The '''Western Cape'''[http://www.capetourism.org] is the most south western province in South Africa, covering most of South Africa's tourist destinations and attractions.
Regions
Cape Peninsula
Cape Winelands - east of Cape Town and easily visited in a day trip from Cape Town
West Coast - less crowded with tourists this region offers beautiful scenery for the nature lover
The Overberg
The Garden Route - lovely scenery and one of South Africa`s tourist hot-spots
The Little Karoo - nowadays popular semi-desert region easily reached on the R62
The Cape Karoo
Cities
Cape Town - one of the world`s top destinations
Stellenbosch - a university town in the winelands
Paarl
George - gateway to the Garden Route
Other destinations
Cape Agulhas - the southernmost point of Africa
Gansbaai - on the majestic Walker Bay and with an unspoilt and untouched hinterland, ruled by floral abundance
Hermanus - famous for the whale-watching
Knysna - a beautiful city in the Garden Route
Montagu - a small town in the little (Klein) Karoo with many fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture
Mossel Bay - stunning beaches
Oudtshoorn - the ostrich capital of the country, near the Cango Caves
Swellendam - one of the oldest European settlements in South Africa houses some fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture
Yzerfontein - Spring flowers, whales, a sixteen mile beach and west coast hospitality
Wupperthal - A tiny beautiful village near the Cederberg Wilderness area
Paternoster - A tiny fishing village on the West Coast, an area with stunning flowers
Storms River- Near the Tsitsikamma National Park
National Parks
West Coast National Park - 120 km north of Cape Town, between Yzerfontein & Langebaan
Bontebok National Park - a small but beautiful park near Swellendam
Other nature reserves
Cederberg Wilderness Area [http://www.capenature.org.za/] - rugged and isolated area with some fine hiking options, be aware that permission is required (+27 (0)27 482-2812) and the number of hikers is limited
De Hoop Nature Reserve - perfect for whale watching
Great Winterhoek Wilderness Area
Knysna Elephant Park, [http://www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za/]
Islands
Dassen Island - 10 km west of Yzerfontein
Robben Island - in Table Bay
Understand
Western Cape is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa and offers a broad range of attractions. From the tourism hot-spot of Cape Town to the lovely scenery of the Garden Route the region offers something for everyone. So this is the right place for starting your South Africa experience.
Get in
By Plane
Cape Town's international airport is the country's second largest after Johannesburg. There is also an airport in George which offers connections to most major cities in South Africa.
By Train
Spoornet [http://www.spoornet.co.za/ShosholozaMeyl] operates regular inter-city trains from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Worcester, Beaufort West, Durban, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg and East London.
MetroRail [http://www.capemetrorail.co.za] operates frequent commuter trains to towns and suburbs near Cape Town, such as Simon's Town, Bellville, Malmesbury, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Strand, Worcester and Paarl.
By Car
The Western Cape is easily accessible from the rest of the country by car.
Get around
By Bus
The main bus companies offer regular services in the Western Cape (e.G. Intercape, Greyhound, Translux) as does the Baz Bus.
By Car
There is a good road network and as some places are not accessible by public transport this is a good way to travel the Cape. Car rental is available in Cape Town and in the larger towns.
By a guide
There are a few hundred registered and qualified guides who know their way in Cape Town and the Western Cape. The Cape Tour Guides Association [http://www.ctga.org.za] can provide travellers with a list of all tour guides and their specialities.
Car Rental
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<listing name="Tempest Car Hire" phone="+27 (0)21 934-3853" tollfree="0861 836 7378" email="reservations@tempestcarhire.co.za address="Cape Town International Airport" url="http://www.tempestcarhire.co.za" hours="Always open"></listing>
<listing name="Hertz" phone="+27 (0)21 935-3000" address="Cape Town International Airport" url="http://www.hertz.co.za" hours="Always open"></listing>
<listing name="Thrifty" phone="+27 (0)21 936 2116" address="Cape Town International Airport" url="http://www.thrifty.co.za" hours="Always open"></listing>
<listing name="Penny K`s economical car hire" phone="+27 (0)72 736 69 57" address="24 Van Ryneveld Rd, Devilspeak" url="http://www.pennyks.co.za"></listing>
Please note that you can't pay for petrol or diesel with a credit card, only with cash or a South African bank issued 'Garage' card.
See
'''Table Mountain''' in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
'''Cape Winelands''' around Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
'''Garden Route''' along the South Coast
Do
The Western Cape offers nearly everything a traveler could want. From buzzling night-life in Cape Town and Stellenbosch to wonderful beaches and many outdoor options. So the basic itinerary should include some days in Cape Town, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope (and don`t miss the penguins at Boulders Beach), wine tasting in Paarl or Franschhoek or Robertson, Swartland and Overberg, and a trip along the Garden Route. There are also a number of smaller National Parks with hiking trails for a day out. One of the newer 'primary unusual destinations' is Soekershof Walkabout [http://www.soekershof.com] located in Klaas Voogds along Route 62. This place consists among others of the largest permanent hedge maze in the world; a philosophers garden and unique succulent gardens with the oldest cactus -anno 1910- of South Africa. Visitors can earn a memento by fulfilling a quest.
In the Robertson Valley are diverse hiking trails such as Arrangies Kop and Die Vrolijkheid
Rock Climbing
Eat
Cape Town offers everything you want. Along the coast look-out for some fish and oysters, while in the Cape Winelands head for some of the countries finest dining experiences.
Drink
This is the region to taste South Africa`s best wine. Tour the cellars around Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek but check for a driver before ...
Recently the wine producing areas in the Overberg, Swartland and Robertson are gaining international recognition. Not only is the wine tasting in these areas for free. While the wine of the traditional wine producing areas of South Africa are moved to the lower shelves of the European supermarkets the ones from the upcoming areas can be found in top restaurants and special liquor stores and wine boutiques in Europe and North America as premium brands.
Get out