getaway or even a romantic retreat. For bookings contact +27 760 174788 or [email protected]

5. VISIT WEST COAST FOSSIL PARK

The West Coast Fossil Park is located on the West Coast, approximately 20km from Club Mykonos Resort and is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil faunal remains that date to the terminal Miocene/early Pliocene (circa 5.2 million years ago).

6. ENJOY A BIG 4 GAME DRIVE AT BUFFELSFONTEIN GAME AND NATURE RESERVE

Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve offers one of the largest selections of wildlife just an hour drive from Cape Town. This 1600ha family-owned reserve is home to 4 of the big five (Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard), Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, Eland, Oryx, Blue Wildebeest, Mountain Reedbuck, Red Hartebeest, and many more.

7. VISIT THALI THALI GAME AND FYNBOS RESERVE

Enjoy game drives, have fun with archery lessons or enjoy sundowners on the deck at Thali Thali Game Lodge . Thali Thali Game Reserve is a 1460ha game and fynbos reserve situated just 120km from Cape Town, bordering the  West Coast National Park  and  Langebaan . This reserve boasts a wide range of game such as cape buffalo, water buffalo, kudu, oryx, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, zebra, sable antelope, red hartebeest, springbok, duiker, bontebok, steenbok, ostrich, dromedary camel, and emu.

8. TASTE THE BEST WINES AND CRAFT BEERS IN DARLING

Taste world-famous wines at Darling Cellars and discover the secret to making quality craft beer at Darling Brew in Darling.

9. KAYAK ON THE WEST COAST LAGOON

Gravity Adventures currently has sole rights to operate commercial sea kayaking trips/tours on the Langebaan lagoon in the beautiful West Coast National Park. To book contact them at [email protected] or +27 21 683 3698

10. ENJOY BOAT CRUISE AROUND THE LAGOON

Elite Charters operates from the Club Mykonos Marina and offers private yacht and Catamaran charters. These are conducted mainly around the Langebaan Lagoon, West Coast Nature Reserve, and Club Mykonos. To make a booking call +27 72 702 9919

11. JET SKI ADVENTURE

Elite Wetbikes offers 10km guided Jet Ski experiences from their Jetty at Club Mykonos towards Schaapen Island and back. All riders and passengers must be able to swim and no under 16 allowed to ride on their own. Booking is essential because they are weather bound. To make a booking call +27 72 155 2611

12. MOTORCYCLE TOURS AND HIRE

If you prefer two wheels, open road, and wind on your face then you will have fun touring the West Coast on a motorcycle. On Route Harley Tours offers both self-ride and chauffeured tours. They are located at Agora Square Club inside Club Mykonos. Contact them at [email protected] or 082 883 2113

13. QUAD BIKING AND PAINTBALL SHOOTING

Active Adventures offers quad biking and paintball experiences inside Club Mykonos Resort. To book contact them at +27 73 255 7003 or [email protected]

14. KHWA TTU SAN CULTURAL CENTRE

!Khwa ttu strives to restore dignity and cultural pride, navigating a practical path between the old ways and the new world. They offer San guided tours and accommodation services.

4. YZERFONTEIN

Yzerfontein is a quaint and almost untouched seaside town on the West Coast. It’s an urban conservancy where man and nature live in harmony. This is also where the famous 16 Mile Beach, the longest uninterrupted beach on the South African coastline is found. This destination gem is situated just over 85km from Cape Town City Centre and within close proximity of Darling, !Khwa ttu San Culture and Educational Centre  , and the West Coast National Park . It’s the perfect destination choice for a quick getaway.

Yzerfontein is a rather unique destination, not only because of the spectacular seascapes, beautiful seaside holiday homes, wild fynbos, and wildflowers. The entire town is a designated conservancy with raised walkways, well-defined walking paths, and accessible beaches to allow visitors to explore almost every square of this expansive coastline.

THINGS TO DO IN YZERFONTEIN:

1. Eat at Strandkombuis  – This is an authentic West Coast seafood buffet restaurant situated on the famous 16 Mile Beach in Yzerfontein. 2. Walk along the 16 Mile Beach, bask under the sun, swim, surf, and kite-surf. 3. Spot a tractor buried on the beach. In 1979 a car got stuck on the beach and the tractor came to its rescue. It pulled the car out successfully but then got stuck itself. It still sometimes reappears depending on how low the tide is. 4. Visit the old harbour to watch boats and jet skis being launched. This place is a hive of activities and an unforgettable experience when the Snoek is in season (Aug – Nov). 5. Go hiking at the Schaapeiland Hiking Trail . This trail skirts the edge of the village of Yzerfontein. It is an easy hike for most people. 6. Learn about the African penguins at Dassen Island. Dassen Island is South Africa’s second largest Island after Robben Island and is about 10km west of Yzerfontein and is home to the African penguin. Dassen Island was declared a Nature Reserve in 1987 and is now managed by CapeNature , mainly to protect its seabirds. 7. Shop at Rosemead Artisan Bakery and Patisserie – This bakery is situated at 40 Park Street, Yzerfontein.

For accommodation in Yzerfontein, click here

5. GROTTO BAY

Grotto Bay is a private and gated seaside village inside Grotto Bay Private Nature Reserve on the West Coast. It was declared a nature reserve in 2002 and is located just 45 minutes from Cape Town city. The scenery is amazing but the beach here is not one of the best in the Western Cape, it can be wild and it’s rocky. Here you will find the beautiful and undeveloped town with few modern and large houses on the dunes overlooking the desolate beach, but there is enough accommodation to ensure the escape you are after.

If it is nature and quietness you want to experience, then Grotto Bay is easily one of the closest villages to the Mother City in which to do so. You will be surrounded by windswept vistas, fynbos, and a fantastic birdlife that includes the threatened black oystercatcher. There are plenty of hiking trails with an opportunity to spot a steenbok, ostrich, tortoise and duiker, and other small animals.

6. RIEBEEK-KASTEEL

Nestling on the slopes of its own mountain, the dramatic Kasteelberg, the surrounds are wheatlands, vineyards, and olive groves, creating a distinctive touch of the Mediterranean in Africa. Riebeek-Kasteel is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, situated 80 km north-east of Cape Town in The Riebeek Valley .

It’s also home to its very own micro-brewery, Flagship Brew; and to Kloovenburg Wine Estate. This latter destination is particularly heavenly, thanks to its luxurious accommodation space,  The Pastorie at Kloovenburg ; and to its abundance of wine, figs and olives. You can also attend the annual  Riebeek Valley Olive Festival  in May.

7. MELKBOSSTRAND

Melkbosstrand is known as the “rich man’s town” by its neighbouring suburbs and towns, such as Atlantis and Table View. This hidden town is home to a host of South African celebrities including retired rugby players mainly due to its prime location and views of Table Mountain.

Melkbosstrand is the Gateway to the West Coast, Namaqualand, and Namibia, and is rated as one of the safest towns to live in around the Western Cape.

There is a beautiful Lodge in the area called The Lodge at Atlantic Beach, a 4-star lodge situated inside the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate just 1km from Melkbosstrand Beach. The Lodge at Atlantic Beach is located on the outskirts of Melkbosstrand village, a 30-minute drive from Cape Town city.

The Lodge at Atlantic Beach overlooks the 10th fairway of one of Cape Town’s Premier Golf Estates, the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate. Guests have access to the golf course, Leisure Centre, and the Elemental Health and Beauty Spa.

Facilities also include two tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND MELKBOSSTRAND:

Atlantis dunes are located just 10km from the lodge, which means you can enjoy sandboarding and quad biking on the dunes, beach is just 1km away with few restaurants including my favourite, Damhuis restaurant  overlooking the ocean and other chain fast food outlets. You can also go hiking inside the Koeberg Nature Reserve but if you have time, you can spend a day inside the West Coast National Park or drive to Club Mykonos , Paternoster, or Khwa ttu . Other activities include paintball, horse riding, surfing, Grotto Bay trails, Air Force Museum , and The Farmyard Farm Stall.

Remember to mention discount code PINPIN to receive 10% off your booking when you book at The Lodge at Atlantic Beach .

8. BOT RIVER

The small, picturesque town of Bot River (Botrivier) lies in the foothills of the Houw Hoek Mountains, en-route to Hermanus, the whale capital of the world. The Bot River was known by the Khoi-Khoi people as the ‘Gouga’ (meaning “abundance of fat”), a tribute to the area’s reputation for “lots of butter”, which the early settlers came in search of to barter for. It was this creamy “botter” (Afrikaans) that gave the “Bot River” its ultimate name.

You can still get fresh farm butter in Bot River, but there’s a lot more you can experience in the valley today such as hiking, swimming in the dam, and cycling down the Van der Stel Pass. Instead of just passing by on your next trip to Hermanus, pay this farming community a visit. Here are a few things I enjoy while I am in the area:  

1. SEE BOT RIVER ON HORSEBACK WITH KLEIN PARADYS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Enjoy one of the exciting scenic trail rides in the beautiful Overberg offered by Klein Paradys Equestrian Centre . They offer a wide variety of different rides – tailored to suit individual abilities and requirements. They would be happy to accommodate any special requests you might have. With 17-years of experience in the business, they know the Overberg region and all it has to offer the adventurous rider. Their horses are all hand-picked for suitability and then well trained, so they are a pleasure to ride 

For bookings contact Sue at [email protected] or +27 28 284 9422 and mention discount code PINPIN to receive 10% off your booking.

2. TASTE WINES FROM THE REGION’S OLDEST WINE CELLAR AT BEAUMONT WINES

Compagnes Drift Farm was once the 18th-century outpost for the Dutch East India Company. It is now home to Beaumont Wines , a family-run farm and winery where old-fashioned values remain in high regard. Vines were planted and the cellar with its antique machinery was revived in the 1970’s and today Beaumont Wines produce a range of well-respected artisanal wines.

For bookings contact [email protected], or +27 28 284 9194 or www.beaumont.co.za

3. ZIPLINE AT CAPE CANOPY TOURS

Enjoy a four and half hour zipline canopy tour in the company of soaring eagles surrounded by breathtaking Cape fynbos panoramas and mountainscapes only a 30-minute drive from Bot River. Situated in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve , Cape Canopy Tours has partnered with CapeNature to take you into a previously inaccessible and pristine part of this amazing World Heritage Site.

For bookings contact [email protected] or +27 21 3000 501 and mention discount code PINPIN to receive 10% off your booking.

4. SLEEP AT COPIA ECO CABIN

The trophy goes to this amazing cabin-living accommodation, Copia Eco Cabins . Situated on a working farm in the Bot River Valley, about a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, the property has converted old shipping containers into eco-friendly, self-catering accommodation units. There are three cabins on the farm to choose from, Copia, Lone Tree, and Waterval. 

For bookings contact Lucas Steyn at [email protected] or +27 82 776 0278.

5. SLEEP AT KOLKOL MOUNTAIN LODGE

Surrounded by mountains, fynbos, and flowers, the Canadian-style log cabins at KolKol Mountain Lodge on the Van der Stel Pass make for a perfect romantic hideaway or a weekend away with friends and family. The cabins have a unique plunge pool that is heated up using a wood-fired stove. This property consists of two types of accommodation, Fynbos Pods , and Mountain Lodge .

For bookings contact Rudi & Karen Oosthuyse at [email protected] or +27 76 9136014.

9. BETTY’S BAY

Betty’s Bay is a small holiday town situated in the Overberg region and it stretches over 13km along the coast. It is located about 100km from Cape Town beneath the Kogelberg Mountains on the scenic R44 route (Clarence Drive) between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond.

Clarence Drive is one of the most stunning coastal drives in the world. It’s as exciting as the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive but without the cost of the toll gate.

When you arrive in Betty’s Bay you will find the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden as well as an  African Penguin Colony in the Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area. Here are few things you can enjoy in Betty’s Bay:

1. SANDBOARDING

Strap both feet to a single board and soar down one of the best sandboarding dunes in Africa. The highest dune is approximately 230 metres and accommodates every level of expertise. Beginners can easily slide down the dune sitting on the board until they get their balance to stand up and gain momentum. This activity is offered by  Outdoor Adventures in Betty’s Bay. Remember to mention discount code PINPIN to receive 10% off your booking.

2. HAROLD PORTER BOTANICAL GARDEN

The  Harold Porter Botanical Gardens  can be found within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve . As you enter the gates you will find 10 hectares of cultivated gardens, most likely with baboons frolicking in between the neatly trimmed shrubs. Then there are 190.5 hectares of natural coastal fynbos that include iridescent waterfalls, amber pools, deep gorges, forests, and dunes adjacent to the beach.

3. STONY POINT PENGUINS

Western Cape has the only two shore-based African Penguin colonies in South Africa, Boulders Beach, and Stony Point. The best time to visit these cute birds is in the morning or late in the afternoon because they are usually out at sea to find food during the day.

Due to their decline in recent years due to various adverse conditions the area is now protected and visitors are only permitted to walk along a wooden pathway that curves through the colony. The entrance fee is R25 per adult and R15 per child.

The coastline along Betty’s Bay is mostly made up of rocky outcrops that are met by crashing waves, but every now and then the rocks open up and give way to pristine beaches that are perfect for walks, swimming, and surfing. The beaches are empty most of the time and during peak season.

