Why you should explore the Western Cape

The Western Cape is mountainous and, arguably the most beautiful province in South Africa and has become one of the populist regions to turn your holiday into one you won’t forget.

Beautiful coastlines, serene deserts, magnificent mountains, pristine Winelands, and breathtaking forestry; all in its natural form and beauty yet even the locals find it not luxurious enough than traveling overseas.

But if these images don’t ignite traveling in your own backyard then you shouldn’t be living in South Africa at all.

The quintessential Karoo

One of the world’s most unique and endless expanse of dry barren is the great and Klein Karoo; a natural wonder that’s semi-desert covering 400 000 square kilometers from the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape.

It’s a slow way of life with various sub-regions that divides itself into climate and biology; with exceeding warm temperatures and succulents lands.

The little towns such as Barrydale, Prince Albert, and Matjiesfontein offer tourists the best ways of experiencing Karoo hospitality, fascinating farm-stall finds, majestic mountains and, arid landscapes that stretch across more than half of this beautiful country we call home.

Mecca of wines in the Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands, the origin of some of the world’s most popular wines is a breathtaking scenic drive; whether it be the Cape Overberg in the south-western Cape, the Stellenbosch wine route, the Wellington region; famous for its brandy, Franschhoek Wine Valley or Constantia; they all home to exquisite wine estates with luxuriant green valleys.

Be seduced by the Garden Route

The Garden Route is a strip of land filled with natural beauty, ravishing coastline shores crowed by a magnitude of forestry land. This inspiring route begins alongside Witsand to Albertina to George, Wilderness, Plettenberg all the way up until Tsitsikamma.

It’s the adventure capital for thrill-seekers ranging from activities such as scuba diving, paragliding, quad biking, meandering trails, and even river rafting. It’s an eco-destination with tons of things to do and a road trip you have to do at least once in your lifetime.

Exceptional mountain landscapes in the Overberg

The Overberg is known as the countryside region with many small and historical towns, rugged mountain ranges, fynbos, rolling wheat and canola fields, and splendid coastal vistas.

There are small towns that will leave you on a road to discovery through valleys, dusty roads, and memories of the past.

Make sure to pop into Genadendal known as the ‘Valley of Grace’, explore the wheat fields in Napier and indulge in a breakfast vetkoek at Moerse Lekker Farmstall, explore the third oldest town of Swellendam and do some whale watching along the seaside beaches in Hermanus.

Seaside retreat to the West Coast

Beyond the mountainous terrain, the West Coast is a popular seaside route with charming fishing villages, unspoiled beaches, and abundant animal and marine life yet many towns are quite rocky and adventurous like the Cederberg.

Small fishing towns like Paternoster, Saldanha, and Jacobs Bay still make a living from taking their boats out to sea while towns like Piketberg are still steeped in lots of history.

If you find yourself on that route, make sure to visit 22 Waterfalls in Porterville, explore the West Coast National Park and The West Coast Fossil Park in Vredenburg.

The most beautiful city in the world, Cape Town

With Table Mountain as a backdrop, it’s no wonder many tourists flock to Cape Town. The city has so much to offer from secluded beaches, fine arts, cool activities, and explosive food flavours.

Even with many office blocks in and around the CBD, the historical Bo-kaap is a colourful place that needs to be explored.

With so many museums, parks, mountain views, traditional cuisines, and a vibrant nightlife, Cape Town will knock your socks or dancing shoes off.

So what are you waiting for?

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Till the next adventure.

Stephanie Marthinus Blog

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Why you should explore the Western Cape