The Western Cape is one of South Africa’s premier tourist attractions, and for good reason. From the famous icon of Table Mountain to vast Winelands and exquisite beaches to world-class restaurants and cosmopolitan entertainment haunts. For its exquisite scenic beauty - the province is renowned for being the favorite playground of fashion and film crews the world over. Cape Town also boasts a myriad of cultures and tourist treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for?

Climate/Weather: There are three climatic regions in the Western Cape. The Peninsula and the Boland enjoy Mediterranean-type conditions with dry summers and a winter rainfall. Moving up the west coast towards George and the Garden Route, rainfall is year-round. Towards the interior, the semi-desert of the Karoo experiences dry winters and low summer rainfall.  CAPE TOWN INFO PAGES CAPE TOWN CONTACT YELLOW PAGES SOUTH AFRICA INFORMATION FOR TOURISM cape town info

Atlantic Seaboard
Cape Town’s most fashionable location and her own Gold Coast, the suburbs of the Atlantic Seaboard, include some of the most expensive real estate in Africa. It’s a lively, trendy part of the city where the beauty of the surroundings is matched only by the beauty of the people. It’s an ideal holiday destination with astonishingly white and sandy beaches edging the soaring Twelve Apostles (the buttresses of Table Mountain) – and it’s only minutes away from all the attractions of the V&A Waterfront, the City Centre, Hout Bay and the Northern Suburbs.
For a quick tour of the Atlantic Seaboard, follow the M6 – a scenic coastal drive between Granger Bay and Hout Bay that traverses the cosmopolitan suburbs of Green Point, Three Anchor Bay, Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Bakoven, Camps Bay and Llandudno.

These locations enjoy protection from the summer’s prevailing south-easterly winds and receive longer hours of sunshine than the False Bay Coast, as well as resident life-savers on the beaches, which is why these beaches have grown in popularity.

Its position on the slopes of the mountains makes the Atlantic Seaboard an ideal destination for hikers – there are a number of trails on the slopes of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak – as well as for hang- and paragliders. Look out for their colorful wings against the clear blue of the sky. There’s a freedom there, a grace and a sense of exhilaration – a kind of microcosm for the whole of this beautiful coast. It’s a thrilling sight.
 

Cape Town Towns A - Z

Bloubergstrand
Have you ever wondered where all those breath-taking panoramic views of Table Mountain rising over the blue waters of Table Bay are taken from, well you will have to come and see that panorama for yourself, visit the 48km of white, sandy beaches of Blaauwberg.

This, the largest region of the Cape Metropole, is a nature-lover’s destination where you’ll pass many happy, fascinating hours. One can explore vast stretches of natural wetlands, enjoy whale watching in spring, the famous West Coast flowers and the fine wilderness area of Rietvlei Nature Reserve – with more than 173 bird species – and Koeberg Nature Reserve – where paths through the Fynbos pass through exceptionally beautiful cliffs, dunes and beaches.

Sports people – especially those who love the sea – find Blaauwberg irresistible, for it boasts some of the Cape’s top surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing and angling spots. You can also enjoy two fine golf courses, Milnerton Golf Club and Atlantic Beach Golf Club, a number of bowls, tennis and squash clubs, cricket, baseball and football grounds and the Killarney Raceway – the oldest motor sports centre in South Africa.

With new developments to be seen throughout the region and an eclectic mix of culture, business and industry, Blaauwberg is a thriving commercial hub where you’ll find Africa’s biggest shopping mall as well as the industrial centers of Atlantis and Paarden Eiland.

For the hungry: , you’re never too far from the Cape’s Wine Route, the outdoor fish restaurants of the West Coast or the numerous eateries that you’ll find in the many shopping centers and malls throughout the region.

Of course, the choice of accommodation is vast, with everything from luxury hotels to self-catering resorts and homely B&B’s.

Bonnievale:
The Breede River’s fertile alluvial soils and a mild climate guarantee that Bonnievale’s produce – wines, fruits and cheeses – are amongst the finest in the country.

Your friendly hosts at Bonnievale offer canoeing trips, freshwater fishing, bird watching on the river cruiser, wine tasting and guided tours of the wine cellars (producing both red and white wines), cheese factory tours, fruit picking in season and picnics on the river bank.

A variety of accommodation is available. Business and corporate market can make use of seminar and teambuilding facilities. View the DJ le Roux Collection and the restored Myrtle Rigg Memorial Church.

Caledon:
The Capital of the Overberg with its warm, healthy heart is well known for its mineral hot springs, wild flower garden, 4x4 adventures, trout fishing, sundowners on the hills and much more.

Gaming at the Caledon Casino, excellent cuisine and accommodation ranging from cozy farmhouses to luxury hotels – the choice is yours.

Camps Bay
Camps Bay has long been a favorite destination for overseas visitors to Cape Town. Just behind Table Mountain, nestled beneath Lions Head and the majestic Twelve Apostles, and boasting a magnificent palm fringed sandy beach, Camps Bay is a real gem.

The cosmopolitan beachfront is vibrant throughout the year and people throng the pavement cafes and restaurants enjoying the ambience. All the attractions of Cape Town are close at hand; the V & A Waterfront, the Table Mountain cableway and the City centre, yet Camps
Camps Bay enjoys a special uniqueness - come and experience it !
* Beautiful, white, sandy beaches. Great bathing and tanning. Pleasant walks along the beachfront. Camps Bay enjoys a selection of over 40 world class restaurants. Hiking trails along the mountains. Unforgettable sunsets and views. Best high school in the country.

Bay enjoys a special uniqueness - come and experience it !
 

City Centre:
With pearly white beaches and awe-inspiring mountain scenery as her backdrop, the Mother City is a cosmopolitan mix of culture and business, industry and leisure, history and innovation. Here you will find world-beating entertainment and conference venues, restaurants and accommodation establishments. This wonderful city was crowned Africa’s Leading Destination at the fifth World Travel Awards.

Cape Town’s heart is known as the City Bowl, which embraces the city centre itself as well as the surrounding areas to the north of Table Mountain and east of Signal Hill. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the summit of Cape Town’s most famous landmark – Table Mountain. It is more than 1 000 meters high and offers spectacular views over Cape Town and its surroundings.

Numerous museums and historical places crowd the City Bowl: the 17th century Castle of Good Hope houses the William Fehr Collection and offers colorful military ceremonies, fine wines and Cape Malay cuisine; the South African Museum and Planetarium; the South African Cultural History Museum; and the South African National Gallery. There’s also the Michaelis Collection at the Old Town House, porcelain and old furniture at the Koopmans de Wet Huis and the Gold of Africa Museum in the historic Martin Melck Huis.

Visit the pedestrian walk at St George’s Mall or the popular outdoor market of Green Market Square – lined with restaurants and shops where vendors sell almost anything. Take a guided walking tour of the Bo-Kaap – the Cape Malay Quarter – to experience the deep influence of the Malay culture on Cape Town’s architecture and cuisine. Or stroll along the upper part of Long Street where you will find collectables, antiques, clothing, books and great restaurants. At night, Long Street hums with trendy clubs and a vibrant nightlife.