Blessed with a spectacular natural setting of the mountain and the Ocean, Betty’s Bay is perfect for a scenic hike. There are a number of trails marked for hikers but even a simple stroll along the coast will offer great views. Harold Porter Botanical Gardens  is home to the majority of hikes in Betty’s Bay and you can choose between wheelchair-friendly walkways or an ecosystem walk meandering through the cultivated garden, taking short easy walks, exploring indigenous fynbos trails, hiking to waterfalls, and venturing up advanced hikes that are not suitable for the light-hearted.

10. HERMANUS

Hermanus, known as the Whale watching capital of the world, is a popular holiday location with beautiful holiday homes and hotels overlooking the ocean and is famous for southern right land-based and boat whale watching during the southern winter to spring seasons (June – early December).

Located just 120km from Mother City and sitting on the edge of Walker Bay in the Overberg region, this small coastal town offers an array of experiences.

The whales can be seen from the cliffs along the coast from as early as June and they usually depart in early December. Whale watching is not the only exciting thing in Hermanus, other activities shark cage diving in Walker Bay, beach horse riding, zip-lining, and quad biking, sea kayaking, sandy beaches, playing golf at the awe-inspiring 27-hole Hermanus Golf Club, and tasting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and many more fine wines, comparing craft beers, appreciating gin, exploring art and attending the Annual Whale Festival in September.

When I am in the area, I eat at The Ficks Restaurant , here you will enjoy their fresh and exciting cuisine while relaxing on the wooden decks on the edge of a natural pool overlooking the endless beauty of the ocean and its surroundings. In season, you might even spot some southern right whales.

Please note that the restaurant is completely open air and does not operate during days with rainy weather or extreme winds.

For accommodation, look at these establishments:

Harbour House Hotel [email protected] or +27 28 312 1799 and mention discount code PINPIN to receive 10% off your booking.

They have a wide range of properties around Hermanus.

11. GANSBAAI

If you would like to see great white sharks up close and personal, then visit Gansbaai village. Gansbaai is a small seaside fishing  village and a popular  tourist  destination in the Overberg region known for its dense population of  great white sharks  and as a  whale-watching  location. The main tourist attraction in this village is cage diving with great white sharks .

Another popular attraction around the area is Klipgat Cave located in the  Walker Bay  Nature Reserve. Klipgat Cave is one of the most important historical sites in the Western Cape and is open to the public. See more information and rates here .

Other activities in the Walker Bay Nature Reserve and around Gansbaai include whale watching, hiking and walking, bird watching, angling, swimming, 4×4 trails, tidal pools, danger point lighthouse, and more.

For shark cave diving contact [email protected] or +27 82 559 6858 and mention discount code PINPIN to receive 10% off your booking.

12. STRUISBAAI AND CAPE AGULHAS

Talk about tranquillity and drama, and the unique allure of Africa that the Map of Africa Monument at Cape Agulhas celebrates. The monument has a circumference of 30 metres and includes the shape of the continent and the design elements of a compass. Its scale is impressive and its design timeless. Walking around this monument is an opportunity to reflect on and embrace how tiny humans are in relation to these two oceans; yet how we co-exist without competition. Cape Agulhas is the title holder of the southernmost point in Africa and the official geographical divide between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Struisbaai holds the title for having the longest sand beach in the Southern Hemisphere at 14km. Located just 5km from Cape Agulhas, this fishing town is also known for its thriving fishing community many of who have been in the industry for generations. It is characterised by its traditional and beautifully preserved thatch roof houses. The multi-coloured boats at Struisbaai Harbour also bring in freshly caught fish nearly every day and they, along with the now resident stingrays, Parrie the Stingray , are delightful attractions of the town.

13. KASSIESBAAI AND ARNISTON

Kassiesbaai in Arniston is a beautiful small and picturesque fishing town rich in history and unique hidden attractions.

Arniston is a small seaside settlement on the coast of the Overberg region, just 2 and a half hours from Cape Town and about 40km from Cape Agulhas, the title holder of the southernmost point in Africa. Some refer to it as The Wreck of Arniston while others call it Waenhuiskrans, an Afrikaans name meaning literally “Wagon house cliff”, named after a local popular sea cave, Waenhuiskrans Cave, large enough to accommodate a wagon and a span of oxen.

Kassiesbaai fishing village is characterised by its traditional lime-washed and thatched cottages, and it remains unspoiled till today. The name came about as the residents used the washed-up paraffin cases (“kassies” in Afrikaans) from the shipwrecks to build their houses. The wood from the paraffin cases combined with lime and thatch from the area was used to build the now characteristic cottages of this coastal fishing village.

Kassiesbaai is now declared a national heritage site by Western Cape province. Even today, you can still see fishermen go to sea in their 19th century-shaped boats like their forefathers used to do over 200 years ago.

Another recognisable landmark in this area is the beautiful Arniston Hotel , the crown jewel of the Western Cape. Named after The HMS Arniston Transport , an East Indiaman ship that made eight voyages for the British East India Company (EIC).

Activities, top attractions, and guided tours in this area include Arniston shipwreck, monuments, Kassiesbaai fishing village, harbour and slipway, sand dunes, beaches, a huge cave, beautiful cliffs, and rock formations, huge rocks, 4×4 tracks, nature reserves, old fish traps, bicycle tours, indoor and outdoor children activities, and MORE!

Remember to mention discount code PINPIN to receive 10% off your booking when you book at Arniston Hotel .

14. GREATER SWELLENDAM

I don’t remember a day where I have taken a Garden Route road and not stop in Swellendam or surrounding towns for a quick bite and refreshments. I have combined seven towns around Swellendam Farming Community you can visit: Swellendam , Suurbraak , Barrydale , Buffeljagsrivier ,  Stormsvlei , Cape Infanta and Malgas .

These towns are nestled on the Garden Route just off the N2 between Worcester and Mossel Bay, each offering different rich history and unique character. There is something for everyone in each town, no matter if you’re a history buff, sports fanatic, cyclist, adrenaline junkie, birder, wildlife fan, photographer, writer, wine and liqueur lover, foodie or just looking for a family break.

If you find yourself around Infanta, visit De Hoop Nature Reserve , or even better, spend a night or two at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge . For bookings contact Natural Selection at [email protected] or call +27 21 001 1574.

15. CALITZDORP

Situated on the famous R62 Route and 370km from Cape Town, Calitzdorp is a pure Western Cape gem and is surrounded by three mountain ranges – the Swartberg to the north, the leopard-haunted Rooiberge to the south, and the mountains of the Huisrivierpass to the west with Oudtshoorn, known for its Safari Ostrich Farm just 40 minutes away.

This village also features two well-known wine estates. The first is De Krans , which produces wine under three labels: De Krans, Le Sueur, and Garden Route. The second is Bo Plaas , where you can get award-winning wine, Cape Vintage Reserve, brandy, and a port-style wine (which cannot be called port unless it’s made in Portugal).

Calitzdorp is the home of world known quality port-wines. This village has a hot and dry climate making it an ideal location for growing port grape varieties. A number of similarities between the climate of Calitzdorp and the world-renowned Douro Valley in Portugal exist.

17. MONTAGU

Located only 40km from Sanbona Wildlife Reserve , Montagu is a little karoo village famous for its wine farms, Cape Dutch museums, and the remarkable Cogmanskloof Pass . Activities in and around Montagu include tractor trips, bird-watching at Leiwater Dam, nature hikes, mountain walks, game drives, rock art, boat safaris, and more.

My favourite place in this area is Montagu Guano Cave Resort , offering both overnight and day visit options. Click here to view a wide variety of activities inside this resort. Montagu is around 2 and half hour drive from Cape Town on the R62 Route. Last, and unfortunately not as consistent, is the annual  Montagu Makiti , happening annually in September.

For some unique glamping accommodation book at Glen Eden Farm located just 7.5km from Montagu Guano Cave Resort or Leopard’s kloof Luxury Camp at Wolwehoek Private Reserve just 40km from Montagu for luxury camping. If you don’t mind driving as I do, head over to   Karoo 1 for some karoo experience, this hotel is located just under 80km from Montagu.

18. MATJIESFONTEIN

Follow in the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes, Rudyard Kipling, and Olive Schreiner who visited Matjiesfontein. Conveniently located just off the N1 between Touws River and Lainsburg, approximately 240km from Cape Town, you will Matjiesfontein.

This village was once a British army stronghold during the Anglo-Boer war and boasts a British Army Remount Camp as one of its attractions, and it was declared a National Monument in 1975. There’s the Marie Rawdon Museum where various Anglo-Boer War items are on display. This beautiful small town is also a heritage site and offers the Futtom Fluffy bus tour that lasts for 10 minutes (shortest tour in South Africa) and passes dozens of landmarks including the fire station, post office, courthouse, jail, and the transport museum.

Planning a trip anywhere around the Western Cape?   Book flights  and  browse accommodation  or  hire a car  now to get the best rates. The  Cape Town City Pass  gives you access to over 70 of the top Cape Town attractions, tours, and things to see and do, including the popular hop-on hop-off  City Sightseeing bus .

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Western Cape Holiday Destinations

Discover 50 of the most popular holiday destinations across South Africa’s breathtakingly beautiful Western Cape province

Table of Contents

• Cape Town & Peninsula

Cape Winelands

Garden route.

At the southern tip of the African continent, you will find the Western Cape province which is arguably the most picturesque province of South Africa’s nine provinces.

The holiday destinations in the Western Cape are South Africa’s premier tourist attraction where visitors can experience the Cape’s natural beauty, mountains, vineyards and its vibrant capital, the city of Cape Town.

Your gateway to the Western Cape

Visitors generally start their travels in the Western Cape with a stay in Cape Town, which is a destination in itself. The Mother City, as it is fondly known, is where the first development in South Africa took place in the mid-17th century.

Cape Town is home to the Cape Town International Airport. Thousands of tourists flock here every year to experience the majestic Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula. It is the gateway to the best destinations in the Western Cape, a region which offers visitors fabulous food and wine, scenic nature, historical significance, luxury accommodation options and overall, a really good time.

Where to go

The Cape Winelands is only 40 minutes’ drive from Cape Town and offers a large variety of experiences and tastes for the gourmand visitor.

An hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town takes visitors to the wide expanse of the Overberg with magnificent coastal towns and inland beauty.

The Garden Route offers magical forests and trees and stunning seaside hides.

Visitors who head north from Cape Town experience the West Coast in all its glory. This area with its Mediterranean vegetation is atmospheric and bursts into a colourful flower display in spring each year.

Cape Town and the Peninsula

Stellenbosch (a student town), Somerset West and Franschhoek are busy and popular, while the Boland towns of Paarl, Wellington and Riebeek Kasteel are quieter with many gems still to be discovered.

Visit the quaint towns of Elgin, Bot River and Greyton, or head to the coast to experience Hermanus and the many other interesting seaside spots down the Cape South Coast

Wilderness is a beautiful coastal town and the nearby Sedgefield also has special appeal. Brenton on Sea is the closest coastal stay to Knysna, which never fails to delight visitors to the area. Plettenberg Bay is a hot resort town not to be missed.

Yzerfontein and Langebaan flank the West Coast National Park, where endemic fauna and flora can be sighted. Paternoster is a very popular West Coast town and further north, Elands Bay and Lamberts Bay offer West Coast charm.

• Take the Table Mountain Cableway or hike up this majestic mountain, which has been proclaimed one of the world’s new seven wonders of nature.
• Visit the V&A Waterfront to shop at more than 450 retailers; enjoy restaurants, pubs and coffee shops; catch a ride on the Cape Wheel, take a Robben Island Tour departing by boat from the Nelson Mandela Gateway or marvel at the marine life on display at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
• Experience Cape Town’s numerous beaches and seaside attractions. Tour the Cape Winelands. Every area has its own wine route which lists the wineries you can visit.
• Watch whales in Walker Bay’s Hermanus and all along the Cape South Coast. While at least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in South Africa’s oceans, the southern right whales, humpback whales and several coastal dolphin species are spotted more frequently. African penguins, Cape fur seals and black oystercatcher birds can also be spotted along the coast.
• Don your trail shoes or rent a mountain bike to explore hundreds of kilometers of hiking, running and biking routes in the mountainous Western Cape – take your pick since these scenic routes can be found throughout the province.
• Enjoy the Garden Route and Knysna forest, take a lazy boat trip on the Knysna Lagoon and relax in this beautiful area known for its slow lifestyle.
• Head up the West Coast to eat fresh crayfish (local lobster) and black mussels, get to know the unique culture of the area and enjoy watching fields of flowers budding everywhere in springtime.

What to expect

The Western Cape has hot summers, temperate springs and autumns and cold wet winters.

Between November and January, the South Easter wind (also known as the Cape Doctor) can play havoc on visitors’ beach plans, although there are wind-free beaches on the Cape Peninsula where you can always soak up the sun.

February and March bring in grape harvest time and local festivals in celebration of the gifts of the earth abound. 

Winter in the Western Cape is a good time to enjoy award-winning local red wines and delicious meals next to roaring fireplaces. Whale watching is also a popular winter activity.

If flowers are your thing, spring is perfect to catch the Western Cape in full bloom.

When to come

When is the best time to visit Cape Town ? We believe every season has something special to offer tourists. Truthfully, the Mother City is a great destination all year-round, you just need to choose your ideal experience considering the type of vacation you seek.

The ideal time to visit South Africa depends on what you want to do. Summer (November to March) and Autumn (March to May) are particularly popular periods for national and international visitors.

