Western Cape :: overview

Escape to the beauty of the Western Cape

 

The Western Cape is one of South Africa’s most popular provinces to visit and it attracts an abundance of tourists to its beautiful locations every year.

 

The Western Cape is a province that holds much cultural history. Visitors can hear the many interesting stories that make up Western Cape’s historical background when visiting heritage sites such as the Castle of Good Hope, which was built by Jan van Riebeeck, and the infamous Robben Island, on which iconic human rights leader, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned for many years.

 

With a myriad of naturally beautiful locations, unspoiled wilderness, outdoor activity opportunities, cultural heritage spots, a trendy cosmopolitan city, a first-world infrastructure and a wide selection of gourmet dishes, it’s no surprise that the Western Cape remains one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations.

 

Cape Town: the provincial capital of Western Cape

 

Cape Town is the commercial hub of the Western Cape as well as the provincial capital. The hustle and bustle of the busy city streets makes Cape Town’s central business district (the CBD) an entertaining area to explore. The streets are lined with trendy, cosmopolitan restaurants and bars that are contrasted by an eclectic selection of stores that contribute to the bohemian ambience of the city.

 

The CBD comprises a mix of old-world, Victorian buildings and modern architecture – some of which are occupied by advertising agencies, law firms, marketing companies, accounting firms as well as nightclubs and head offices to some of the biggest chain retail outlets in the country.

 

Table Mountain and the Castle of Good Hope

 

Surrounded by striking flora and fauna, Table Mountain overlooks the city and can be seen from almost every point in Cape Town. The mountain range measures approximately 1086 metres tall and its flat top measures approximately 3km. Visitors are able to hike up the top of the mountain or be transported by cable car for a panoramic view of the peninsula.

 

The Castle of Good Hope was built by Jan van Riebeeck in the 1950s and is the oldest standing building in the Western Cape. Today, the Castle serves as a regional headquarters for the South African army.

 

Beaches of the Western Cape

 

Bordered by two oceans on either side, the Cape is home to some of the most pristine, Blue Flag beaches such as Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno. In summer, these beaches are filled with both holiday-makers and locals relaxing by the shore, surfing in the crystal clear water or enjoying cocktails at the seaside cafes.

 

The sandy white beaches extend to outside of Cape Town too. Just a few kilometres outside of the central city of Cape Town, you’ll find several secluded resort towns that offer excellent accommodation to suit even the most discerning traveller. Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Betty’s Bay and Hermanusare among some of the coastal towns where the locals go to spend weekends away from the city.

 

The Western Cape Winelands

 

From Helderberg, Franschoek, Paarl, Robertson, Stellenbosch and Worcester winelands, come some of the world’s finest wines. The Cape Winelands in the Western Cape is vast and offers a tranquil ambience. Dotted across the lush, green vineyards of the winelands, old Victorian and Edwardian buildings and structures add to the countryside feeling one experiences when visiting the Western Cape winelands.

 

Plan your holiday to the Western Cape with Namibia Travel Connection

 

With years of experience providing clients with an excellent array of Western Cape tours, Namibia Travel Connection offers a diverse range of holiday options such as guided and self drive tours. Contact a travel consultant at Namibia Travel Connection now for a quote on a tour to the Western Cape.