From world-renowned golfing destinations to some of the best destinations for whale watching, South Africa‘s Western Cape has landmark attractions for everyone.
Table Mountain
At 1,085 metres tall, Table Mountain is hard to miss as it towers majestically above Cape Town. The mountain’s flat-topped peak is reachable by cable car or hiking trails, offering impressive vistas of the city and coastline. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts diverse flora and fauna, including rich fynbos vegetation, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers exploring the Western Cape.
The Cape Winelands, nestled in the Western Cape’s lush valleys, are renowned for their world-class vineyards and historic estates. Places such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl offer exceptional wine tastings and gourmet dining experiences set against breathtaking mountain backdrops. With over 300 years of winemaking heritage, this region is a haven for wine enthusiasts.
Cango Caves
These ancient limestone caves, formed millions of years ago, are located near the town of Oudtshoorn and feature awe-inspiring chambers adorned with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. With mystical interiors and fascinating formations, the caves are perfect for history buffs, adventure seekers, nature lovers, and families exploring the region’s unique subterranean beauty.
Cape Town and the Western Cape is a world-renowned golfing destination, with a diverse portfolio of courses to play, many of which have been designed by some of the world’s best golfers. The Garden Route is arguably the home of golf in the Western Cape with some of the most popular courses found here. From Gary Player to Ernie Els, there is a reason legends of the game have a base on the Garden Route.
Recently voted by The Telegraph as one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine mammals, Hermanus is rated as one of the top 12 whale-watching locations in the world by the World Wildlife Fund. It offers the best land-based viewing opportunities because the whales often come within metres of the shoreline, including southern right whales, humpback whales, and Bryde’s whales.
The Cross Cape Cycle Route
Crossing the length of the Western Cape – from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch – the newly-launched cycle route offers a truly unique way to experience the province. From majestic vistas and rugged mountain passes to coastal towns and rustic inland villages, this is a bucket list experience for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. Open 24/7, 365 days of the year, the route is completely free of charge – all you need is a bike and a plan of action!
Kruger National Park
The savannahs of Kruger represent one of the world’s greatest national parks. Encounter the iconic African safari species in unparalleled numbers and a plethora of accommodation options to stay on site. The Park is famous for the freedom that visitors can enjoy, with a network of roads traversing Kruger that are yours to explore as you please within opening hours.
A must-visit for anyone interested in South Africa’s apartheid history, a tour of Robben Island lifts the veil on a dark past as a key location in the country’s long walk to freedom. Travel here by boat to visit the cells that once incarcerated Nelson Mandela and take a tour of the historic site led by former inmates for unrivalled insight.
The Travel team at Outlook Travel Magazine are responsible for showcasing travel destinations in the magazine, travel guides, and digital platforms, and sourcing collaborations with travel destinations for future editions.
