The Zulu-Natal is a province of
diversities. It offers the visitor a unique cultural and natural heritage and a rural
easy-going atmosphere - which is coupled with a first world infrastructure.
From the time of the first recorded discovery of the Cape
of Good Hope by Bartholomew Diaz in 1488, seafarers looked forward to the sight of
Table Mountain. Today, 500 hundred years later Table Mountain and Cape Town remain two of the world's most famous landmarks
and sought after destinations.
In Cape Town with its cosmopolitan population and atmosphere, you'll find the blend of
cultures, foods and colours of East and
 West. And within the greater Cape Peninsula you'll
find Cape Point, the Cape Peninsula National Park, Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain with its mountain splendour, numerous beaches,
surfing spots and a host of adventure activities to undertake.
The easiest way to fully explore the Western Cape, is to visit the different regions:
West Coast - stretching north of Cape Town from
Yzerfontein through Saldanha Bay, Paternoster and Vredenburg into the wild flower areas
along the Atlantic coast.
Winelands - a haven of gracious, white-gabled
farmsteads evoking a rich, elegant heritage. The heart of the grape and wine production in
the country, steepled in history and scenic beauty.
Garden Route - the Garden Route with its pristine
beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and kloofs is an absolute holiday destination,
a place to restore your soul and revitalise your body and mind.
Klein Karoo - travelling through the Klein (Little)
Karoo the visitor
 passes through fruit growing, wine producing and ostrich
farming towns such as Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Ladismith, Barrydale and
Uniondale and historic Amalienstein, Zoar and Dysselsdorp.
Breede River - in the valley of the Breede River
you'll enjoy magnificent mountain scenery, breathtaking views, dare the great outdoor
activities and visit nature reserves and living museum.
Overberg - the Overberg offers you beaches and secluded
coves stretching for kilometers along the coast, the southern most point of Africa where
two oceans meet, the heart of the Whale Coast and symmetrical swatches of rich farmlands
set off by rugged mountains.
Some of the interesting routes to follow are the Brandy Route, visting
the Mission Stations of the West Coast, travelling via
Route 62 from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, doing the whale route, travelling the Scenic
Passes and visiting the Winelands.
The Western Cape also offers you a number of National Parks, many Nature Reserves, some of
the oldest towns in South Africa, picturesque coastal towns and villages along the Garden
Route and West Coast and small Karoo farming towns.
 And
the Western Cape offers the visitor also a melting-pot of culinary traditions and
cosmopolitan cuisine, the city and countryside tempt visitors with an eclectic taste of
both past and present.
The Western Cape offers you a unique travelling experience. |
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Travel Guide
Accommodation
A variety of accommodation types are avialable - from
holiday resorts on the coast to game farms and small country hotels in the Overberg and
Karoo hinterland.
Tourist Regions
The visitor can find a great diversity in exploring
the various tourist regions. From the West Coast and Winelands to the Garden Route, the
Western Cape offers an astonishing range of destinations.
Game Reserves
Game viewing can be done at the Karoo National Park
near Beaufort West, Bontebok National Park about 3 hours from Cape Town and at a number of
luxury game lodges spread through the province.
National
Parks
A number of national parks like the Bontebok, West
Coast and Wilderness can be explored in the province.
Cities/Towns
The Western Cape offers you Cape Town with its
cosmopolitan population and atmosphere, picturesque coastal towns and villages, small
Karoo farming towns, villages along the whale route and towns of the winelands.
Cultural & Historical Attractions
The Western Cape Cape is steeped in history - from
Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, to the mission towns of the West
Coast, to the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in the winelands.
Nature
Reserves & Trails
A number of Nature reserves and hiking trails are
spread through the province - including De Hoop in the Overberg, Cederberg Wilderness
Area, Swartberg Nature Reserve in the Klein Karoo and about 20 other.
Wine
Routes
Visit wine estates in the Winelands, Breede River
Valley or Klein Karoo to taste some of South Africa's best wines. |
