The Western Cape is South Africa’s most desirable tourist spot for a number of good reasons. The main urban center of Cape Town or the ‘Mother City’ is seen by 70% of the tourists who go to South Africa from Great Britain.
The popular metropolis of The Mother City sits in the shadow of Table Mountain at the point where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans collide. Cape Town is many things to many people, offering culture, wine, scenery, the coast or a wide range of leisure activities.
Table Mountain rises more than 1,000 m above the city and is undoubtedly one of the most recognized places in the world. Adventurous travelers can take various hiking trails to the summit, or alternatively, there is a cable car that takes just three minutes to reach the top.
The Winelands are renowned the world over and the wineries in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl date back years. The different wine routes are complemented by a large number of restaurants, cafes and guest houses with incredible menus and substantial wine lists.
Robben Island Penitentiary had been the place where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC were held for many years. Located 8 miles off the coast of Green Point, Robben Island is now a museum honoring the brave people who were imprisoned here. It was selected a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
About an hour east of Cape Town lies the city of Hermanus and is recognized as one of the best places in the world for shore-based whale watching. Between June and November of each year, southern right whales swim past Hermanus as part of their migration route.
Back in the Mother City, the V&A Waterfront is the focus of the city with world-class shops, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and nightspots. The marina offers some of the best hotels in Cape Town along with the 2 Oceans Aquarium.
For all those traveling to the Western Cape, the Garden Route is truly a place that simply must be visited. This wonderful stretch of coastline between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is among the most popular destinations in South Africa. Tangled forests, cliffs, striking cliffs and sandy shorelines are an integral part of the landscapes. There are many small towns on the Garden Route that offer various lodging and dining experiences.