Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is an enticing Western Cape destination with an exciting culinary scene, photogenic historic buildings, and a youthful atmosphere. The beautiful university town is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and nature reserves (Jonkershoek and Simonsberg), making it a charming base for wine tours, day trips and outdoor adventure. The town centre is characterised by both a “holiday feeling” - sublime art galleries, award-winning restaurants and alluring boutiques fringe leafy cobbled streets - and a sense of aliveness as students bustle between faculties. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, while music lovers can look forward to world-class classical music concerts at the grand Music Conservatory. Two dreamy botanical gardens (with gorgeous tea rooms under the trees) add to the unique character of this special town.
Set on the banks of the magnificent Langebaan Lagoon, the popular resort town of Langebaan is conveniently located only 120 kilometres from Cape Town, in the Western Cape province. This lovely little town is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon, which provides an ideal environment for an array of exhilarating watersports including waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, fishing and kitesurfing. The lagoon also features tidal mudflats - a habitat for an impressive variety of local and migratory birds. Visitors can explore the beautiful West Coast Nature Park nearby, to enjoy game viewing, cycling, and hiking; and the West Coast Fossil Park, which offers a fascinating tour of a fossil dig and the chance to hunt for fossils. Biking, hiking and horse riding are also on offer.
Located 15 km north-west of Vredenburg and 145 km north of Cape Town, 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 kilomteres away, is a beautiful spot to explore, with its boulder-framed bay dotted with camping spots and barbeque facilities.
Set along South Africa's rugged and beautiful west coast, the small seaside fishing village of Lambert’s Bay is best known for Bird Island, delicious seafood, white-sand beaches and rolling dunes. Rich in history and famous for its moderate climate and miles of pristine beaches, Lambert's Bay provides a tranquil retreat, particularly alluring to city slickers who venture up here from Cape Town. During their stay, travellers can explore the quaint harbour with its fleet of colourful fishing boats or enjoy a boat tour to Bird Island to view the numerous gannets and cormorants. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and seals frolicking in the surrounding waters. Those wishing to delve into the indigenous Khoi culture can view ancient rock paintings, while adventure seekers can head out on a 4x4 drive, a dive or a hike. A foodies dream, the town centre offers a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and pubs that suit every type of budget. Don't forget to feast on fresh crayfish during your stay.
