Our Top Five / Off-the-beaten-track / Western Cape >>

Here is our list of best places in the Western Cape that most international tourists don’t go to. Yet. So you know you’re getting something more authentic than the other tourist hubs, as well as enjoying great value for money. In no particular order….

Tulbagh (Route 62)

Surrounded by dramatic mountains to the northern end of the winelands, some would argue that Tulbagh is a ‘poor man’s Franschhoek’. Although Tulbagh undoubtedly offers cheaper accommodation than Franschhoek, if you chose correctly it is at least as good. The location is probably even more stunning and the historic city centre is a lot more intact than elsewhere in the region, especially along Church Street with its 18th and 19th century churches, municipal buildings and monuments. There’s definitely an old-fashioned feel to life here – things happen more slowly, people are hospitable. The increasing number of high quality dining (especially the famous Cape Malay Paddagang Restaurant) and wine-tasting venues in the vicinity is testament to the fact that more people are slowly being seduced by what Tulbagh has to offer. The remote Overberg, Cederberg and beautiful west coast villages such as Paternoster are within an easy day’s drive.

Greyton and McGregor (Route 62)

Situated conveniently just off the Garden Route and Route 62 these quaint villages still have the feel of being relatively untouched farming settlements in stark contrast with most of the Garden Route. The hiking around both villages and in particular the two day hike between them is some of the best in the Western Cape. But you may not want to leave the white-washed thatched cottages, the artisans' galleries and the wide variety of eateries that both high streets have to offer. There are good self-catering options in addition to some nice hotels and guesthouses. Places we’d happily retire to.

Paternoster (West Coast)

On certain days the similarities to a fishing village on the west coast of Ireland are uncanny with its: white washed cottages; a working harbour; fresh seafood and craic served at a number of good pubs (indeed truly excellent, rustic dining at the Voorstrandt Restaurant with views out to the setting sun); wild beaches and a cold ocean. We recommend getting a self-catering cottage by the beach for next to nothing rather than staying in a hotel. Capetonians have been coming here for a while now, but this is still the pick of the bunch along the west coast compared to Langebaan, Saldahna and definitely St Helena Bay (despite the lovely name, we are trying to clear the smell from the fish processing factory from noses to this day). The nearby West Coast Fossil Park (just outside Vredenburg) is an excellent opportunity to see a fossil excavation in progress as well as actually handle the fossils yourself. If you’re anywhere near the west coast Paternoster is a must.

The Cedarberg (West Coast)

Perhaps this is only for keen hikers and fans of flora, but it’s so stunning it still makes the cut. Strange rock formations in remote valleys against a backdrop of craggy mountains. This is an excellent place to see the famous fynbos (including some species unique to the area) of the Cape Floral Kingdom with a fantastic flower display in springtime. The Cederberg is truly a wilderness area, with only basic camping accommodation options and dirt tracks, but there are also some nice towns nearby that you could do day hikes from.

Swellendam (Route 62)

Swellendam is the perfect place to break your journey along the Garden Route or Route 62. The ragged peaks of the Langeberg Range provide an impressive backdrop to this fruit farming town. The town centre simply oozes history with the excellent Drostdy Museum in addition to the curious church in the town centre built in an eclectic style. It’s a well spread out town, with long tree-lined avenues and, quite literally, a river runs through it. There’s some surprisingly good eating and guesthouse options. Short day hikes and horse rides are to be found in the Marloth Nature Reserve, just out of town.