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WEST-KAAP PROVINCIE

The first European settlement on Africa's southernmost tip was established through the need for a halfway stop on the trade route between Europe and the Far East. Since Jan van Riebeeck dropped anchor in Table Bay for the first time almost 350 years ago, the Western Cape has experienced many changes. It started as a supply station for the Dutch East India Company and today hosts a thriving metropolitan city.

The Western Cape Province comprises 10 regions, each as diverse and unique as the next. Its history has moulded the province into one of rich cultural diversity, creating a destination that rivals any other. Yet, culture is not its only asset - The Cape Province is equally scenic and geographically wealthy. It has a coastline that looks out over both the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. It has a proud agricultural history and wines from the area are gaining worldwide recognition. The natural vegetation ranges from the semi-desert terrain of the Karoo to the dense forests of the Garden Route.

The province is an excellent tourist destination. Tourism is being recognised as one of the leading industries for the future and more emphasis has gone into improving facilities and developing destinations. The coast is dotted with sandy white beaches, and between June and November whales can be seen as they come south to give birth to their calves. The famous Garden Route runs along the south coast and has become a popular tourist destination, with its charming small towns and luscious indigenous forests.

KAAPSTAD

Robben Island

Situated in Cape Town’s Table Bay, Robben Island covers approximately 575 hectares, is 5.4 kilometres long, 1.5 kilometres wide and is separated from the mainland by 9 kilometres of ocean. The island's history saw it being used by the Portuguese as a prison camp, with inhabitants over time being Khoikhoi leaders and exiled political and religious Muslim leaders who opposed Dutch colonialism in East Asia. African chiefs who fought Dutch and British Imperialism were banished here and its most recent history saw it being home to political prisoners fighting the Apartheid government. It also served as a leper colony, a naval station and a Nature Reserve. In January 1997 the prison was closed, but re-opened as the Robben Island Museum. Daily tours of the island are conducted; inquiries can be made at their offices in the V&A Waterfront. Advance reservations are highly recommended during peak seasons. Allow approximately 4 hours for the tour, including the boat trip to and from the island, the driving tour of the island and the visit to the prison.

V&A Waterfront

The history of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront dates back to 1860 when Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s second son, tipped the first load of rocks into the bay for construction of Cape Town’s original breakwater. The original Alfred Basin could not cope with the increased volume of shipping brought by the advent of the steam engine, and subsequently a larger basin, the Victoria Basin, was built. The Waterfront derives its name from the two harbour basins. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Company was formed in November 1988, with a mandate to develop the historic harbour in combination with tourism and commerce while overseeing the continuing operation of the working harbour. Today, with its countless shops and ideal location, the Waterfront has become one of the main attractions of the city.

Cape Town

Located 40 kilometres from the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town is one of the most isolated metropolises in the world. Cape Town’s city centre lies cradled in a vast blue-grey amphitheatre formed by Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak. Few cities in the world can boast a more spectacular setting and it is certainly unrivalled in South Africa for its cosmopolitan ambience redolent with history.

In its three-and-a-half centuries, the city has transformed itself from a remote colonial outpost to one of Africa’s most important cities. This teeming metropolis is a major commercial, financial and industrial centre and one of the southern hemisphere’s premier ports for container shipping and the export of fruit. It is also quickly gaining a reputation as one of the loveliest holiday destinations worldwide, with its idyllic summers and majestic, stormy winter seasons.

The city centre includes the historic centre and residential districts, the Waterfront (the old harbour was transformed into an extensive shopping centre with cinemas, hotels, restaurants and bars) and the modern harbour. The rest of Cape Town is comprised of a series of suburbs and residential areas spreading around Table Mountain. Like many other South African cities, Cape Town is a city of contrasts. Not really European and not totally African, it is a curious blend of the Third World and the First. The diversity of its population and the number of varied districts make Cape Town a hybrid city set between two oceans.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens of its kind in the world, and is a must for any visitor to Cape Town. The Gardens have an incomparable site on the eastern side of Table Mountain. The 36-hectare landscaped section seems to merge almost imperceptibly with the 492 hectares of fynbos (native flora) that cloak the mountain slopes. In 1895, Cecil Rhodes purchased the eastern slopes of Table Mountain as part of a plan to preserve a relatively untouched section of Table Mountain. He bequeathed the property to the nation on his death in 1902. Portions of the hedge that Jan van Riebeek planted in 1660 to isolate his settlement from the Khoikhoi can still be seen. Although there are some magnificent oaks, Moreton Bay fig trees and camphor trees, the gardens are devoted almost exclusively to indigenous plants. About 9,000 of southern Africa’s 22,000 plant species are grown in the gardens.

