Walking South Africa will reveal to you a country which wears many guises. With an extremely diverse landscape, you can be feeling the sand of one of its many stunning beaches between your toes one day; and the next day you can be stalking the Big Five in the bushland of a wildlife reserve. The Western Cape Province, located just as the name suggests, is one of South Africa’s smallest provinces but is home to a wonderful wealth of highlights.

Hemmed by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Atlantic on the other, the Western Cape holds the key to many unique experiences while walking South Africa’s stunning coast and hinterland.

Cape Town

Chances are you’ll arrive into South Africa at Cape Town, and what an arrival it will be. This city thrives on a rich culture of arts and history and there is enough here to keep you busy for many days; and the absolute best way to explore the wonderful ‘Mother City’ is by walking. South Africa’s famous Table Mountain presides over Cape Town and this monolithic mountain is the city’s most-visited attraction. From Cape Town you can take a day trip to Robben Island, made famous as Nelson Mandela’s place of incarceration. The boat ride out to the island is invigorating and a wonderful way to see a different view of the city and, once there, it is a sobering, but nonetheless fascinating experience. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is another of Cape Town’s major attractions with its wealth of museums, shops and restaurants.

Cape Whale Coast

The name slightly gives away the major draw card of this area! Every year between the months of June and November, the gentle giants of the sea appear along the southern coast of the Western Cape. There are many places along the coast which are wonderful vantage points and many of them can be reached by walking. South Africa’s Stony Point, Walker Bay, De Kloop Nature Reserve and Witsand are just a few and the entire area is designated a Whale Sanctuary.

The Cape Winelands

The scenically blessed regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschoek and Wellington are amongst some of the best wine-producing areas in the world. Walking South Africa’s wine growing areas will take you through rolling green hills and amongst endless vineyards. There are many designated wine routes you can follow, or simply decide upon your own favourites and spend a few days exploring. There are approximately 500 wineries in the Cape Winelands so you will certainly find something for every palate.

The Garden Route

Probably the most famous of the towns along the lush Garden Route is Knysna but this charming natural attraction has many other highlights as well. The route is typified by long stretches of stunning coastlines with rugged mountains spilling down to meet the sea. Walking South Africa’s delightful Garden Route, or various parts of it, is one of life’s true pleasures. Depending on the season, your journey will be dotted with a profusion of wildflowers for which South Africa is famous, and the spectacular scenery and mild year-round climate will make it a holiday to remember.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: walking South Africa