Franschhoek - the name meaning "French Corner" - was founded in 1688 by Huguenots who were persecuted in France due to their Protestant-Calvinist beliefs. At the Cape, the French settlers found a new home. In particular, wine cultivation in South Africa received a boost in quality from the French. The Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek commemorates these immigrants who gave their names to many places and families in the region. Families such as Du Toit, De Villiers, or Le Roux are widespread in South Africa, especially around Franschhoek. Franschhoek offers French flair along Main Road with chic street cafes, French restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
THINGS TO DO:
- Wine tasting at one of the numerous wineries, Wine Tram
- Hiking in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
- Huguenot Memorial Museum
- E-bike tour through Franschhoek Winelands with wine tasting and lunch (www.vinebikes.co.za/franschhoek-bicycle-wine-tour/)
OUR RESTAURANT & WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Boschendal, especially the picnic (www.boschendal.com)
- La Petite Colombe (Top 10 South Africa, www.lapetitecolombe.com)
- Le chêne (www.lechene.co.za/restaurant)
- La Motte (www.la-motte.com)
- Mont Rochelle (www.virginlimitededition.com)
- Grande Provence (www.grandeprovence.co.za)
ANKE'S TIPS:
Franschhoek Village Market - Every Saturday, 09:00h - 15:00h
Address: 29 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 (www.franschhoekvillagemarket.co.za)
De Kelders is a small town in Walker Bay, about two hours drive from Cape Town. Protected coves and inlets provide the ideal conditions for Southern Right Whales to mate and give birth, and, every year between July and November, these giant creatures can be spotted in the waters. A collection of caves offer much to explore; at Klipgat, some of the oldest human remains and stone artefacts have been found; while Drup Kelders presents a freshwater pool cave perfect for swimming and decorated by striking stalagmites and stalactites. The tranquil cove at Standford’s Bay is another perfect place to swim, surrounded by 150-year-old fig trees. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, angling, quad biking, and horse riding in the area, and the exquisite natural beauty of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Make sure to visit one of the local restaurants, too, which serve up wonderful fresh seafood.
Bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa, the long valley of the Klein Karoo is famous for its scenic natural beauty and wide range of attractions. Towering mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the area, and their rivers give the valleys lush greenery which contrasts with the surrounding semi-desert landscape. Some of the highlights of the Klein Karoo include the awe-inspiring passes and gorges of the majestic Swartberg mountains, the mystical Cango Caves and fun ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the abundant fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley. Visitors can look forward to learning about South Africa’s rich heritage in the many historic towns; seeing animals such as the bat-eared fox, meerkats and barking geckos; and enjoying music, drama, art and excellent local cuisine at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.
Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is a large town often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, surrounded by stunning bays perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming; picturesque beaches and lagoons; and world-renowned forests. This well-catered town is also a perfect base for safari expeditions at nearby parks such as Knysna Elephant Park, and close-up animal experiences at centres such as Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. From here, enjoy ample opportunities for surfing, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing. Visitors can also look forward to an array of wonderful markets, a picturesque waterfront filled with superb restaurants and shops, and several fantastic art galleries. Make sure to take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters.
Located between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown and just east of Addo Elephant Park, the Amakhala Game Reserve is the perfect place to enjoy Big Five Safaris. Featuring spectacular topography created by the Bushman’s River, the reserve is home to a huge array of animal species - besides the big five, visitors can also spot cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, plenty of antelope species, and many other smaller interesting animals.
Amakhala is also inhabited by prolific birdlife (the majestic African Fish Eagle is a particular highlight), and idyllic boat cruises provide a delightful way to see this. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of fantastic game drives, guided walks, and horse trails. Just outside the park, there are plenty of attractions to discover, including the Amakhala Craft Centre, and the Bushman Sands Golf Course and Health Spa.
