Western Cape
The Western Cape is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. In 1998, foreign tourism grew faster there than in the rest of the country. In that period, South Africans generated R8,2 billion, while foreign tourists brought in R7,6 billion. Also in 1998, 2,2 million domestic tourist trips were made to the province and on average R3 580 was spent.
The Western Cape Tourism Board serves ten different regions, namely the Cape Metro-pole, Winelands, Breede River Valley, Overberg, West Coast, Swartland and Sandveld, Olifants River Valley, Garden Route, Klein Karoo Kannaland and Central Karoo regions.
Cape Metropolitan Area
The Cape Metropolitan Area is divided into six different local areas, namely Cape Town, the South Peninsula, Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Tygerberg and Oostenberg. Tourist life in the city of Cape Town centres around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a working harbour offering everything from upmarket shopping malls, arts and craft markets, theatres and live music, to museums.
Major attractions in the city include the Bo-Kaap Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, the Company's Garden, the District Six Museum, flea markets, the Ratanga Junction Theme Park, the Grand Parade, the Houses of Parliament, the Southern Flagship Institute (previously called the South African Cultural History Museum) and the South African National Gallery.
Air flips and trips are available, as well as many boat and yacht trips from Table Bay harbour, including trips to Robben Island (recently proclaimed a World Heritage Site and also the place where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years), which is fast becoming one of South Africa's premier tourist attractions.
Top on every overseas visitor's list, Table Mountain provides the majestic backdrop to the vibrant and friendly Mother City, and can be reached by an ultra-modern cableway. The Mountain forms part of the Cape Peninsula National Park. Also worth a visit are the historical buildings in the Bo-Kaap and District Six.
Newlands is home to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. In summer, various open-air concerts are held, and visitors can bring their own picnic baskets.
At the South African Rugby Museum, visitors can follow the history of the sport back to 1891.
The Rhodes Memorial is situated in Rondebosch on the slopes of Table Mountain. It was built of granite from the Mountain as a tribute to the memory of Cecil John Rhodes, Prime Minister of the Cape from 1890 to 1896.
Southern Africa has become one of the most popular big-game hunting regions in the world. It offers a great variety to trophy hunters, including the Big Five, namely elephant, white rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo, as well as 26 species of antelope. Hunting proclamations of the various provinces differ and are promulgated annually. The hunting season normally runs during the winter months, from May 1 to the end of July.
Most species may be hunted legally by non-landowners during the hunting season, provided that they have the written consent of the landowner and a valid hunting permit issued by the appropriate conservation authority.
Trophy hunting by overseas clients is subject to uniform legislation throughout South Africa, and all hunters are required to be accompanied by registered professional hunters and have their hunts arranged by approved hunting outfitters. All the provinces provide schedules of ordinary, protected and specially protected game. Ordinary game may be hunted under licence during an open season. Protected game may be hunted only under permit and licence, the fee depending on the species. Specially protected game, which includes grysbok, klipspringer, red hartebeest, giraffe, black rhinoceros, pangolin and antbear, may not be hunted at all.
The University of Cape Town is worth a visit for its historic Middle Campus and many buildings designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
At Cape Point, part of the Cape Peninsula National Park, there are many drives, walks, picnic spots and a licensed restaurant. Care has been taken to protect the environmental integrity of this 7 750-ha reserve of indigenous flora and fauna.
Simon's Town's naval atmosphere and Historic Mile are major attractions in the area. A statue of the famous dog and sailor's friend, Able Seaman Just Nuisance, stands at Jubilee Square. Other attractions include the South African Naval Museum, the Stempastorie Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum. One of only two mainland jackass penguin breeding colonies in the world can be found at Boulders Beach.
Hout Bay is well known for its colourful working harbour. Seafood outlets, round-the-bay trips to the nearby seal colony, shell and gift shops and a world-famous harbour-front emporium (Mariner's Wharf) attract many visitors. Duiker Island, opposite The Sentinel, is a seal and sea bird sanctuary.
The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest bird parks in the world and provides a home for some 3 000 birds. Visitors are allowed to walk through the large, landscaped aviaries.
Backdropped by the magnificent Hottentots Holland and Helderberg mountains, the Helderberg region is a paradise for tourists. Hiking and bird-watching in the Helderberg Nature Reserve, the historic Vergelegen Wine Farm, and the Helderberg Wine Route offer something for everyone. Golfers can play a round at the famous Erinvale Golf Course, while a scenic viewpoint on Sir Lowry's Pass offers uninterrupted views across False Bay.
