One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
The Cederberg Mountains lie approx 2-3 hours drive north of Cape Town. Travel over the Piekenierskloof pass and you descend into a different world. The scenery has changed; wilder, warmer with a raw, dramatic beauty. Towering mountains, brilliant purple in the late afternoon light, preside over a fruit-filled valley laden with the scent of orange blossom in the spring.
The Cederberg provides a natural arena for adventure lovers with great hiking and bouldering opportunities. Take a fascinating journey to the picturesque mission village of Wupperthal deep in the Cederberg, or follow a walking trail to some ancient rock paintings. Enjoy hiking in the wilderness, swimming in waterfall rock pools or simply relaxing in one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of South Africa. In the Biedouw valley and elsewhere, the wild spring flowers are a spectacular sight from August to early September.
En route to the Cederberg you may like to visit the Cape West Coast, with its unique sandveld vegetation, picturesque fishing villages, long sandy beaches and immense bird colonies. Its relaxed hospitality is amply demonstrated by the outdoor seafood restaurants on the beach.
Located in the scenic Olifants River Valley, the town of Clanwilliam is the ‘Rooibos Capital of the World’. The town features an array of tea houses and historical buildings. It is conveniently situated next to a large dam perfect for water skiing, swimming, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy a tour at the Elandsberg Rooibos Estate to view the unique tea-making process, learn about the town’s history at the Old Gaol Museum, explore the ‘Rooibos Route’ and enjoy a cup of tea at one of its many stopovers namely, The Rooibos Teahouse. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacularly scenic surrounds including: the Cederberg Mountains, the West Coast and the annual wildflower splendour of Namaqualand.
The West Coast is a distinctive and unusual region, directly north from Cape Town. In contrast to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, the West Coast offers unique sandveld vegetation, picturesque fishing villages, long sandy beaches, immense bird colonies. Its unique brand of hospitality easily seen in the open-air seafood restaurants, which typify the region.
This charming fishing village is a great place for a seaside escape, with its historical buildings, warm hospitality, long beach and beautiful views. It also has several quaint restaurants serving sublimely fresh and tasty seafood and one or two bars where you can enjoy a few drinks and get acquainted with the locals. Dolphins and whales can be spotted off the coast for ten months of the year and the striking Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, located just three kilometres away, is a beautiful spot to explore. In Springtime, flower-lovers will delight in the carpets of wild flowers such as yellow gousblomme (gazanias) and botterblomme (rain daisies).
Rich nutrients in the sea attract vast shoals of fish, which in turn supports a superb birdlife. Indeed the West Coast has some of the best birding in South Africa, especially migratory birds.
