Western Cape

Robben Island situated in Table Bay, is a museum dedicated to the struggle of South Africa to be free of the misguided policy of Apartheid and was home for many years to South Africa's most famous son, Nelson Mandela. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in the harbour area is one of the major attractions of the city and the restored Victorian buildings, restaurants, shops and a wide variety of cultural activities and entertainment draws many visitors. The Cape Peninsula stretching south of the city to the dramatic Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point is a magnificent area of high mountains sweeping down into the sea, dramatic coastlines, stupendous scenery and the richest and most diverse floral kingdom in the world.

The Boland

Slightly inland from Cape Town the mountains of the Boland (Upper Land) are a natural barrier between the sea and the dry plains and mountains of the Great Karoo. This is an area of dramatic beauty with a substantial wine growing, wheat and fruit industry. The beautiful towns and villages of the Boland with their typical whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture are set in fertile valleys and plains between the mountains, which are often blanketed in snow during the winter months. South-east towards Cape Aghulas from Cape Town, dramatic mountain ranges sweep down into the sea and the area is renowned for its seasonal visits by the whales of the Southern Ocean.

The Swartland

Travel north from Cape Town through the wheat fields of the Swartland (Black Land) and the impressive bulk of the Cedarberg is revealed. This area of high mountains and narrow intensively cultivated valleys is one of the most beautiful in South Africa. Further north the high mountains of the Cedarberg recede to be replaced by the rolling hills and coastal valleys of Namaqualand. This area hosts the most spectacular natural flower show on earth when the spring rains bring the barren hills and valleys to life in a stunning and varied carpet of wild flowers from horizon to horizon. Across the Cedarberg stretches the Great Karoo north into the vast plains of the Northern Cape. Bushman's Kloof set amidst this scenic splendour is a perfect base from which to experience the beauty of the area.

The Garden Route

East of Cape Town the Garden Route (also known as the Golf Coast by the golfing fraternity) runs along the southern Cape coast towards Port Elizabeth. The coastal plain of wheatfields and the endemic fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom is sandwiched between the rolling mountains and the rugged seashore. This is an area of great beauty and diversity and one of the most popular areas to visit in South Africa. Whale watching, riding an ostrich, walking through magnificent indigenous forests, paddling around a quiet lake, guided botanical walks, hiking through the mountains or along the spectacular coastline, eating out in quaint country restaurants, scuba diving, golfing and a host of other activities and attractions are possible in this area.