Flanked by the Indian & Atlantic Oceans, the Western Cape boasts almost 1000km’s of un-spoilt beaches, incredible scenic beauty, pretty fishing villages, arid landscapes that from August to October are covered in carpets of flowers, impressive winelands, the famous garden route, the Klein Karoo characterised by wide-open spaces, undulating hills and huge ostrich farms Southern Right, Humpback & Bryde Whales frequent the coastal waters between June and November.

There is nowhere quite like Cape Town. Perched between the two oceans and with a South African National Park at its heart, this cosmopolitan centre is steeped in history, cultural diversity and is fast becoming one of the world’s most sought after destinations. As the oldest city in South Africa it has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300years.

The West Coast, comprising the Swartland, Sandveld and further north, the Olifants River Valley, is wild and untouched. Langebaan’s wetland wilderness is the focal point of the West Coast National Park and a mecca for bird watchers,  sun-seekers and water enthusiasts. Other attractions include breathtaking rock formations, magnificent scenery and Bushman’s rock art.

The Cape Winelands

East of Cape Town, the famous Winelands are centred on the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Wellington. The old estate houses are built in the attractive Cape Dutch style and wine tasting is a treat, with South Africa producing some world class wines. Rugged mountain passes and scenic valleys add to the beauty of the area.

The Winelands offers the chance to sample several hundred different wines in a historical and wonderfully picturesque setting that can be easily incorporated into a longer holiday as this area is conveniently close to Cape Town and to the start of the Garden Route.

Stellenbosch is the capital of the Winelands and was the second town to be established by the Dutch settlers. It is a charming and attractive location hosting an abundance of old thatched and whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings and historic national monuments. The wine estates too, are most impressive with grand manor houses and beautifully laid out grounds, offering wine tasting and cellar tours as well as gracious farm accommodation and hidden restaurants.

The Garden Route

There is a 500 mile stretch between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, the road sometimes follows the coast, other times cutting inland, leaping across gorges, spiralling over mountain passes, past lagoons and forests and wheat fields. This enchanting highway is justifiably world famous.

Stop at Cape St Francis and Jeffreys Bay. Turn inland and visit an ostrich farm at Oudshoorn, or explore the giant Cango Caves nearby. Enjoy the arid semi-desert of the Great Karoo, before heading back to the coast. Stop at Knysna Lagoon to sail or swim. Leap through the giant waves at the Wilderness that pound the white sand beaches. Try surf fishing. Or golf at any of the many courses that dot the Route. Stay at the hot springs in Montague. Visit a wine farm at Robertson or Stellenbosch, or an apple farm in Elgin. Loiter for a few days at a rented fisherman's cottage at Arniston or Hermanus. The area provides endless activities including scenic walks, deep-sea fishing, water skiing, sailing, sunset cruises, bird watching, whale and dolphin spotting, golf and, most importantly, relaxing!

The region has become South Africa's most popular tourist destination after Cape Town, with visitors being drawn to its indigenous forests, freshwater lakes, wetlands, hidden coves and long beaches. The narrow coastal plain is well forested and is mostly bordered by extensive lagoons that run behind a barrier of sand dunes and superb white beaches. The region has some of the largest patches of indigenous forest in the country - giant yellowwood trees and wildflowers - as well as commercial plantations of eucalyptus and pine.