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Beaches
The Western Cape offers some of the finest beaches in the world of which several carry Blue Flag status. The closest beaches are within an easy 10 minute drive time.
Helderberg Beaches
The azure blue beaches of east cost of False bay are conveniently from within 10 minutes drive timefrom Forest Rest.
Strand Beach
A 5 km stretch of white sand ideal for long walks, fishing, surfing and wind surfing. Excellent wave action.
Gordon’s Bay Beach
Considered as one of the safest swimming beaches, Gordon's Bay beach offers great sheltered rock pools - wonderful for a little marine exploration!
Bikini Beach
This beautiful secluded Blue Flag beach provides a high level of water quality and safety. The beach is highly popular with sun lovers for tanning as it provides excellent shelter from the winds.
Kogel Bay
Follow the spectacular Clarence Drive from Somerset West towards Rooi Els to reach this stretch of pristine white beach. Surfers paradise and great caves to explore.
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Arabella Golf Club
De Zalze Golf Club
Erinvale Golf Club
Somerset West Golf Club
Stellenbosch Golf Club -
Helderberg Nature Reserve
The Helderberg Nature Reserve where bontebok, birds, tortoise and fynbos abound is also a favourite for picnics, walks and hikes. Enjoy the white sandy beaches of Strand and Gordons Bay or take a scenic drive on the spectacular coastal drives and do some seasonal whale watching.
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is located in Somerset West. It is owned and managed by the City of Cape Town with the support of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. The Reserve reaches up as far as the cliff faces and the peaks above the Reserve. There are several trails in the Reserve, of which only the Brown Route is non-circular. Many regular walkers buy an Early Riser key which allows them access to the Reserve on foot before opening hours. This is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a quiet walk. Early Riser keys are available from the Information Centre. Applicants need to be a valid member of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Membership cards are also obtainable at the Information Centre.
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Markets
Seasonal festivals include Wine Festivals, Harvest Festivals, Olive Festivals, Cheese Festivals, Food festivals, and many more take place in the region on a regular basis.
Then there are the numerous regular markets ranging from Art and Craft markets to fresh food markets.
Close by and famous markets
Family market @ Blaauwklippen Wine Estate
Visit the family market at the historic Blaauwklippen Wine Estate on a Sunday. The market has a range of stalls offering fresh produce and homemade products to crafts and plants. There are also live music, delicious food stalls and of course Blaauwklippen wines to enjoy.
Harvest Market @ Lourensford Estate
The Harvest Market at the Lourensford Wine Estate offers fresh produce and traditional food from a wide variety of regions. It also has some arts and craft stalls and is open on Sundays.
Root 44 market at the Audacia Wine Estate
The Root 44 market at the Audacia Wine Estate is open every Saturday and Sunday. The market is housed in sturdy marquees (which means rain is never an issue), and offers funky live entertainment, craft and home ware stalls and a good selection of edible and drinkable treats.
Country Craft Market in Somerset West
Country Craft Market in Somerset West, every 2nd Saturday, offers genuine quality hand-made arts and crafts.
Cape Market Guide
A comprehensive guide to the markets in Cape Town and the Western Cape. "Markets abound in the Cape. Whether it’s holistic therapies, hand-made crafts or gourmet treats you’re looking for, there’s a market that provides it. Use our market map to find a market near you, or browse through the market categories below if you’re looking for a specific kind of market, or one on a specific day of the week."
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Whale Watching
One of the Cape’s most scenic drives is the coastal road from Gordon’s Bay to Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and the quaint seaside village of Kleinmond where a new waterfront project was recently completed. Carry on past Kleinmond to Hermanus – the Whale Capital of South Africa.
Hermanus has been recognized by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. The best time to enjoy whale watching in Hermanus is between July and November either from the beach, the famous cliff path, by boat or from the air via a scenic flight. The whale viewing during the months of July and August vary from year to year with regards to how many whales are present in Walker Bay and along the coast; however you are almost guaranteed of seeing whales in September, October and November. For those with a more adventurous spirit, a guided sea kayaking trip promises to get the adrenaline going and offers a unique opportunity to watch whales and explore the magnificent coastline.
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Outdoor Adventures
In Cape Town you'll find plenty of activities to keep young and old busy. From Table Moutain tours, over Surfing, Quad Biking, Shark Cage Diving, Paragliding, Skydiving, Horse Riding, Snorkeling, Bungee Jumping - you will find what you like.
Adventure Activities
"We offer well-organised, professional, exciting outdoor adventure experiences in spectacular natural environments that stimulate and inspire fun and provide a real sense of accomplishment."
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Seafood, Mediterranean, European
T: +27 21 200 2605 -
The Thirsty Oyster Tavern
Bar, Seafood, Pub
T: +27 21 856 4457 -
Bar, Diner, Vegetarian, Friendly
T: +27 87 150 7972 -
Quick Bites, Seafood, Fast food
T: +27 21 856 1625 -
Bar, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly
T: +27 21 856 3513 -
African
T: +27 21 847 1682 -
Quick Bites, Seafood, Fast food
T: +27 21 856 2790 -
Cafe, International, Mediterranean
T: +27 72 090 5538 -
Seafood, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly
T: +27 21 856 0328 -
MIA BELLA
Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
T: +27 21 827 1953 -
Miguel's Al Forno
Italian, Vegetarian Friendly
T: +27 21 856 4021
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Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine. Here breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines all combine to create lasting memories
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The Helderberg lies due south from Stellenbosch and extends to the shore of False Bay. Its dominant mountainscape gives the region the appearance of an amphitheatre, with the valley dropping away from the curve of the Hottentots Holland range.
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One of the biggest tourist attractions in the Western Cape. "We represent more than 200 wine and grape producers within the boundaries of the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin classification. The Greek philosopher Plato remarked : ‘Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine has even been granted by the gods to man’. Enjoy your Stellenbosch Wine Routes experience! Stellenbosch Wine Routes now have more than 150 members producing wines of origin Stellenbosch.
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A mere 20 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, the Durbanville Wine Valley is fast becoming Cape Town’s destination of choice with its scenic vineyards, award-winning wines and friendly atmosphere.” “Warm hospitality, personal experiences and rich detail keep visitors returning throughout the year to the Valley.
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The Constantia Wine Valley is the most spectacular wine experience in the world offering a unique blend of centuries-old established wine homesteads and new stylish boutique wineries in a setting of unsurpassed beauty and heritage. It is a city escape into magnificent mountain countryside, producing a wide range of iconic, premium wines of world class quality, only 15 minutes from Cape Town city centre.
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It is the express aim of the Tulbagh Wine Route to make the experience of the wine visitor to the valley as memorable as possible and we are sure both our wines and the estates and cellars that produce them will surprise and delight you.