Constantia:
South Africa’s wine industry was born in the Constantia Valley, and it’s still the home of some of the country’s finest vintages. It’s a strikingly beautiful place of ancient vineyards, luxuriant homes and leafy forests – a picturesque and historical valley that invites you to experience, taste and discover… Constantia is packed with all the appeal you’d expect: well-preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, excellent shopping malls, challenging golf courses and loads of attractions – including the celebrated Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and the Tokai Forests. The Tokai Forest Reserve, where the Arboretum (established 1885 and now a National Monument) houses collections of giant Californian redwoods and ancient oak trees, is popular with visitors.

The people of the Cape love to walk, and the Constantia Valley is criss-crossed with hiking paths through the Silvermine Nature Reserve, Tokai Forest, Cecelia Forest and the Constantia Greenbelt, where you might have the rare opportunity to spot secretive and elusive bird species such as Knysna Warbler and Sweet Waxbill. Various mountain hikes begin at Constantia Nek. Two golf estates in the Constantia area provide challenging, world-class courses.

A chain of more than twenty Muslim shrines – the Kramats that are dedicated to the holy men of the Cape – stretches from Robben Island to Macassar. Two of these shrines are found here – on the Klein Constantia Estate and on Islam Hill in Summit Road.

Excellent wines and fine food are synonymous with Constantia, and this is where you’ll find Cape hospitality at its best. Of course, the young family is provided for too, with everything from cheap and cheerful fast food to wholesome, farm-style cooking.
Famous authors – Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Alexander Dumas, and Henry Longfellow – have often sung the praises of Constantia’s vines, and the valley has been associated with world-class wines since 1692. Blessed by fertile soil and cooling ocean breezes, this tradition of fine wines continues in the five estates of the Constantia Wine Route. Visit South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, Groot Constantia, where many of the original structures are still in existence and form part of the Manor House complex. You can also enjoy wine tasting, cellar tours, wine sales and fine dining at the other estates on the Constantia Wine Route – Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg.

The Constantia Valley boasts a selection of delightful guesthouses and quality hotels, complemented by a fine spread of restaurants catering for everyone’s taste. With National Monuments, mountain walks, spectacular views, wine estates and farm stalls, great shopping, excellent sporting facilities and plenty of entertainment – all within a few minutes’ drive of the attractions of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula.

Elgin Valley:
One of South Africa’s richest fruit-growing regions, the Elgin Valley borders the Kogelberg Biosphere, which has more than 1 600 species of plants, many endemic.

Its close proximity to Cape Town makes this area of outstanding natural beauty a prime weekend getaway. Visit the oldest remaining Inn in South Africa, an Apple Museum tracing the story of apple farming, the Palmiet Hydro-electric Station or apple packing sheds. Pick your own fruit, or relax at the Country Club overlooking the Eikenhof Dam. Hiking, mountain biking and kloofing in the Hottentots Holland Reserve are popular activities. There is also a 2-hour trail for the blind and disabled.
The town of Grabouw is the commercial centre. Fruit, flowers, wines and other local products are available throughout the year at the farm stalls along the N2 accommodation varies from rustic cottages to luxurious homes.

Fish Hoek:
The picturesque village of Fish Hoek boasts one of Cape Town’s safest swimming beaches. With colorful, original Victorian bathing boxes providing a jaunty atmosphere, this beach also sports a children’s playground, a refreshment kiosk, restaurant and secure parking. Fish Hoek is definitely a destination if you’re looking for holiday fun.

There’s more, too: enjoy snorkeling, hobie-cat sailing and paddle skiing. And if you’re lucky’ you could see the local fisherman ‘trekking’ for harder and yellowtail in their traditional wooden rowing boats.

Take a gentle walk to Peers Cave for brilliant valley views and a peep into stone-age history (this site was first excavated in 1926 and 1927 by the father-and-son team of Victor and Bertie Peers; their most significant find was the famous 12 000 year old Fish Hoek Man, whose skull has a larger brain cavity than others of his age).

The Fish Hoek Valley Museum, which houses interpretive displays of the Peers Cave excavations as well as collections of local interest, is open in the mornings from Tuesday to Saturday, and can be viewed at other times by arrangement (the Museum arranges guided tours of the Peers Cave – also by prior arrangement).

Follow Jaguar's Walk along the rocky coastline to Sunny Cove, where sign boards, explain the life history of the dolphins which play in these waters throughout the year and of the Southern Right and Humpback whales which come during late winter and spring to mate and calve.

The local residents’ concern for a healthy lifestyle has given rise to a wonderful selection of health and wellness facilities in Fish Hoek. A wide range of treatments and products are available. Traditional healers and herbalists offer a particularly African approach to health care, which has been trusted by the local communities for generations. Local growers and manufactures produce a wide range of organic and herbal products for health care and beauty treatments, but perhaps most beneficial is the sense of peace and well being that emanates from close contact with nature in these beautiful surroundings. The valley is an ideal place to pamper all of your senses and spoil yourself more than a little. The Fish Hoek Mardi Gras happens annually in December and delights residents and visitors alike when beachfront stalls, live entertainment and a procession of floats create a festive spirit in celebration of the summer holidays.

And why is Fish Hoek a ‘dry’ town? By tradition, no retail liquor outlets are allowed in Fish Hoek – it’s a convention that dates back to the days when the village was a staging post for the wagons that carried goods between Cape Town and Simon’s Town. The by-law was introduced to prevent drivers from stopping off for a dram (…or two… or three) and arriving at their destinations in less than a sober state.

Franschoek:
Franschoek is billed as the food and wine capital of the country. Settled more than three hundred years ago by the French Huguenots, the Franschoek Valley produces some of the world’s truly great wines and this has attracted some of South Africa’s truly great chefs to the town. Eight of Franschhoek’s restaurants feature in the national ‘Top 100’.

Franschoek complements the artistry of its chefs and winemakers with its breathtaking beauty; it lies on the banks of the Berg River against a backdrop of the towering Franschoek and Drakenstein Mountains – a dramatic setting indeed for the town and its attendant vineyards.

One can taste and buy wine at many of the wineries on the Vignerons de Franschoek. Some are open by appointment only, others have restaurants serving lunches and picnics, and one has an equestrian centre offering wine tasting on horseback, definitely wine tasting with a difference.

Franschhoek’s main street is lined with shops and galleries providing a choice of antiques, art, crafts and bric-a-brac. Naturally, the gourmet is well-catered for, and here you will also find fromageries, a Chocolaterie and coffee shops serving delicious, freshly baked confections – a must when you’re all shopped out and need to build up your strength.
With your energy restored, venture into the mountains for a walk or go to the Forestry Station for hiking, cycling, horse riding or fly-fishing (some of the wine farms also have trout streams – check with your tourism office).
To understand why Franschoek is so rich in French heritage – and for a glimpse at how life was lived ‘back in the day’ – visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum. And if you’re in the area on the weekend closest to Bastille Day (14 July), join the locals for their annual gourmet fair and celebration of the town’s French heritage.

Of course, with all these attractions and culinary temptations, you’ll want to stay a night or two-or three! Franschoek offers everything from internationally acclaimed country lodges to intimate B&B’s, charming country guest houses to comfortable self-catering cottages. Stop at Franschoek Info. Office in the main street for detailed information regarding all that the valley has to offer.