Are you planning to visit the Western Cape?

Have a look at our holiday rental portfolio. Choose from over 1,500 luxury villas and apartments for rent offering space, privacy, and complimentary cleaning services.

Call us on  +27 21 201 1217  to speak to us about your accommodation needs.

Explore Cape Town and the Peninsula

Cape Town , as one of the top 10 cities in the world, deserves a spot at the top of your travel itinerary. See what makes this city so special among tourist and locals alike, and be captivated by Cape Town’s charm.

• City Centre
• De Waterkant
• Green Point
• Mouille Point
• Simon's Town
• The Water Club
• V&A Waterfront

Explore the Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands , with its lush green valleys and rugged mountain ranges is truly a sight to behold. This is the biggest wine producing region in the Western Cape and every so often you will pass one of the many fruit orchards where award winning grapes are being transformed into some of the most sought-after wines in the country.

Pick a Cape Winelands destination to learn more:

• Franschhoek
• Somerset West
• Stellenbosch

Explore the Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s richest botanical treasures where travellers can lose themselves in the beauty of the region’s incredible mountain ranges, remarkable views, colourful landscapes with valleys, lakes, rivers and forests, as well as kilometres of beautiful, white sandy beaches.

Pick a Garden Route destination to learn more:

• Plettenberg Bay

Explore the Overberg

The Overberg is full of natural disparity and spectacular scenery. It is filled with rugged mountain ranges, kilometres of fynbos, rolling fields of wheat and canola, as well as extravagant coastal views. If you need some time to reflect, discover who you are, or have the adventure of a lifetime, the Overberg is the place for you.

Pick an Overberg destination to learn more:

Explore the West Coast

The West Coast , a previously unexplored region for tourists, is a popular retreat for locals. Tourists are slowly starting to wonder further into this region although it is still a hidden gem if you are looking for peace, quiet and an authentically South African experience. This is a region that has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world with breathtaking mountains, sparkling blue oceans and spectacular views of the beautiful surrounding areas.

• Bloubergstrand
• Churchhaven
• Paternoster
• Yzerfontein

Need more inspiration?

Make sure you don’t miss out on any of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets! Follow our locally curated holiday itinerary planning guide with over 100 ideas to make the most of your vacation in South Africa’s charming Mother City.

Also, have a look at our  holiday accommodation and travel guide for discerning travellers and our  guide on planning the perfect honeymoon to Cape Town .

Why do families choose Cape Town Villas?

Through Cape Town Villas you get the modern conveniences, space and privacy you need in a holiday home to relax, recharge and reconnect with your loved ones. To enjoy a care-free holiday in the lap of luxury, book your holiday villa in Cape Town with Cape Town Villas today.

We vet every villa so you can avoid unpleasant surprises and make your booking with peace of mind!

Are your stuck on choosing a Destination?

Tell us about your idea of a perfect holiday. Our reservations team can suggest places in the Western Cape that match your unique requirements.

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Locals share the special experiences in their small towns

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The Western Cape covers an area of almost 130,000 square kilometres that is divided into six regions: Cape Town, Cape Karoo, Garden Route and Klein Karoo, Cape Overberg, Cape Winelands, and the West Coast (Weskus). Each district holds secrets for even the most seasoned of Western Cape adventurers: feeding stingrays by hand, a teetotalers tasting at a wine estate, taking Table Mountain by zipline, surging the tide in a river mouth, galloping through vineyards, and seeing the ancient gong rocks played by the Khoi. Here are 50 fun adventures to do in the Western Cape before you die. 

The Cape Karoo is where to go when you want to escape the pace of city life and get off the grid. A place of wide-open spaces, incredible beauty, wildlife, clear skies and magical sunsets, the Cape Karoo has a number of nature reserves and game farms with an abundance of game. The Karoo National Park, for example, is home to black rhino, lions and more. There is also an abundance of sheep, which roam around nibbling a wide range of indigenous, aromatic plants. This is why the Karoo has become famous for its succulent and tasty lamb dishes. Be sure to sample some when in the area.

1. SEE ANCIENT GONG ROCKS AND ENGRAVINGS IN BEAUFORT WEST

Beaufort West is famous for endless landscapes, wildlife and bright blue skies, but the rock engravings at Nelspoort that span centuries are one of its best-kept secrets. The ancient gong rocks are at the same site, and these were once hammered to create a resounding boom by the Khoi who lived here.

2. EXPLORE THE KAROO BY TRAIN

This ancient place offers hours of uninterrupted landscape, which you can see on the luxurious Rovos Rail or the more affordable Premier Classe, Blue Train and Shosholoza Train. Be sure to stop off at Matjiesfontein, a tiny 19th Century town, seemingly untouched by time that was once considered the jewel of the Western Cape.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rovos Rail (@rovosrail)

Rovos Rail | rovos.com  

CAPE OVERBERG

This is an abundant area: panoramas of wheat fields and gorgeous nature spaces, large harvest of fruits, great diversity of marine and other wildlife, and many coastal towns. There’s Hermanus, famous for its whales and gorgeous coastline; the beautiful Elgin Valley, known for its apples and exquisite wines; Swellendam, a jaw-dropping natural wonderland. With gentle hills and foreboding mountain ranges enclosed by ocean, the Cape Overberg is a favourite getaway for adventurers.

3. SNORKEL IN A KELP FOREST IN THE KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE

Kleinmond a favourite weekend getaway for Capetonians because it’s close. Home Grown Tours takes you off the beaten track to the area’s little-known highlights. Snorkel in a kelp forest, a la My Octopus Teacher, or send the kids on a half- or full-day educational and fun Home Grown Junior programme. “Betty's Bay, Pringle Bay and Botrivier have so much to offer. Local cheese, olives, olive oil, wines and art are on the menu,” says Letitia from Home Grown Tours.

4. FEED THE STINGRAYS AT STRUISBAAI

Cape Agulhas sunsets and sunrises are famous and, for memory’s sake, grab a photo here at the southernmost tip of Africa. But another thing that’ll make Struisbaai  memorable is feeding the stingrays. You can buy sardines and they’ll gently eat them right out of your hand. The stunning Blue Flag Beach, hiking trails, and lagoon at Suiderstrand make it an epic coastal getaway. Stay the night at the nearby Cape Agulhas Backpackers is just 300m away from Blue Flag Beach.

5. SLOW DOWN IN STANFORD

According to the Stanford Tourism Manager, the town is from another time: “a time when life was slower. When families connected more and children roamed the safe streets barefoot, with their dogs in tow.” Embrace the slow life and picnic on the banks of the Kleinriver, between impressive mountains and the blue ocean,or explore the hiking, biking and horse-riding trails. There’s also Walker Bay, which produces the country’s most southerly wine, while the region boasts fantastic seafood, artisanal cheeses, and much more for which to pair it with.

6. STAY OVERNIGHT NEAR THE CAPE AGULHAS NATIONAL PARK

South Point Self Catering Accommodation is just a one-minute walk to the gates of the Agulhas National Park and historic lighthouse. It makes a great base for exploring the area, and according to owner Hilary Marshall, you can expect “spotlessly clean, upmarket, stylish, affordable accommodation with private entrances”, along with “pristine coastline and beaches, and friendly people”.

7. LISTEN TO THE MUSICAL PEBBLE BEACH AT SUIDERSTRAND 

Suiderstrand is a tranquil village in the Agulhas National Park only 4km from the southernmost tip of Africa. Lorraine van Zyl, owner of Southern Beach House, says “Suiderstrand is a great place to break away. It is safe and tranquil with no shops or restaurants and limited cell phone reception.” There’s also the musical pebble beach. Visit in the quiet mornings to listen to the waves wash over the pebbles, creating the most beautiful sound.

8. SPOT THE RARE BUTTON QUAIL AT SANDBERG FYNBOS RESERVE

A Fynbos Safari doesn’t offer the big game you’d normally associate with a “safari”. “Here, it’s all about zooming in on the small and unique wonders of Fynbos,”says Gerhard van Deventer, owner of Sandberg Fynbos Reserve, like the rare and endemic button quail (Turnix hottentottus), or the carnivorous drosera plant. “Sandberg Fynbos Reserve has some of the highest plant biodiversity per square meter in the world,” continues Gerhard,  “Standing in this kind of abundance is a once in a lifetime experience”

9. TAKE A TIGER’S PORTRAIT AT PANTHERA AFRICA, STANFORD

Stanford’s big cat sanctuary is only an hour and a half from Cape Town. It is home to big cats rescued from canned hunting, circuses and households all over the country, according to founder of Panthera Africa Cathrine Nyquist. You can photograph the beautiful leopards, Bengal tigers, cheetahs, caracals, and lions - and rest assured you’re supporting an organisation that does not allow interaction, breeding or trading with these majestic creatures.

10. WATCH WHALES BREACH IN HERMANUS

Hermanus is famously the best land-based whale-watching spot in the world, and no Western Cape bucket list is complete without it. It’s a favourite breeding ground for the Southern Right whale, and if you visit from May to October and you’re virtually guaranteed a sighting. Something you might not know about the area is that it is also South Africa's finest Pinot Noir- and Chardonnay-producing region. Frieda Lloyd, Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager suggests, “there are wine routes linking Elgin, Bot River, Hermanus, Stanford and Elim with safari vehicles taking tours”. 

11. TAKE THE SCENIC CLARENCE DRIVE TO KLEINMOND

The coastal Clarence Drive (R44) links the towns of Rooiels, Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. The route runs like a ribbon through a stretch of fynbos linking mountains with the Atlantic Ocean, explains Anecia Abrahams, Tourism Officer for Kleinmond Tourism. “The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa’s first UNESCO recognised biosphere, dominates the landscape with indigenous forest, fynbos and a variety of birds and animals. Here you escape to nature.” Stay the night in one of the accommodation venues close by, like Our Nest or the Wild Fig (where you can see fossils very few know about), or browse Holidayscape.co.za for more options .

12. HAVE LUNCH ON THE TERRACE AT WHALER’S POINT, KLEINMOND 

Whaler’s Point’s terrace overlooks the ocean, the perfect spot for whale watching during season thanks to its uninterrupted views. There are also many stunning hiking trails nearby, especially in the beautiful Kogelberg Nature Reserve.

13. VISIT THE PENGUINS AT BETTY’S BAY

A lot of people know about the popular and wonderful Boulders Beach, but there is another colony of African penguins living in a spectacular lesser-known location just an hour from Cape Town. The Stoney Point Nature Reserve is home to one of the biggest colonies of African penguins, and you can stroll along the boardwalk peeking into their nests and watching them waddle down to the water. Don’t miss the lesser-known botanical garden Harold Porter, with its cool rock pools. Stay nearby at Kapensis Guesthouse or Rocky Pools on your visit to see the endangered African penguins .

14. ENJOY A MEAL AT ON THE EDGE, BETTY’S BAY

On the Edge is located just at the entrance to the African penguin colony, making it a perfect stop for cake and coffee or a great lunch. Try the fish and chips or the calamari: both are crowd favourites. The restaurant is housed in the old Waaygat Whale Factory, where you can explore the area’s history as a whaling station.

With a history as rich as it is diverse, the Mother City is the province’s crown tourist attraction . Its abundant natural beauty and heady mix of cultures blended in a tumultuous past make it one of the world’s most cosmopolitan and intriguing cities to visit. There’s the wonder of popular Table Mountain, and in summer the many beaches across the city’s coastline are packed with both locals and foreigners alike. It is also quickly becoming a favourite for those seeking extreme adventure, plus it’s the gastronomic capital of South Africa, with many Capetonian restaurants consistently topping the local and international lists.

Cape Town’s heritage has great depth and its stories can be found in many museums and heritage sites around the city. From its colonial past, to the emotional and torrid history of Robben Island and District Six, Cape Town’s tale is equally one of tragedy and heartache, inspiration and triumph.

15. GO ZIPLINING AT TABLE MOUNTAIN 

You’ll never forget the feeling of flying off Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. The fresh air, views, adrenaline rush, and truly unique perspective of this iconic attraction and the surrounding views are exhilarating. “The Cape Town Ziplines are amazing”, Damian from SA Forest Adventures told CapeTownMag. “They really have the best views, and best of all, they are planning new fun adventures at the site.”

16. SEEK OUT CAPE TOWN’S BEST GATSBY

Looking for this celebration of junk food in a city of fine dining is the equivalent of the sassy street tour versus a gallery run, but if you’d like to understand one of Cape Town’s oldest cultures, then the Gatsby is a way to do it. People swear by their favourite vendor, and you can find them all in the broader city, from meaty options to even a vegan choice .

17. YOU CAN TRAVEL THE WORLD IN FOOD IN THIS CITY

Cape Town has a robust culinary scene. Not only is it home to world-class chefs such as Liam Tomlin of Chef’s Warehouse and award-winning Luke Dale-Roberts, but there are many more local and international chefs bringing their culinary traditions to the city. For instance, local entrepreneur Naadiya Moosajee and her husband Veysel Bogan, from Sanliurfa in Turkey, bring us the heavenly (and halaal) tastes of his country’s cuisine at Eatstanbul.