In Oostenberg, visitors can enjoy some fine wine and flower farms, such as Zevenwacht Wine Estate with its graceful Cape Dutch homestead. At Tygerberg Zoo, visitors can see a collection of exotic animals. Endless stretches of quiet beaches provide some of the most popular surfing and windsurfing spots. Big Bay in Bloubergstrand is a surfer's paradise and is host to an international windsurfing event. Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a unique wetland area, boasting over 110 bird species, including pelicans and flamingoes. Tygerberg is a vibrant and fast-growing area with a well-developed business centre, numerous sports fields, an international indoor cycle track, well-kept golf courses and a racecourse.
Garden Route region
The Garden Route has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, making the region popular all year round. At the Aloe Factory at Albertinia, aloe juices are extracted for medicine and high-quality skin-care products.
Nearby, bungee jumping on the Gourits River Gorge, hiking, mountain biking and angling are popular pastimes.
A new tourism subregion in southern Africa was launched at Indaba '99 held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in May 1999. The South-east African Tourism Committee (SEATOC) incorporates geographic areas from within Mozambique, Swaziland, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Northern Province. SEATOC will be marketed as a separate tourism destination. The initiative was financially supported by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a German-based non-governmental organization, and provincial governments.
The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve outside Heidelberg comprises the popular Bushbuck Trail, a wilderness trail and two mountain bike trails.
The Pont at Malgas is the only remaining pont in the country, ferrying vehicles and livestock across the Breede River. Whale-watching attracts tourists at Witsand and Port Beaufort during the period May to November. The area also has a few free-range ostrich farms.
At the historical Strandveld Architectural Heritage at Stilbaai, visitors can watch tame eels being fed. Ancient fish-traps can be seen at Morris Point and the harbour.
Other popular coastal towns include Buffels Bay, Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay.
George is home to the Church of St Peter and St Paul, the oldest existing Roman Catholic Church in South Africa. The George Museum has the timber industry in the southern Cape as its theme and is also the starting point of the Timber Route. The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe winds through forests and along the coast to Knysna.
The Montagu Pass is a national monument, offering spectacular views and several hiking trails. Bird-watchers flock to the Langvlei and Rondevlei bird sanctuaries and the Wilderness National Park.
Knysna is a very popular tourist destination. There are many art galleries, craft shops and furniture factories. The Knysna forest offers hiking, biking and horse-riding, scenic drives, picnic spots and abundant fauna and flora.
Other activities include oyster-tasting, bird-watching, snorkelling, scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing cruises and canoeing.
The Tsitsikamma National Park offers many scenic walks and trails, including the world-famous Otter Trail. It also boasts the only underwater trail in Africa. The Park was South Africa's first proclaimed marine reserve. The last remaining survivor of the southern Cape elephants can be found in the Diepwalle Forest near Knysna.
There are several bungee-jumping spots in the area, including the highest bungee jump in the world at the Bloukrans River Bridge. Other popular activities include boat cruises, trout-fishing, diving, sea-kayaking, gliding and golfing.
Great Brak River offers many opportunities for whale and dolphin-watching (in season), bird-watching and water sport.
At Mossel Bay, the Point, a famous area for surfers, also features a natural pool formed by rock - a popular swimming place at low tide. The St Blaize trail starts here and it is the ideal spot to watch the whales and dolphins at play in season.
The harbour at Mossel Bay is one of the most modern commercial and recreational harbours on the southern Cape coastline. The Mossgas Information Centre informs visitors about the project and the production of synthetic fuels from Mossel Bay's offshore gas fields. Other attractions include the Attequas Kloof Pass, Anglo-Boer/South African War blockhouses and the Bartholomew Dias complex.
The Historical Route at Plettenberg Bay takes the visitor to many interesting historical sites, including the Old Whaling Station, the Old Timber Shed and Forest Hall. The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve at Plettenberg Bay offers a canoeing trail, and the Robberg Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of land, marine, geological and archaeological wealth.
Riversdale is one of South Africa's most important fynbos export areas. Other attractions include the Julius Gordon Africana Museum.
Sedgefield borders Swartvlei Lagoon, the largest natural inland saltwater lake in South Africa. Activities include beach horse-riding, hiking, angling and bird-watching.