Gansbaai:
The Great White shark has been protected in South Africa since 1990 – and Gansbaai is the best place in the world to see them. Most shark diving takes place off Dyer Island, about 6 nautical miles (11km) offshore. View the Southern Right whales from our cliffs at De Kelders or at sea with one of 2 boats based operators.

Visit Danger Point Lighthouse, which overlooks the site of the wreck of the Birkenhead – the tragedy that gave birth to the tradition of ‘women and children first’. Enjoy rock and surf fishing, swimming on our unspoilt beaches, visit ancient Milkwood forests and historic caves, discover the Fynbos on a hiking trail or tractor-trailer ride. Plus so much more! Gansbaai is truly the Coast of Contrasts

Gordon's Bay:
Taste the Mediterranean in Gordon’s Bay, with its old-style charm, narrow streets and bustling waterfront. Set against the steep mountains of the Helderberg, the sheltered waters of this picturesque cove welcome sailors, surfers, fisherman, water-skiers and windsurfers from around the world. Or, for the more sedate, follow the Faure Marine Drive around the Hottentots Holland Mountains to the Streenbras Dam for excellent whale watching and magnificent views of Table Mountain and even – on a clear day – as far as Cape Point.

Walk the 7km Danie Miller Trail or challenge yourself on the moderately difficult Streenbras River Gorge Hiking Trail (permits required). Enjoy hiking trails and canoeing at the isolated and remarkably unspoilt Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, whose core area covers 18 000ha of Fynbos plantations (permits required).

Gordon’s Bay is known for its excellent land-based whale watching between June and November when hundreds of Southern Right whales visit South Africa’s sheltered, shallow bays. For a romantic end to the day, take an evening stroll along the HARBOUR wall or a sunset cruise from the old HARBOUR next to the Naval College and/or the new HARBOUR Island waterfront development. With a wide selection of accommodation and restaurants and all the attractions of the Helderberg Basin and Winelands within easy reach, Gordon’s Bay is the perfect holiday destination.

Greyton:
Time stands still in this old world village on the banks of the Riviersonderend. Oak-lined country lanes, lei-water furrows and quaint cottages set in beautiful gardens against the backdrop of the Riviersonderend Mountains.

Horse riding, cycling, freshwater fishing, bird watching, a Fynbos reserve and walking trails – including a two-day hike to McGregor. Wander through many art galleries viewing a wide variety of styles, or enjoy open-air cafes and fine restaurants. Excellent B&B, guesthouses or country lodge accommodation establishments offer country elegance and fireside romance, or self-catering in rural comfort.

Hermanus:
In the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, nature lovers can go for hikes among the 1 100 different species of Fynbos or go bird watching along the Klein River, Bot River and Onrus River estuaries or along the beaches where the endangered oystercatcher breeds.

The eco-adventure seeker can do scuba diving, sailing, boardsailing, sea- and river kayaking, deep-sea fishing, Great White shark viewing and cage diving off Dyer Island. The mountains overlooking Hermanus are considered to be one of the best hang-gliding and paragliding-flying sites in the Cape and Rotary Drive offers easy access to the launching site.

Those visitors seeking a more laid-back holiday can laze around the beaches, do some rock angling, go for fresh- or saltwater fly fishing or take a sundown cruise on the Klein River.

Tennis, squash, bowls, golf and horse riding are some of the sports that are catered for. The Hermanus Golf Club is situated in the village while Arabella Country Estate; 20km from Hermanus boasts a golf club on the banks of the Bot River Lagoon.

However, Hermanus is not only about the outdoors. The work of many of the artists who have made Hermanus their home, is available in the local shops and galleries. Excellent jeweler, pottery and local crafts are also on sale at the vibrant Lemm’s Corner craft market.

Visitors can also celebrate the good life with top quality wines on Africa’s most southern wine route, the Hermanus Wander or get a glimpse of South Africa’s unique black township culture by taking a guided Zwelihle tour.

Accommodation options range from the simple to the sublime, with backpacker lodges, self-catering accommodation, B&B’s, timeshare units, guesthouses and luxury hotels to suit everyone’s budget.

Jacobsbaai:
Jacobsbaai is a beautiful isolated bay a few kilometers north of Saldanah Bay with a sea frontage of about 2km. its interesting coastline has peninsulas, rocky and sandy bays with cozy beaches and an abundance of seafood, crayfish, fish, mussels and abalone. Jacobsbaai is often referred to as ‘’Namaqualand by the sea’’, since its wild flowers are breathtakingly beautiful in spring.

Kalk Bay/ St James Muizenberg

A fusion of Arts, Crafts & the Great Outdoors.

Kalk Bay: Fast becoming one of the trendiest seaside villages in the Cape, Kalk Bay is a vibrant fishing community that reflects its cosmopolitan heritage through art, architecture and local cuisine. The Main Road and HARBOUR are renowned for the variety of their restaurants.

St James: The seaside suburb of St James, which boasts a number of B&B’s and guesthouses, is a popular destination for its safe bathing beach, and a tidal pool, which makes it ideal for toddlers. The beach is characterized by the colorful Victorian bathing boxes.

Muizenberg: Offering one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches – with 36km of white sands, safe bathing and a beachfront pavilion offering a swimming pool, waterslide and putt-putt course – Muizenberg was once considered a most fashionable resort town, and this legacy lives on in its many gracious buildings.

Kleinmond/ Betty’s Bay
Kleinmond: Hike the Kogelberg and Mountain & Coastal reserves; track down the mysterious wild vlei horses and spot Spoonbills as well as a host of wetland birds at the lagoon; 4x4 to Kasteelkop for the most breathtaking views; go white water tubing on the Palmiet River; take a stroll down HARBOUR Road to buy some crafts or enjoy perlemoen and local wines. Call the Tourism Bureau for more details on where to stay and where to eat.

Betty’s Bay: Get up close to a breeding colony of endangered African Penguins, (a late afternoon visit to Stony Point will be an experience you will never forget!). Discover the wonders of the Fynbos kingdom as showcased in the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, or take the 2-hour ‘waterfall trail’ up Leopard’s Kloof, with lunch and a cold beer at the restaurant on your return. B&B’s and restaurants await.

Rooiels: Dive for crayfish (in season and with a permit!); angle from the rocks; look out for whales, baboons, Cape Clawless otters and the elusive Cape Rock jumper, and drink in the spectacular sunset across False Bay!

Kommetjie
Renowned for the quality of its crayfish, surfing and birdlife, Kommetjie is a quiet and rustic seaside village nestling between the Slangkop Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Long Beach, which stretches from Kommetjie to Noordhoek, is one of the Peninsula’s most popular surf spots and surf competition venue. Although Kommetjie offers numerous other breaks, most of them are for experienced surfers only.

The walk to Slangkop lighthouse (built in 1919) offers excellent bird watching.
Spend a day at Imhoff Farm, with its cheese factory, unusual gift shops, Cape cuisine, snake and reptile park and camel and horse riding; or visit the Two Oceans Craft & Culture Centre. This centre is devoted to the development of local craft, art, cuisine and theatre and reflects the heritage and culture of the Xhosa speaking communities of Masiphumelele and Red Hill as well as the Afrikaans and English speaking communities of Ocean View. Crafters work in traditional thatched rondawels (round buildings) set in a garden landscaped with indigenous flora. A restaurant offers delicious traditional dishes and the Kraal Theatre showcases talent from the area.

