The Western Cape Province of South Africa
The Western Cape is probably the most well-known and appreciated province in South Africa, by both locals and international visitors. This is probably due to the efficiency and infrastructure of the Western Cape, which is unrivaled to other provinces in the country. Furthermore, the scenic landscape is diverse in having a spectacular coastline, tranquil forests, striking mountains, picturesque deserts and unbelievably beautiful winelands. While there are so many incredible places to see, I have just listed a few that are special to me and ones that I have personally traveled.
Cape Town and Table Mountain, the heart of the Western Cape
The Western Cape’s claim to fame is probably owing to the beautiful city of Cape Town, nestled in the South West corner. Furthermore, the city of Cape Town also boasts Table Mountain, the most iconic landmark of South Africa. Other famous tourist destinations in the city of Cape Town include Robben Island, the V&A waterfront and Kirstenbosch Gardens to name just a few.
Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, a unique destination in the Western Cape
About an hours drive from Cape Town is the famous Boulders Beach. Every year, over 60 000 tourists flock to the beach to see the African Penguins in their natural habitat. How many places in the world can you go where you see these little guys living out their lives against the backdrop of turquoise waters, soft sand and beaming sunshine?
The Cape of Good Hope
Cape Point, about 60 kilometers from Cape Town, is one of the most popular day trips from the city. However, it’s not just the view from the lighthouse at Cape Point that is incredible. Even the drive itself is beautifully scenic and passes though quaint little beach towns. By the same token, you can include the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Considered one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world, it’s worth the trip!
Wine Country, an award-winning destination in the Western Cape
The Cape Winelands region of the Western Cape is host to an array of magnificent wine estates. Set against the backdrop of stunning mountain ranges, the wine is reasonably priced and of a high quality. In particular, the most popular destinations for wine-lovers within this region are Stellenbosch, Paarl, Worcester, and Franschhoek.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route begins about four hours outside of Cape Town. It provides a coastline of some 300 km between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay. Most people enjoy a leisurely drive through the area, stopping at scenic little towns along the way. The more well-known seaside towns along the Garden Route are Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and Wilderness. In addition, the drive provides outstanding attractions for the adventure seekers. In fact the world’s highest bungee, the Bloukrans Bungee Jump, is situated along the Garden Route. Not only for the thrill seekers, hiking enthusiasts will also marvel at the trails in the region. Two of the countryโs best multi-day hikes โ the Otter Trail and the Tsitsikamma Trail โ run between Natureโs Valley and Storms River, which also form part of the Western Cape.
Adventure Sports in the Western Cape
The Western Cape is teeming with extreme sports and adventure activities. Thrill-seekers come from far and wide to explore the province even just for this reason alone. From paragliding, to learning how to fly a helicopter, to shark diving and abseiling, the Western Cape truly has it all!
Other noteworthy destinations in the Western Cape include:
Oudtshoorn (Ostriches and the famous Cango Caves)
Hermanus (Top whale-watching destination)
I have been priviledged to have visited many of these areas on my travels around the Western Cape, particularly within the city of Cape Town. The Western Cape is a tourist hot spot for good reason!