The Klein Karoo Kannaland
The Klein Karoo Kannaland is a semi-desert broken by unexpected, lush river valleys. Excellent wines and port are produced in the Calitzdorp and De Rust areas.
Oudtshoorn, the world's ostrich feather capital, is the region's main town. South Africa's first German Angora Rabbit Show Farm, the Cango Butterfly Farm and the Swartberg Nature Reserve and Pass are also worth a visit. The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees is held in the town annually.
Some 26 km from Oudtshoorn lies the remarkable Cango Caves, a series of spectacular subterranean limestone caverns. Bearing evidence of early San habitation, the 30-cave wonderland boasts magnificent dripstone formations. Between 300 000 and 400 000 people visit the Caves annually.
Amalienstein and Zoar are historic mission stations midway between Ladismith and Calitzdorp. Visitors can go on donkey-cart and hiking trails through orchards and vineyards, while the Seweweekspoort is ideal for mountain biking, hiking and protea and fynbos admirers.
Calitzdorp boasts four wine estates, three of which are open to the public. The spring water of the Calitzdorp Spa is rich in minerals and is reputed to have medicinal properties. The Gamka Mountain Reserve is home to the rare and endangered Cape mountain zebra.
De Rust lies at the southern entrance to Meiringspoort. The Meiringspoort Gorge extends 20 km through the Swartberg Mountain Range. Halfway through, a beautiful 69-m high waterfall can be seen. Wine farms in the area are open to the public.
Ladismith is home to the Towerkop Cheese Factory. There are various hiking trails, mountain-biking trails and 4x4 trails in the area. The Anysberg, Klein Karoo and Towerkop Nature Reserves can also be visited.
Uniondale, on the main route between George and Graaff-Reinet, features the largest water-wheel in the country, the Old Water-mill. Uniondale Poort is a scenic drive linking Uniondale with Avontuur in the Long Kloof Valley.
At Vanwyksdorp, visitors can see how fynbos is dried and packed for the export market. Donkey-cart rides take visitors to restored ostrich palaces, Anglo-Boer/South African War grave sites and an old water-wheel.
Central Karoo region
Beaufort West is often referred to as the 'Oasis of the Karoo'. The Karoo National Park just north of the town is home to the endangered black rhino and riverine rabbit. Activities include hiking, 4x4 routes, mountain biking and bird-watching.
The village of Matjiesfontein has been restored to its Victorian splendour and is a national monument. South Africa's largest privately-owned museum can be found at the old station.
Prince Albert is a beautiful small town. The Fransie Pienaar Cultural History Museum includes an exhibition relating to early 19th century mining activities. Local traditional witblits (white lightning) is distilled and sold here. Prince Albert is the closest town by road to Die Hel in Gamkaskloof. Some 150 years ago, trekboers made this remote valley in the Swartberg Mountains their home. Today, it is a nature reserve administered by Cape Nature Conservation. The Swartberg Pass is one of the most spectacular in Africa.
The Winelands region
The Winelands comprise many of the wine-growing areas of the Cape. The wine routes in the Western Cape are among the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa.
Franschhoek, first known as De Oliphantshoek, was renamed after the arrival of the French Huguenots. The Huguenot Monument was built in 1938 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of their arrival and the Huguenot Museum depicts the genealogical history of these families. The Franschhoek Wine Route has about 20 members. Visitors can also enjoy various hiking trails and historical walks.
Paarl lies between the second largest granite rock in the world and the Du Toit's Kloof Mountains, and is famous for its unique architectural heritage confined to two square kilometres. The Afrikaanse Taalmonument is situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain and the Afrikaanse Taalmuseum is in the centre of the town. Visitors can also go to Butterfly World and the Arboretum with over 700 species of trees. There are also various arts and crafts shops. The Paarl Mountain and Nature Reserve is noted for enormous 500-million-year-old granite rocks. The Paarl Wine Route has some 20 members.
Stellenbosch is the second-oldest town in South Africa, and is also known as the Eikestad (town of oaks). Visitors can go on various historical walks. Dorp Street consists of one of the longest rows of old buildings still existing in the country. The Stellenbosch Village Museum consists of four homesteads and gardens ranging from the late 17th to the middle 19th centuries. The Simon van der Stel Festival takes place in October each year to commemorate the birthday of the founder of Stellenbosch. There are a number of nature reserves in the area. At the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, visitors can enjoy concerts, ballets and other entertainment staged from December to March. The Stellenbosch Wine Route has more than 40 members. Wellington is the home of South Africa's dried fruit industry. Most of South Africa's vine-cutting nurseries are found here. Strawberries, raspberries, youngberries and Cape gooseberries can be picked by visitors on Wellington's own berry farm.