18. SEE THE CITY’S YOUNG TALENT ON STAGE

The Magnet Theatre is an innovative project for the city’s creative youth and, besides offering a full-time and job-creation programme, it puts on shows every year. The work is politically and socially relevant, and powerful. Covid-19 has put performances on hold, but you can see what’s on and upcoming on its site.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Magnet Theatre (@magnet_theatre)

 Magnet Theatre | magnettheatre.co.za

19. TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF CAPE TOWN’S STREETS

One of the nicest ways to get to know a city – even if it is your own – is on foot. Cape Town Free Walking Tours are offered by professional tour guides who lead a route through the streets, telling stories all the way and stopping at notable points. Participants are encouraged to leave a tip, but otherwise the walking tours are for free.

CAPE WINELANDS

The Cape, in particular, is intrinsically tied to the vine. It’s a region home to a number of world-class vineyards in towns such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington and Robertson. Set aside plenty of time for the Cape Winelands, not only for the wine but because it offers world-class fine dining in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, in particular. You can also add craft beer and whisky to the itinerary now, as the region is quickly becoming a leader in both.

20. TAKE A WINE TOUR ON AN E-BIKE

Grab an electric bicycle and take a guided tour of Banhoek, Franschhoek or Stellenbosch through scenic routes, visiting some of the Cape’s top wine farms on the way – and you won’t even raise a sweat. These unique experiences are family-friendly (there are kid’s seats and half-wheelers) and the e-bike assists with pedalling, thanks to its battery. If you plan on taking some bottles home, the bikes have saddlebags. So get into some spectacular mountain and vineyard views with Vine Bikes . 

21. CANTER THROUGH THE VINEYARDS 

Cross the Wild will take you on a ride through vineyards and orchards of the Cape Winelands, with the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains as the backdrop. ⁠There are two-hour sunset rides, half-day and full-day rides to choose from. The half-day and full-day prices include wine tastings and lunch. Everyone from first-time riders to experienced equestrians are catered for.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cross The Wild (@xcrossthewildx)

Cross the Wild | crossthewild.co

22. FYNBOS CUPCAKE AND WINE PAIRING AT DELHEIM

Pretty much anywhere you go in the Cape Winelands region offers fantastic wines, great views and a little something unique. Delheim, for instance, is located in scenic Stellenbosch and offers Fynbos Cupcake and Wine Pairing.It’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth and it’s an experience that is delightful. While you’re there, sample the award-winning wines and at Delheim Wine Farm .

23. TASTINGS FOR KIDS (AND TEETOTALERS) AT CREATION WINES 

Creation Wines takes care of everyone on the drinking spectrum: try the gourmet canapés served with a specially curated selection of wines, or a three-course brunch pairing. However, uniquely it also offers a non-alcoholic tea pairing and even a kids’ pairing menu with Creation Cordials.

24. BLEND AND BOTTLE YOUR OWN STELLENBOSCH WINE

If you want to take home a special, personal souvenir from your Cape Winelands adventure, you could consider blending and bottling your very own wine. You can do this at Middlevlei, where visitors receive a test tube for blending and measuring, as well as several of the wine farm’s single varietal wines, and these can be combined to create your own blend. The experience also includes freshly baked potbrood and home-made snoek pâté.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Middelvlei Wine Estate (@middelvlei_wine)

Middlevlei | https://middelvlei.co.za/  

THE GARDEN ROUTE AND KLEIN KAROO

This is one of the most beautiful, diverse and awe-inspiring regions in the country and for this reason is one of the best loved road trips. Stretching from Witsand to Plettenberg Bay, right around to Oudtshoorn as well as Calitzdorp and Ladismith on the world-renowned Route 62,  adventure lies around every corner. It runs through some fantastic small towns, and there are loads of distractions along the way, from olive and fruit farms and lesser-known, but equally impressive wineries, to a host of nature reserves.  

While the Garden Route is often celebrated for its exquisite coastal beauty, brilliant beaches and marvellous lagoons, it is also a golfer’s paradise with a number of world class courses on offer, including Fancourt and Pinnacle Point, with many designed by world famous golfers. For the adventurous, there are few better playgrounds to explore, with a myriad of trails, running through indigenous forests and up epic, jaw-dropping passes, while for those who prefer the water are sure to be spoilt by what is on offer in Knysna, Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay.

25. EXPLORE THE SO-CALLED “BUBBLY ROUTE” IN PLETT

Plettenberg Bay is all about that beach life: sun, sand, friendly people, and an outdoorsy vibe. But it has more to offer than that: all the wine farms in the area produce an MCC, so you can spend an afternoon exploring the “Bubbly Route”. It is the smallest wine of origin region, but it delivers big results.

Plett Winelands | plettwinelands.com  

26. SEE GREAT WHITES FROM DRY LAND AT ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE 

According to Patty Butterworth, Projects Manager for Plett Tourism, Robberg Nature Reserve is “one of the only places in the world where you can watch great white sharks in their natural habitat from land”. And it isn’t just sharks you can spot: the bay is filled with marine life  like humpback, southern right, and Bryde's whales, orca, as well as common, bottlenose, and humpback dolphins,  Cape fur seals, African penguins, and over 365 endemic bird species.

27. ATTEND SA’S ONLY SUCCULENT FESTIVAL IN CALITZDORP

Located about 4 hours from Cape town is the quaint heart of the Klein Karoo: Calitzdorp. You’ll find three of the world’s biodiversity hotspots here, according to tourism manager, Erina Meiring. They include Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and Subtropical Thicket, and the town hosts South Africa’s only succulent festival annually in September. It is also renowned for its superior Port-style wine: don’t forget to pick up a bottle to take home. The scenic town is also rich in history, and makes for a wonderful weekend away.

Calitzdorp Tourism | calitzdorp.org.za

28. DO A GIN AND CHOCOLATE PAIRING AT INVERROCHE

The Hessequa Region includes Heidelberg, Witsand, Riversdale, Vermakelijkheid, Stilbaai, Jongensfontein, Melkhoutfontein, Albertinia and Gouritsmond, and it marks the start of the Garden Route. It is home to many unique attractions: The House Of Aloes, Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, Julius Gordon Africana Centre, Old Jail and Coffee Shop, Bali Trading, Baleia Winery, Pili Pili Adventure Centre, Garden Route Game Lodge, Kasselshoop Cheese, Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm, to name just a few. One of our favourite stops in the area is Inverroche Gin, where you can do tastings, tours, and even make your own gin.

29. DISCOVER THE LEAST-TRAVELLED MOUNTAIN PASSES IN SA

The Hessequa Region is also home to the Gysmanshoek Pass and Garcia's Pass: some of the least travelled mountain passes in South Africa. They are also amongst the most beautiful passes in the country. There are many camping facilities, biking and 4X4 trails for the adventurers among you. But there are also peaceful, clean beaches and locally produced wines, if you prefer a little more sophistication in your escape.

30. DRINK FROM CLEAR MOUNTAIN STREAMS IN SWARTBERG

The Swartberg Circle Route encircles the Swartberg Mountains along the R328 towards Prince Albert. “Stop as many times as you like along the way and drink from the clear mountain streams before returning along the R407 via Klaarstroom, "suggests the Tourism Manager for Oudtshoorn and De Rust Tourism, Corleen Barnard…"A short hike to the Meiringspoort waterfall will feed your soul as you admire the amazing rock formations in the ‘poort’.”

Image by: Simon Pocock

31. MEET THE OSTRICHES IN OUDTSHOORN 

“By the turn of the twentieth century the use of prime ostrich feathers in ladies clothing was high fashion, especially in England and Europe,” Oudtshoorn Tourism Manager Corleen Barnard explained. “Feathers were light and easily imported and fetched incredibly high prices. The resultant prosperity had a profound effect on Oudtshoorn and its immediate environment.” Outdshoorn owes a lot of its history as a town to these tall, flightless birds, and there’s much more to them than meets the eye. The town has many farms where you can get up close to these fascinating creatures.

32. EXPLORE THE WORLD’S LONGEST WINE ROUTE ALONG THE R62

“Primarily known as the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn has quickly gained the reputation of being a cultural, heritage, adventure and sports hotspot”, says Corleen Barnard,  Oudtshoorn Tourism Manager. Few people know that you can access the town via the scenic and famed R62, which holds the title of the world’s longest wine route.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Helen (@helensenekal92)

Route 62 | route-62-info.co.za  

33. VENTURE INTO THE CANGO CAVES OR DIVE WITH CROCODILES

“A visit to Oudtshoorn is not complete without seeing the world famous Cango Caves, Africa's largest heritage show cave system,” Oudtshoorn Tourism Manager Corleen Barnard told CapeTownMag. But there’s more to the area than the caves. “Enjoy some of the local Karoo cuisine with a crisp chardonnay, admire the fauna and flora, venture on a game drive, partake in elephant feeding, engage with breath-taking big cats or take a plunge in the world’s first crocodile cage dive,” Corleen suggests.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Edua Vagi ????????| 29 |????Budapest (@eduavagi)

  Oudtshoorn Tourism | oudtshoorn.com

34. SEE MUSIC, ART, AND THEATRE AT THE KKNK

With an annual rainfall of less than 150mm per annum, Oudtshoorn is the ideal location for outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, and exploring the wonders of nature in one of the nearby nature reserves. It also makes the town a wonderful location for events, from mountain bike races, to national sports championships. But the biggest event on the calendar is the annual Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, held in March or April.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by KKNK (@kknkfees)

  Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees | kknk.co.za

35. GO BERRY PICKING IN GEORGE

George is the halfway mark along the Garden Route, and makes an excellent base to explore from (especially for those with kids). It’s all about the great outdoors, and with paragliding, canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing, horseback rides, kayaking, golfing and mountain biking on offer, you’re unlikely to run out of things to do. If you’re travelling with kids, make sure to stop by RedBerry Farm. Aside from strawberry picking, you can enjoy trail runs, mini train rides, pony rides, and bunny feeding, or even get lost in the largest permanent hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere at Redberry Farm .

36. ALL ABOARD THE OUTENIQUA POWER VAN

“Travel on the Outeniqua Power Van along the railway track and unwind with lovely views of George and surrounds”, recommends Melanie Martins, Tourism Official for George. The route starts at the Outeniqua Transport Museum, where you will be taken back in time, and winds its way through narrow mountain passes, six tunnels, fynbos and forest, before summiting the mountain and offering spectacular views of the valley. On the way back, there’s a picnic stop to look forward to.

37. SHOP AT THE SATURDAY MARKET IN SEDGEFIELD 

The Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market is more than just a market, according to owner Susan Garner. “What this initiative has achieved is the blending of people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in an important educational experience about local food sources, nutrition, environmental awareness and agricultural issues”, she says. Expect fresh local produce and a festive vibe with live music.

38. SURGE THE TIDE AT SWARTVLEI RIVER MOUTH 

Just 100m from the N2, you’ll find Sedgefield: a pocket of nature with ancient sand dunes, ocean views, and prolific birdlife. Sylvia Ferguson is the owner of Crane Walk Corner, a guesthouse in Sedgefield. “The sentinel dune presiding over Sedgefield, Cloud 9, is a premier paragliding destination”, she says.  But the most fun you can have in the town is surging at the Swartvlei Rivermouth. “You can free float or use any kind of floating device. Locals even do it with their dogs”,  Sylvia explained. You just get in the water and let the tide take you a good half a kilometre down river.

WEST COAST (WESKUS)

The Cape West Coast (Weskus) is a place so awe-inspiring, so jaw-droppingly beautiful, and so magical, you would need weeks to take it all in. Stretching from Malmesbury, just outside of Cape Town, to the border of the Northern Cape at Touws River, the Cape West Coast is best known for its beautiful beaches and the quaint, seaside towns that populate the region. Towns such as Langebaan, Lambert’s Bay, Paternoster and Saldanha have all become a home-away-from-home for many Western Cape locals and are havens for those looking to escape the city.

The region is also famous for its bountiful seafood, with snoek, mussels and crayfish in abundance and understandably the area has become a mecca for restaurants specialising in seafood dishes, the ingredients of which are usually fresh from the ocean in which they line. But the Cape West Coast is not just about the sea and all things related to it! There are many wonders that lie inland with the aptly named town of Darling famous for its wildflowers, which are in full bloom over September, and its locally produced wines, while the Cederberg Mountains boast century-old rock art, warm, welcoming locals and some of the best hiking, mountain biking and bouldering in the world.

39. ATTEND THE SNOEK AND PATAT FESTIVAL IN GOEDVERWACHT

There are few things more Weskus than snoek, and that’s why there is a whole annual festival dedicated to the salty, flaky fish. It is called the Snoek en Patat Fees, and it is held in June every year. Visit the festival to sample traditional Western Cape flavours, such as braaied snoek and sweet potato; roosterkoek and strong coffee.