CAPE PENINSULA

The Cape Peninsula is the pearl on Cape Town's crown. A drive will take you about 250 km around the peninsula with the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the False Bay in the east. The most picturesque route starts in Hout Bay via Chapman's Peak and Misty Cliffs and finally having lunch at Cape Point. After lunch a visit  to the famous Cape of Good Hope, the most southwesterly point of the African continent. Then we continue to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

Simon’s Town

This town has a long maritime history. Even today, the port is an active marine base from the South African navy. The town's name is derived from Simon van der Stel, the famous governor of the Cape Colony.

Due its secluded location and wind protected, Simon's Town became in 1741 the winter harbour for Cape Town and from 1957 an important training centre for the South African military fleet.

Where ever you go in the town centre, you will see many 18th and 19th century homesteads. At Jubile square is the famous statue from the Danish dog, Just Nuicance.

African penguins at Boulders Beach

Since 1983, when the first Jackass Penguins made Boulders Beach their home, the population has risen to over 2500 penguins. Boulders Beach Coastal Park is now a nature reserve where the penguins, which are endangered in the Western Cape, are monitored and protected. Visitors are able to watch the penguin colony from close by and get an in-depth introduction into the breeding habits and social structure of these birds. The Jackass Penguin is so named because its call that is somewhat similar to that of a braying donkey. To distinguish between South American penguins that make a similar sound, and because this is the only species that reproduces in Africa, it has been celebrated the “African penguin”.

Boat cruise to Duiker Island

Duiker Island is a small island located off Hout Bay where a colony of Cape fur seals has settled. Reaching the island, guests can enjoy the funny show given by the seals, swimming around the boats or lying and grooming on the shore. This very pleasant cruise lasts approximately 40 minutes, departing every 45 minutes from 09h15. Different types of boats are used for this cruise, depending on the group size.

CAPE AGULHAS

HERMANUS

Agulhas is the southernmost town in Africa and marks the spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Cape Agulhas was so named by Potuguese seafarers at the end of the 15th Century. Translated, it means “Cape of Needles”, referring to the needle of the compass that, at this point, shows no real deviation between true north and magnetic north. The Agulhas Lighthouse (found approximately 1 km from the point where the oceans meet) is the second olenst working lighthouse in South Africa and was erected in 1848. In 1988 it was restored to its original plan.

There are several activities at Cape Agulhas, a few of which include the following:

4 x 4 Beach Safari: The trip takes place in an open Landrover and is an off-road trip along the coast of Cape Agulhas. Visit Khoi Kitchens (+- 2 000 years old); en route see fascinating fynbos, endangered Black African Oyster Catchers and fresh water springs as well as a shipwreck. The trip passes the lighthouse and the southernmost tip of Africa! The safari is offered by a registered tourist guide and trips are either 2 or 3 hours and include refreshments.

A nice walking trail (“Ghost Trail”) of +/- 1½ hours can be taken from the Agulhas Country Lodge. Of course, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse with its unique museum is well worth a visit.

Nearby attractions include the candle factory and gallery of Kapula as well as the shipwreck museum in Bredasdorp. The picturesque village of Arniston is only a half hour drive away and well known for its big sea cave & 200-year old fishermen’s village.

Greater Hermanus is situated on a narrow coastal strip between mountains and sea. Rocky hills surround the town with a nature reserve on the outskirts and sandy beaches for swimming and surfing adding to the tranquil setting. It is also reputed to be the ideal spot for whale watching. During the period July to November/December southern right whales come close to the shore to calve and to mate. A whale festival is held during the first week of October, which draws many visitors to the town.