There are various hiking and horse trails, as well as leather, fruit, historical, religious and educational tours. The Wellington Wine Route comprises seven members.
West Coast
The West Coast comprises the Olifants River Valley, the Swartland and the coastal areas bordering the Atlantic.
Within the first two months of the first good winter rains, wild flowers on the West Coast explode in a brilliant array of colour. The area is famous for its abundance of seafood and cultural historical heritage sites.
The town of Darling draws visitors to its country museum and art gallery, annual wild flower and orchid shows, basket factory and wine cellars.
The Hartbeeshuisie at Hopefield is a replica of the original reed-built houses of the area. Langrietvlei, a national monument, boasts a Guernsey and Hereford stud, a honey farm and hiking trails.
Langebaan is a popular holiday destination. The West Coast National Park, an internationally-renowned wetland, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Langebaan Lagoon forms part of the Park and is zoned for specific activities. The Postberg section of the Park, across the Lagoon, is famous for its wild flowers, blooming mainly during August and September. Bird-watching, fishing, hiking, horse-riding and whale-watching (in spring) opportunities abound.
Cape Columbine at Paternoster is the last manned lighthouse in South Africa. The Columbine Nature Reserve is home to many sea bird species.
Saldanha is a watersport enthusiast's paradise. Other attractions include the French Huguenot Memorial and Doc's Cave, a landmark on the scenic breakwater drive. There are various hiking trails in the SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve.
St Helena Bay is best known for the Vasco Da Gama Monument and Museum. Fishing (snoek in season), hiking, bird and whale-watching opportunities also draw many visitors.
Vredenburg, the business centre of the area, offers shopping opportunities, cinemas and many other essential services. The golf course just outside the town is very popular.
The West Coast Fossil Park is situated 110 km north of Cape Town. Visitors to the Park are given the chance to have an on-site fossil experience and learn about the animal life and climate changes that occurred in the Western Cape five million years ago. The Park is also used for research and educational programmes. Admission to the Park is strictly by appointment only.
Lambert's Bay is a traditional fishing village with Bird Island as a tourist attraction. It is a breeding ground for jackass penguins, Cape cormorants and other sea birds. Visitors can also watch Southern Right whales from July to November.
The picturesque town of Doring Bay with its attractive lighthouse is popular for its seafood. The crayfish factory in town can be visited by arrangement.
Strandfontein, situated about 8 km north of Doring Bay, is essentially a holiday and retirement resort. The interesting location of the town and its breathtaking view of the ocean present a priceless panorama.
At Velddrif/Laaiplek, visitors can indulge in some bokkom (a West Coast salted fish delicacy) at factories along the Berg River. Tourists can visit the salt processing factory or the West Coast Art Gallery in town.
Yzerfontein is famous for its unspoilt . beaches, fynbos, beautiful views and whale-watching. Another major attraction is the historical lime furnaces.
The Olifants River Valley
During the winter months, the Olifants River Valley is filled with the heady scent of orange blossoms.
The citrus area in the Valley is the third largest in South Africa. The wine route, from Citrusdal to Lutzville, boasts a selection of internationally acclaimed wines.
The world-renowned rooibos tea is also produced here.
Citrusdal is famous for its citrus products and wines. The Citrusdal Museum depicts the lives of the first Khoe inhabitants and the pioneering days of the early colonists.
The Goede Hoop Citrus Co-op has one of the largest citrus packing sheds in the country.
The Sandveldhuisie, a recently-built example of atypical Sandveld dwelling, houses an information bureau. There are several recognized mountain-biking routes, walking, hiking and canoeing trails, and a skydiving club. The Cedarberg Wilderness Area features the elephant's foot plant, the rare snow protea and the best examples of San rock art in the Western Cape.
Visitors to Clanwilliam can embark on a rooibos tea or velskoen factory tour, or visit the grave of the well-known South African poet, Louis Leipoldt, or the Englishman's Grave. Various historical buildings can be viewed. The Clanwilliam and Bulshoek dams are popular among watersport enthusiasts.