Snoek en Patat Fees | goedverwacht.com

40. HIKE THE 16 MILE BEACH IN YZERFONTEIN

“Yzerfontein is known for its Sixteen Mile Beach, stretching north from the main beach of the town to the West Coast National Park,” says Karen Schrader, owner of Yzerfontein Accommodation. It’s the longest unbroken beach in the country and you can spend hours strolling, walking your dogs, swimming and enjoying the views. There’s also the 16 Mile Beach Adventure, which is a slack-packing adventure that includes tasting local wines and a traditional West Coast dinner. It’s especially magical during wildflower season, from August to October.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Darryl Burger (@horizonwanderlust)

Yzerfontein Accommodation | yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za

41. TRY BOKKOMS AND SKILPADJIES IN NAMAQUA 

The Namaqua West Coast is rich in heritage and culture. It is home to San rock art, missionary outposts dating back to the 1700s, historic forts, and historical grazing grounds of nomadic Khoi pastoralists. Eonie van Schalkwyk, social media manager for the Namaqua West Coast says you can’t skip the food: “The delicacies of the Namaqua West Coast are a window to its heritage. Try bokkoms and crayfish, but also skilpadjies (liver in caul fat) and its sausage-equivalent, the pofadder”, Eonie advises. Plus, there’s the “famously succulent lamb, farm-style preserves, and nuggets of sweet skuinskoek fried bread”. Farm stalls are dotted all over the region, so make sure to stop on your road trip to stock up on these delicacies.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by LekkerBraaiRSA (@lbraai)

 Namaqua West Coast | visitnwc.com

42. WILDFLOWERS (AND BABA-BOUDJIES) TO BLOW THE MIND

The Namaqua wildflowers are without a doubt the region’s most famous attraction, and for good reason. Few places on earth offer such a kaleidoscopic display of colour in the springtime. It is a completely natural occurrence, and it varies depending on the weather. Good winter rains can make for a bumper flower season, but hot easterly winds can shorten the lifespan of the blooms. The show usually starts at the end of July and comes to an end early in October. Also take in the Knersvlakte: one of the richest and most diverse succulent regions in the world, and home to a third of the world’s dwarf succulents. Its miniature succulents come in all shapes and sizes and are known colloquially by names like baba-boudtjies, krapogies and vingers-en-duimpies.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Namaqua West Coast (@namaquawestcoast)

Namaqua West Coast | visitnwc.com

43. DRINK IN THE LITTLE-KNOWN WEST COAST WINE ROUTE

Follow the West Coast Wine Route, which leads through the Olifants River Valley to Doringbaai and Lambertsbaai,” suggests Eonie van Schalkwyk, social media manager for the Namaqua West Coast. The route is well marked and easy to follow and most wineries have their own tasting facilities.You’ll find charming, family-run farms, some of South Africa’s most famous mega-wineries, and everything in-between. The Olifants River Valley has ideal growing conditions to produce distinctive wines, explains Eonie: “fertile soil, a relatively mild climate, a low rainfall and cool sea breezes slow down ripening in the summer months and produce outstanding grapes”.

West Coast Wine Route | westcoastwineroutes.co.za

44. HOP ON, HOP OFF ALONG THE WEST COAST 

Azul Coastal Tours offers a unique way to experience the West Coast, customised to your interests. Their Hop On Hop Off Experience allows you to explore your favourite West Coast town and enjoy the activities on offer. Explore the history of human evolution at Eve's Footprint, !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, and the West Coast Fossil Park. Take the N7 leads to the mountains of the Cederberg, packed with adventure activities and the most amazing rock art. Or, enjoy the wildflowers stretching from around Darling to the Namaqua West Coast. It’s up to you.

45. SUPPORT A LOCAL JEWELLER IN LANGEBAAN

Wherever you go in the Western Cape, there are local artisans and businesses that need your support now more than ever, like Nicolante Jewellery Shop in Langebaan.“Lockdown gave us all a knock”, says director Chante Craill, “Our shops are our only income and we rely on people from other places to support us”. Also make sure you check out Annie se Markie for handcrafted home decor and clothing, Hyssop for health products, and grab a coffee and pastry from GingaBeanz before you leave town.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicolanté Jewellery Shop (@nicolante2019_langebaan)

 Nicolante Jewellery Shop | nicolante-jewellery-shop.business.site

46. TASTE TOFFEE IN DARLING 

Most people head in the direction of Darling for wine, wildflowers, and West Coast scenery, but there’s plenty more to do there. Aside from the relatively well-known Evita se Perron, Darling Museum, and Darling Brewery, you can head to Darling Sweet to taste all their toffees: honey and salt, bird’s eye chilli, ginger snap, and rooibos chai are just some of the fascinating flavours on offer.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by DARLING SWEET (@_darling_sweet_)

Darling Sweet | https://darlingsweet.co.za/

47. TAKE YOUR DOG ALONG FOR A GAME DRIVE AT !KHWA TTU 

!Kwah ttu is a San Heritage Centre, where you can explore rock art, medicinal herb gardens, and learn about the lives of the San people from guides of San heritage. But aside from the fascinating history and educational aspects, it has plenty more to offer. There are luxury bush tents with showers under the stars, modern, chic chalets, and game drives. Plus, the whole lot is pet-friendly: if your pooch is on-lead and well behaved, he or she is even allowed to join you for a game drive at !Kwah ttu .

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joseph Estrada (@juanderlust_palawanderer)

 !Kwah ttu | www.khwattu.org

48. SIP A UNIQUE, TROPHY-WINNING WEST COAST PINOTAGE 

The West Coast is extremely popular in flower season and its rugged coastline attracts many people. But the region is also celebrated for its many award winning wines, on of which can be found at Ormonde Wine Estate. They took home the 2020 Old Mutual Trophy for Pinotage. According to Berinda Basson, Marketing Director for Ormonde, the pinotage has “a cool climate terroir showcasing a very unique Burgundy style - a true South African gem”.

49. FOILBOARD ON THE LANGEBAAN LAGOON 

The Langebaan Lagoon is set against a backdrop of Postberg, which is breathtaking during wildflower season. The turquoise water against the vibrant blooms makes for pretty stunning scenes. It’s also a watersports hotspot, according to Vicki Muylaert, general manager for Wind Town SA. She says, “Langebaan Lagoon has plenty of light wind days which are perfect to learn how to Foilboard. Failing that, Langebaan has the very best conditions to learn how to kitesurf in the summertime, one of the best spots to learn in the world!"

Windtown SA | windtown-sa.com

50. UNRAVEL DARLING’S SECRETS ON A MYSTERY TRAIL

“The Darling Mystery Trail combines history, fun and wit”, says Stephan Moser, director of Darling Routes, “The old village of Darling is rich in Victorian architecture and offers wonderful views on gardens and landscapes. Participants will search for a message, find a hint on a mysterious flower or use a compass. All riddles are family-friendly and arranged in the secure and relaxed surrounding of this quaint village.” Think geo-caching meets treasure hunting, in a scenic and historic village. After a busy day of mysteries, rest up at the nearby Darling Lodge Guest House.

By Lauren Edwards

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West Coast Way

www.westcoastway.co.za

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

#weopentourism 1, 2, 3…

A mere 25 minutes north of the Mother City you will find a whole new world just waiting to be explored; one of unspoiled beauty , pristine beaches , quaint fishing villages and rich cultural history . Here you will find 101+ things to do and see for the whole family and the warm embrace of the most hospitable region in the country.

It can, in fact, be said that nowhere else in South Africa offers the unique diversity that one can experience in as compact a region as the unique West Coast Biodiversity Corridor which stretches from Blaauwberg to St Helena Bay on the R27, and inland to the R45.

The West Coast is the quintessential ‘road less travelled’ and custom-built for a good old-fashioned road trip.

West Coast Way Is South Africa’s Road Trip With The Most Twists

Explore the cape west coast by planning a self-drive trip or  book a guided tour  for a nature and adventure-filled cape west coast holiday..

Whether you need a short road trip of just a day or have time to explore at your own pace, these routes will guide you to the very best the Cape West Coast has to offer:

1.  Blaauwberg Nature Reserve

A mere 30km from Cape Town, The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve boasts spectacular views down fynbos slopes, across the cityscape and over 7km of rocky, sandy coastline to the ocean and beyond. It is one of the few viewpoints in the world from where you can see two proclaimed World Heritage Sites, namely Table Mountain and Robben Island. Also within the conservation is the site of the 1806 Battle of Blaauwberg.

Distance from Cape Town: 23.6km Where: Cape Farms, just north of Blaauwberg on the R27 or Otto Du Plessis Drive Contact: 021 554 0957/ 021 444 0454 (Eerstesteen Resort)

2.  Melkbosstrand

A favourite with locals, Melkbosstrand is the archetypal seaside village and a popular water sports location. The long Main Beach is backed by green lawns that are perfect for sand-free picnics, and there are several cafés and restaurants dotted along Beach Road. Also a place of historical importance, this is where the invading British troops landed in 1806.

Where To Stay

The Lodge At Atlantic Beach, a mere 25 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. The Lodge overlooks the 10th fairway of one of Cape Town’s Premier Golf Estates.

Choose from 20 luxuriously appointed rooms at The Lodge and delight in the sumptuous meals on offer from the Sunset Terrace Restaurant at Atlantic Beach Golf Club, including lunch and dinner, as well as take full advantage of all the first-class facilities available on the Estate. Where:  100 Fairway Drive, Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand Contact:  +27 21 5534653 |  [email protected]  |  www.thelodgeatatlanticbeach.co.za

Distance from Cape Town: 33.2km

3.  Koeberg Private Nature Reserve

The nature reserve offers educational information on the power station as well as two spectacular walking trails where visitors are treated to a range of fauna and flora, including grysbok, steenbok and springbok.  A great way to see the reserve is on a bicycle and there are several spectacular routes to follow. There is also a bird hide where you can stop for a picnic and a spot of bird-watching. Open 7 days a week, walk or drive in and park at the Visitors Centre. Remember to bring your ID Book for registration. No entrance fees. For more information: 021 550 5314

Distance from Cape Town : 30km Where : Off the R27, Melkbosstrand, Blaauwberg

4.  Silwerstroomstrand

Silwerstroomstrand is a Blue Flag beach with excellent water quality and an expansive stretch of coastline in a wonderfully secluded setting. A small rocky point provides protection from the swell for safe swimming in the sea, and there is also a tidal pool for those wanting a warmer dip without the waves. There are also picnic and barbeque areas and a caravan park and bungalows for longer stays.

Distance from Cape Town: 46km Where: Just off the R27

5.  Witzand Aquifer Nature Reserve (Atlantis Sand Dunes)

This unique conservation area is made up of two priority sites, the Silwerstroomstrand Conservation Area and the Atlantis Dunefields. The landscape consists of sandy beaches, rocky shorelines and outcrops, as well as vast dunes.  These world-famous dunes offer spectacular views of Table Mountain and are perfect for 4X4 adventures as well as sand-boarding.

Distance from Cape Town: 48km Where: R307, off the R27

6.  Mamre Mission Station

The town of Mamre is a true hidden gem with its rich and colourful history. It is home to a remarkable Moravian Mission Station which was established in 1808, and the original church and parsonage retain their charm are now national monuments. The watermill has been restored as a museum and the church is still used for services and packed to capacity every Sunday.

Distance from Cape Town: 59km Where: Off R27, via the R307 between Atlantis and Darling

7.  Groote Post Wine Cellar

Groote Post is a historic 18th-century farm where the unique aspects and cool climatic conditions of the Darling Hills yield superlative grapes and excellent wines.  Part of the famous West Coast Flower Route, they also offer spectacular nature walks as well as game drives. Excellent food is available either at Aunt Hilda’s Restaurant or as a delectable picnic to be enjoyed on the lawn.

Distance from Cape Town: 60km Location: Darling Hills Road, off the R27 Contact: +27 (0)22 4922825

8.  Darling

Situated between vineyards and golden wheat fields, the quaint town of Darling has a tangible sense of history. In the heart of the West Coast Flower Region, in spring every field around the small town blooms a tapestry of flowers and the Darling Wildflower Show is held every third weekend in September. Darling is also home to renowned Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout and the quirky theatre complex, Evita se Perron.

Distance from Cape Town: 76km Darling Tourism Bureau is open 7 days a week Where: Pastorie Street, Darling, Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za

The Darling Wildflower show takes place annually and celebrates an integral part of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom comprising of Renosterveld, Rietveld, Sandveld, and Strandveld where more than 1200 different species of flowers can be found. The event includes entry to the Landscaped Hall (depicting the flowers of the area in their natural habitat). A Freeride on a tractor-drawn wagon to see the Oude Post Pristine wetland (that is not accessible to the public and can only be seen during the show), a Craft/Farmers Market, Veteran Tractor/Car Display, an Entertainment Tent featuring live music, a large Children’s area, safe and secure parking and many other attractions. There will also be numerous food and Beverage stalls where you can purchase a variety of food and drinks to take away or use the facilities to relax and enjoy the natural environment. • Wildflower Show • Child-Friendly  • Info •  Stalls

Darling Brew Experience

Road tripping is thirsty work so be sure to stop at the new Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery for a taste of ‘slow living’.

Distance from Cape Town: 76km Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery: 48 Caledon Street, Darling Brewery, Restaurant, Tastings & Sales, open-air kids play area, MTB-friendly, Live Events (For groups larger than  10  please book to avoid disappointment.) Contact:  +27 (0)21 286 1099  |  [email protected]  |  www.darlingbrew.co.za

9.  Riebeek Valley

Nestled among vineyards and olive groves Riebeek Valley includes the towns of Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel. The area is a market and festival hot spot ideal if you like to travel and shop. Kasteelberg offers some amazing hikes ideal for those who love birdlife and views from high up. Several Species of falcon, eagles and owls can be spotted. If vineyards and olive acres are your things, even that’s very unique through the lens and ever-changing.

Every year thousands of people descend on Riebeek Valley for the annual Olive Festival which is located on the Scenic Route. For the past 2 years I’ve missed it, but this year I ensured that I soaked up the delectable local olives, cheese, gourmet food and tantalizing wines this year’s festival had on offer.