This popular Overberg town was named after the Dutch teacher and shepherd, Hermanus Pieters, who discovered a fresh spring here in the 1830’s. He camped in the area for a few months of the year with his livestock and slowly the news of this beautiful place spread to the surrounding farming districts. The abundance of fish in its seas and a good market base are what led to the establishment of the town of Hermanus in 1904. Over time, Hermanus has developed into a fashionable tourism destination.

WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

Located to the north of the village of Yzerfontein lies the 18 000 hectares West Coast National Park. It encloses the Langebaan Lagoon that measures up to 16 km in length and 4.5 km across, as well as the nearby islands of Jutten, Malgas, Schaapen and Marcus. Important seabird breeding colonies, as well as numerous waders are found here – the most common ones being cormorants, gulls, gannets and flamingos. During summer, seasonal migrants such as the Curlew Sandpiper from the Arctic region swell the numbers in the lagoon. The park also proudly displays its annual spring wildflower kaleidoscope of bright colours (+/- August – September). Game species such as the wildebeest can be seen roaming around the park.

THE CEDERBER

The Cederberg is a rugged, mountainous area of valleys and peaks extending roughly north-south for 100 km between Citrusdal and Vanrhynsdorp. The 71,000-hectare Cederberg Wilderness Area protects a good proportion of the area. The highest peaks are Sneeuberg (2028m) and Tafelberg (1932m), and the area is famous for its weathered sandstone formations, which sometimes assume bizarre shapes. San paintings can be seen in some of the caves in the area. The Cederberg is also famous for its plant life, which is predominantly mountain fynbos. The vegetation varies with altitude, and it includes the Clanwilliam cedar and the rare Snowball Protea. There are small populations of baboons, rheboks, klipspringers and greyboks. Predators like the caracal, Cape foxes and honey badgers can be seen while the lucky and observant traveller might see leopards.

WINELANDS

Today the Cape’s wine industry as well as the historic estate homesteads is one of the country’s most highly treasured assets. The first consignment of vines from German, French, Spanish and Bohemian vineyards arrived in the Cape in 1655. Jan Van Riebeek, then governor of the area, recorded in his diary on 2^nd February 1659 that “Today, for the first time, the Lord be praised, wine was made from Cape grapes”.

Professional winemaking in the Cape began only after Simon van der Stel, the new commander of the settlement and future governor of the East India Company, founded the second oldest Dutch settlement in South Africa. It was named Stellenbosch, after himself, and is situated in a sunny and fertile valley to the east of Cape Town.

A great boost was given to wine production in South Africa by the arrival of Huguenot refugees from France, who settled around Franschhoek (“French Corner”), to the east of Paarl and Stellenbosch, between 1688 and 1690, and developed what is still an important wine-growing region. At the end of the 19^th century, phylloxera ravaged South Africa’s vineyards, but by importing phylloxera resistant vines from America, South African winegrowers managed to reach their previous production level again by 1918.

Constantia

Groot Constantia is the oldest and grandest vineyard and homestead in the Cape – a superb example of Cape Dutch architecture. It embodies the gracious and refined lifestyle created by the wealthy Dutch, in their adopted country. Groot Constantia was built by one of the early governors, Simon van der Stel, in 1692. In the 18^th century, Constantia wines were exported around the world and were highly acclaimed. Today, a syndicate owns the estate, and fine wines are still produced. The beautiful homestead has been carefully restored and appropriately furnished. The nearby wine museum traces the history of wine from the 6^thcentury B.C

Franschhoek

Nestled in the Cape winelands, Franschhoek was named after the French Huguenots who settled here at the end of the 17th Century. The Huguenots were French Protestants who fled from religious persecution after the revoking of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. At that time, the Dutch East India Company, wanting to strengthen the Cape settlement, announced that “French Huguenots, especially those having a knowledge in vine culture, vinegar and spirits making” would be more than welcome. After a long journey by boat, about 200 French Huguenots arrived in a valley surrounded by mountains called Drakenstein and Olifantshoek (the elephant corner). It was soon renamed Franschhoek (the French corner).

