Daydreaming about your next getaway? South Africa is bursting with beautiful places to be explored.
Spilling over with Cape Dutch architecture, centuries-old vineyards, flowers, trails and wildlife, there’s plenty to discover in western South Africa. Here are five ideas to inspire you as you plan your next South African adventure.
Wander Over to a Wine Farm
One of South Africa’s true gems is Franschhoek, a French-inspired town. Tucked away between the mountains, this little village founded in 1688 is home to numerous Franschhoek wine farms. Join a wine tasting tour or visit vineyards at your own leisure. Next, why not wander along the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Worcester wine routes?
Move On to Some Museums
Despite South Africa being a younger country, it still carries an interesting history with numerous museums to visit. Franschhoek’s Huguenot Memorial Museum and its neighbouring monument honour the French settlers who arrived in the 1600 & 1700s.
Motorheads will enjoy the Franschhoek Motor Museum display of vintage cars. The Outeniqua Transnet Transport Museum in the city of George displays South Africa’s railway history.
Closer to the Mother City, the Heart of Cape Town Museum delves into the history of the world’s first human heart transplant performed by Professor Chris Barnard in 1967. Also, Cape Town’s District Six Museum serves as a visual reminder of the area which the apartheid nationalist government destroyed in the 1960s. The Castle of Good Hope is a bastion fort constructed in the 1600s. Visitors can admire this provincial heritage site as the best preserved example of a Dutch East India Company fort.
Relax in a Nature Reserve
Time to unwind? Have a picnic in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve while admiring the flowers in wildlife overlooking the Franschhoek Valley.
Just 90 minutes away from Cape Town, Welbedacht Game and Nature Reserve is a tranquil hideaway in the Tulbagh Valley. The nearby quaint town is famous for its art galleries, cafés and curio shops. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of fishing, horse riding, mountain biking, nature trails and swimming.
Bask in the Botanical Gardens
Floral lovers will enjoy basking in the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden. Found in the historical center of Stellenbosch, it’s South Africa’s oldest botanical garden. Despite being compact in size, it’s home to a wide range of indigenous and exotic plants.
Known as one of the greatest botanic gardens worldwide, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the perfect backdrop against the eastern side of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. This is one of 10 National Botanic Gardens covering five of South Africa’s six biomes.
Hike Up to New Heights
Avid hikers can enjoy a day trip up Lion’s Head. One of Cape Town’s most popular hiking destinations, the Lion’s Head hiking trail comprises of a series of direct and spiral routes. This short, easy hike boasts some of the best panoramic views.
Looking for a more challenging hiking experience? Pick from the five Table Mountain hikes. While your legs will feel the impact, the view on a clear day is completely worth it.
[Conclusion]
Feeling inspired to explore more of Western South Africa? There are many more places we haven’t even mentioned that are waiting for you to discover them. Why not start saving up for your next holiday today?
2018 ·