Title: Visit Western Cape: Best of Western Cape Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca

  

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# Western Cape

## South Africa

![Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/56000/56901-Western-Cape.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/56000/56901-Western-Cape.jpg)

![Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198282-Knysna.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Knysna Quays](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198298-Knysna.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Knysna](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198328-Knysna.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/36000/36200-Cape-Town.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/36000/36200-Cape-Town.jpg)

#### Spectacular mountain landscapes, rugged coastlines, European heritage, rolling vineyards and wildlife tours make this one of South Africa’s most visited regions.

South Africa’s Western Cape beckons visitors with its dramatic mountains, nature reserves and abundant wildlife. Enjoy the sweeping coastline of surf towns and fishing villages and the rich food and wine culture. Bordered by the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic, the province sprawls across Africa’s southwestern tip.

Start your trip in Cape Town, “The Mother City,” home of the iconic Table Mountain and Twelve Apostles peaks. Visit neighborhoods influenced by the British and Dutch as well as bars and restaurants on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Check out the stylish beach suburbs of Camps Bay and Hout Bay and drive along the twists and turns of Chapman’s Peak Drive to see sheer cliffs and towering mountains. Relax in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or hike the nature trails at the Cape of Good Hope.

Visit picturesque villages and spot myriad marine life along the False Bay coastline. Boulders Beach offers swims with penguins and Simon’s Town features shark cage diving. Browse the galleries and antique shops in Kalk Bay or head into the Silvermine Nature Reserve from St. James. Learn to surf in Strand and Gordon’s Bay or ride big waves in Muizenberg.

Head inland to the Cape Winelands, arguably South Africa’s most scenic wine region. Admire Stellenbosch’s colonial architecture and join a bike tour of nearby vineyards. Satisfy your palate in French-inspired Franschhoek, the country’s gourmet heartland, and hike to Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve for panoramic views.

The Overberg region combines history with wildlife. Spot southern right whales in Hermanus, see a slice of European heritage at Swellendam or rejuvenate in Caledon’s hot springs. Visit Oudtshoorn, the self-proclaimed ostrich capital of the world, or walk to Montagu’s mountain lookouts.

Get around easily using tourist-friendly bus and train travel. The ocean roads and mountain passes also provide the setting for some of the world’s most scenic drives.

Don’t miss a trip along Western Cape’s famous Garden Route. Walk with elephants at Knysna, try adrenalin sports in Plettenberg Bay or discover secluded lakes and beaches in the Wilderness National Park.

### Popular cities in Western Cape

[Cape TownKnown for Mountains, Sea and Tours](https://expedia.ca/Cape-Town.dx6046820)

From the dazzling heights of Table Mountain to the sparkling blues around its impressive waterfront, Cape Town brims with attractions for nature lovers and culture buffs.

## Reasons to visit

-   Boulders Beach
    
-   Castle of Good Hope
    
-   Long Street
    

[Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Cape-Town.dx6046820)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Cape-Town-Hotels.d6046820.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[KnysnaKnown for Golf, Scenery and Forests](https://expedia.ca/Knysna.dx601501)

From forests, mountains and lagoons to art galleries and flea markets, Knysna is a must-see on South Africa’s Garden Route.

## Reasons to visit

-   Knysna Quays
    
-   Brenton Beach
    
-   Knysna Lagoon
    

[Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Knysna.dx601501)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Knysna-Hotels.d601501.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Mossel BayKnown for Sea, Gardens and Whale watching](https://expedia.ca/Mossel-Bay.dx6034482)

Learn about the early days of European settlers in this charming outcrop with pristine beaches, intriguing museums and archeological sites.

## Reasons to visit

-   Santos Beach
    
-   Cape St. Blaize Cave
    
-   Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse
    

[Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Mossel-Bay.dx6034482)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Mossel-Bay-Hotels.d6034482.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Plettenberg BayKnown for Sea, Dolphins and Forests](https://expedia.ca/Plettenberg-Bay.dx2749)

Sandy beaches, majestic wildlife and scenic walking trails make Plettenberg Bay one of the most popular destinations on the Garden Route.