Lakeside
Come and fly your kite. The thing that’s so special about Lakeside is its weather: a unique micro climate on the warmer False Bay coastline which is usually warmer in winter and cooler in summer than other areas on the Peninsula.

Zandvlei Lake, from which the area gets its name, is a beautiful wetland area and quiet water sports destination for canoeists, windsurfers and sailors (sailing takes place under the auspices of the Zandvlei Yacht Club).

Other activities in the immediate vicinity include kite flying, walking and hiking – either around Zandvlei Lake, in the mountains above Lakeside or along the scenic Boyes Drive. False Bay is famous for its whales, the Boyes Drive is a particularly good whale watching spot in the breeding and calving season (June to November).

Westlake Golf Club is known for the loveliness of its surroundings, and Lakeside is within easy reach of at least four similarly scenic and challenging courses. Also, popular tourist spots such as the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the historic Constantia Valley Wine Route, are all within easy access.

Offering a selection of luxurious guesthouses and close to all major places of interest (20 minutes to the Waterfront and the City centre, 30 minutes to Cape Point or the Stellenbosch Winelands), Lakeside is particularly well positioned as a base for discovering the Cape Peninsula.

Langebaan / Saldanah

Langebaan lies just 124km from Cape Town on the banks of the Langebaan lagoon and is the ideal place to stay when visiting the West Coast National Park (30 000ha) which borders on the south. The Park is not only a paradise for birders and game viewers, but also of the nature lovers. During the months of August & September, the magnificent spring display makes for an unforgettable experience!

Eve’s footprints, discovered on the banks of the lagoon, dates back 117 000 years and is one of the earliest proof of human existence on this planet. Retrace the footsteps of the earlier inhabitants of these parts through a guided Historical Walk through town.

The almost all year round sunny weather and safe condition of the lagoon waters make this town a Mecca for kite-surfers, windsurfers, kayakers and fishermen. International water sport competitions are hosted here frequently.

You can also try your luck at the casino or enjoy live entertainment, water sports or a traditional fish braai at the popular Club Mykonos Resort. Stunning sunsets are free on the menus of the many interesting bars and restaurants on the beach.

The picturesque seaside village of Saldanah is situated on the northern corner of the largest natural bay in South Africa. Its ideal location makes it a paradise for the water sport enthusiast, and its local economy being strongly dependent on fishing, mussels, seafood processing, the steel industry and the HARBOUR.

Furthermore its sheltered HARBOUR plays an important part in the huge Sishen-Saldanha iron-ore project at which Saldanah Steel, a state of the art steel mill, takes centre stage. With strong historic military links, Saldanah is also host to a Navel Training Base and the South African Military Academy.

The popular SAS Saldanah Nature Reserve offers a display of wildflowers during late winter and spring while Southern Right whales also visit the safe waters in and around the nature reserve.

Malagas / Breede River Mouth
The villages of Malagas and Infanta lie on the banks of the Breede (‘wide’) River – Infanta at the mouth and Malagas 28km inland. Here, the twin attractions are the river and the whales that visit its coast each year in spring.

The Breede is one of South Africa’s largest navigable rivers and supports a rich diversity of fish and bird life. Tidal action reaches 20km upstream, and fishes such as cob; spotted grunter and Garrick are regularly caught in the estuary. A wide variety of water sports make this a popular weekend retreat and holiday destination.

The River enters into San Sebastian Bay – South Africa’s Whale Nursery-making Infanta a sought-after destination for superb whale watching. Here, at times during the season (June – November) the greatest concentration of Southern Right whales on South Africa’s coast can be found.
The Malagas Pont was opened in 1860 and is still operating today – it is the only hand-drawn pontoon in the country, and is certainly the most romantic way of crossing the Breede River when driving between Bredasdorp and the Slang River.

Accommodation is available at various guesthouses and B&B’s.
McGregor
The beauty of McGregor has inspired artists for centuries. A charming, tranquil 19th century village of whitewashed thatched cottages with cozy log fires, clear, sparkling, stargazing nights, and spectacular sunsets.

Montagu:
Montagu is a charming, historic village nestled between two mountain ranges, halfway between Cape Town and the Garden Route, and lies in the heart of legendary Route 62. With crystal clear air, beautiful mountains, a superb climate and plenty to do, it is the ideal breakaway spot from city living.

The weather is perfect…far enough south to escape the heat of the Karoo, far enough north to get away from the long, wet winters of the Cape. In winter, the days are mild and sunny, with occasional rainfall. Autumn brings on a kaleidoscope of stunning colours in the whole area. As for October, there isn’t a place that can compare to the beauty and abundance of the roses. Not to mention the beautiful fruit blossoms. Summer is warm and dry with plenty of fruit to eat. The Route 62 is the world’s longest wine route, and the many award-winning wines from the Montagu area are well known throughout the world for their sugary sweetness and balmy bouquet.

Montagu is the “Mountain Mecca” of the Western Cape and offers a variety of hikes and walks to choose from. With the tortoises, dassies, guinea-fowl, Egyptian geese, and the odd baboon or small buck that shows itself, the routes are all a delight for everyone. Other mountain activities include some of the best rock-climbing in the world, mountain biking, 4x4, and for those who are more stout of heart, kloofing and gravity biking.

Something not to be missed is Niel Burger’s three-hour tractor ride up to the summit of the Langeberg Mountains. The stop on the summit offers spectacular views of the Robertson and Koo Valley and a taste of muscadel and dried fruit. The optional potjie lunch afterwards in the pine forest is an absolute must and a culinary delight.

Then there are the famous hot springs, situated less than 3km outside the town. Relaxing, calming and healing, it is an ideal place to spend a day doing nothing. The towering cliffs surrounding the hotel are spectacular and inspiring.

Many sporting activities are on offer in Montagu and include fishing, golfing, tennis, bowls, squash and pistol shooting. There is a wonderful arts and craft route, which winds through Montagu, exhibiting the talents of the residents in the town.

With 14 of Montagu’s 24 historical monuments situated in Long Street, a wide range of architecture is on view and it speaks much of Montagu’s rich history. Day trips into the areas surrounding Montagu are enjoyed by many tourists, and show the diverse plant growth which is indigenous to the Klein Karoo.

With all of this, and a promise of a warm welcome, you are invited to the Oasis of the Cape.

Noordhoek:
A delightful country village situated at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, Noordhoek bills itself as the last truly rural area left on the Cape Peninsula. It’s a tranquil place with a colorful atmosphere – and it’s just 25 minutes’ drive from the city centre.

If it’s indoor entertainment you are looking for, Longbeach Mall is a shopper’s paradise with fine restaurants, cinema complex and trendy boutiques. But if you’re the outdoor kind, you need to get out to Noordhoek: with its 8km of undisturbed beach, it’s a favorite for horse riding and group walks. The wreck of the Kakapo (1900), which lies halfway along the beach, is a popular destination for walking groups and has been featured in various internationally acclaimed motion pictures.

