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Namaqualand Spring Flower Festival
North of Cape Town, hot, volcanic plains stride down to a cold Atlantic ocean. Namaqualand is the outback, a wilderness strewn with mines and mission stations, diamonds and dust. However, for a few frivolous weeks in spring, the granite hills and lava lowlands erupt with flowers. About 4 000 species of plant lie dormant amongst the sand and stone, their germination dependent upon weather conditions. Each year's floral display is therefore unique, enticing itinerant flower-gazers along the far-flung length of the N7 to Namibia. |
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Cederburg Mountains
Mighty sandstone formations, waterfalls and spectacular panoramic views greet the visitor in the Cederburg. This mountain nature park has been weathered and eroded over the centuries to create fantastic shapes of rock formations. This is the outdoor persons cup of tee, with various hiking trails and mountain climbs traverse the park, while the Algeria forestry station serve as a base camp for expeditions in the area. |
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The Beach Camp experience
In the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, near the small fishing village of Paternoster, right on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean lays “The Beach Camp”. Bury your toes in the sand, while sipping your favorite drink, staring over the ocean at day, and at the camp fire at night. With comfortable bedded tents, and A frame huts, all the necessary camping gear and fresh seafood dinners, camping doesn’t get much better than this. “The Beach Camp” offer you unique accommodation and an unforgettable West Coast experience. |
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West Coast National Park, Western Cape
Just inland from the secluded harbor of Saldanha Bay one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West Coast National Park. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. During the spring the strandveld is embroidered with a tapestry of multi-hued flowers, while in the Postberg section many antelope are to be seen in a setting that is as unique as it is idyllic. The largest concentration of mammals is in the Postberg Reserve, but this is only open to public during flower season. However mammals are found throughout the rest of the reserve. Eland, red hartebeest, Cape grysbok, caracal and rock hyrax are some of the species to look out for. Visitors should also keep an eye on the Atlantic Ocean for passing whales and dolphins. |
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Langebaan Lagoon Wind Surfing
The Langebaan Lagoon on the Cape West Coast is another favorite with locals, offering some of the best windsurfing in South Africa. Langebaan lagoon offers ideal learning conditions as well as high speed flat water blasting. With ideal flat water conditions, the Langebaan lagoon invites you to play on the water for hours and is internationally recognized to be one of the top boardsailing venues in the world. |
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Darling Wine Route
Although traditionally part of the Swartland district, Darling is now a demarcated wine district and home to her own wine route, including five wine cellars all of which benefit from the cool breezes off the Atlantic Ocean and the long, hot summers to produce some stunning wines with concentrated flavor, depth and intensity. The West Coast of South Africa has recently been recognized as a viticulture region with great potential and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas in Southern Africa. Darling is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town and one can visit the cellars easily within a day’s trip. If you’re in a hurry, the Vyge valley farm stall, on Route 27, stocks some of the local wines at cellar prices. |
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Lambert’s Bay Crayfish Festival
At the Lambert's Bay Crayfish festival, held annually ( Around March) in the Cape West Coast town of Lambert's Bay, you'll feast on fresh crayfish and get festive at rock concerts by some of South Africa's favorite musicians. There's also bungee jumping, aerial displays, a half-marathon, beer tents and more. Fun for the whole family - make a weekend of it and head to the West Coast for a weekend of feasting and fun! |
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