Western Cape City Guide

From the time of the first recorded discovery of the Cape of Good Hope by Bartholomew Diaz in 1488, seafarers looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain.

Today, 500 hundred years later Table Mountain and Cape Town remain two of the world's most famous landmarks and sought after destinations.

In Cape Town with its cosmopolitan population and atmosphere, you'll find the blend of cultures, foods and colours of East and West.

But the Western Cape also offers you some of the oldest towns in South Africa, picturesque coastal towns and villages along the Garden Route and West Coast, small Karoo farming towns, villages along the whale route, towns of the winelands - and much more.

Cities and towns of the Western Cape:

Albertinia | Albertinia Map
A peaceful country village which has retained much of the character of a typical late 18th and 19th century trade outpost midway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) | Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) Map
A small fishing village (in the Overberg) hugs a hillside on the southern tip of Africa in the Overberg. Humble thatched cottages dot the shoreline and rare shells lie in the surf - a perfect place to relax and reflect

Barrydale | Barrydale Map
A valley falling into three distinct natural regions, with lush forests to the east, arid Karoo to the north and the fertile, fruit-growing and fynbos region to the west, as well as natural hot springs. Situated within the Overberg Region.

Beaufort West | Beaufort West Map
Lies in the heart of the Great Karoo, in the world's largest plateau of its kind outside Asia, at the foot of the Nuweveld Mountains.

Betty's Bay | Betty's Bay Map
Betty's Bay is situated on the whale coast route between Cape Town and Hermanus and next to Kogelberg - part of South Africa's 1st internationally UNESCO Biosphere Nature Reserve in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom

Botrivier | Botrivier Map
Gateway to the Overberg, Botrivier (or Bot River) is situated en route to Hermanus and Caledon at the eastern slopes of the Houw Hoek Mountains overlooking rolling wheatlands.

Bredasdorp | Bredasdorp Map
The town (in the Overberg) is an important center for the wheat and sheep farmers in the area and offers the tourist a shipwreck museum, agricultural museum and many fine examples of Cape Gothic style architecture dating from the 19th century.

Brenton-on-Sea | Brenton-on-Sea Map
Small seaside village with a 5 km unspoilt beach, with fynbos covered dunes on one side and nothing but ocean to the south. Walks, swimming in the ocean, spotting dolphins, surfing the waves and more

Caledon | Caledon Map
The Gem of the Overberg Region, world renowned for the natural hot mineral water springs, but also a historically and agriculturally the hub of the area, surrounded by magnificent natural beauty and fynbos

Calitzdorp | Calitzdorp Map
If the Little Karoo of old still lives on, then its spirit resides in Calitzdorp - lingering in some vista of loft-doored cottages amongst orchard blooms. Calitzdorp captivates the character of a small Karoo community and its architecture.

Cape Town | Cape Town Map
Cape Town - the Mother City of South Africa. Cape Town is a city of many attractions, a mix of cultures, landscapes, architecture, lifestyles, customs and scenery. Cape Town offers you mountains, beaches, sea, rivers, wind and a wonderful climate

Ceres | Ceres Map
Named after the Roman Goddess of Fruitfulness, Ceres village was founded in 1849 when, after the completion of Michell's Pass, the first plots of land were sold. The village lies 150km to the North-East of Cape Town.

Clanwilliam | Clanwilliam Map
The Flower of the Cederberg is one of the oldest and most hospitable towns in South Africa.

Darling | Darling Map
The Flower of the West Coast is situated in the area of Groenkloof. Darling was founded on the farm Langfontein in 1853.

Franschhoek | Franschhoek Map
Given to fleeing Huguenots in 1688, it was found that the climate is very similar to that in France, the settlers planted vines and today these wines are consumed throughout the world. Various attractions and historical sites.

Gansbaai & Surrounds | Gansbaai & Surrounds Map
Fascinating fishing village (in the Overberg region) known for its excellent rock and boat angling, diving, magnificent views across Walker Bay and whale-watching

Genadendal | Genadendal Map
Genadendal (Valley of Grace) is approximately 90 minutes drive east of Cape Town in the Riviersonderend Mountains. Genadendal has a rich spiritual history and was the first mission station in southern Africa.

George | George Map
The capital of the Garden Route, situated on a coastal plateau at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains. A perfect base from which to explore the Garden Route's many attractions and for scenic drives.

Gordons Bay | Gordons Bay Map
A pictureque coastal town at the sundrenched foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range. Home to the SA Naval College, this Mediteranean-style village is situated only 30 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.

Grabouw | Grabouw Map
Grabouw (in the Overberg region) is the centre is better known as the Elgin Valley, internationally known as the place in South Africa where the apples come from.

Greyton | Greyton Map
The beautiful village of Greyton (in the Overberg region) nestles between the majestic Riviersonderend mountain range offering craft shops, restaurants, art galleries and the regular Saturday morning market and many outdoor activities.

Hartenbos | Hartenbos Map
A seaside resort popular with members of the Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuurvereniging, a language and cultural organisation, which owns various places on the beachfront

Heidelberg (Cape) | Heidelberg (Cape) Map
Gateway to the Garden Route, Heidelberg is situated on the banks of the Duivenhoks Riverand offers a great natural beauty and real country hospitality

Hermanus | Hermanus Map
Situated in the Overberg region it is a popular holiday resort and famous for the best land-based whale watching site in the world. Miles of sandy beaches and coves.