Silvermine Reserve, part of the Cape Peninsula National Park (which is unique in its close co-existence with the urban areas of the city) is a well-loved spot, a mere 10 minutes’ drive from the city. Silvermine offers clearly-marked mountain bike trails and walks where owners of dogs may take their best friends with them – as long as they’re on leashes. The Reserve also provides demarcated picnic and braai areas.

Enjoy trout fishing in the scenic mountains overlooking the valley or visit an environmental centre for guided walks, wetland trails, adventure and arts and crafts sessions.

Stop in at a farm village or trading post for their art galleries, crafts and specialty shops, plant nurseries and organic fresh produce. Bring the kids along to enjoy the children’s playground and, during the school holidays, the various entertainment and educational programmers. Browse through the quaint gifts, collectables and clothing shops or enjoy live music, crafts workshops, restaurants or the pub at the Noordhoek Farm Village.

If you love horses, you’ll enjoy Noordhoek, which is known for its stables and stud farms. Look out in the early morning light and you’ll see these magnificent animals exercising on the beach – and if you’re a rider yourself, you’ll get plenty of opportunity to enjoy your sport in this pretty seaside village.

Of course, you’ll also find excellent accommodation establishments to complement all these attractions – and this makes Noordhoek the ideal base for a Cape holiday.

Oostenberg:
Oostenberg – with its beautiful mountain scenery – is where the excitement of the Cape’s urban area meets the peace of the rural Winelands.

Protected from the worst heat of summer by the Bottelary Hills, the vineyards of Ribbokrant produce some of the Cape’s finest quality wines.

If you are into cars, you should visit South Africa’s biggest collection of classic and vintage automobiles at the Wijnland Auto Museum; if it’s other cultures that interest you, you will appreciate the collection of twentieth century Russian art and the private collection of Faberge Eggs in the Marvol Russian Museum at the Hazendal Wine Estate; and if plants are your passion, you might like to learn how flowers are grown for local and international markets in the Joostenberg Vlakte area, or see a collection of 700 miniature trees at Kraaifontein’s Exclusive Bonsai Nursery.

For the adventurous and the sporty, there’s hiking, swimming, cycling and tennis, the superb Kuils River Golf Course, horse riding trails through picturesque forests, Fynbos and vineyards and a range of sports clubs tat offer tennis, bowls, swimming and more. To complement all these attractions, Oostenberg offers a full range of accommodation within quick and easy access of all that allures in the Cape.

Paarl:
At the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name, Paarl is an important agricultural and commercial centre – yet it remains an atmosphere of quiet tranquility.

This was one of the Cape Colony’s first farming districts, and it bears the stamp of Cape Dutch and French Huguenot settlement well, with many preserved buildings that are worth visiting.

A treasure house of architecture is found along a 2km stretch of Main Street, starting at the historical Strooidak Church. Zeederberg Square is surrounded by picturesque Cape Dutch , Georgian and Victoria Houses.

The Paarl Museum is also not to be missed – it reflects the rich cultural diversity and development of this town. It houses Cape antiques, artifacts, documents and photographs. Be sure not to miss the Afrikaans Language Museum in Patriot Street.

Its wine route, the Paarl Vintners (red route), has become known for its holistic approach to the fruit of the vine. Many estates are open for wine tasting and sales. Some have restaurants and some offer cellar tours.

Must-see attractions include the ancient rock formations and Fynbos of the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, the Afrikaans Language Monument – the Taalmonument – and a collection of 700 species of trees in the Arboretum. Kids of all ages will enjoy Butterfly World, the Drakenstein Lion Park, Die Vonds Snake Centre, Wiesenhof Wild Park, Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm and Animal zone.

For lovers of the outdoors, there are horse-, hiking-, 4X4- and mountain biking trails, the Paarl Bird Sanctuary, fishing for black bass or trout, ballooning and sports clubs – including a top-rated golf course and golf estate.

Cultural attractions include art galleries, museums, studios, and the Bhabhathane weavers at Ikhwezi Centre. You can also visit the Paarl Flea Market that takes place every Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00 at Jan Phillips Square, and the Animalzone arts & craft Market taking place every second Saturday of the month.
Just 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town Central, with easy access to all the attractions of the Winelands and with accommodation that varies from comfortable self-catering units to indulgent hotel suites, Paarl is truly ‘A Town For All Reasons’.

Paternoster:
The name Paternoster (Latin for ’Our Father’) is said to have reflected the prayers of sailors who ran into trouble on the rocky shores. It could also have reference to a fisherman’s knot originating from Scotland. Now that the road to Paternoster, only 16kkm northwest of Vredenburg, has been tarred, new developments have been stimulated by the increase in visitors, the latest development being the establishment of a fish market where local fishermen can sell their catch. Access to the Columbine Nature Reserve and the lighthouse, which now provides accommodation, is through this village. Paternoster boasts a hotel renowned for its seafood, and two good restaurants. Opportunities for guided kayaking trips or even a diving experience are available.

Peninsula:
Here are some hidden gems that are unique & well worth visiting – ideal attractions for self-drives and small tour groups. In some cases, opening times are restricted, so it is advisable to pre-book or telephone in advance.

Ambeloui Wine Farm – Hout Bay; one of the smallest wine farms in the Cape and the only one producing bottled fermented sparkling wine – Cap Classique – open to the public from November to March. Sales are limited. Tel: 082 441 6039

Maingard Guitars – Scarborough: Master craftsmen of custom-made guitars in exotic woods, Marc invites you to tour his studio that is situated in the seaside village of Scarborough. Tel: 0221 780 1236.

The Park to Park Walk – Wynberg and Maynardville: Starting at St John’s Church, the walk includes 13 points of interest and explores the most unspoilt area of Wynberg. An information guide is available at the Tourism office. Tel: 021 788 6176.

Constantia Green Belt Walks: Friends of Constantia provide a handy guide of selected walks and trails in the Constantia Valley. An information leaflet depicting trails like the Alphen, Dordrift and Spaanschemat River is a useful tool when walking in this lush, green valley. Tel: 021 762 0687.

Rondevlei Nature Reserve/Imvubu Nature Tours: In the heart of Grassy Park, is a haven of tranquility and peace. In addition to offering day visitors an opportunity to observe a diversity of plant and bird species, Imvubu Nature Tours will organize carp fishing, overnight stays on the island bush camp, guided walks in the Reserve and tailor-made functions for large groups. There is also the chance of spotting a hippo or two at this community tourism development project. Tel: 072 419 8261.

Adventure Kalk Bay: The fishing community invites you to a walking tour of this fascinating harbor village. Overnight stays with families in the community, lunch or tea in their newly built centre ensures a true Cape experience. This is a community tourism development project. Tel: 073 211 4508/ 021 788 2242.

Two Oceans Craft and Culture Centre, Kommetjie: Experience the diverse culture of the Noordhoek valley communities. The Kraal Theatre, the restaurant and the landscaped craft centre are a showcase for local art, craft and performing arts. This is a community tourism development project. Tel: 021 785 3495.

