What to see and do in the Western Cape
Sometimes it helps to get the opinion of a seasoned traveller when looking for things to do, or the inside info on the best our fairest Cape has to offer. With this in mind we asked a respected travel journalist for ‘Weg’ magazine, Leon-Ben Lamprecht, five short questions on what you should watch out for when hanging around in the Western Cape.
Q: If you had one day to spend in the Western Cape, where would you spend it and what would you do?
A: I’d probably head down to Victoria Bay near George on the Garden Route. I’m a bodyboarder and this spot has some awesome waves. If the waves aren’t firing, I reckon I’d head to ‘Die Strandloper’, an open air seafood restaurant just outside Langebaan. For just under R200 you can eat your fill for the whole afternoon. Best shared with good friends (and please – remember your designated driver). If, for some reason, the weather is still not playing along, I’d head to Robertson, where you can still taste wine for free and the people are lekker friendly.
Q: What would you say is the Western Cape’s most under-rated destination?
A: The above mentioned Robertson. Maybe Riebeek-Kasteel and Somerset-West or Tulbagh. Close to Cape Town with beautiful scenery.
Q: What activity would you recommend to anyone visiting the Western Cape and Cape Town for the first time?
A: Rent a wetsuit and surfboard/bodyboard (or bring your own). There are some fantastic spots and you should be able to find one firing no matter the weather. If you’re a first time visitor you have to do the touristy things: go up Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, walk down Long Street, taste wine in Stellenbosch, go on a Garden Route Tour. They might sound cliché, but it really is something to behold, especially the first time.
Q: Where in the Cape Town area will you get the best pictures?
A: If your looking for the postcard picture of Table Mountain, head to Bloubergstrand. Otherwise maybe head for the Bo-Kaap or District Six.
Q: What is the best drive in the Western Cape?
A: I’d have to say the route between Gordon’s Bay and Betty’s Bay, via the coastal route. You don’t pay toll, there are cool places to stop (try Drummond Arms at Rooiels – and meet their most famous kroegvlieg, Susan die Mossie) and you get the mountains and the sea.
So there you have it from the horse’s mouth. Some of the Western Cape’s finest offerings – the view from Table Mountain, the wineries of the Roberston area as well as a scenic drive along the Garden Route are all part and parcel of our Cape Tour packages. We have thus made sure to include some of the lesser spotted highlights of the Western Cape in addition to what every tourist needs to see and experience. Make sure to mention some of your favourites, maybe we can fit them into one of Cape Town tours!