Tulbagh

Tulbagh is a town in the Tulbagh valley and is situated in the Witzenberg Local Municipality, with the valley called "Die Land van Waveren" locally. Closest towns are Wolseley, Prince Alfred's Hamlet, Gouda and Ceres in the Boland (Highland) district of the Westesrn Cape Province.

The valley has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Bushmen and Khoi peoples. It was about 300 years ago when, after a land grant by the Dutch Colonial Government to a more or less equal number of Dutch and Huguenot settlers to settle the area, that the town of Tulbagh was founded. The town developed slowly and over time and in the period many notable examples of Cape Dutch architecture, Victorian and Edwardian houses and other buildings such as Die Oude Drosdy (the original colonial Magistrate's complex) were built in the valley. Many of these lovely buildings were destroyed in an earthquake in 1969 but quite a number did survive the catastrophe. Church Street in Tulbagh is now graced by the largest number of original Cape- Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian National Monuments in one street in South Africa and is a major tourist attraction of the town to the present day.

Tulbagh is situated in a bowl surrounded by imposing mountain ranges, with the Obiqua Mountains to the west, the Winterhoek Mountains in the north and the Witzenberg Mountains to the east. The valley experiences a mediterranean-type climate. The southern side of the valley is open to cooling south-east winds during the hot summer months. Accordingly Tulbagh enjoys some of the most diverse and attractive conditions for viticulture in the Cape, and the differences in terroir available to wine makers allow for a wide diversity of distinctive wines of excellence, attributes which have attracted many new producers to the valley.

Wine has been produced for many years in the valley on a commercial scale but only recently has this industry developed so rapidly. There are now numerous and some world famous wine estates producing award winning wines in the valley.

The importance of this industry for the valley is unquestionably substantial, so much so that many of the producers are now part of the Tulbagh Wine Route and this is attracting more and more tourists to Tulbagh who are eager to sample the fine wines produced by the members.

Many new vineyards have been planted and more private cellars are either being planned or being built to cope with the expected volumes of top quality wines being produced.

KLEIN KAROO - ROUTE 62

Route 62 meanders between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth. It is an alternative shorter route than the N2 highway. This scenic route is now being revived and offers travellers a kaleidoscope of experiences as it passes through the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester, Ceres, Wolseley, Tulbagh, Paarl and Wellington. This wine route offer travellers a different wine experience such as unique restaurants and accommodation establishments on various estates, a garden tour at Van Loveren Wine Estate near Robertson where every tree commemorates an historical event or family occasion, or Viljoensdrift, where guests can enjoy their wine while cruising on the Breede River on "Uncle Ben", the riverboat. In Tulbagh, guests have the opportunity to sample a bottle of Krone Borealis while enjoying the spectacular views from Twee Jonge Gezellen Estate. The Haunted Cellar Tour at the Opstal Wine Estate near Rawsonville will combine guest's appetite for wine, food and adventure, as they embark on a spine-chilling journey, which will haunt their fondest memories long after bloodcurdling sounds from the underworld have ceased echoing in their ears and the last wisps of cobwebs have been brushed from their hair. From visits to wineries and game reserves, tribal art and cultural tours, hiking trails and mountain climbing, 4x4 routes and canoeing expeditions, horse riding or fishing, Route 62 caters to guest’s every need, even offering a diverse range of conferencing and incentive experiences, from 5-star conference facilities, to more "African" conferencing and team building.

Swellendam

The town of Swellendam is found at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. It is the third oldest town in South Africa, and was founded in 1745 as an outpost of the Dutch East India Company. During the 19th century it was a centre for wool production, and is now a bustling agricultural and administrative town. Swellendam has preserved numerous old buildings and the town has retained its old world charm.

Montagu

Founded in 1851, Montagu is situated on the outskirts of the Breede River Valley. The village is surrounded by mountains and cultivated areas where both grapes and a wide variety of citrus fruits are grown. Although only a small town, it is ideally located, offering nature walks, museums and visits to the nearby hot springs. The streets are lined with old and restored buildings, of which 23 are national monuments.

