Paternoster, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Hermanus are all within two hours’ drive of Cape Town and offer a variety of activities for travellers. Kim Emmanuel takes a closer look.
The focus of the Western Cape should not be only around the main cities. “One of the biggest challenges we see is the lack of knowledge of what the broader Western Cape has to offer,” says Judy Lain, CMO at Wesgro. “Regular training, incentive programmes, targeted trips, workshops and campaigns can all assist in bridging this gap.” Chris Chibaduki, Product and Contract Manager at Springbok Atlas, also says additional five-star hotels on the Garden Route should be considered to solve the issue of availability.
1.Paternoster
Paternoster is a two-hour drive from Cape Town and has a range of accommodation options to suit varying numbers of groups. The Paternoster Dunes Boutique Guest House has six en-suite bedrooms. All rooms have fans, air-conditioners, coffee/tea stations, bathrobes and fridges. Free WiFi is also available at the guest house.
Lain says the top adventure experiences in the town are kayaking and hiking. Kayak Paternoster offers guided sea kayaking trips, with morning the best time to experience the bay and the birds that have made their nests on the rocks out to sea. The kayaks launch from the main beach where the fishermen's boats pull up on the sand. The trips are fine weather guided trips ideal for beginners and keen kayakers alike. Dolphins, seals and whales can be spotted during this activity.
Nearby attractions include the At Botha Art Gallery, showcasing art from South African actor and artist At Botha, his wife, Annelize and son Johan. At Botha Art Gallery also regularly presents five-day painting holidays in Paternoster.
2.Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is about a 45-minute drive from Cape Town.
“This small town, rich in history, is the second oldest in the Western Cape and boasts its own characteristic flair – streets dotted with oak trees, a creative and vibrant vibe, a variety of restaurants and coffee shops and then, of course, its outstanding wine farms,” comments Vikki Fourie, Assistant Product Manager at Springbok Atlas.
Stellenbosch also boasts a large selection of accommodation establishments to match a range of budgets, with guesthouses, B&Bs, boutique hotels, and five-star luxury accommodation all available.
Several accommodations are situated in the historic town centre or within walking distance of the town and its attractions. Some are positioned among vineyards, others next to dams, and some are perched atop a hill overlooking vineyards, mountains and the sea. The iconic Table Mountain can be seen from several vantage points in the town.
There are a number of activities to be enjoyed in and around Stellenbosch. Lain suggests attending the food- and wine-inspired festivals such as Street Soirée, a pop-up food- and wine-tasting event. “Stellenbosch is famous for discovering local artists and writers,” says Laid, adding that travellers have the opportunity to experience their journeys in their footsteps. ‘Last Thursdays’ offer guests the chance to visit local galleries as well as view works by the students of Stellenbosch University on the last Thursday of every month. Travellers can also enjoy the local cuisine. “Bites & Sites offers cultural food tours such as the Classic Cape Cuisine Walk – combining the town’s architectural diversity and outdoor art exhibitions with South African snacks like rusks, biltong and, of course, wine,” adds Fourie.
Guests can also take a hike through the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Various short walks are available on the reserve. Alternatively, the reserve offers four more challenging hikes, ranging from just over 5km to 18km.
“For a very down-to-earth and relaxed lunch stop, try De Stomme Jonge on Ryneveld Street for a taste of South African Roosterkoek, or hang out with the locals at the historic De Akker pub on famous Dorp Street,” says Fourie.
3.Franschhoek
Franschhoek is about an hour and a half from Cape Town.
“Franschhoek is a fantastic destination as it is close to Cape Town International Airport, in the heart of the Cape winelands, offering many of the country’s best restaurants, exquisite accommodation and scenic beauty,” says Saskia Brown, Marketing Representative for La Clé des Montagnes.
The town has a wide variety of accommodation choices, including five-star luxury, elegant B&B guesthouses, self-catering cottages, group accommodation or hotel accommodation. Brown suggests a three-to four-night stay in the town. “Stay in Franschhoek as your base from which to explore Cape Town, the winelands and Cape Peninsula,” she suggests.
Lain says some of the experiences to enjoy in the Franschhoek area include visiting a wine farm by tram, horseback or bicycle, fly fishing, hiking, as well as bicycle routes for the more energetic traveller. She adds that a world-class shopping experience is available in the main street of Franschhoek.
4.Hermanus
Hermanus is about a two-hour drive from Cape Town and offers an array of accommodation, from budget to luxury and exceptional value for money with an overload of experiences and gourmet delights, says Lain. “The recommended stay time would be from three nights – easily up to seven nights with self-drive tours,” she says.
Fourie suggests taking the 21 kilometre Clarence Drive (R44), considered one of the most beautiful mountain passes in South Africa, en route to Hermanus. “This road stretches from the naval town of Gordon’s Bay to the village of Rooi-Els and is a spectacular coastal drive with gorgeous views over False Bay and the Hottentots Hollands Mountains.” After Rooi-Els, the R44 continues through the coastal village of Betty’s Bay where Stony Point is home to one of two shore-based African penguin breeding colonies in South Africa.
Christiaan Steyn, Marketing Manager at Drifters Adventours, says they try to incorporate some of the smaller towns in the Western Cape in their Enfield Motorcycle tours. “Towns like Hermanus, Robertson, Gansbaai, Barrydale and Matjiesfontein are just some of the places we incorporate in the motorcycle tours,” says Steyn. “These and many other smaller towns are well worth a visit and offer guests unique experiences and opportunities to interact with the local people and their way of life.”
Lain suggests whale watching either on foot or by boat. “The paths along the harbour are also wheelchair friendly to accommodate all visitors to experience this annual, natural showcase.” Other activities in the area include birdwatching, hiking and surfing. She also encourages travellers to eat, drink and be merry in Hermanus. “This coastal town offers an array of fresh seafood and gourmet cuisine that includes restaurants such as Bientang’s Cave and La Pentola,” said Lain. “Rumour has it that the best seafood is served at Quayside Cabin, a charming little restaurant in the harbour.”
Fanie van Zyl, MD of SA Coach Charters and Bus Rentals, says each town has it uniqueness with regard to history, scenery and setting. “Depending on the traveller and their requirements, people should stay at least two nights to have a full-day experience of the different experiences,” said Van Zyl.
