The Cape

The Cape, perched on the tip of Africa, was the landing place of the first Dutch settlers in April 1652. Guarded by Table Mountain, flanked by two oceans and surrounded by mountains, deserts and forests, the area of the Cape was described by English circumnavigator Sir Francis Drake as ‘the fairest cape in all the circumference of the earth’.

Comprising of four major areas – Cape Town, Cape Wilderness, the Whale Route and the Winelands – the Cape is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. Activities range from the sedate and relaxing to the heart stopping and just plain crazy. People are friendly and relaxed and within hours of arriving you’ll soon come to realize why living a life in the Cape is the envy of South Africans and visitors alike. The beauty of the Cape lies in the fact that all of its wonders are accessible with no more than one and a half hours drive separating them. Each area is completely unique and offers a totally different experience.

Cape Town will see you spending the long clear days sunning yourself on the endless white sandy beaches and staring in awe at the views from Cape Point, Chapmans Peak, Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; or taking in the sights, sounds, restaurants and cultural festivities in the City Bowl itself.

The Cape, perched on the tip of Africa, was the landing place of the first Dutch settlers in April 1652. Guarded by Table Mountain, flanked by two oceans and surrounded by mountains, deserts and forests, the area of the Cape was described by English circumnavigator Sir Francis Drake as ‘the fairest cape in all the circumference of the earth’.

Comprising of four major areas – Cape Town, Cape Wilderness, the Whale Route and the Winelands – the Cape is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. Activities range from the sedate and relaxing to the heart stopping and just plain crazy. People are friendly and relaxed and within hours of arriving you’ll soon come to realize why living a life in the Cape is the envy of South Africans and visitors alike. The beauty of the Cape lies in the fact that all of its wonders are accessible with no more than one and a half hours drive separating them. Each area is completely unique and offers a totally different experience.

Cape Town will see you spending the long clear days sunning yourself on the endless white sandy beaches and staring in awe at the views from Cape Point, Chapmans Peak, Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; or taking in the sights, sounds, restaurants and cultural festivities in the City Bowl itself.

The Winelands of the Cape comprise a region of grand mountain ranges, fertile valleys, vineyards and orchards heavy with fruit, and of homesteads built in the distinctive Cape Dutch and French Chateau styles. The wine estates host tastings in their cellars and many have restaurants with exquisite food and wine parings. Influences of both French and Dutch culture weave their way through the towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch whose restaurants are rated among the best in South Africa, if not the world.

The Whale Route is a special place, for humans and whales alike. Best known for the southern right and humpback whales that make their way into the bays of Hermanus to calve between the months of June-December, this is probably the only place in the world where you can stand with your feet on dry land and watch whales swimming only metres (a few feet) away from you. The unique set up of the land allows for sharp, deep ocean drop-offs and the whales like to come as close in to the shores as possible. Adrenalin junkies can venture slightly further up the coast to Gansbaai where shark cage diving will bring you closer than necessary to a great white shark.

The Cape Wilderness and the West Coast area is a classic case of rugged, harsh beauty. Icy blue oceans give way to deserted beaches where rustic restaurants serve never-ending seafood buffets, while the coastal wetlands near Langebaan are a bird watchers paradise. The semi-desert of the interior is known as a ‘flowering desert’ and from late July-September the ground is carpeted by flowers bursting into life, magically transforming the countryside into a kaleidoscope of colour. The Cederberg Mountains border the area and were the home of the Bushman. Incredible rock formations hide caves and ancient paintings and dark watered rivers wind their way through gorges and valleys in awesome displays of power and beauty.

Planning a trip to such a diverse area takes time and an intimate knowledge of all the accommodations and tours & safaris on offer. Sitting as it does on the tip of Africa, this is a great place to start your trip and work your way up through South Africa, visiting the Garden Route, Kwa Zulu Natal and the Northern Regions along the way and making sure to fit in a few safaris.

For those of you who are venturing further into Africa on safari, the Cape is an excellent combination destination and a few days in Cape Town would be the perfect end to time spent out in the African bush.

Don’t hesitate to contact any one of our Travel Experts should you need advice on planning your trip.