Western Cape Overview
The Western Cape is so different to the rest of South Africa.It's kind of tacked on to the bottom of
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In and Around
Western Cape
Cities Through Routes Tourism Regions Towns
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Bartholomeus Klip Reserve is teeming with herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and bontebok. Many other animals, such as baboons, bat-eared foxes, lynxes, and smaller species of antelope, live here too, and it is known that leopards still occur in the mountains.
Among the birdlife at Bartholomeus Klip is the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, once farmed here in large flocks at the height of the ostrich feather boom in the 1870s and today one of the leopard’s favourite foods.
The magnificent black eagle (correctly known as Verreaux’s eagle) nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors.
Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.
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Managed by Cape Nature, Walker Bay stretches along the coast from De Kelders to the Hermanus Lagoon. Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers much for the whole family. From wide beaches to sea caves, good fishing grounds to pretty fynbos and hiking trails.
A 24 km hiking trail hugs the coastline and there are several beaches and protected coves. Die Plaat, a vast area dominated by drift-sand can be seen from the other side of Walker Bay.
The entrance to the reserve is on the northern edge of De Kelders. The famous Klipgat Cave can be reached by a boardwalk and steps from the entrance.
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From ancient mariners to modern adventurers, the quest has always been to reach the poles, sail around the tips of continents, conquer the highest peaks and dive to the ultimate depths. This is the same spirit that captivated the explorers of yesteryear who braved one of the most challenging sea crossings of their time, the Atlantic-Indian Ocean crossing via Cape Agulhas.
Geographical extremes capture the imagination. As the southern-most tip of Africa, it has always had its mysteries and adventure, and still captures the imagination of contemporary explorers.
Amongst the mysteries associated with this region, is the legendary 'Cape of Storms' which wrecked many ships en route to the east via Cape Agulhas.
Ancient people also left their mark on the landscape. The archaeological middens remind contemporary man of a successful hunter-gathering culture that was in harmony with its natural environment; and a cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years to when the Khoi-khoi people trapped fish using ingeniously constructed tidal traps.
This windswept, ruggedly beautiful coastal plain at the southern-most tip of Africa, with its rich cultural and natural heritage, has recently been proclaimed as the Agulhas National Park.
There are several small towns in the area encompassed by Agulhas, but no park run camps as yet.
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Set within the stunning Wilderness National Park and on the shores of Langvlei, the Malachite Bird Hide is definitely worth a visit for twitchers and nature lovers. Spend some time watching the numerous waterfowl, kingfishers and other birds in this beautiful environment.
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The incredibly scenic Harold Porter Botanical Garden is situated between the coast and the mountainside. The garden is renowned for its waterfalls, amber pools and deep gorges. In the heart of the fynbos region, it is one of the best places to explore coastal fynbos. And its vast - there are 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos as well as 190 hectares of natural fynbos! Keen gardeners can purchase plants from the indigenous plant nursery.
Need to know? Opens at 8am, closes at 4:30pm on weekdays and at 5pm on weekends and public holidays. The parking area closes at 6pm in winter and 7pm in summer.
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The most popular walking spot in Plett, Robberg Peninsula is an excellent view site for dolphins, whales and sharks. Seals are always seen from the trail and you can often spot big game fish from the cliffs. The peninsula is covered with coastal dune fynbos. Choose from three circular walks of various lengths. Interesting information about Robberg's geology, archaeology and marine life can be found on boards along the trails.
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A top spot for families, Jubilee Creek is probably the most beautiful picnic spot in the indigenous Knysna forest. Situated alongside a stream in two forest clearings, this site is very popular with young families. The stream is perfect for playing, exploring and walks along the river. Hidden in the forest, you might even sight a rare Knysna elephant - one of the Knysna elephants was actually seen here in March 2007!
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Discover Elandsfontein’s fossil heritage on a guided Quad Bike Fossil Safari. The dunes on Elandsfontein are the final resting place of early humans and animals that date back to the early Stone Age. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served. All quad bikes have fully automatic gearboxes to ensure that even novice riders can enjoy this unique experience. To manage the impact on the dunes the number of quad bikes is limited to eight, but each quad bike is big enough for two passengers.
Cost: R550 per person, refreshments included, for day visitors.
4x4 Nature Drive As the home to the largest inward migration of game in the history of the Western Cape, Elandsfontein is waiting to be discovered by nature lovers. Some of the species that guest may expect to see on the 3 hour nature drive include eland, hartebeest, zebra, wildebeest, oryx, kudu, bontebuck, springbuck and Cape buffalo, the first of the big five to be reintroduced into the reserve. Unspoilt nature and rich and diverse birdlife complete the experience. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served.
Cost: R550 per person, refreshments included.
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Situated in the Kleinrivier Mountains on the northern side of Hermanus, Fernkloof Nature Reserve incorporates mountain fynbos as well as a pocket of evergreen forest. A 60 km network of trails provides the opportunity for people to go out and enjoy some exercise and fresh air. These trails offer stunning panoramic views of Walker Bay, the Hemel en Aarde Valley and Maanskynbaai.
