Unique Places in Province of the Western Cape

This is what Oudtshoorn is renowned for ~ Ostriches, camels and caves!

But there is a lot more to it than that, and I was surprised that the town was a lot bigger than I had pre-conceived, plus has so much in the way of history, architecture and culture.

If you are driving along the Garden Route, do make the detour up to Oudtshoorn... for a gander with some ostriches, a camel ride, some good food and an enjoyable cave experience!

About 2 hours out of the City of Cape Town, it is well worth the stop!

Hout Bay is English for 'Houtbaai', and it is affectionately called a 'Republic' as it is out of the way to other places, you have to go through, up or over mountains to reach her!

There is a busy harbour and fishing industry here, as well as posh homes, along with a sprawling township.

Full of character, arty and crammed with charm.

Welcome to Hout Bay! :)

We would often go for drives on the weekend to Scarborough when we lived in Cape Town, and this drive was a favourite!

Not rushed, absolutely beautiful scenery all around, and peaceful, with not much traffic.

The sea beckons, as do the sundowners at sunset :)

This is a little hamlet-type village, set away on the mountainside, with no close neighbours around. It is peaceful and serene, with great surfing on a gorgeous white sand beach, and prolific bird life.

It is located on the way to Cape Point, when coming from the Kommetjie side of the valley.

It is an expensive little bit of paradise though, renown for its arty-type inhabitants.

Kommetjie... 'just' a bit further than Fish Hoek, located on the other side of the valley, it being on the Atlantic Sea side, and Fish Hoek the Indian Ocean side.

It has become a fashionable (and expensive!) residential area, with a lovely beach and its own lighthouse to boot! It is laid back and not commercialised.

On the way to Kommetjie you drive past Imhoff Farm, and this is definately worth a stop! I have written in more detail about it in a 'things to do' tip.

Overall, it is a place where if you are a vegan and/or into organic produce, this will suit you down to the ground.

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Seeping with wine and culture ~ Stellenbosch!

Stellenbosch is renowned for its landscape of vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture.

It is full of South African history and culture, and is a favourite to visit with tourists and locals alike.

It also has a couple of bustling universities, and is a town full to the brim with students.

I have been to Knysna a few times, the last times being on my honeymoon in 2001, with a brief stop here in 2007.

We took the renowned Outeniqua 'Choo choo' steam train from George to Knysna, and spent some time there.

The journey there was 5 hours, over caverns, rivers and through fields. Delightful!

Simon's Town, a 45 minute drive from the city of Cape Town and a must see in the Western Cape!

Simon's Town is still home to South Africa's navy, and has regained much of its historic splendour and character.

Living close by in Fish Hoek for a few years, we would often drive here on the weekends and go for lovely walks. There is loads to eat here (all types of restaurants), art galleries, crafty things, clothing etc. The shops are aimed more toward the tourist and local person... and there are NO chain stores :)

Defintaely a MUST if you are in Cape Town! And then drive on to Cape Point.. another beautiful piece of the Cape.

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Wilderness was another honeymoon destination of ours in 2001!

We have since gone back for a week in 2007 - and what a stunning time we had.

A place to lie back and relax, go canoeing up the river, or birdwatching.

It is a good 5 hour drive from the city of Cape Town itself, along the Garden Route, in the Tsitsikamma Forest region.