Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.
The Cederberg is a region of wild, dramatic valleys situated just 2.5 hours' drive from Cape Town, between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam. Lined with citrus orchards and surrounded by magnificent mountains, the jaw-dropping scenes here become even more spectacular at sunset when they are bathed in an array of vivid colours, and in springtime when flowers completely take over (this is the heart of the biodiverse Cape Floral Kingdom). Travellers can also swim in turquoise rock pools, visit intriguing ancient rock art sites, take advantage of superb beaches with excellent surfing conditions, or learn about the clear night skies at the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory. Some other activity options include hiking, bouldering, tubing, sundowner cruises, and rock climbing - as well as dining at top-notch wineries and restaurants.
Set on the southern boundary of South Africa’s Northern Cape, the vast, untouched plains of the Tankwa Karoo National Park provide a true escape. With no restaurants, shops, or ATMs, this wild and remote area is the perfect place to immerse oneself in nature. Lunar-like scenes, kaleidoscopic rocks and jaw-dropping sunsets inspire visitors to paint, sketch and photograph. Lying within the Succulent Karoo Biome, the park is dotted with a fantastic diversity of plant life, including several endemic species, which spring to colourful swathes of life after rainfall. Mongoose, tortoise, gemsbok, bat-eared fox, and Cape mountain zebra are just some of the animals that call this oasis home, and visitors enjoying guided night drives may even spot the elusive aardvark. Activities on offer include bird watching, star-gazing, hiking, climbing, and four-wheel drive excursions.
Extending across 400 000 square kilometres of the country, the Karoo is South Africa’s largest ecosystem and its semi-arid scrublands shelter a surprisingly rich diversity of plant, bird and animal life. Composed of the Great and Little Karoo, this vast semi-desert region may seem harsh and unforgiving to some, but to others, it’s a sanctuary of peace and silence with its own unique, compelling beauty. The Karoo’s landscape is characterised by rugged mountains hiding ancient caves, as well as undulating plains peppered with indigenous succulents and grazing ostrich and sheep. Highlights of the area are the fossil trail in the Karoo National Park and the annual Olive Festival in the small town of Prince Albert.
The Western Cape, arguably the most scenic and varied of South Africa's nine provinces, serves as a major drawcard for visitors to South Africa. Located in the southwest corner of the country, the province is blessed with stunning coastlines, breathtaking mountains, indigenous forests, historic wine estates and scorched stretches of strikingly beautiful semi-desert. Visitors can enjoy everything from the magnificent city of Cape Town with its iconic Table Mountain and gorgeous surrounding Winelands, to the exhilarating outdoor activities and spectacular natural scenery of the Garden Route, as well as the fynbos-covered sand dunes, sun-bleached beaches and remote fishing villages of the lesser-explored West Coast region. The Western Cape has just about everything that the rest of the country can offer, all rolled into one easy explorable destination.
Situated along South Africa’s beautiful coast, the Tsitsikamma National Park is known for its thick ancient forest, dramatic coastline, and magnificent rivers. The Tsitsikamma National Park falls within the exquisite and famous Garden Route National Park and encompasses an incredibly beautiful marine conservation belt stretching five kilometres out into the ocean as well as the renowned Otter Trail. The park is home to diverse fauna and flora, including over 9000 species of indigenous fynbos, the stunning Knysna Lourie, dolphins and porpoises, Cape Clawless Otter, Blue Duiker, and many other animal and bird species. Visitors can look forward to hiking to the Big Tree, ancient yellowwood; going on an exhilarating kayaking trip at Storms River Mouth; or enjoying a number of other activities including cycling, swimming, zip-lining, camping, snorkelling, diving, mountain biking, and sailing.
Mossel Bay has rapidly grown from its days as a little fishing village and holiday resort. The big bay has long sandy beaches and the old town has plenty of historic and recreational attractions – not least of which is the Mossel Bay Golf Course. The course boasts a view of the sea from every tee and the chance to whale watch as you line up your next shot.
Fringing the southwestern coast of South Africa, Gansbaai is a charming fishing town and a popular tourist destination in the Overberg area of the Western Cape. This renowned whale-watching mecca is home to the Marine Big 5 - namely the southern right whales, seals, penguins, dolphins, and great white sharks (in high density). Dubbed the ‘The Great White Shark Capital Of The World’, Gansbaai provides the chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating beasts, as well as several other activities. There's a host of marine adventures on offer, as well as the chance to learn about local heritage and culture and spot unique fauna and flora. Explore spectacular rugged landscapes via a network of scenic hiking trails offering phenomenal sunset views. Photographers will also enjoy the beautiful natural locations of De Kelders Beach, Pearly Beach, Uilkraal Valley, and Walker Bay Nature Reserve.
As previously described