The reserve is a haven of biodiversity with 1474 species of plants recorded. Parts of the coastal area including the Cliff Path Nature Area, the Mossel River valley and the area from De Mond to Kettle Point, including the mouth of the Vogelgat River and part of the Klein River lagoon have recently been incorporated. This means that the coastal area with its unique fynbos, the mountain fynbos as well as the sensitive lagoon area is now linked.
Keep your eyes open to spot grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, klipspringer, baboon, mongoose and dassie. Birds that you are most likely to see are Cape sugar birds, sunbirds, rock thrush and rock jumpers. Raptors include the jackal buzzard and black eagle. You can also spot seed and insect-eating species such as Rameron pigeons, canaries, flycatchers and white-eyes in the patches of forest alongside streams.
Need to know? Fernkloof Nature Reserve is open from 7:00 to 19:00
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Noordhoek is situated at the foot of the Silvermine Nature Reserve which forms part of the Table Mountain National park. There are many trails for walking or hiking and a detailed map of the trails can be purchased from Noordhoek Village tourism office for a nominal fee.
The Silvermine Hiking trail allows one to see some of the world’s most spectacular coastal and mountain scenery which is rich with a variety of flora as well as bird and small animal life. There are a large number of different Proteas and other fynbos species, flowering throughout the different seasons; making this an enjoyable and interesting walk at any time of the year.
One of the easiest and most accessible walks leads from the car park at the top of the mountain to the Silvermine Reservoir. This is an easy walk with a duration of some 1- 1 ½ hours and a suitable for all members of the family. If one drives to the top of Ou Kaapse Weg you will see the Parks signboard on your left with directions to the parking area.
From the parking area the trail is well marked and heads predominantly uphill though it is not particularly strenuous. The trail winds through remarkably different vegetation and you will enjoy a number of boardwalks over the streams. On a summer day you will find the wooded banks verdant with tree ferns a pleasantly cool and peaceful spot to linger. Surprisingly the trail heads through some small forest glades. The path wends its way up well-maintained wooden walkways and the occasional rustic bridge until one reaches the dam wall itself. Stop along the way to admire the beautiful and spectacular views across False Bay where on a clear day you can see clear across to Gordon’s Bay.
A number of quaint stone benches and tables are dotted along the path where one can picnic or braai. It would be best to check at the ticket office - lighting of fires may be prohibited depending upon the season. The trail leads to the large Silvermine reservoir which was built sometime in the 1890’s to supply water to Cape Town. During hot summer days people often take a cooling swim in the clear water. At the far end is a rich growth of water lilies spreading under a wooden bridge. During early autumn there are an amazing variety of flowering plants including Proteas.
On the opposite side of Ou Kaapse Weg, just after the apex is another entrance manned by the Parks board where one can park and walk up Silvermine River Valley to a small waterfall, passing a number of old ruins. The waterfall offers the perfect spot to take in the sounds of nature. Like so many of the waterfalls on Table Mountain, this one is only seen in its full glory in winter, but it is also a great peaceful picnic spot.
Need to know? The entry fee is R10 or free for wildcard holders (limited to cape Town residents). There are toilet facilities at the parking area. GPS: 34º 05' 135" S 18º 25' 144" E
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In the heart of South Africa's lush Garden Route, a captivating world of lakes, rivers, estuaries and beaches gently unfolds against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains – all elements that characterise the Wilderness National Park. Nature trails wind through densely wooded forest and along tranquil rivers, affording you the opportunity to encounter the brilliantly coloured Knysna lourie, or one of the five kingfisher species that occur here. During spring, a carpet of flowers, further enhance the verdant beauty of this national park.
Looking for an action packed holiday adventure? Then, Wilderness is your playground. Experience whales & dolphins from Dolphin Point. Hire a canoe or bicycle, go abseiling, kloofing, paragliding or hang-gliding. Go boating, fishing at Island Lake or hike to the waterfall above Ebb & Flow Restcamp. You do not have to be super fit to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are activities for young, old, energetic or idle: take a stroll along a forest path or visit the bird hide and discover the wealth of bird life. Lie back in a canoe on a quiet backwater and watch the world float by.
Wilderness National Park stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Swartvlei estuary and beyond, where it links with the Goukamma Nature Reserve, giving welcome protection to five lakes and the Serpentine, which is the winding strip of water joining Island Lake to the Touw River at the Ebb-and-flow Restcamp.
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This is one of the best places on the West Coast to see fields of wild flowers! The Postberg Section of the West Coast National Park is only open to visitors during spring. You can also do some game viewing from your own vehicle - spot various antelope from Africa's largest, the eland, to pronking sprinbokkies or maybe a shy little greysbok. Ostrich and their chicks wander about and if you've got sharp eyes you will discover tortoises, field mice, mangoose and myriads of birds, bees and butterflies. There are also some great whalewatching areas.
Picnic, barbecue and ablution facilities are available for day visitors. There is a shop at the entrance that sells various field guide books.
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