According to BRIDGAT.COM, Western Cape is a province in South Africa where many cultures come together. In addition, this area has a varied landscape which is characterized by coastlines, white beaches and unspoiled nature. It is therefore not for nothing that this part of South Africa is also called the Fairest Cape. The Western Cape has a pleasant climate, with the northern part of the province being somewhat warmer. The capital of Cape Town is home to many attractions, some of which are known worldwide. Examples of this are Stellenbosch and of course the Cape of Good Hope. The Western Cape also has many National Parks where you can enjoy wildlife and special flora. The Western Cape also has a lot to offer in the culinary field.
Top 10 sights of Western Cape
#1. Cape Town
During your visit to the Western Cape, a visit to Cape Town should not be missed. This large city in South Africa is home to many sights that are definitely worth seeing. The city is very recognizable by the large mountain that towers high above the city. The Table Mountain is no less than 3000 meters long and very suitable for a nice hike. But, you can also take the cable car up where you can enjoy the view at McLear’s Beacon. Cape Town is also known for Robben Island, which owes its fame to the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. You will find the island north of Cape Town. On Robben Island you can also visit a museum where you can learn everything about the origins of South Africa.
#2. Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is a beach in the Western Cape known for its penguin population. A visit to the beach is connected to entrance. The beach is located near Cape Point and Simonstad. You can view the animals from a viewpoint that you reach through a specially constructed walking route. From the plateau you can watch the thousands of penguins of Boulders Beach in peace. But, the imposing granite coves of the bay are also more than worth a visit.
#3. Wine regions around Stellenbosch
For true wine lovers, a visit to the wine regions around Stellenbosch should not be missed. The environment in this wine region is not only green, but also quite impressive. You will also find many wineries where you can enjoy a good meal in addition to tasting various wines. The wine regions around Stellenbosch are quite extensive. They are home to wineries such as Delaire Graff Estate and Peter Falke Wines. At Warwick Wine Estate you can also enjoy a delicious picnic. An overnight stay in one of the accommodations is therefore recommended. You will find the wine regions about an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
#4. Whale watching at Hermanus
Hermanus is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Cape Town. This place is known for the frequent presence of whales. Especially in the months of August, September, October and November you can spot whales here. This can be done from the beach with binoculars, but for the real daredevils there is also an option to view the whales from a kayak. There are also several shipping companies that organize boat trips so that you can see the whales up close. If you want to spot whales in Hermanus, you can also combine this with a walk on the 12-kilometer path right next to the coastline. You can also watch the whales from this route along the water.
#5. Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope is also called Cape of Good Hope by the locals. You will find the rocky peninsula in the southernmost part of the Western Cape. This is the place where many VOC ships went down, including the Flying Dutchman. If you visit the Cape of Good Hope, the walking route of over 30 kilometers is recommended. Along the way you will pass inhospitable areas and you can enjoy impressive views, rocks and beaches. If you walk the route, you will pass Cape Point. At an altitude of 200 meters, you will find a restaurant and a number of nice shops. The nature and the views are also worthwhile here.
#6. Garden route
The Garden Route in the Western Cape is best traveled by car. the starting point of the Garden Route is in Mossel Bay. The route is a succession of various landscapes, special towns, beaches and nature reserves. That’s how you get past George. A plate in the Western Cape which is very popular among golfers. The Garden Route also takes you along the beaches of Plettenberg Bay and the green forests of Knysna. The landscapes are very diverse during the route, which makes driving the Garden Route in the Western Cape an unforgettable experience. The route ends in Jeffrey’s Bay which is known as a surfing area.
#7. West Coast National Park
The West Coast National Park is located on the coast, north of Cape Town. It is a swampy area with an impressive area of over 27,000 hectares. West Coast is characterized by the blue water, the rocks and the beautiful beaches. Here you can also catch a glimpse of the seal population present. Especially at the end of the summer and the beginning of autumn you can enjoy the abundantly flowering plants and flowers that, in combination with the sand dunes, provide a beautiful picture. West Coast National Park also includes the area around Postberg where many animals such as eland, wildebeest and bontebok have found their home. The park is also home to more than 250 bird species. In addition, you can also kayak in West Coast National Park.
#8. Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. You will find this city in the Western Cape in the Little Karoo area. You can visit the many ostrich farms. These animals have historically served as a major source of income through the sale of ostrich feathers, among other things. There is also an ostrich museum in town. Oudtshoorn also has more sights to offer. You will find the Cango Caves which are known as the oldest caves in the world. They are not known as one of the wonders of the world for nothing. Here you can participate in various tours where you can view the caves from a completely different perspective.
#9. Bontebok National Park
Bontebok National Park is a relatively small park near Swellendam. The park is named after the animal, the Bontebok. This antelope species used to be threatened with extinction, but is now fully represented in the park with more than 200 animals. In addition to these animals, you can also spot other animal species such as zebras, hyenas and foxes in the Bontebok National Park. In the park you will also find many bird species such as the water stone curlew, the osprey and the crane. The flora consists of more than 470 different plant species. The landscape also alternates with various rivers and bodies of water. A visit to Die Stroom in the Bontebok National Park is highly recommended. Here you can swim or enjoy the special surroundings during a picnic.
#10. Karoo National Park
The Karoo National Park is a rugged area that is located in the Great Karoo. The landscape is desert-like and has its own difficult climate. Yet Karoo National Park is home to many animal species such as the springbok, jackal and the red hartebeest. The flora is also special to say the least. Despite the drought, you will find plant species such as the fig, agave and euphorbia here. In the Karoo National Park you can also participate in the so-called Fossil Trail. During the trail you will learn about the fossil excavations in the park. Some are even millions of years old. In the park you can spot wildlife from a 4×4, walk various hiking trails or participate in a guided excursion.
