Experience Africa – The Western Cape

The southernmost region of South Africa, where the cold waters of the Atlantic meet the warm currents of the Indian Ocean, the Western Cape is home to vineyards, beaches and some of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain ranges and nature reserves. The Western Cape’s port city of Cape Town is known the World over for its rich history and diverse culture, such as Robben Island, where Mandela was kept for 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment. In Today’s post we explore the towns and suburbs within the Western Cape and what they have to offer.

Cape Town

Cape Town, the mother city of the Western Cape, offers many tourist attractions, the biggest being Table Mountain. This South African wonder is 1000m in elevation and at the plateau is approximately 3km wide. Table Mountain is given its name for its shape, as it appears like a table fit for the gods. The cable car ride is a must do as you descend from the mountains plateau down to the foot of the mountain, giving you a spectacular view of the City. Aside from this Magnificent Mountain, Cape Town city itself is filled with art galleries, restaurants and beautiful houses and is a unique experience of the vibes of a true 1^st class African city.

For Accommodation partners in Cape Town please click here 

Stellenbosch

The quaint town of Stellenbosch lies north of the city of Cape Town in the heart of the wine lands. It is inhabited mainly by students from Stellenbosch University and is full of art galleries, Cafes and boutique stores. Old European buildings and influence give Stellenbosch its unique feel and comfort as the quiet streets give off a calm and carefree vibe.

For Accommodation partners in Stellenbosch please click here 

Simon’s Town

Situated South of Table Mountain, along the Cape Peninsula, within False Bay, Simon’s Town is an old naval base town built by British Settlers after the Second British occupation in 1806. Sites to enjoy include the old naval base which has been turned into a museum and penguin watching on Boulder’s Beach in the mornings. A variety of restaurants offer fantastic seafood and Jubilee Square hosts a street market every fortnight.

For Accommodation partners in Simon’s Town please click here

Hout Bay

Most commonly known for Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay is a southern suburb of Cape Town surrounded by nature reserves and mountain ranges of the Cape peninsula. For one seeking escape from the mother city, Hout Bay is undoubtedly the closest option. The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary within Hout Bay offers a display of over 3000 birds from 400 different species. A must see for all who pass through this region.

For Accommodation partners in Hout Bay please click here

Mossel Bay

Home to Pinnacle Point, one of South Africa’s best golf courses, Mossel Bay is located half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. This Western Cape Town offers great accommodation for golfers and any travelling along the garden route. Boasting 3 Blue Flag Beaches, Mossel Bay is also a great option for those interested in a simple fun packed Beach Holiday in the Indian Ocean.

For Accommodation partners in Mossel Bay please click here

Knysna

Famous for its Oysters, Knysna is another quiet town along the coast of the Western Cape. Offering restaurants, beautiful beaches and a part of the Garden Route, it is definitely a good option for anyone wanting to wind down from the stresses of city life.

For Accommodation partners in Knysna please click here

Author: Sebastian Bergman – Account Executive Hotel Stays Africa

Experience Africa – The Zambezi River

The Zambezi River is any African fisherman’s dream, with monstrous Tiger fish weighing up to 15kg and more. Fishing not your thing? How about white water rafting in grade 5 waters of the Cholwezi Rapids? The list of activities goes on. This 3500km long river stretches across 6 countries, in some regions is 400m wide in flood seasons and is one of Africa’s most incredible wonders. Stretching from Zambia through to Mozambique where it enters the Indian Ocean through 4 Mouths: Milambe, Kongone, Luabo and Timbwe. Along the river there are beautiful waterfalls, dams and natural lakes. Two Hydro Electric dams were built along The Zambezi River, Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe and Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique; and of course the beautiful Victoria Falls in Livingstone in Zambia which joins the Chobe River from the border of Namibia and Botswana leads east to Lake Kariba. An African experience like no other!

African Mythology of the River

Local Tonga people along the Zambezi River have called it the “River of Life” as for generations it has brought water for their crops and fish to eat. The river is also said to have a spirit that controls its waters called Nyami Nyami. Nyami Nyami is said to have the head of a fish and the body of a snake and lives in the Kariba Lake, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kariba, meaning ‘trap’, is where fisherman’s canoes and rafts were sucked down into the whirl pools near Kariba Rock where the dam wall is today. In the 1950s during the building of the Kariba Dam Wall, 80 people died during flash floods and it is said that it was Nyami Nyami, furious that he had been blocked off from his wife, exerting his wrath on the people building the wall. Today, overlooking the Kariba Dam is a statue depicting the image of Nyami Nyami, reminding all those who see it, the power of nature and the Legend of the Zambezi River.

Enjoy the experience of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, Book your stay at the aha David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa situated near the Victoria Falls.

Author: Sebastian Bergman – Account Executive Hotel Stays Africa

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