Distance from Cape Town: 86.1km Where:   N7 Open 7 days a week   | Free entry Contact: +27 22 448 1545 | [email protected]  | www.riebeekvalley.info

10.  West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park, which stretches from Yzerfontein to Langebaan, is a pristine nature reserve which offers an array of activities such as bird watching, game sighting, biking and whale spotting. Avid birdwatchers can spot over 200 species of land and sea birds, and the game includes springbok, kudu, gemsbok and the rare mountain zebra. The popular restaurant, Geelbek, is situated near the Langebaan lagoon.

Distance from Cape Town : 87.7km Location: Off the R27

11.  Yzerfontein

This picturesque seaside village is not only a haven for birdlife, wildlife, sea life and indigenous flora, it also boasts South Africa’s longest stretch of beach which runs for 16 miles, all the way up to the start of the West Coast National Park in the north. Popular with water sport enthusiasts, other activities include whale spotting, fishing and hiking.

Yzerfontein Accommodation

From Guest Rooms to Self-Catering Accommodation, Yzerfontein Accommodation caters for everyone. Choose from over 30 different accommodation places, all with their own unique offerings. Some are Child-Friendly, Beach facing, Wheelchair-Friendly, or Pet-Friendly. You can add wonderful activities to your stay: like horse riding, a photoshoot, a delicious picnic or a skydiving experience.

• Accommodation Child-Friendly • Pet-Friendly • Online Booking • Braai Facilities

Contact:  +27 (0)22 451 2210 | +27 (0)83 453 2336 [email protected]  |  www.yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za

Distance from Cape Town: 80km Where: 90km north of Cape Town on the R27

12.  !Khwa ttu San Cultural and Educational Centre

The centre offers a fascinating insight into the culture, heritage, knowledge and modern-day life of the original inhabitants of the West Coast and tours by qualified San guides demonstrate their unique skills and share their ancient knowledge. They also offer a spectacular MTB trail and accommodation and the original farmhouse is now a beautiful restaurant which is open for breakfast and lunch daily.

Open 7 days a week Distance from Cape Town: 74km Where: Grootwater Farm, R27 Contact: (c) +27 (0)22 492 2998 | [email protected] | www.khwattu.org

Spend the night and relax in one of their cosy and luxury guest houses or tented camps, tucked away on the West Coast countryside. All three the Guesthouses are stylishly furnished with luxurious beds, spacious en suite bathrooms, dining areas with cosy fireplaces and private wooden decks or a stoep with spectacular panoramic views. Rest in supreme comfort, luxury and style wherever you decide to stay.

Contact: (c) +27 (0)22 492 2998 | [email protected] | www.khwattu.org

13.  Langebaan

Known as the Jewel of the West Coast, Langebaan enjoys almost year-round sunshine and boasts azure waters and unsurpassed natural beauty. Bordering the West Coast National Park, Langebaan is an internationally acclaimed Ramsar Site for its importance as a wetland and is host myriad bird species. The mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon also make it the perfect location for many water sports.

Distance from Cape Town: 116km Where: R27

Langebaan Beach Accommodation is situated on the beautiful Cape West Coast of South Africa. We specialise in premier beachfront location holiday homes. All of our houses offer outstanding accommodation for short and long-stay holidays in Langebaan – the heart of the Cape West Coast.

Open 7 days a week Where: Langebaan Contact: +27 (0)22 772 1150 | 064 654 8546

[email protected]   |  www.langebaanbeacaccommodation.com

Distance from Cape Town:  134.5km

Albatross Guesthouse is custom build house offering comfortable accommodation in central Langebaan. Rooms are well-appointed with free WiFi access, comfortable beds, good quality clean linen and with outstanding service. Albatross Guesthouse is conveniently situated in the centre of town, within walking distance to the beach, shops and all the restaurants, the library and banks.

Open 7 days a week Where: Langebaan Contact: 082 820 5350

[email protected]

14.  Saldanha

Situated in South Africa’s largest natural Bay, Saldanha is known for its contrasts and natural beauty. The hub of the fishing industry as well as a holiday hotspot for water sports lovers, the bay also hosts the South African Military Academy, in which can be found a pristine nature reserve which becomes a floral wonderland in spring and offers great vantage points from which to view the Southern Right Whale in the calving season.

Distance from Cape Town: 142km Where: R27 to R399

15.  Jacobsbaai

The beautiful, rugged and rocky coastline of Jacobsbaai boasts a sea frontage of 2km which has 7 different bays. The coastal fynbos supports a variety of wildlife which can best be seen along the 17-km hiking trail runs between Swartrietbaai and Tietiesbaai. Often referred to by locals as ‘Namaqualand by the sea’ its wildflowers are breathtakingly beautiful in spring.

Distance from Cape Town: 151km Where: R27

16.  Paternoster

One of the oldest villages on the West Coast, Paternoster epitomizes the authentic and traditional West Coast lifestyle, and life here is closely connected to the sea. Fishermen still head out daily in colourful traditional wooden boats to catch fish, which can be bought at the local; market or enjoyed in the quaint restaurants. Paternoster is also popular with snorkelers, kite surfers and flyers, hikers, cyclists and kayakers.

Distance from Cape Town: 149km Where: R399

17.  Shelley Point

Shelley Point is a tiny, unspoiled peninsula which lies in the calm waters of Shelley Bay. Protected from the swell, it is ideal for sailing and fishing, and also provides shallow, safe water for children to splash about in. Other than a 9-hole golf course and a Wellness Centre, there are few amenities and it truly is the place to get away from it all.

Shelley Point Hotel and Spa allows guests to choose from elegantly decorated suites with an emphasis on comfort and privacy. All accommodation includes buffet breakfast and children under six years stay for free. And all rooms have en-suite bathrooms with fresh fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers. Among the accommodation are 31 luxury suites, three of them disabled-friendly, two honeymoon suites and 48 duplexes for four guests in each.

Accommodation • Restaurant • Conferencing • Child-Friendly • Wheelchair- Friendly • Water and Land Activities • Spa

Open seven days a week:   Booking Essential Where:  R27, about 150 km from Cape Town, in an exclusive security peninsula resort of Shelley Point, on Golden Mile Boulevard, Contact:  +27 (0) 22 742 1065 or email  [email protected]       shelleypointhotel.com

Distance from Cape Town : 203km Where: R27

18.  St Helena Bay

An unspoilt coastline, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a great year-round destination. Traversing a total of 18 bays and fed by the nutrient-rich Benguela Current, St Helena Bay is one of the world’s prime fishing areas and dolphins and Southern Right Whales also enjoy the calm waters. The Cape St Martin Private Nature Reserve is the only place on the West Coast where you can watch the sunrise over the sea.

 Distance from Cape Town: 149km Where: R27

19.  Hopefield

Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is a historic town that dates back to 1851. Attractions include the beautiful Hopefield Dutch Reformed Church built in 1879 where the original organ still plays at weddings and during the Hopefield Fynbos Show and a replica of the hominid skull Saldanha Man which can be viewed at the Fossil Museum.

Visit Hopefield’s Simply Bee Shop, Observation Centre and Farm Exhibition. The first-ever glass observation hive gives you a fascinating first-hand insight on how a bee colony lives and works to make honey. Simply Bee also produces many natural honey and fynbos products that can be bought at the shop. Open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00 and on Saturday’s until 13:00. Contact: +27 (0)22 723 0569 Website: www.simplybeeswax.co.za .

Distance from Cape Town: 124km Where: R45

20.  Thali Thali Game Lodge

Thali Thali is a pristine privately owned game and fynbos reserve with abundant wildlife and bird species. Home to a wide variety of antelope as well as many other species, there are no predators, so guests are free to explore on foot. Daily game drives are available as well as other activities like archery and a 3D bow hunting track. A rustic restaurant offers an excellent menu and great views.

The accommodation at Thali Thali Game Lodge consists of was designed to create a unit incorporating the entertainment area with bar facilities and an open-air Lapa. There are three West Coast-style self-catering chalets, five B&B luxury tents as well as a big old farmhouse with 4 bedrooms which is separate from all the others and ideal for families and groups.

Open 7 days a week | Free entry Distance from Cape Town: 116km Where: R27 Contact: (c) +27 (0)82 372 8637 / +27 (0)83 275 2825 |  [email protected] |  www.thalithali.co.za

21. Bokkomlaan in Velddrif

Velddrif is the heart of the fishing industry on the West Coast. Many visitors go there and miss this undiscovered gem. Until now. Cross the Carinus Bridge and take a right along Voortrekker Road between St Helena Bay and Aurora. Stop at the view site beneath tall palm trees and watch ample waders in the waterway. Continue a little further and take a right into Bokkomlaan. Time seems to stands still as fishing boats bob in the wake next to numerous jetties. Fishermen can be seen preparing fish for sale as they did in the fishing heyday. Bokkomlaan is the first road to have been built in Velddrif. It was granted heritage status one year ago.

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Western Cape Travel Guide

by SouthAfricaTravel | Aug 3, 2023 | Attractions , Cape Town Private Guided Tours , Cape Town Tours , Cape Town Travel Activities , Cape Town Travel Attractions , Cape Town Travel Destinations , Cape Town Travel Guides , Destinations , Private Tours , Travel Activities , Travel Advice

#westencapetravel #travel #travelguide #attractions #robbenisland #capetown #tablemountain #capepoint #capeofgoodhope #gardenroute #winetours #destinations #activities

The Western Cape is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisines, and endless adventures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a foodie, this region in South Africa has something for everyone.

From exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town to indulging in wine tasting in the famous Winelands, the Western Cape offers a plethora of experiences waiting to be discovered.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the must-visit attractions, practical tips, and hidden gems of this remarkable destination.

So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of the Western Cape!

1. Introduction to the Western Cape

The Western Cape is a province in South Africa known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage. Located on the southwestern coast of South Africa, the Western Cape offers a wide range of attractions and activities for both nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its Mediterranean climate, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities, it is no wonder that the Western Cape is a popular tour destination for tourists from around the world.

Overview of the Western Cape

The Western Cape is home to Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa and one of the most iconic cities in the world. Cape Town is famous for its iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and beautiful beaches, making it a must-visit destination.

Apart from Cape Town, the Western Cape is also home to several other picturesque towns and regions. The Garden Route , known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and charming coastal towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, is a popular tourist route. The Cape Winelands, located just outside of Cape Town, are renowned for their scenic vineyards, historic wine estates, and award-winning wines.

Geography and Climate of the Western Cape

The Western Cape has a diverse geography, ranging from beautiful coastlines to rugged mountains and fertile valleys. The province’s borders with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the south provide breathtaking coastal scenery as well as opportunities for water sports and whale watching.

The climate of the Western Cape is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The summer months (December to February) are warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The winter months (June to August) are cooler and wetter, with temperatures averaging around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). The Western Cape experiences its highest rainfall during the winter months, which contributes to the region’s lush vegetation and vibrant landscapes.

Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience, the Western Cape has something to offer. From exploring the vibrant streets of Cape Town to hiking in the majestic mountains and enjoying the world-class wines of the Cape Winelands , a trip to the Western Cape is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

2. Cape Town

Cape Town, located on the southwestern coast of South Africa, is a city known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. It offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top attractions in Cape Town:

Top attractions in Cape Town

1. Table Mountain:   Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline.

2. Robben Island:   Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years and offers guided tours that provide insight into South Africa’s struggle for freedom.

3. Cape Point: Situated within Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point is a dramatic headland that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the nature reserve, hike to the lighthouse, and even spot wildlife such as baboons and ostriches.

4. V&A Waterfront:  The V&A Waterfront is a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub located in the heart of Cape Town. It features a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island.

The best time to visit Cape Town

Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate , with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to visit depends on personal preferences and interests. Here are some considerations:

1. Summer (December–February):  Summer is the peak tourist season in Cape Town. It offers warm and sunny weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. However, it can be crowded, and accommodations tend to be more expensive.

2. Spring (September–November) and Autumn (March–May):  Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer. These seasons are great for exploring outdoor attractions, going on hikes, and enjoying cultural events.

3. Winter (June–August):  Cape Town’s winters are mild but can be rainy. Winter is the low tourist season, which means fewer crowds and lower hotel rates. It is a good time to visit if you prefer quieter attractions and are interested in wildlife watching.

Remember to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly when travelling to Cape Town . Each season has its own charm, and the city has something to offer year-round.

3. Garden Route

The Garden Route is a stunning coastal stretch in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is renowned for its natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, the Garden Route offers a plethora of attractions and activities that will leave you awestruck. Here are some popular stops along the Garden Route and outdoor activities to enjoy during your visit:

Popular stops along the Garden Route:

Moselle Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor markets, and historical attractions such as the Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex.

Wilderness: A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its lakes, lagoons, and scenic trails for hiking, canoeing, and bird-watching.

Knysna: Is Famous for its stunning lagoon and indigenous forests.

Knysna Heads: A pair of rugged cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon

Plettenberg Bay: Is a coastal town boasting pristine beaches, marine life encounters, and opportunities for whale watching and dolphin spotting.

Tsitsikamma National Park : Home to the renowned Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge, the park offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a canopy tour through the lush forest.

Outdoor activities and nature spots:

Hiking: The Garden Route boasts numerous hiking trails, including the famous Otter Trail and Robberg Nature Reserve , which offer stunning vistas and encounters with wildlife.