Solole Buffalo Reserve, Kommetjie: The Reserve has been established to rehabilitate injured animals, breed disease-free buffalo and replant indigenous plant species. The game can be viewed from Mnandis, the Reserve’s restaurant. This is a community and eco-tourism development project. Tel: 082 782 7762.

Slangkop Lighthouse, Kommetjie: The tallest cast-iron lighthouse on the South African Coastline. Tours can be arranged. The climb to the top of the lighthouse is a steep one, but the views are magnificent. Tel: 021 783 1717.

Scarborough/Cape Point:
One of the Cape Peninsula’s most predictable whale watching spots, Scarborough is a rustic village of residences and holiday homes at the mouth of Schuster’s River. Its position on the Atlantic shoreline and surrounding Cape Fynbos makes it a unique conservation area.

Visit the shores of Schuster’s River, where you might spot Cape clawless otters, or take a walk along the seashore if you’re looking to spot the rare and endangered African black oystercatcher. Join a qualified zoologist for an organized tour to observe two resident troops of baboons or make an appointment to visit the Witsand Crayfish Factory.

The Good Hope Nature Reserve, within the Cape Peninsula National Park – which protects more than 1 000 species of Fynbos – lays 20km south of Scarborough, and a further 5km drive brings you to Cape Point – the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula. It is one of the Cape’s most visited attractions, with crisp, clear air and spectacular views from the high sea cliffs.

Simon’s Town:
This charming naval town is steeped in history and tradition. Named after the governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel – upon whose recommendation the Bay was used by the Dutch East India Company foe winter anchorage – the main focus of the town is, of course, its naval base.

A number of excellent museums illustrate Simon’s Town’s naval and cultural heritage. For local history, visit the Simon’s Town Museum – it’s housed in ‘The Residency’ (1777) and offers regular walking tours of the hi9storic town centre. The Heritage Museum preserves the history of generations of Muslim residents of Simon’s Town and also tells of their forced removal from the area under the apartheid regime. The South African Naval Museum houses a submarine diorama and is the custodian of the Martello Tower, which is one of the oldest surviving Corsican-pattern towers in the world, and can be visited by special arrangement. And, of course, no child – of any age – should miss the Warrior Toy Museum.

Able Seamen Just Nuisance, one of South Africa’s most famous canine friends, was a Great Dane who became the darling of Royal Navy ratings during the Second World War. Remembered for his intelligence, his fondness for pub-crawling with seamen – and his uncanny knack of getting them back to base again when they were a few too many sheets to the wind. A bronze statue of Just Nuisance has pride of place on Jubilee Square.

Other historic sites include the Church of St Francis and the Roman Rock Lighthouse (commissioned in 1861, it is the country’s third oldest lighthouse and the only one in South Africa that’s built on a rock).

If you’re after outdoor activities, there’s plenty for the adventurous: snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea angling, boat-based whale watching, golf and swimming. For more sedate entertainment, take a cruise around the naval dockyard aboard ‘Spirit of Just Nuisance’ or enjoy one of the many restaurants. And for shopaholics, there is a terrific variety of curio and specialty stores.

Visit one of only two breeding colonies of Jackass penguins on the African mainland, with access from either Seaforth or Boulders Beach. The larger part of the colony – at Foxy Beach – is reached by following a bridle path along the shoreline, and a boardwalk extends onto the beach to allow visitors an up-close encounter with this endangered bird species.

Dido Valley Road’s Mineral World is a favorite destination with fascinating tours through a gemstone tumbling factory, a scratch patch for the whole family to enjoy and an unusual jeweler and gift shop.

Somerset West:
The picturesque Helderberg Basin is the eastern-most region of the Cape Metropole and combines the towns of Gordon’s Bay, Lwandle, Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West and the Strand. Offering the excitement of the city combined with the peace of the country, the Helderberg Basin is known for its many attractions – including excellent wine estates and magnificent scenery.

The Helderberg is also the gateway to the Stellenbosch Winelands, the Breede River Valley or Hermanus and the Overberg region, making it an ideal base for any stay in the Cape. No wonder, then, that the locals say that here in the Helderberg Basin ‘everything’s here, everything’s near.’ Also take Baden Powell Drive along the False Bay coast to the Peninsula and the Cape Metropole.

With oak trees and thatched cottages, historic buildings and National Monuments, Somerset West is a bustling, close-knit community that still retains the historic charm of the Cape. Hunt for bargains and meet the locals amongst the 200 stalls of the renowned Country Craft Market (Saturday mornings) or at the regular Helderberg Veldwinkel. Picnic under ancient oaks, learn about our indigenous mountain Fynbos or take a walk in the Helderberg Nature Reserve at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain. Challenge yourself on the Erinvale Golf Course – host to the World Cup of Golf in 1996 – or on the Somerset West Country Club course. Take a drive to discover whether your car rolls uphill at Spookhill (but maybe this is simply an optical illusion?) Or enjoy the many estates of the Helderberg Wine Route, where the personalities of the wines are influenced by the proximity to the ocean and its cooling summer sea breezes.

Set against the Hottentots Holland Mountains, Vergelegen Estate – granted to Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700 – is one of the Cape’s most historic landmarks. Wander along the Silwerboomkloof Natural Heritage Site; a pleasant 20 minute walk offering beautiful vistas (no permits required; dogs allowed) or join in on one of the many other exciting hiking trails in the area.

The friendly and welcoming town of Somerset West, with its fine shopping in the village and at the Somerset Mall, plentiful accommodation, and numerous tourist attractions, is truly the Heart of the Cape’s hospitality.

Southern Suburbs:
Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs include the residential area of Rosebank, Rondebosch, Claremont, Newlands, Wynberg, Grassy Park, as well as some of the country’s favorite tourists attraction – in particular, the unique and famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

Traveling Southbound from the city centre you will pass through: the quaint suburb of Rosebank boasts four important landmarks: the historical Mostert’s Mill (1796): the neo-classical Rhodes Memorial, which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and was built in 1912 to honor mining magnate and one-time Cape Premier, Cecil John Rhodes; the University of Cape Town (1925); and the Groote Schuur Homestead that houses fine antiques and Africana.

Claremont is home to one of Cape Town’s trendiest shopping venues, the award-wining Cavendish Square Shopping Centre, with more than 216 stores, 15 restaurants and 16 cinemas.

Newlands is known to South Africans as the home of the Western Province Cricket and Rugby teams, the Newlands Stadium and Cricket fields have seen some of this country’s greatest test triumphs (and a few test disasters – about which it’s best to keep very quiet).

The Josephine Mill (1840) is the only surviving water mill in Cape Town. It houses a museum with water-wheel and blacksmith’s tools, and offers guided tours, milling demonstrations, a museum shop and tea garden.

The 528-hectare Kirstenbosch Garden is one of South Africa’s biggest tourist attractions. It comprises a cultivated section and a nature reserve, which stretches as high as Maclear’s Beacon – 1086m above sea level on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.

The area on the south banks of the Liesbeeck River, Wynberg, takes its name from the original farm on which it is built – Oude Wijnberg (Old Wine Mountain – 1682). Here you’ll find a thriving tradition of culture and entertainment as well as a number of interesting museums.