At Wupperthal, the oldest Rhenish Mission Station at the foot of the Cedarberg Mountains, a self-help footwear development project is under way. Workers sell the velskoens to retailers, primarily in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Two new 4x4 trails were opened in October 1998 and the proceeds go to community coffers for new hiking trails and building more overnight huts and guest-houses.
Graafwater is situated within an area well known for its potato produce. Tourists can visit the Heerenlogement, an overhanging rock used as overnighting site by early settlers.
Klawer was named after the wild clover growing in the area. During the flower season, the area is a kaleidoscope of colour. Visitors can go on a hiking trail along the Doring River, as well as on a river-rafting trail.
Lutzville and Koekenaap are a fisher's and crayfish diver's paradise.
Visitors can also view the Sishen-Saldanha Railway Bridge. Where the railway line spans the Olifants River, it is divided into 23 sections, each 45 m long. The 14100-t deck was pushed into position over teflon sheets with hydraulic jacks from the bridgehead. It is the longest bridge in the world built using this method.
Vanrhynsdorp houses the largest succulent nursery in South Africa. The Latsky Radio Museum houses a collection of old valve radios, some dating back to 1924. Bird-watching, mountain biking, day walks, hiking and 4x4 trails abound.
The Troe-Troe and Rietpoort mission stations, situated around Vanrhynsdorp, are a must-see for historians.
Vredendal is the centre of the Lower Olifants River Valley. Major attractions include marble-processing and manufacturing, industrial mines (dolomite and limestone), the KWV Grape Juice Concentrate Plant and Distillery and the South African Dried Fruit Coop. The town is also home to the Vredendal Wine Cellar, the largest co-operative wine cellar under one roof in the southern hemisphere.
South Africa's renowned Blue Train is one of the world's most luxurious railway services. The Train runs between Cape Town and Pretoria, to Mpumalanga as well as along a section of the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. A trip to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is also on offer.
Swartland region
The Swartland is best known for its wheat production. Undulating wheat fields abound, interspersed with vineyards which produce high quality wines. Malmesbury is the biggest town in the Swartland. Major attractions include Bokomo Mills, wineries, Cartwright's Museum, the biggest oak tree in South Africa and the Malmesbury Museum.
The Riebeek Valley is known for its scenic beauty. The area has become a popular haven for well-known artists of various disciplines. Steeped in South African history, both Genl Jan Smuts and Dr DF Malan were born here. Smuts House is open to the public. Elands Bay is a popular holiday resort and a surfer's paradise. Khoe and San rock art can be viewed at Elands Bay Caves.
Moorreesburg is a major wheat-distributing town. Visitors can visit the Wheat Industry Museum, one of only three wheat museums in the world. Bird-watching, hiking, 4x4 routes, clay pigeon shooting, mountain-bike trails, canoeing and waterskiing at Misverstand are popular activities in and around the town.
Piketberg offers unexpected surprises to the adventurer. The town offers arts and crafts, fauna and flora, wine culture and recreation.
The Goedverwacht and Wittewater Moravian mission stations, situated close to Piketberg, are worth a visit.
Porterville is famous for its Disa Route (best in January and February). The Groot Winterhoek Mountain Peak in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area is the second highest in the Western Cape. There are several walking trails. The Dasklip Pass is very popular for hang-gliding.
Overberg region
The Hangklip-Kleinmond municipal area comprises Kleinmond, Betty's Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels. It is a popular holiday region, ideal for whale-watching, and includes the Kleinmond Coastal Nature Reserve and the Harold Porter Botanical Garden.
The Penguin Reserve at Stoney Point is one of two breeding colonies of the jackass penguin on the African continent.
South Africa's first international biosphere reserve, the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1999. The 90 000-ha Reserve includes 23 000 ha of marine environment.
It runs along the coast from Gordon's Bay to the Bot River Vlei, stretching 2 km out to sea, and inland to the Groenlandberg, the mountains near Grabouw. The Reserve consists of three major zones: a core wilderness area, which includes the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, buffer zones and transitional zones.
Hermanus is a popular holiday resort, famous for the best land-based whale-watching in the world. The coastline offers miles of safe white sand beaches, restaurants, sports facilities and the unique 12-km cliff path.
Stanford is one of the few villages in South Africa where the market square has been retained. The central core of the village has been proclaimed a national conservation area. A total of 124 bird species has been recorded to date.
