Western Cape

Road Map

Once the land of the San and the Khoi going back 20 000 years • Part of the Cape Colony est. 1806 • Part of the old Cape Province est. 1910 • Western Cape Province of today est.1994 • Area: 129,462 km² • Regions: Cape Metropole, West Coast, Cape Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route, Central Karoo • Climate: Mediterranean, cold, rainy winters and hot, dry summers • Geology: Cape Fold Belt • Population: 7,433,020 • Distance: North to South: +-400 km, East to West:+- 500 km •  Main Industries: Finance, business, manufacturing, tourism, farming, tech and the movie industry • Main languages: Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa

Some of the highlights of the Western Cape

Paternoster

One of the best examples of aWest Coast fishing village with wide open spaces,awe-inspiring views and big skies.This small village caters to the tourist market with some of the finest restaurants around.

Cederberg Wilderness Area

This mountain range is one of the premier destinations for outdoor enthusiasts with a surreal landscape of sculpted rock formations, cave paintings and one of the few places for wild camping.

West Coast National Park (SANPark)

This vast, breathtaking lagoon, with its surrounding granite hills and white secluded beaches, makes this a perfect getaway from

Cape Town. The bird watching is top class and, particularly in flower season, it should not be missed.

Table Mountain (SANPark)

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this mountain one of the most recognised mountains and a UNESCO world heritage site. This is a must for any traveller’s bucket list.

Cape Point (SANPark)

The most south western tip of Africa was described, in 1580, by Sir Francis Drake as the fairest Cape that he had seen in his entire journey around the world. Today, it is a national park.

Boulders Penguin Colony (SANPark)

This is the best place in the world to see, walk or swim with African Penguins in the wild, all within the secluded Boulders Beach area,

recently ranked the second most beautiful beach in the world. 

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

This is the flagship botanical garden of South Africa. It is ranked as one of the top gardens in the world and the best in Africa. It is unique as it displays only indigenous plant life.

Cape Winelands

It will be hard to find another wine-growing region in the world that matches the Cape Winelands in its beautiful setting tucked up against the mountains and its picturesque Cape Dutch architecture.

Clarence Drive

This lesser-known drive rivals the famous Chapman’s Peak for pure splendour and exhilaration.The pass runs along the coastal cliffs of

the western side of False Bay for 22 km.

Hermanus

One of the most stunning coastal towns in theWestern Cape, offering visitors the best land-based whale watching in the country.This town is big enough to offer urban luxury with breathtaking nature all around it.

Cape Agulhas

This is the southernmost tip of Africa. Looking out to sea, Antarctica is just 4000 km away. Close by, one can visit theAgulhas National Park, the recognisable Agulhas lighthouse and the fishing town of Struisbaai.

Swellendam

This country town is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa and is worth a visit for its beauty, historical buildings, museums and mountains. It also has the Bontebok National Park on its doorstep.

Stilbaai

This village is one of the finest examples of a holiday getaway in the Cape, far from everything, with beautiful beaches, rivers and coastal walks. Also of interest are the ancient fish traps left behind by the Khoi.

Mossel Bay

It is here that the first European set foot on South African soil in 1488. Since then, it has become a centre for the region offering visitors many attractions such as the point, lighthouse and a great museum.

Wilderness

This area, with its lush forested vegetation and waterways, is also known as the lake district of the south.This is a dream holiday destination with endless beaches and plenty of outdoor activities.

Knysna

This is the major town in the region sitting on a stunning lagoon. Water activities, forest walks, cultural attractions and beaches close by make this one of the main attractions on the Garden Route.

Noetzie

A secluded beach just east of Knysna has become one of the high-lights in this area.The drawcard is the castles built around the beach which sit perfectly within the coastal forest.

Garden of Eden (The Big Tree)

More then 300 years ago, the Garden Route was full of majestic 700 year old trees.Today, there are pockets left of the original forest. This is the place to visit this ancient forest.

Plettenberg Bay

Described as the Saint Tropez of the south, this is where the rich and famous have their holidays.The town has everything from miles of stunning beaches, boating, outdoor activities and shopping.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Just west of Plettenberg Bay is a pronounced peninsula that is a geological marvel, a site of the first modern humans and, in 2023, voted as one of the top 35 best day hikes in the world.

Nature’s Valley

Nature at its best! This holiday village, surrounded by a national park offers seclusion, ancient forests, beaches and memorable landmarks. This is the closest you will get to the unspoilt Tsitsikamma.

Bloukrans Bridge

Made famous by the tallest commercial bungee jump in the world at 216 m, the bridge itself is worth a visit as it is the longest bridge in Africa and still one of the highest in the world.

Storm’s River Mouth

A wild and adventurous place with deep gorges which you can canoe up or tube down and coastal walks to waterfalls virtually falling into the sea. The suspension bridges over Storm’s River are a highlight.

Cango Caves

This 20 million year old limestone cave system is the biggest show cave in Africa and one of the Seven Wonders of Southern Africa. 1 km of the 5 km cave system is open to the public.

Montagu

One of the best examples of a Klein Karoo town with many historical buildings. Its highlights are the hot springs, Cogmanskloof Pass and it is a world renowned rock climbing destination.

Oudtshoorn

Made famous by the tallest commercial bungee jump in the world at 216 m, the bridge itself is worth a visit as it is the longest bridge in Africa and still one of the highest in the world.

Swartberg Pass

The Western Cape has many fine passes but this pass is the most spectacular. This is Thomas Bain’s best piece at 23.8 km long on a gravel road right through the mighty Swartberg fold mountains.

Aquila Safari Park

This is a premier Big Five game park, located just 2 hours from Cape Town. Besides game viewing, Aquila offers top luxury for both day visitors and overnight guests.

Provincial Symbols of the Western Cape

FLOWER
Red Disa

BIRD
Cape Sugarbird

TREE
Silver Tree

ANIMAL
Bontebok

For more in depth information on each region, 

go to www.gatewayguides.co.za

The Cape Hangklip Lighthouse was built in just 6 days in 1960.

Sea Rescue (NSRI):     

Hiking Rescue:         

Emergency Services: 

Police: 

082 990 6753

021 937 0300

10177

10111

Note

It is impossible to include all of the interesting places in the Western Cape in this guide as there is so much to see and do. All information is given in good faith but, as places and facilities may change, the author and publisher cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.

Proofreading: Shelley Woode-Smith

Citations available on request

© Richard Smith • Gateway Guides edition 1 • 2025

DISTRIBUTION PARTNER

www.gatewayguides.co.za   

All Rights Reserved  

Contact us if you wish to engage with any of our products       

IN ASSOCIATION WITH