Western Cape
From World travel guide
The Western Cape is the most southwestern province in South Africa.
Contents |
Regions
- Cape Winelands - east of Cape Town and easily visited in a day trip
- West Coast - less crowded with tourists this region offers beautiful scenery for the nature lover
- Swartland
- Breede River Valley - between the winelands and the Karoo this is mainly a agricultural region but offers some of the countries finest passes
- The Overberg
- The Garden Route - lovely scenery and one of South Africa`s tourist hot-spots
- The Little Karoo - nowadays popular semi-desert region easily reached on the R62
Cities
- Cape Town - one of the world`s top destinations
- Stellenbosch - a university town in the winelands
- Paarl
- George - gateway to the Garden Route
Other destinations
- Montagu - a small town in the little (Klein) Karoo with many fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture
- Swellendam - one of the oldest European settlements in South Africa houses some fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture
- Hermanus - famous for the whale-watching
- Cape Agulhas - the southernmost point of Africa
- Oudtshoorn - the ostrich capital of the country, near the Cangoo Caves
- Knysna - a beautiful city in the Garden Route
National Parks
- West Coast National Park - 120km north of Cape Town
- Cederberg Wilderness Area - rugged and isolated area with some fine hiking options; but persmission is required (Tel.027-482 2812)and the number of hikers is limited
- Bontebok National Park - a small but beautiful park near Swellendam
- De Hoop Nature Reserve - perfect for whale watching
Understand
Western Cape is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa and offers a broad range of attractions. From the tourism hot-spot of Cape Town to the lovely scenery of the Garden Route the region offers something for everyone. So this is the right place for starting your South Africa experience.
Get in
By Plane
Cape Town's international airport is the countries second largest after Johannesburg. There is also an airport in George, which offers connections to all major cities in South Africa.
By Train
A limited range of trains start from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Train connections within the metropole of Cape Town are also possible.
By Car
The Western Cape is easily accessible from the rest of the country by car.
Get around
By Bus
The main bus companies offer regular services in the Western Cape (e.G. Intercape, Greyhound, Translux) as does the Baz Bus.
By Car
There is a good road network and as some places aren`t accessible by public transport this is a good way to travel the Cape. Car rental is available in Cape Town and in the larger towns.
See
- Table Mountain in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
- Cape Winelands around Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
- Garden Route along the South Coast
Do
The Western Cape offers nearly everything a traveller could want. From buzzling nightlife in Cape Town and Stellenbosch to wonderful beaches and many outdoor options. So the basic itenary should include some days in Cape Town, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope (and don`t miss the penguins at Boulders Beach), wine tasting in Paarl or Franschhoek, and a trip along the Garden Route. There are also a number of smaller National Parks with hiking trails for a day out.
Eat
Cape Town offers everything you want. Along the coast look-out for some fish and oysters, while in the Cape Winelands head for some of the countries finest dining experiences.
Drink
This is the region to taste South Africa`s best wine. Tour the cellars around Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek but check for a driver before ...
Get out
External links
- Official Cape Town and Western Cape tourism website
- Cape Nature Conservation - Nature Reserves information and reservation
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