Families who were forced to relocate in terms of the Groups Areas Act in the early 1960’s occupied Grassy Park and the adjacent Cape Flats suburbs. Close to Princess vlei, Zeeloevlei and Rondevlei (marshes), it is a community with a rich heritage and cultural diversity.

Enjoy the Bard Under The Stars at the much-loved annual Shakespeare production (December to February) at the Maynardville Park and Open Air Theatre – bring your own picnic basket and blankets.

Stanford:
Set against the Akkedisberg Mountains and on the banks of the Klein River and also known for its interesting architecture. The Anglican Church is an idyllic setting for romantic weddings. Visit a microbrewery or a cheese factory or take a cruise downriver. Stanford is the ideal base from which to explore.

Stellenbosch:
The heart of South Africa’s wine industry, Stellenbosch is a place of great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African tradition.

The Stellenbosch Wine Route is arguably the country’s most famous, and the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes over 300 members of which more than a 100 are open to the public. Enjoy a long luscious day’s wine tasting, wine talk and wine buying and you’ll sip more than our great South African wines – you’ll taste our South African way of life.

The heart of the town lies near the oak-lined Dorp Street. With its venerable old buildings, this is the University’s main thoroughfare, where modern student life sits comfortably side by side with our history and architectural heritage.

The University – Maties – has produced many of the country’s great sporting heroes, including more than 154 rugby Springboks. Stellenbosch offers almost every outdoor activity you could desire – from world-class sporting facilities (rugby, cricket and soccer are national passions) two popular mountain bike routes and six truly great golf courses.

Several hiking trails within the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve tempt the hiker: they range from an easy 5,3km scenic walk to the challenging 17,1km Panorama Trail and the 18km Swartboskloof Trail. Visit Granny’s Forest at Helderberg Farm for easy walking – they also offer various other trails and an overnight hut.

As an important cultural centre, Stellenbosch has many galleries and museums housing important national and international art collections. The Stellenbosch Conservatoire is also the country’s oldest music school.

Strawberry cultivation and farming in Stellenbosch has an interesting history. During the 1800’s, silkworms were brought in from China to start off a silk industry. For this purpose a large quantity of mulberry trees were planted, but this was found to be unsuccessful, mainly due to lack of knowledge. In Jamestown, a missionary named Luchoff found the situation unsatisfactory, and he imported strawberries from Europe and so started a lucrative and longstanding relationship with strawberries in the area. Up to date it is probably, second to wine, the largest export product from Stellenbosch. The town’s first Strawberry Festival takes place in October annually, with craft markets focusing on strawberries, restaurants offering strawberry dishes and much more.

Celebrate this extraordinary beautiful town throughout the year with a string of festivals - of food and wine, sport and culture – and revel in our mild Mediterranean climate as you explore our culture, our heritage and the great South African outdoors.

Strand:
The water sports mecca of False Bay, with ideal waters for sailing, surfing, fishing, water-skiing and windsurfing with lapping long, sheltered beaches that provide excellent swimming and sunbathing. Here, the beaches are flanked by a promenade lined with café’s, restaurants and shops as well as an entertainment area with putt-putt, a water slide, tidal pool and heated Olympic-sized swimming pool. The beachfront comes alive every Sunday when trades and crafters set up a flea market on the Promenade. For sports lovers there’s the excellent 18-hole Strand Golf Course.

No tour of the Helderberg basin would be complete without a visit to the Lwandle Hostel Museum and Arts and Craft Centre. Located in the former community hall, the museum commemorates both the difficulties and the triumphs of migrant workers.

On the shores of False Bay, at the foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, only 48km from Cape Town, with accommodation to suit every budget and linked to the scenic Peninsula and Winelands by fast, well-maintained highways, the Strand is truly the ideal holiday destination.

Suidpunt:

The Suidpunt Region offers nature in all her glory, which will delight tourist, botanist, photographer, historian, bird watcher or angler. Bordered by blue mountain ranges, set in undulating hills, in a kaleidoscope of gold, green and brown landscape, with endless beaches and dunes. We invite you to explore the southernmost region in the west, through Buffelsjags, Die Dam, L’Agulhas, Stuisbaai and Waenhuiskrans/Arniston up to the mouth of the Breede River in the east. It includes the De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve.

Bredasdorp:  Technological Heart of the Suidpunt. Michiel van Breda established Bredasdorp, South Africa’s first town in 1838, and today forms the economic hub of the Suidpunt Region. Van Breda and another leading personality, Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl, could not agree where the Church should be built. As a result, two churches were built, and two towns, Bredasdorp and Napier were established in 1838. Notwithstanding its typical rural atmosphere, all essential services are available in Bredasdorp. This town boasts many interesting sites not to be missed. Please stop by the tourist bureau for more information on the Shipwreck Museum, the Audrey Blignaut Room, the Foot of Africa Room and even the biggest bottle collection in South Africa to name but a few. And go check out the giant proteas on the slopes of the Preekstoel (‘pulpit’) Mountain.

Napier – Village with Old World Charm. An ideal stopover and resting point between Cape Town and L’Agulhas.

Struisbaai: – Coastal Mecca of the Southern Overberg. A favorite holiday destination famous for its 14km uninterrupted white beach, which makes it a mecca for water sports. The quaint little HARBOUR was built in 1859 and is today used by both fishing and ski boats.

L’Agulhas: – ‘Southernmost Tip Where The Two Oceans Meet’. L’Agulhas is the southernmost town in Africa. In the shallow gullies east of the lighthouse, the remains of fish traps (made by packing layers of rocks around the pools) where the original inhabitants collected their fish, can still be seen. The lighthouse is the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa and was erected in 1848 and restored in 1988 to original plan.

Arniston / Waenhuiskrans:  One of the World’s Best Hideaways. Picturesque Waenhuiskrans is best known for the 200-year old restored fisherman’s village, Kassiesbaai. This village, with its whitewashed, thatched cottages, has stolen the hearts of many an artist and photographer and the whole village is a National Monument. Walk, picnic or watch birds at De Mond Nature Reserve.

Elim: Oasis of the Overberg. A Moravian Mission Station established in 1824. The entire charming village is a declared National Monument and even today only members of the Moravian Church live there. Visitors are welcome to join worship on Sundays. The Slave Monument built in 1938 commemorates the liberation of slaves in the Cape.

Swellendam:
Heritage, culture, architecture, wildlife and outdoor adventure – just some of the attractions of Swellendam. Located at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, situated on the N2, approximately 240km from both Cape Town & George and the perfect stopover from which to explore the Southern Cape, Breede River Valley and Klein Karoo. Swellendam is the third oldest permanent settlement in South Africa.

The district and town were named after the governor of the Cape, Hendrik Swellengrebel and his wife, Helena Ten Damme when the Drostdy was built in 1747. Here one now finds charming old buildings, oak trees and lush gardens and a sense of history and gracious living, combined with vibrancy in the business area.

Swellendam offers excellent accommodation and restaurants, sporting facilities, which include a 9-hole golf course, hiking, horse- and mountain bike trails, as well as water sports, and sunset cruises on the Buffeljachts Dam and the Breede River.

Visit various arts and crafts studios; a magical Fairy Sanctuary on the Continent of Sulina, youngberry farms that have tasting locales and where one is welcome to pick berries in November, or a flower centre at Stormvlei where flowers are grown for preserving and exporting.