Whale watching: During the winter months (June to November), the Garden Route provides excellent opportunities to witness the majestic southern right whales as they migrate along the coast.

Bird-watching: With a wide variety of bird species, the Garden Route is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Nature reserves and wetlands provide ideal habitats for spotting unique species.

Canoeing and kayaking: Explore the tranquil rivers, estuaries, and lakes on a canoeing or kayaking adventure, immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty.

The Garden Route truly is a traveler’s dream, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring charming coastal towns, embarking on outdoor adventures, or simply appreciating the breathtaking landscapes, this scenic route has something for everyone.

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? 🌿🚗 J oin us on our Garden Route Private Tour and embark on a journey through South Africa’s most stunning landscapes! 🌅🗺️ Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness breathtaking views, encounter unique wildlife, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

4. Winelands

When it comes to wine, the Western Cape is a region that cannot be overlooked. With its diverse climate and fertile soil, the Western Cape is home to some of the finest wineries in South Africa. Exploring the wine regions of the Western Cape is a must-do for any wine enthusiast or traveler. Here are some highlights and recommendations to make the most of your winelands experience.

Exploring the wine regions of the Western Cape

The Western Cape is divided into several wine regions, each offering its own unique charm and character. Here are a few wine regions to explore:

• Stellenbosch : Known as the wine capital of South Africa, Stellenbosch is a picturesque town filled with vineyards, oak-lined streets, and Cape Dutch architecture. The region is famous for its red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage.
• Franschhoek : Nestled in a lush valley, Franschhoek is a charming town with a strong French influence. This region is renowned for its world-class Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines and its diverse culinary scene.
• Paarl: Just a short drive from Cape Town, Paarl is the third-oldest town in South Africa. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this region is known for its full-bodied red and white wines, as well as its historic Cape Dutch estates.

The best wineries to visit

With so many wineries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. Here are a few top wineries in the Western Cape that are worth a visit:

• Vergelegen : Located in the heart of Somerset West, Vergelegen is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. The estate boasts beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and award-winning wines.
• Boschendal : Situated in the scenic Franschhoek Valley, Boschendal is known for its breathtaking landscapes and premium wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, picnics, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
• La Motte : Located in the picturesque town of Franschhoek, La Motte is a renowned wine estate with a rich history. The estate offers guided cellar tours, wine tastings, and a world-class art museum.

These are just a few examples of the many incredible wineries in the Western Cape. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply appreciate the finer things in life, exploring the Cape Winelands Private Tour is an experience you won’t want to miss.

5. Robben Island

History and significance of robben island.

Robben Island, located off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, is a place of great historical significance. It gained international recognition as the place where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were incarcerated during apartheid. Robben Island served as a prison, a place of isolation and punishment, for over 400 years. It was also used as a leper colony and a military base.

The island has witnessed numerous struggles and hardships, but it has also become a symbol of resilience, freedom, and the triumph of the human spirit. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular travel destinations in the Western Cape, attracting visitors from all over the world who want to learn more about its history and pay tribute to those who fought for freedom and equality.

Visiting Robben Island

Visiting Robben Island is a unique and educational experience that provides insight into South Africa’s past and the struggle for freedom. Here are some key details to know before planning your visit:

• Booking your tour : Due to its popularity, it is recommended to book your tour in advance to secure your spot. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Robben Island Museum website.
• Ferry transportation : To reach Robben Island, visitors must take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes, and the views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town skyline are breathtaking.
• Guided tours : When people get to the island, they go on a tour led by people who used to be political prisoners. This firsthand account offers a personal perspective on the history and conditions of the prison. The tour includes visits to the prison cells, the limestone quarry where prisoners worked, and other significant sites.
• Duration : The tour typically lasts around three and a half hours, including the ferry ride to and from the island.
• Accessibility : It’s important to note that Robben Island is a historic site with uneven terrain and limited accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. However, special arrangements can be made for visitors with disabilities to ensure their safety and enjoyment.

Visiting Robben Island is a poignant and thought-provoking experience that allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s history and the struggle for freedom. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the country’s past and paying homage to the individuals who fought for justice and equality.

6. Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Situated in the heart of Cape Town, this iconic landmark offers breathtaking views, unique flora and fauna, and a range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you prefer hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the panoramic vistas, Table Mountain National Park has something for everyone. Here are some highlights of what you can experience at this magnificent natural wonder:

Hiking and exploring Table Mountain

Table Mountain is a hiker’s paradise, with a network of trails that cater to all fitness levels. From challenging routes to easier walks, there are options for everyone. One popular trail is the Platteklip Gorge, a steep ascent that rewards hikers with stunning views of the city and coastline. Another popular route is the India Venster Trail, which offers a more adventurous climb with spectacular rock formations along the way. Whichever trail you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

Cableway and viewpoints

For those who prefer a more relaxed approach to things to do at Table Mountain , the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a fantastic option. This state-of-the-art cable car offers a scenic ride to the summit, where you’ll find a variety of viewpoints and walking paths.

The Upper Cable Station boasts stunning vistas of the city and ocean, while the Dassie Walk provides an opportunity to explore the unique fynbos vegetation and spot dassies, small rock-dwelling mammals native to the area. Remember to check the weather conditions before visiting, as the cableway operates on a weather-permitting basis.

You will undoubtedly be enamored by Table Mountain National Park’s majestic natural beauty, regardless of how you choose to explore it. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the unforgettable moments and share them with family and friends.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply want to take in the scenery, this iconic landmark should be at the top of your Western Cape travel itinerary.

7. Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a must-visit destination in the Western Cape, South Africa. Situated at the southwestern tip of the continent, this iconic landmark offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a fascinating history. Here are some highlights and activities that make the Cape of Good Hope a must-see attraction:

Highlights of the Cape of Good Hope

• Imposing Natural Beauty : The Cape of Good Hope is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The iconic Cape Point lighthouse stands proudly on the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
• Abundant Wildlife : One of the main attractions near the Cape of Good Hope is the rich wildlife. Visitors can spot various marine animals, including seals, dolphins, and even whales, during the migration season. The area is also home to diverse bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
• Historical Significance : The Cape of Good Hope has a fascinating history that dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers first rounded the Cape on their way to the East Indies. It played a crucial role in the spice trade and became an essential stopover for European ships. Today, visitors can learn about this history at the Cape of Good Hope Museum.

Penguin Colonies and Scenic Drives

• Boulders Beach Penguin Colony : One of the main attractions near the Cape of Good Hope is the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony . This protected area is home to a large colony of African penguins, providing a unique opportunity to observe these adorable creatures up close. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalks and watch the penguins frolic in the turquoise waters.
• Scenic Drives and Hiking Trails : The Cape of Good Hope is also popular for its scenic drives and hiking trails. Chapman’s Peak Drive offers jaw-dropping views of the ocean and cliffs, while the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve has several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the area.

Experience the natural beauty, wildlife, and history of the Cape of Good Hope during your visit to the Western Cape. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking stunning views, the Cape of Good Hope will leave you in awe of its beauty and charm.

8. Whale Watching in Hermanus

When visiting the Western Cape region of South Africa, one cannot miss the opportunity to go whale-watching in Hermanus. Situated along the stunning coastline, Hermanus is known as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about experiencing this incredible natural phenomenon:

The best time for whale watching in Hermanus

The prime whale-watching season in Hermanus is from June to November, when Southern Right Whales migrate to the area to breed and calve. During this time, visitors have the chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close as they frolic in the ocean. September is typically regarded as the peak month for whale sightings, but it’s best to check with local authorities or tour operators for the most up-to-date information.

Whale-watching tours and activities

There are several tour operators in Hermanus that offer whale-watching excursions, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. These tours are conducted by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the area and the behavior of whales, ensuring a safe and informative experience. Some popular whale-watching activities in Hermanus include:

1. Boat-based whale watching:  This is the most common way to observe the whales. Visitors can join a guided boat tour that takes them close to the whales, allowing for breathtaking views and unforgettable encounters.

2. Shore-based whale watching: Hermanus is renowned for its exceptional shore-based whale-watching opportunities. From designated viewpoints along the coastline, visitors can spot whales breaching, tail-slapping, and playing in the water.

3. Coastal walks:  For those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Hermanus offers stunning coastal walking trails that provide great vantage points for whale watching. The Cliff Path, stretching for approximately 12 kilometers. Offers panoramic views of the ocean and is a popular spot for observing whales.

Whether you choose a boat tour, a shore-based experience, or a leisurely coastal walk. Whale watching in Hermanus promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera to capture those awe-inspiring moments.

9. Conclusion

I hope this guide has provided you with valuable information and insights about traveling to Cape Town. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about this beautiful city, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Is there anything else you’d like to know or any tips you’d like to share? Please leave a comment below, and let’s start a conversation! Safe travels! 

After exploring the Western Cape in South Africa, it’s clear that this region is a true gem. Offering a diverse range of attractions and experiences. To summarize, here are some of the top attractions in the Western Cape:

Summary of Western Cape attractions

• Cape Town : As the capital city, Cape Town offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. From iconic landmarks like Table Mountain to the picturesque beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. There is something for everyone in Cape Town.
• Winelands : The Western Cape is renowned for its world-class wine regions, such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. In addition, wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings and cellar tours while enjoying the scenic vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture.
• Garden Route : Stretching along the coast, the Garden Route is a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the lush forests of Tsitsikamma. Discover the pristine beaches of Plettenberg Bay, and visit charming coastal towns like Knysna and Mossel Bay.
• Cape Point : Located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. The meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Take a hike to the iconic Cape Point lighthouse and spot wildlife in the nature reserve.
• Robben Island : A visit to Robben Island is a must for history buffs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a prison for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. Take a tour to learn about the island’s history and gain insights into South Africa’s journey to democracy.

Tips for traveling in the Western Cape

• Transportation : Hiring a private chauffeur is recommended for exploring the Western Cape, as public transportation options can be limited in certain areas. The benefits of a private chauffeur ensures a safe and smooth ride to any destination seaminglesly.
• Weather : The Western Cape experiences a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters (June to August) and hot summers (December to February). Pack accordingly and be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially along the coastline.
• Safety : Like any travel destination, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take basic safety precautions. Avoid displaying valuable belongings, be cautious in crowded areas, and consult local authorities or tourism offices for any specific safety concerns.
• Respect for nature and wildlife : The Western Cape is home to diverse ecosystems and protected areas. Respect the environment by practicing responsible tourism, such as not littering and following designated trails in nature reserves.

Thank you for reading our comprehensive Western Cape Travel Guide.

We hope it has provided you with valuable information and inspiration for your future travels.

If you have any questions or additional tips, feel free to leave a comment below.

Safe travels, and enjoy exploring the wonders of the Western Cape!

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The 48 best weekend getaways in Western Cape

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1 InnsCape Classic Hotel ( Formerly The New Tulbagh Hotel)

2 Old Mac Daddy

3 Cederkloof Botanical Retreat

4 aquila private game reserve, 5 slanghoek mountain resort.

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6 White Water Farm

8 mosaic lagoon lodge, 9 rockhaven farm country house, 10 jonkmanshof, 11 farm 215 private nature reserve, 12 troon beach cottage, 13 la petite ferme.

14 Jordan Wine Estate

15 robertson small hotel.

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16 Stanford Valley Country Lodge

17 the baths natural hot springs, 18 casa labia by ideas cartel, 19 cape town international airport, 20 atkv goudini spa, 21 radisson blu hotel & residence, cape town, 22 houw hoek hotel, 23 kagga kamma nature reserve, 24 klondyke cherry farm, 25 beaverlac.

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26 Hyatt Regency Cape Town

27 tweede tol, 28 kromrivier cederberg park, 29 ocean view house cape town, 30 de hoop collection, 31 sugarbird manor, 32 old foundry hotel, 33 monte vista boutique hotel, 34 gonana guesthouse, 35 silvermist organic wine estate.

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36 7 Koppies

37 route 62 - ashton, 38 klein nektar wine & olive estate, 39 little willow brooke, 40 platbos forest reserve, 41 sugar shack, 42 cape town, 43 cape peninsula, 44 stellenbosch, 45 hermanus.

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46 Franschhoek

47 paternoster, 48 riebeek-kasteel, top searches in western cape, what's the weather like in western cape.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Western Cape for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Western Cape in January
• Weather in Western Cape in February
• Weather in Western Cape in March
• Weather in Western Cape in April
• Weather in Western Cape in May
• Weather in Western Cape in June
• Weather in Western Cape in July
• Weather in Western Cape in August
• Weather in Western Cape in September
• Weather in Western Cape in October
• Weather in Western Cape in November
• Weather in Western Cape in December

Explore nearby places

• Western Cape
• Prince Albert
• Prince Albert Municipality
• Beaufort West
• Great Brak River
• Klein Brak River
• Matjiesfontein
• Jongensfontein

All related maps of Western Cape

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• Map of Welgemoed
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• Map of Great Brak River
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Western Cape throughout the year

• Western Cape in January
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• Western Cape in October
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Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Knysna
• Top things to do and attractions in Mossel Bay
• Top things to do and attractions in George
• Top things to do and attractions in Wilderness
• Top things to do and attractions in Oudtshoorn

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Knysna
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in George
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Oudtshoorn
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Prince Albert Municipality
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Calitzdorp
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Employers urged to join WC jobseeker travel voucher programme

Today, Provincial Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, met virtually with representatives from the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry with a demo to boost employer participation in the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) recently launched ‘Getting YOU to Work’ programme.

