We collect you from home, and set off through the Winelands into the towering Slanghoek Mountains beyond Wellington. Bains Kloof Pass was a major highway in the 19th century, and today the scenery is as unspoilt and dramatic as ever. We descend towards Ceres, from here we head north through mountainous country, entering the Cederberg along a lonely little road from the south, with grand views as we approach our destination. We stay on a remote guest farm, deep in the mountains, in comfortable cottages. There is time to relax on your porch and soak up the peace and quiet of this very special place. We have our meals in the congenial atmosphere of the farmhouse dining room.
We set off the next morning for an easy touring day, with plenty of time to enjoy the fresh air, have a picnic and marvel at the views. Only a short drive away from the lodge are the Stadsaal Caves - a series of interesting sandstone arches, with easy walks and great views. Here one can learn more about the ancient rock art that is found throughout the area, and see a well preserved rock art site. The plant life is interesting and varied, and we pause frequently to look at unusual and spectacular plants. We return to our lodge by mid afternoon, allowing you to spend time as you wish: relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, watch the birds or take a walk to a local rock art site.
Today we pack up and travel through spectacular scenery, traversing the Cederberg range from east to west. There are dramatic mountain peaks and superb views into the valleys below. We continue over the Nieuwoudts Pass to the valley of the Olifants River. There are enchanting river views and abundant bird life as we follow the course of the river to Clanwilliam. From here we cross the Pakhuis Pass with its fantastic rock formations, pausing en route to admire the views. Tonight we stay in a homely and comfortable guest house.
On this day we will learn more about agriculture in the Sandveld and Olifants River Valley. We follow the course of the river with its vast irrigated vineyards and pause for a wine tasting and lunch near Vredendal, before continuing on through Lutzville to the mouth of the river, where we visit the neat holiday village of Strandfontein. We then tour southwards along the coast to remote little Doring Bay, famous for its sunsets. We stay in unpretentious but comfortable apartments right on the coast, and tonight we can sample some of the West Coast seafood.
Today we explore some of the highlights of the West Coast. We start with a visit to Lamberts Bay’s famous Bird Island. This is a refuge and breeding ground for thousands of seabirds such as gulls, terns and cormorants. In breeding season more than 10 000 pairs of Cape gannets can be observed here at close range from a state-of-the-art bird hide. Later we enjoy a traditional Sandveld lunch on a farm near the coast. In the afternoon we head for remote little Elandsbay, and after some more exploration we reach Velddrif at the mouth of the Berg River, our home base for the next two nights. We check into our hotel, and you can choose to do a walk on the river front or relax at the hotel.
Our day starts with a boat cruise on the Berg River, to enjoy the scenery and prolific birdlife. We visit the Bokkom (dried fish) micro industries on the Berg River, a traditional practice that has remained unchanged for a century. We then head for the West Coast Fossil Park, with its fascinating dig, exposing 5 million year old fossils of extinct animals. In the afternoon we head for the scenic coastline at Paternoster, and visit the unique Cape Columbine Nature Reserve with its massive granite boulders and crashing surf. In the late afternoon you can choose to do a beach walk, browse in the shops, or relax and put your feet up at the hotel. Tonight we can look forward to a delicious seafood dinner.
HOMEWARD BOUND....
This morning we enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then set off for Saldanha with its massive harbour. We tour the harbour and learn more about the interesting industries associated with it. We continue on to Langebaan and the West Coast National Park, on the shores of the scenic Langebaan Lagoon, to explore this important wetland, and the fascinating ecology and history of the area. After our last lunch together we head for Cape Town, where we deliver you safely back on your doorstep.