GARDEN ROUTE

The Garden Route spans the coastal region of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces, stretching from Still Bay in the West, to Plettenberg Bay in the East. The route is characterised by alternating landscapes ranging from indigenous forests, to lagoons and bright sandy beaches. The mild climate, with rain falling throughout the year, ensures a lush, garden appearance all year round.

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination and has grown substantially in size over the last few years. The town was actually the site of the very first white "settlement" in South Africa. A Portuguese vessel was wrecked in the bay in 1630, and its crew stayed there for about 8 months. Plettenberg Bay also became a whaling station for a Norwegian company towards the middle of the 19th century. Nowadays the Bay is well known for its fine beaches and beautiful scenery.

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn, the capital of the little Karoo, is a worthwhile sightseeing visit, where Dutch Reformed Churches, synagogues and the ostentatious remains of the old Ostrich farmer's estates lie. In the year 1850, South Africa was an exporter of Ostrich feathers. A few farmers in the Oudtshoorn area had the idea of forming a company, and start breeding ostriches in nearby grassy fields, where they could live naturally. To this end, an incubator was set up and put into regular use. In 1875, the district of Oudtshoorn had a total of 2.159 Ostriches. The conditions were indeed so optimal - a warm and dry climate, good quality soil, and plenty of lucern - that there was a huge boom in the Ostrich industry, and many farmers became very wealthy. Unfortunately, the First World War put an end to the success of this industry, although there are still plenty of Ostriches to be found in the district.

Wilderness

The Wilderness National Lake Area is the first nationally proclaimed lake area in the country. The town of Wilderness is a small, quiet, seaside town, with the beach a few minutes walk away. It is situated at the mouth of the Touws River. Nowhere else is the beauty of the Garden Route and the link to nature more apparent, than in Wilderness.

Mossel Bay

The first European to visit the bay was the Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias in 1488, and he was followed by Vasco da Gama in 1497.  Mossel Bay became a place where sailors stopped over in order to take on fresh water and to barter for provisions.  At that time the bay was also a type of postal collection point for the sailors. “Jewel of the Garden Route”, this small well-known leisure resort is a peaceful place, where several old sandstone buildings can be found.  Harbour facilities and an oil refinery have enlarged the built-up part of the bay.

Knysna

Knysna is known as the "pearl" of the Garden Route. The attractiveness of the town is thanks to its geographic location. Knysna is situated on the banks of a lagoon measuring 13 square kilometres, which joins the sea through a narrow strait bordered by two shoulders of rock known as "The Heads". Water sports form the main activity on the lagoon. The area is also well known for its oysters. The area surrounding the lagoon is covered with pine forests and some indigenous forests. This scenery helps to create a tranquil setting for the picturesque town.

Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park is situated on a narrow strip of the southern coastline, stretching for 80 kilometres from the lagoon at Nature's Valley in the west to the mouth of the Groot River in the east. Tsitsikamma was the first marine national park in Africa. It has a diverse natural beauty, with scenery comprising white sandy beaches, dense forests and fynbos. Beautiful, indigenous, state-protected forest is home to ancient trees such as Yellowwood, Stinkwood, Hard Pear, Ironwood, Kamassi and many others. Over time, rivers have cut awesome gorges through the coastal plateau. The area is famous for its fantastic walks, and has areas that have been allocated to fishing and diving. Please note the gate opening times are from 05:30 until 21:30; visitors with reserved accommodation who arrive after 18:00 may collect the keys to their accommodation at the entrance gate.

George

George is known as the 'capital' of the Garden Route, because its modern air, road and rail links makes it the ideal base for visitors to the area. This town is situated on a coastal plain between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, a stone's throw from the Garden Route's many attractions. George has something to offer each visitor to the area, from scenic hiking trails to forests and walks along beautiful beaches – as well as splendid Golfing facilities. (Two of South Africa's premier golf courses are situated here.) The tranquil setting ensures a pleasant visit to one of the most diverse attractions South Africa has to offer.

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