Kleinmond | Kleinmond Map
The Kleinmond area in the Overberg comprises Kleinmond, Hangklip, Betty's Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels. Popular holiday resorts, ideal for whale watching. Contains Botanical Gardens, Coastal Reserves, Penguin Reserve and others

Knysna | Knysna Map
In the heart of the Garden Route, surrounded by forests, lakes, mountains and sea, this ever popular tourist destination is a charming town of legend, history, arts and crafts catering to visitors' every need or fancy.

Langebaan | Langebaan Map
Popular town and seaside resort has everything the sunseeker, nature lover or waterlover could ever want. Set on the banks of the Langebaan Lagoon in the heart of the West Coast National Park.

Montagu | Montagu Map
Historic Montagu, South Africa's Village Of The Year 2002, is situated on the scenic Route 62 approximately 2 hours drive from Cape Town.

Mossel Bay | Mossel Bay Map
This popular holiday resort is warmed by the Mocambique Current and encircles the azure Bay of Mussels. Rich in history and known for warm, sunny weather. Various outdoor activities and adventures, like bungi jumping, plane flips and more

Oudtshoorn | Oudtshoorn Map
Centre of the Klein Karoo and 'ostrich-feather capital' of the world, as well as having the famous Cango Caves. A lush oasis catering for adventure, cultural and geological tourists and one of the most-visited towns in the country.

Paarl | Paarl Map
The historical village of Paarl offers you historical sites, cultural museums, wine routes, buildings and companies of interest, special attractions and places of interest, accommodation and much more.

Pearly Beach | Pearly Beach Map
Still a sleepy and mellow coastal town with many houses only used during holidays & weekends. Fantastic sandy beach that continues forever.

Plettenberg Bay | Plettenberg Bay Map
A modern resort of perfect beaches in the centre of the Garden Route, surrounded by the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountain Ranges and engulfed by indigenous forests. South Africa's premier coastal pleasure paradise

Rietpoort | Rietpoort Map
Rietpoort is situated 28km northwest of Bitterfontein in the Namaqualand region of the West Coast

Riversdale | Riversdale Map
Floral Paradise of the Garden Route. Hiking trail of varying distances, with overnight facilities is a must for the hiker and bird watcher.

Robertson | Robertson Map
The largest wine-producing area under irrigation, Robertson was founded in 1853. Its superior wines have many national and international awards. Some of the country's top racehorses are also bred in this valley.

Saldanha | Saldanha Map
The safest and most natural harbour in South Africa. The centre of industrial employment on the West Coast, as well as the watersport enthusiast's paradise.

Sedgefield | Sedgefield Map
Bordering the Swartvlei Lagoon, Sedgefield is a peaceful holiday resort surrounded by forests. Wide sandy beaches spreads out on each side of the Lagoon mouth.

Somerset West | Somerset West Map
Named after Sir Charles Somerset in 1819, this is a bustling commercial and residential town at the foot of the magnificent Hottentots Holland Mountain Range, still retaining its village atmosphere.

Stellenbosch | Stellenbosch Map
Of all the towns founded by the Dutch, Stellenbosch is the best preserved. Known as the town of oaks, it offers restored houses, cottages, shops, churches and inns, and, of course, the world renowned Stellenbosch University.

Stilbaai | Stilbaai Map
The treasure of nature unique to Stilbaai (Still Bay) have attracted visitors to this Bay of Sleeping Beauty for centuries. Various activities and adventures.

Strand | Strand Map
From small beginnings in 1714, Strand has grown into a thriving town & vacation destination 30 minutes from Cape Town and offers a wide range of activities and miles of white, sandy beaches.

Struisbaai | Struisbaai Map
Struisbaai, in the Overberg, is situated in the southern most region of South Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. It is well known for its 14km white beach and boat- and rock-based angling.

Swellendam | Swellendam Map
Founded in 1745 at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain Range in the Overberg region. A charming town, famous for its youngberries, electic architecture and National Parks, as well as outdoor activities

Tulbagh | Tulbagh Map
The secluded valley is well-known for its large variety of veld flowers, of which many are displayed at the annual agricultural show held late in September each year.

Uniondale | Uniondale Map
Uniondale is better known for its ghost than for the scenic roads it has to offer the tourist. These roads must be the Karoo's best kept secret.

Vanrhynsdorp | Vanrhynsdorp Map
A small, quiet town in the folds of the towering Matsikamma and Gifberg mountains. The hub of all the flower routes.

Victoria Bay | Victoria Bay Map
One of the smallest and most hidden beautiful bays on the Garden Route

Vredendal | Vredendal Map
Situated in the Green Fringe of the Olifant's River Valley, borders on the southern tip of Namaqualand, the northern part of the Boland.

Wellington | Wellington Map
Truly the undiscovered jewel of the Cape, steeped in history and tradition, tucked away in the foothills of the Hawekwas Mountain Range, close to Paarl. Various attractions and historical sites.

Wilderness | Wilderness Map
The perfect seaside holiday resort, with miles upon miles of pristine golden beaches. An ecotourist's paradise, it is surrounded by lakes, forests, rivers, mountains and coastline, with spellbinding beauty and blissful peace.

Witsand | Witsand Map
Situated within the Overberg region, Witsand is a popular seaside resort with wide beaches and the Breede River which is navigable for 32 km. Rustic with lots of atmosphere.

Worcester | Worcester Map
Surrounded by majestic mountains and green valleys, Worcester is the largest wine-producing district in the country. It is also the commercial mecca for many sattelite towns, with a fascinating cultural heritage and special schools for the disabled.

Yzerfontein | Yzerfontein Map
Renowned for its unspoilt beaches, including the pristine 16-Mile Beach, its snoek and crayfish, spring flowers in the veld and dunes and is also a favoured destination for whales in the spring.