Western Cape
The world in one country: travelling the Western Cape
The Western Cape is freedom, light, open spaces and a world-famous wine region: over a hundred years ago the Pinotage grape variety was born here, and to this day nowhere in the world grows more Chenin Blanc than on the slopes around Cape Town. It's often called "the world in one country". A round trip.
Mother City Cape Town
One of South Africa's three capital cities is located in the Western Cape and is an international star: Cape Town. Anyone visiting South Africa for the first time will almost certainly be drawn to the 'Mother City'. Life happens outdoors: a picnic on Signal Hill, a hike up Lion's Head with an outdoor dinner and wine at sunset, surfing in Muizenberg, sunbathing at Glen Beach or a trip to the hustle and bustle of Clifton 4th. When it comes to food, everything is possible, from a small budget to a grand fine-dining experience: enjoy mussels and palomas in a club atmosphere at 'Blondie', lose track of time at 'Kloof Street House' or try fresh fish daily at 'Codfather'.
300 Kilometres of Garden of Eden
The so-called “Garden Route” is arguably South Africa's most famous coastal road. Its green forests, crystal-clear lagoons and mild, year-round climate earned it the name “Garden of Eden” back in the 17th century. It officially begins in Mossel Bay, but you can just as easily start in Cape Town. Our highlights: whale watching in Hermanus with wine tasting in the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (about a two-hour drive from Cape Town); admiring the view from the Knysna Heads followed by dinner in neighbouring Plettenberg Bay (about a five-hour drive from Hermanus); our favourite part is the self-drive safari in the “Addo Elephant National Park” (about a three-hour drive from Plettenberg Bay); the tour traditionally ends at the wine estates in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
The cultural heritage of Cape Wines
Exceptional wines, beautiful wineries and a unique, specially created grape variety make the Western Cape one of the most sought-after destinations for wine fans worldwide. The national home-grown grape is called Pinotage: a red grape variety that usually produces powerful wines with distinct aromas of blackberries, plums, smoke and a fine spice. The home of Pinotage is Stellenbosch, located about an hour from Cape Town. The small town entices visitors with vineyards perfect for hiking and relaxing, renowned restaurants right on the wine estates, and museums. Just half an hour away is the picturesque Franschhoek – also known as South Africa's "culinary capital". Franschhoek's unique attraction: the Wine Tram. You can choose from a total of five routes with endless possibilities. Each route takes you along the most beautiful wine estates. At every stop – if booked – a culinary discovery awaits in your glass and on your plate. Anyone who has been to South Africa will come to appreciate and love the Western Cape. One trip is rarely enough to discover everything.
