As far as tourist destinations go the Western Cape of South Africa must be one of the most enjoyable in the world. More than three million tourists flood the vineyards, mountains, gardens, the beaches, monuments, stadiums and restaurants of the Western Cape each year. That is 8 220 tourists catered for every day of the year. It’s the perfect place to spend a morning, a full day, a week or even a month. A tour package of the Western Cape can include anything from an ocean safari to a day of wine and cheese tasting to stretching out on perfect white beaches. It’s all a little overwhelming, so here are some of the highlights which can be considered when planning a Western Cape Tour.
Shark Cage Diving / Ocean Safari
The thrill of a lifetime! Nowhere else in the world can you match the rush of coming face to face with a one ton predator. Yeah sure, skydiving gets the blood pumping. Climbing mountains are tough. Jumping from a bridge is over before it began. But shark cage diving is the ultimate rush – an experience that kicks off at sunrise and carries on long into the night (if you include all the stories you will be telling).
Cape Peninsula
When it comes to scenery there are few places in the world capable of claiming a spot in the same league as the Cape Peninsula. One moment you are getting lost in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the next you are travelling through small and charming coastal villages dotted along the coastline. If you are willing to brave the cold waters of the Atlantic you can even work in some time on the waves before heading out for an evening of good food and better wine.
The Garden Route
Within a stretch of 200km you will be able to lose yourself between mountains and forests whilst beaches and quaint towns are nestled in between. The Garden Route can be considered as an activity safari: from exotic bird watching in undisturbed nature reserves to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge. George, the Garden Route’s administrative centre, is home to a series of fine golf courses and culinary wonders. A mere chip and a putt from George the lush green world is transformed into arid semi-desert. Here you will find Oudtshoorn, the Big Bird Capital of South Africa.
Wine Route Tour
Towns such as Stellenbosch and Paarl are covered in history and centuries of wine making folklore. These towns are all dotted along the roads of the Western Cape making up the world famous Cape Wine Route. But what is good wine without good food? Franschoek, another one of the Cape Wine Route’s gems is considered Africa’s leader in culinary cultures. Good friends, good food, good wine. Indulge! It’s all there is to do.
It’s no wonder Cape Town and the Western Cape can handle the thousands of gawking, snapping and laughing tourists every day – there is just so much to do! Using Cape Town as a base gives you easy access to everything the Western Cape has to offer, within an arm’s reach. Plan your day trip, your week on the Garden Route, your summer wine tour or just enjoy the view. And don’t forget to indulge!