The programme offers free travel vouchers for unemployed jobseekers to get to interviews. Each ‘Getting YOU to Work’ travel voucher includes 12 free rides using Golden Arrow Bus Services, on weekdays between 8am and 4pm.

Minister Mackenzie said, “We know that the cost of transport is a major barrier to accessing work opportunities. Recent increases in fuel costs and public transport fares have made this even more challenging. Safe, affordable, and reliable transport is key to enabling economic growth and job creation. This is why we are piloting the ‘Getting YOU to Work’ initiative – which removes the transport barrier – as part of the WCG’s ‘Growth for Jobs’ strategy.”

Minister Mackenzie emphasised the role of employers, saying, “We invite businesses and NGOs to partner with us as we tackle unemployment in our province. We have created a simple online portal, where companies can sign up as participating employers, so they can offer the travel vouchers to interview candidates. Thank you to those who have already signed up as partner employers and to CapeBPO for facilitating our engagement with this fast-growing industry. It has been exciting to see the impact of the programme, with a number of candidates successfully landing a job after using the Getting YOU to Work travel voucher to attend the interview.”

Participants in today’s webinar expressed excitement about the ‘Getting YOU to Work’ initiative and said they are looking forward to working together in creating and filling job opportunities.

CapeBPO CEO, Clayton Williams, said, “Our sector is booming and Cape Town is now established as a leading offshore BPO destination. The jobseeker travel voucher is a game-changer for supporting young people to access our jobs. We are honoured to be partnering with the Western Cape Government in bringing this initiative into our sector and will be working closely with our private sector partners to ensure that this will benefit those that need it the most.”

Information about 'Getting YOU to Work' is available at www.westerncape.gov.za . For queries, call 0860 142 142 or email [email protected] .

MEDIA QUERIES:

Rebecca Campbell

Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie

076 783 2583 or [email protected]

Steenhuisen’s ‘why are they coming to the Western Cape’ election jab causes a stir

DA leader John Steenhuisen's “why are they coming to the Western Cape” election campaign speech aimed as a jab at opposition parties has caused a stir, with the party accused of intolerance to competition in its “home ground”. 

Steenhuisen led the party's election manifesto launch in Paarl at the weekend.

He told party supporters the biggest risks to the province ahead of the elections was voter complacency and parties including Gayton McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance (PA), the newly founded Rise Mzansi, GOOD Party and National Coloured Congress (NCC). Some of the parties are coalition government kingmakers. 

“The biggest risk to continued progress and building a better future for all of us in this province is complacency and mercenary parties like the PA, Rise Mzansi, GOOD and NCC. They are not interested in taking on the ANC.

“Why are they not campaigning in Limpopo and North West? Why are they coming to the Western Cape to try to unseat the only government that created 300,000 jobs last year? Why are they coming here to the only government that arrested more than 27,000 criminals in the past year? Why are they coming here to an economy that works?

“Why are they not focusing their real attention on the real enemy of progress in South Africa, which is the ANC?” he said.

"Why are these political mercenaries in some small parties obsessed with targeting the Western Cape – the only province that works?" - @jsteenhuisen ✅ 300 000 new jobs in a year ✅ 27 000 arrests made by LEAP officers ✅ Schools work The real enemy of progress is the ANC! pic.twitter.com/Q0157t6Tv4 — Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) April 6, 2024

Steenhuisen accused the opposition parties of wanting to loot the Western Cape government.

“They know there is nothing left to loot in other provinces and want to come to the Western Cape because they want to get their hands on the budget and money that has been well looked after by our government. If they get that right, it's going to be the biggest bank heist you've ever seen. Within a few months the money will be gone in this province.”

He said other provinces were full of despair.

“I feel despair whenever I return to Durban, the city where I grew up. A city that was once a tourist hotspot has been reduced to ashes, with mountains of garbage lining the streets.”

Steenhuisen was not happy with the City of Johannesburg, a municipality which the DA led in past years through coalition governments.

“I fight not to be overwhelmed by despair when I visit Johannesburg, once the beating heart of our industrial economy, now reduced by the looters in the ANC, the EFF and the PA to a place where councillors spend millions on bodyguards while residents no longer have drinking water, where commuters drive on crumbling roads that explode, and where people burn to death inside their homes because the fire service has collapsed.”

He ended his speech with: “ On May 29 go out and vote for the DA to keep the Cape’s hope alive, and to keep the despair of dooms day out of the Western Cape.”

Steenhuisen warns Western Cape DA voters against complacency

The speech has been lambasted as fearmongering.

PA leader McKenzie said: “If this man behaves and thinks in these territorial terms regarding the Western Cape and opposition parties publicly, can you imagine how he behaves in closed meetings? I was there and I was shocked every day, just as some of you are shocked. The PA is coming, Johnny boy.”

Radio presenter Ashraf Garda compared the speech to how the taxi industry responds to competition.

“In other words: 'Don't play on our turf. This turf belongs to us. Go and do your business elsewhere. Just don’t do it here. This is ours'. Reminds me of the taxi associations which unilaterally mark out zones and they don’t want other taxis to enter. And then the metered taxis want to push the Ubers and Bolt out of their self-demarcated turf. Imagine if Telkom banned the arrival of the mobile industry in the 1990s because it’s 'their right' to 'own the industry because it’s their turf'.

“Elections, as in business, are determined by service delivery to markets. Markets decide. The only reason we are talking about a coalition is because the governing party has governed miserably in recent years and the DA, the EFF and social justice have not filled that space adequately. Voters are looking at options. No party — not the ANC, DA, EFF and the many smaller parties — have the right to determine who owns space. That right is granted and taken away at an election.”

DA councillor Renaldo Gouws defended the party, saying: “When the DA warned you against [former president Jacob] Zuma, you wrote the DA was fearmongering. When the DA warned you about cadre deployment, you wrote the DA was fearmongering. When the DA warned you about [President] Cyril Ramaphosa, you wrote the DA was fearmongering.”

Here are some reactions from social media:

In other words “don’t play on our turf. This turf belongs to us . Go and do your business elsewhere. Just don’t do it here. This is ours” Reminds me of the taxi associations who unilaterally mark out zones and they don’t want other taxis to enter. And then the metered taxis… — Ashraf Garda (@AshrafGarda) April 7, 2024

Paul Mashatile convinced ANC will win outright

Rivals smell blood over ‘dying horse’ lesufi, multi-party charter presents its solutions to infrastructure woes, steenhuisen allies top da's list of parliamentary candidates, ramaphosa betrayed tintswalo, says steenhuisen, read the preface and prologue of ‘who will rule south africa’ by adriaan basson and qaanitah hunter.

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Do Not Drink Order Lifted in the Town of Harwich Following Inadvertent Release of Firefighting Foam

Lab results show that no firefighting foam was detected in the water system after thorough flushing! The Do Not Drink Order in North Harwich has been lifted .

From the Harwich Fire Department 4/11/2024:

The Water Department is happy to report that the water sample test results taken in response to the firefighting foam incident have indicated no detection of firefighting foam. The Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection has given the Town the approval to lift the Do Not Drink order effective immediately.

The official certificate of analysis along with a map identifying the sample locations tested on 4/10 is available on the town’s website. In acknowledgement of the ongoing public concern the water department has collected an additional 5 samples today 4/11 and will continue to monitor and publish the test results to the Town’s website.

Although there has been no detection of Foam in the samples taken, residents may experience discoloration due to flushing operations. Residents who experience discolored water are encouraged to flush their home plumbing system by running all interior & exterior cold water taps simultaneously for approximately 10 minutes. Once completed, hot water fixtures should be run until the water runs cold ensuring a full flushing of the home’s hot water tank. Homes with tankless water heaters should run all hot water fixtures simultaneously for 10 minutes.

More updates regarding the water ban (which is now lifted) can be found at:

Do Not Drink Order Lifted – Water test results and sampling map | harwichma (harwich-ma.gov)

North Harwich Water update and flushing instructions for homeowners 4/10/2024 5:39PM | harwichma (harwich-ma.gov)

Town of Harwich, MA Public Water Utility | Harwich Water Department

Area Impacted

The following press release was issued by the Harwich Fire Department on April 10, 2024.

Summary: A building fire in Dennis caused the inadvertent release of firefighting foam into the Harwich Water System in North Harwich. This release caused a Do Not Drink Order to be implemented by the Water Department based on guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Details: On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Harwich Fire Department responded to Dennis for a building fire on Great Western Road right near the Town Line.

Our Engine 64 arrived first and used a Harwich hydrant for water supply. Our engines only carry 500 gallons of water, and for significant fires, a hydrant is needed. During initial firefighting efforts, there was not enough water available from the hydrant in Harwich. The solution to this is usually to put a second engine at the hydrant and have them pump the hydrant, increasing the pressure and volume of water available. In yesterday’s fire, the second arriving engine came from Dennis, they secured their own hydrant for water supply and tied into Engine 64 to provide them with more water. This is another way to increase the amount of water available.

During firefighting operations, a gasoline tank on a vehicle in the building let go and the gasoline ignited. Flammable liquids fires are most effectively extinguished with foam, and we carry foam for this purpose.

Late yesterday afternoon the Water Department and Fire Department received several calls reporting bubbles and foam in the drinking water in North Harwich by Depot and Great Western. The Fire Department was in immediate contact with Water Department Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent about these complaints and the Water Department began flushing the hydrant we used for the fire earlier in the day.

During this operation what appeared to be foam was visible in the water. As the Water Department continued their investigation, the Fire Department looked into our operation to try and determine how our foam could have ended up in the water system.

Ultimately, with the information gathered we pieced together what believed the cause to be.

Engine 64 was being fed from two different water sources, and those sources had different pressures. When the firefighters weren’t flowing water on the fire, the pressure from the Dennis water system used the foam solution to back feed into the Harwich water system.

In total, 25 gallons of foam was used at the fire and most of it was used in and around the fire building, however, apparently enough was back-fed into the system to cause the problem that was discovered.

Several years ago, we disposed of all of our old legacy foam that contained PFAS or other harmful chemicals and switched to an environmentally friendly foam called Muni F3 Green 3%.

From the National Foam Website, “Muni F3 Green 3% is a superior quality, synthetic fluorine free foam concentrate, designed for municipal firefighters on Class A and B hydrocarbon fires. Muni F3 Green is Green Screen certified*, assuring that no regrettable chemical substitutes have been used in the formulation. Muni F3 Green is a patented formulation producing a vapor sealing blanket of foam that rapidly spreads over the surface of the fuel to provide rapid control and extinguishment.”

Fire Chief David Le Blanc stated “I regret that this problem was caused by our operations at the fire, and although it is not something I could have ever anticipated happening, that doesn’t lessen the significance of the incident or the impact.”

As of 12:00 PM the Do Not Drink order has been changed to the area of North Harwich where the foam was first discovered.

The Town Administrator, in conjunction with the Water Department, Public Safety and Department of public works has set up a water distribution point for the affected residents at the Family Pantry this afternoon.

Additional Information

https://nationalfoam.com/foam-concentrates/sfff-fluorine-free-foam/muni-green/)

Microsoft Word – NMS511_Muni Green Plus 3% AR-FFF Concentrate_09262022 (nationalfoam.com)

For questions or interview opportunities contact:

Chief David LeBlance at [email protected] (508) 430-7546

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Earthquake maps show where seismic activity shook the Northeast today

By Lucia Suarez Sang

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 7:51 PM EDT / CBS News

Residents across the Northeast were rattled by a  4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook  the densely populated New York City metropolitan area and much of the surrounding region on Friday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey was quick to release maps showing the spot where the quake was centered, in New Jersey, and the area where it was felt.

The USGS reported the quake occurred about 7 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. It indicated that the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people. There were several aftershocks later in the day, including one with a magnitude of 4.0.

People in Baltimore , Philadelphia , New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

The map below shows the seismic intensity of the earthquake. The map, which is mostly a lighter shade of blue, shows that the intensity was light to weak, depending on the distance from the epicenter. 

Another map released by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre on X, formerly Twitter, highlights the eyewitness reports of shaking and possible damage levels during the seismic event. 

#Earthquake 18 mi W of #Plainfield (New Jersey) 23 min ago (local time 10:23:20). Updated map - Colored dots represent local shaking & damage level reported by eyewitnesses. Share your experience via: 📱 https://t.co/IbUfG7TFOL 🌐 https://t.co/wErQf69jIn pic.twitter.com/jBjVw1ngAD — EMSC (@LastQuake) April 5, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been briefed on the quake. 

"We're taking this extremely seriously and here's why: There's always the possibility of aftershocks. We have not felt a magnitude of this earthquake since about 2011," Hochul said. 

People across the region were startled by the rumbling of the quake. One New York City resident told CBS New York's Elijah Westbrook, "I was laying in my bed, and my whole apartment building started shaking. I started freaking out," 

It's not the first time the East Coast and New York City have been hit by an earthquake. 

A 5.0 quake was measured in New York City in 1884. 

The shaking stirred memories of the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake that jolted tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada. Registering magnitude 5.8, it was the strongest quake to hit the East Coast since World War II. The epicenter was in Virginia.

That earthquake left cracks in the Washington Monument, spurred the evacuation of the White House and Capitol and rattled New Yorkers three weeks before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

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Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at cbsnews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.

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