West Coast Wonderland
West Coast Wonderland
When visiting this South-Western corner of South Africa, you will be walking in the footsteps the ancient aboriginal hunter-gatherers of South Africa, the SAN- or Bushmen. They lived in deep and absolute harmony with nature- and each other- thus ensuring their survival for thousands of years.
The tragic dispossion of their land and human rights almost permanently destroyed this unique race. The good news is that land is being restored to surviving clans, providing the opportunity for self-sufficiency, for the preservation of their language, traditions and culture- and for once more being recognised as a unique component of our marvellously diverse society.
The tour encircles an area that encompasses fertile valleys that produce wine, fruit and wheat. The ancient mountains and rock-formations will astound you in their shapes and hues. They also provide rock-art trails, traditional communities living in harmony with nature and enterprises providing skills and jobs to local people. Pretty coastal villages have sustained local communities for centuries with bounty from the sea, and the coastal plains provides a lush carpet of multi- coloured wild flowers in the Spring. So come and share in the placid pace of life whilst enjoying superb wine, splendid food and stunning scenery and serene, soulful people
Standard Package; 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS.
Day One.
Depart Cape Town for the charming inland town of Tulbagh, a jewel nestled in picturesque mountains. All the historic buildings have been restored after most of the town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1969.
Sample wines of the region at the Paddagang Restaurant.
Proceed to the village of Piketberg through golden wheatfields, where we will visit a jam factory on Bo-Piketberg( on the mountain) which uses fruit grown in the area. Enjoy scones and tea at a garden restaurant before continuing our journey north.
We travel past Citrusdal, the gateway to the majestic Cedarberg, a pretty town that is surrounded by citrus orchards, and is a major producer of Citrus Fruit, Wine and Rooibos Tea.
We arrive at our first overnight stop in the early evening.
Overnight Clanwillia
Day Two
After breakfast, we drive along the Pakhuis Pass INTO and over the ancient Cedarberg Mountains where we enjoy the amazing sand-stone rock formations from up-close.
Drive past the Englishman’s Grave to the picturesque mission village of Wupperthal with it’s quaint buildings and Velskoen (leather shoes) factory.
Velskoen- “Leathershoe” is an iconic South African product.
We return to our hotel in the evening, where you may unwind over dinner and fine local wine.
Overnight Clanwilliam.
Day Three
After breakfast and check-out,we visit Elandsberg Eco Reserve,a Rooibos Tea and Fynbos Estate where an expert field guide will take us on a guided tour abord his Landrover . We learn about the environment, and visit the tea plantation and factory,where export-quality Rooibos tea is produced.
After the tour, we retire to the farm-house for a glass of refreshing rooibos tea.
We continue to Lambert’s Bay at the coast, where we visit Bird Island- natural breeding colony of Cape Gannetts and Cormorants.
We arrive at the beautiful fishing village of Paternoster- “out Father” in the early evening, after check-in and fresh-up we enjoy a scrumptuous dinner at the Voorstrand (front beach) Restaurant-, a historic 110 year-old wood-and-iron house with verandah.
Overnight Paternoster
Day Four
After breakfast and check-out we depart for Cape Town and- depending on the season, enjoy the spectacular fields wild flowers at the Postberg Reserve within the West Coast National Park.
We stop at Blaauwberg Strand for the magnificient view of table Mountain and the city from across Table Bay- before setting off on our final leg into Cape Town.
END SERVICES.
©Cape Capers Tours CC November 2011.
INCLUDES.
Accommodation with full SA breakfast- 3 nights
Entry Fees- as indicated.
Wine Tasting Scones and Tea.
Elandberg Estate Tour.
EXCLUDED.
All meals and refreshments.