Gansbaai is known for its excellent rock and boat angling, diving, and shark and whale-watching. The Danger Point Lighthouse can be visited, named as such because of the ships that have been wrecked and lives that have been lost on this dangerous coast.
De Kelders is the only freshwater cave on the African coast. Spectacular views of Southern Right whales can be enjoyed from the cliffs at De Kelders and along the coast to Pearly Beach. Also popular are white shark tours, diving safaris and fishing trips.
Elim was founded by German missionaries in 1824 and is inhabited by members of the Moravian Church only. Visitors are welcome to attend services. The Old Water-mill (1833) has been restored and is a national monument.
The Kakebeenwa Monument in Napier was built in memory of the Great Trek. Other attractions include the Bat Caves Route, donkey and horse-cart routes, fynbos-viewing and horse trails.
The Agricultural Museum at Bredasdorp houses a collection of old farming equipment, as well as the biggest collection of bottles in the southern hemisphere. The Shipwreck Museum displays material salvaged from ships wrecked off this treacherous coast.
A wool-route tour to some local farms can be arranged between April and October. There are also tours to stud farms.
The lighthouse at L'Agulhas is the country's second oldest lighthouse and celebrated its 150th anniversary in March 1999. It houses a tearoom and a museum. About. 1 km from the lighthouse is the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas. This is also the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans. Struisbaai has the longest white coastline in the southern hemisphere.
Arniston was named Waenhuiskrans by the local fishers in honour of the huge sea cave capable of housing several ox-wagons. For outsiders it was named after Arniston, a ship wrecked here in 1815. The Waenhuiskrans Cave can be explored at low tide.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve on the road to Swellendam includes an internationally renowned wetland and bird sanctuary. The marine reserve is a winter retreat for the Southern Right whale and the Western Cape's only Cape griffen vulture colony. There is a mountain-bike trail and an environmental education centre. The red Bredasdorp lily and many species of protea and erica are found in the Heuningberg Nature Reserve.
Swellendam is famous for, among other things, its youngberries and eclectic architecture. The Drostdy Museum consists of a group of buildings containing a huge selection of period furniture. The Bontebok National Park, 7 km from Swellendam, gives sanctuary to, among others, the threatened bontebok.
Suurbraak is a mission village situated in the fold of the Langeberg mountains, alongside the Buffelsjachts River about 5 km from the majestic Tradouw Pass.
Barrydale can be approached from three directions: from the Overberg and Garden Route via the magnificent Tradouw Pass, from Montagu and the fertile Tradouw Valley, or from Oudtshoorn over the starkly beautiful Klein Karoo. Famous for its world-class wine, Barrydale offers the visitor fruit and fresh air in abundance.
Situated on the N2, about 160 km from Cape Town, Riviersonderend offers beautiful mountain and river scenery, a nine-hole golf course and sightings of South Africa's national bird, the blue crane.
Caledon is famous for its natural mineral waters, hot springs and wild flower shows. The Southern Associated Maltsters is the only malt producer for the South African lager beer industry and is the largest in the southern hemisphere.
Genadendal is the oldest Moravian village in Africa, with church buildings and a school dating back to 1738. The Genadendal Mission and Museum Complex documents the first mission station in South Africa.
Greyton is a peaceful town in a beautiful mountain setting, where various outdoor activities can be enjoyed.
The Theewaterskloof Dam outside Villiersdorp is the seventh largest dam in the country. The Villiersdorp Wild Flower Garden and Nature Reserve has an indigenous herb garden and a reference library.
The Grabouw/Elgin district produces about 60% of South Africa's total apple export crop. The valley is also renowned for cultivating fresh chrysanthemums, roses and proteas. The Elgin Apple Museum is one of only two in the world. Organized fruit and flower tours are also offered. Houwhoek Pass is a beautiful mountain pass and the Elgin Valley road-side farm stalls are famous for their fresh produce. Sir Lowry's Pass offers spectacular views of False Bay from Gordon's Bay to Cape Point.
The Breede River Valley region
Magnificent views, panoramic landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal-clear streams and an abundance of trees and indigenous flora all contribute to making the Breede River Valley one of the Western Cape's most diverse regions. The ever-changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards as well as the multitude of attractions offer the visitor an unforgettable adventure.
At the foot of the majestic Langeberg Mountains lies Ashton, an important wine-producing and food-processing centre. Besides being home to four wineries and two large canneries, Ashton also offers cruises down the Breede River, amazing rock formations at the spectacular Cogmans Kloof and beautiful day walks in the surrounding foothills, allowing the visitor to take a closer look at the region's fynbos.