## Reasons to visit

-   Plettenberg Bay Beach
    
-   Robberg Nature Reserve
    
-   Knysna Elephant Park
    

[Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Plettenberg-Bay.dx2749)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Plettenberg-Bay-Hotels.d2749.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[HermanusKnown for Whale watching, Sharks and Dolphins](https://expedia.ca/Hermanus.dx601891)

Whale watching and watersports, nature reserves and hiking trails, handicraft and food markets all make this whale watching destination very popular.

## Reasons to visit

-   Old Harbour
    

[Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Hermanus.dx601891)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Hermanus-Hotels.d601891.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[GeorgeKnown for Golf, Sandy beaches and Surfing](https://expedia.ca/George.dx1377)

Discover one of the oldest towns in South Africa, a settlement rich with history and full of enthralling attractions for all ages.

## Reasons to visit

-   Redberry Farm
    

[Explore city](https://expedia.ca/George.dx1377)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/George-Hotels.d1377.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

## Cities in Western Cape

![Victoria and Alfred Waterfront which includes a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/197000/197898-Cape-Town.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Cape Town (and vicinity)

From the dazzling heights of Table Mountain to the sparkling blues around its impressive waterfront, Cape Town brims with attractions for nature lovers and culture buffs.

[](https://expedia.ca/Cape-Town.dx6046820)

![Stellenbosch](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198028-Stellenbosch.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Stellenbosch

From its European architecture and art galleries to its vineyards and orchards, Stellenbosch abounds with cultural, historical and natural charm.

[](https://expedia.ca/Stellenbosch.dx180553)

![Franschhoek showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and flowers](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/199000/199409-Dutch-Reformed-Church.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Franschhoek

The “French Corner” of South Africa’s Cape Winelands is famous for its bodegas and restaurants, art galleries, nature walks and stunning scenery.

[](https://expedia.ca/Franschhoek.dx180546)

![Hermanus which includes a bay or harbour, landscape views and a sunset](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/56000/56958-Hermanus.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Hermanus

Whale watching and watersports, nature reserves and hiking trails, handicraft and food markets all make this whale watching destination very popular.

[](https://expedia.ca/Hermanus.dx601891)

![Santos Beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198354-Mossel-Bay.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Mossel Bay

Learn about the early days of European settlers in this charming outcrop with pristine beaches, intriguing museums and archeological sites.

[](https://expedia.ca/Mossel-Bay.dx6034482)

![Plettenberg Bay](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198208-Plettenberg-Bay.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Plettenberg Bay

Sandy beaches, majestic wildlife and scenic walking trails make Plettenberg Bay one of the most popular destinations on the Garden Route.

[](https://expedia.ca/Plettenberg-Bay.dx2749)

![Knysna Quays](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198298-Knysna.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Knysna

From forests, mountains and lagoons to art galleries and flea markets, Knysna is a must-see on South Africa’s Garden Route.

[](https://expedia.ca/Knysna.dx601501)

![Victoria Bay Beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198240-Wilderness.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Wilderness

Ensconced between the Outeniqua Mountains and the golden coasts of the Garden Route, Wilderness is one of the most spectacular locations in the Western Cape.

[](https://expedia.ca/Wilderness.dx184275)

![Vrede en Lust Winery](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/197000/197946-Cape-Town.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Paarl

Try fresh produce from the orchards, vineyards and farms in this picturesque and historic area where Mandela was imprisoned.

[](https://expedia.ca/Paarl.dx6023947)

![Oudtshoorn which includes landscape views, tranquil scenes and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/56000/56935-Oudtshoorn.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Oudtshoorn

This friendly town of the Klein Karoo is famous for its ostrich farming and ancient caves, indigenous art and scenic hikes.

[](https://expedia.ca/Oudtshoorn.dx2716)

![Redberry Farm as well as a family](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/198000/198179-George.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### George

Discover one of the oldest towns in South Africa, a settlement rich with history and full of enthralling attractions for all ages.

[](https://expedia.ca/George.dx1377)

![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg)

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![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)