Drostdy Museum Complex: A leading museum comprising various historical buildings including official, town and country dwellings. Visit the open-air exhibits, the restaurant in a reconstructed farmhouse, as well as a craft shop in the Old Gaol.
Tradouw Pass: 28km east of Swellendam en route to Barrydale on the R324.
A mountain pass of great scenic splendor and the only known habitat of the rare Laucandendron Tradouwense Protea.

Bontebok National Park: The Park that helped save the Bontebok from extinction. Various antelope, zebra and 126 species of birds. Camping, swimming, fishing and picnic sites are available.

Marloth Nature Reserve is any botanist’s dream with an abundance of wild flowers and Fynbos. There are several day walks and overnight hiking trails in the Fynbos reserve in the Langeberg Mountains.

Tygerberg:
The Tygerberg region is South Africa in microcosm, for here you will find the vibrant settlement of Khayelitsha almost cheek-by-jowl with well-groomed, up market residential reserves; sports stadium and shopping malls. And all within a stone’s throw of the attractions of Cape Town and the West Coast, the Winelands and the Overberg.

With three major malls and numerous smaller centers, the region is known for its entertainment, shops and restaurants. Tyger Valley Centre is where the locals shop. Considered to be the retail heart of the fairest Cape where international shoppers feel at home and Capetonians are proud to call their own.

A number of theatres and music venues – including The Velodrome – the city’s largest multipurpose indoor venue and international sports facility – provide a year-round programmed of live entertainment. And the astonishing Grand West Casino Complex offers gaming as well as 60 different restaurants, two hotels, a high-tech children’s entertainment centre and an Olympic-sized ice rink.

Numerous clubs cater for sport lovers, including the Cape’s only international indoor stadium and cycle track, various challenging golf courses, ice hockey, a hunt- and polo field and racecourse.

Many large corporations have their head offices here because of Tygerberg’s convenient situation – it is just 25km from the heart of Cape Town and 17km from Stellenbosch. Three of the Cape’s principal highways – the N1, N2 and the N7 – provide quick access to business areas, tourist attractions and residential suburbs as well as to the Cape’s extensive railway system and Cape Town International Airport.

Veldrift:
Veldrift – Laaiplek – Noordhoek – Port Owen – Dwarskersbos
A major fishing and salt-producing town that is centrally situated on the West Coast, Veldrift is the ideal base from which to explore the area. It is renowned for its wonderful bird life: watch more than 200 species from two bird hides in town or two others in the seasonal Rocherpan Nature Reserve. A deep water marina, the bay and the river provide excellent sailing opportunities.

Watch whales and flowers in season, take a trip on the Berg River, walk on the pristine beaches or enjoy seafood restaurants, bakkoms, coffee shops or an art gallery. These are just some of the relaxing things to do whilst in these areas.

Villiersdorp:
A small town in a lovely setting amidst wine and fruit orchards. Enjoy water-sports, bass fishing or the popular yacht club on the Tweewaterskloof Dam (one of the largest in South Africa). Villiersdorp boasts the only “moskonfyt” (grape preserve) factory in the world, and one of the five water mills built by the Dutch East India Company can be seen on the farm Radyn. On the outskirts of the town is a wild flower garden, boasting approximately 60 species of Protea, with blooms up to 30cm wide. As a result, bird life abounds in the garden. There are also 4x4 trails, mountain biking tracks and equestrian trails in abundance.

There is a 9-hole golf course situated on the east bank of the Theewaterskloof Dam. The views of the dam and mountains from the fairways keep the keen golfer on the course for longer than they anticipated. Beautiful and tranquil – no wonder Villiersdorp is called ‘ The Pearl of the Overberg’

Waterfront:
The V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most visited tourist destination and there’s a simple reason why – it’s a historic working HARBOUR that’s been given a new lease to life. And it celebrates its restored youth in a million ways.

The Waterfront provides entertainment for the whole family and all its facilities are accessible for the disabled. Here you’ll find buskers, entertainers and street festivals, lively music at the open air Amphitheatre, eleven cinemas (including an Imax theatre), historic buildings, the Two Oceans Aquarium, the South African Maritime Museum and the interactive displays of the Telkom Exploratorium, walks and tours, boat trips and HARBOUR cruises, water taxis, helicopter flips, seaplane rides, a working brewery, more than 50 restaurants and seven hotels.

And that’s not all, there’s also ample opportunities for serious shopping too, in an interesting blend of Victorian architecture, maritime tradition and African culture. The stylish Victoria Wharf boasts more than 240 unique retail outlets offering a vibrant mix of luxury items, designer brands and crafts; and the Alfred Mall offers a selection of traditional art, antiques and jeweler stores. And, of course, all within the easy reach of bureau de change and commercial banks.

The V&A Waterfront provides an extensive programmed of events and activities to capture the imagination of visitors of all ages – especially on weekends and during school holidays. You’ll never have to search for entertainment in the City Bowl; here it’s all around you.

Wellington:

The magical atmosphere of Wellington, steeped as it is in 300 years of history and tradition, captivates the heart of all its visitors.

Wellington is renowned for its educational institutions – particularly the Wellington Campus of the Cape Technikon and the Huguenot College, which trains its students in educational, social, youth and missionary work. The founder of the college, Andrew Murray, is honored in a famous statue at the town’s Dutch Reformed Church.

The town is an architectural jewel, with many Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings.

The Wellington Museum features the local winemaking, leather and fruit farming industries. The South African Dried Fruit Industry (SAD) was founded here in 1890, and still has its headquarters in the town: visit the SAD shop for its products.

The Wellington Wine Route includes the Bovlei Co-op, Kleinbosch (SAD), Welvanpas, Jacaranda, Wamakersvallei Co-op, Doolhof Wines, De Compagnie, Diemersfontein, Nabygelegen, Hildenbrand Wine & olive Estate and Wellington Winery. Gourmets can also sample the delights of local olives and olive oil, berries, sauces and jams on some of the farms.

Wellington has comfortable accommodation facilities, fine eating places, horse riding-, biking- and hiking trails, nurseries specializing in herbs, arum lilies and palms, leather factories and a snake breeding- and conservation centre. Sports facilities include the Boland Stadium and cricket, tennis, squash and golf clubs. The popular draw card to the area in the annual Safari Half Marathon.

The town is a mere 45 minutes (72km) drive from Cape Town and within easy reach of most Boland and coastal attractions. Wellington, on Route 62 – the longest wine route in the world – is linked to Ceres and Worcester by the Bain’s Kloof Pass, a scenic drive that is worth traveling for its dramatic view sites.

Yzerfontein:
Internationally renowned open-air and a la carte restaurants (with specialties snoek, crayfish and perlemoen), excellent guest house accommodation and the attraction of enviro-tourism make Yzerfontein an alluring and fascinating destination. Enjoy wild flowers in spring, Southern Right and Humpback whales, huge bird colonies, fishing, an unspoiled coastline with both rocky and sandy beaches (including the famous Sixteen Mile Beach), surfing or wind surfing.

This tranquil village situated on the R27 is just 80km from Cape Town and presents lovely views of Table Mountain to the south and Dassen Island to the north.