Known as 'beautiful valley', Bonnievale lies in a fertile valley along the Breede River. Lush vineyards and peach and apricot orchards meander through the town, Backdropped by imposing mountains. The tranquil atmosphere, moderate climate, scenic beauty, excellent wines and well-known Bonnievale sausage all make for an enchanting visit. Other attractions include the Myrtle Rigg Church, the Parmalat Cheese Factory and cruises on the Breede River.
The vast fertile basin in which Ceres lies is one of the richest agricultural areas in the Western Cape. Surrounded by mountains that are heavily capped with snow in winter, Ceres is encapsulated by streams from the Breede River. Hiking trails, 4x4 routes, mountain biking, nature reserves and even a ride in a Bedford truck to the summit of the Matroosberg Mountains are available for those with a sense of adventure.
De Doorns is situated in the heart of the Hex River Valley, the largest producer of table grapes in southern Africa. The many historical buildings and homesteads, San rock paintings, as well as the kaleidoscope of autumn colours and the famous Hex River 4x4 Route are all ingredients that make a visit to the Valley a truly unforgettable experience. The legend of the Heks or witch of the Hex River Valley adds to the mystery surrounding this breathtaking area.
The picturesque village of Gouda is renowned for the Parrotts Den Pub, a living museum, in the Gouda Hotel.
McGregor has a wealth of fascinating whitewashed, thatched cottages and well-preserved Victorian houses, making it one of the best preserved examples of mid-19th century architecture in the Western Cape. Besides the famous Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail, there are other walks and hikes, bird-watching and fabulous star-filled night skies.
Montagu, gateway to the Klein Karoo, is set in a fertile valley and blessed with typical Klein Karoo landscapes as well as the spectacular Cogman's Kloof with its unique rock formations. Renowned for its muscadel wines, mineral springs and unique tractor trailer rides that take the visitor to the summit of the Langeberg Mountains for a breathtaking view of the Robertson and Koo valleys, Montagu also offers hiking trails, 4x4 routes, mountain biking and some of the best rock-climbing in the world.
Prince Alfred Hamlet is the gateway to the Gydo Pass, famous for its scenic views. This quaint village is an important deciduous fruit farming area.
Hidden amidst vineyards and wine estates lies the picturesque town of Rawsonville, world-renowned for its array of award-winning wines. Tourists can enjoy an afternoon drive along the awe-inspiring Slanghoek Valley, with its lush vineyards and breathtaking views, or relax in the warm-water mineral springs at the ATKV Goudini Spa.
Known as 'the valley of wine and roses', Robertson is one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, connoisseur quality wines, delectable fruit and radiant roses, Robertson is also known for its thoroughbred horses.
Famous for its hiking trail and Vermeulens Velskoen Factory, Saron, meaning 'the plains', has a charm of its own.
When the new railway to the north was built, Touwsriver became the first major locomotive depot after Cape Town. The Astronomical Survey Monument serves as a reminder of the British expedition that studied the transit of Venus in 1882. The nature reserve is a hiker's paradise and home to abundant wildlife. Khoe-San paintings can be seen in this area, also known for its Karoo hospitality.
The picturesque village of Tulbagh is famous for its heritage and historical homesteads. Church Street, home to 32 national monuments, constitutes the largest concentration of national monuments in one street in South Africa. Other attractions include wineries, hiking trails, mountain biking, horse-riding, fishing or a train ride through the scenic Nuwe Kloof Pass.
Wolseley is situated on an extraordinary watershed. This unique phenomenon, one of only a few in the world, together with the various hiking trails, mountain biking, trout-fishing, farm visits, wine-tasting and waterfalls make the town an unforgettable experience.
An added attraction is the block houses dating back to the Anglo-Boer/South African War.
In the heart of the Breede River Valley lies Worcester, encircled by majestic mountains. Museums, art galleries and the town's architecural heritage make it worth a visit. Visitors can experience life as the pioneers lived in years gone by at the Kleinplasie Living Open-air Museum. Brandies and world-renowned wines can be enjoyed. The indigenous semi-desert vegetation as well as the landscaped gardens of the Karoo National Botanical Gardens will enthrall the visitor with their beauty. Hiking trails, fishing opportunities and 4x4 routes abound.