Page 188 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

186  THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN C APE

Introducing the Western and Southern Cape

This region is dominated by a rugged mountain chain, comprising what
is geologically known as the Cape folded mountains. The landscapes
found in this territory are diverse. The arid and rather barren West
Coast gives way to fertile winelands, cradled by jagged mountains.
Alexander Beyond the terraced valleys, the dramatic passes that traverse
Bay
the massive mountain ranges of the Southern Cape are
a testament to the efforts of early road builders. The
spectacular Cango Caves lie here and, on the other side of
Port
Nolloth the mountains, the magnificent Garden Route. All along
the rocky coastline, which is one of the most dangerous
Springbok
in the world and where swells can reach up to 30 m
Kleinsee
(98 ft) in height, fishermen reap the harvest of the sea.
0 kilometres 50
0 miles 25

THE WEST
A myriad of COAST
wildflowers occur in (See pp210–21)
this region after good
spring rains, when the Calvinia
dry West Coast comes
alive with colour.

The Manor House at Boschendal
Lambert’s Bay Clanwilliam near Fransch hoek forms a stately
backdrop for the vineyards of the
estate. Wine tasting here is one of
Citrusdal the highlights of the wine route.
St Helena
Bay
Langebaan Prince Albert
Grahamstown
THE GARDEN ROUTE
Malmesbury
TO GRAHAMSTOWN
THE (See pp236–57) Port Alfred
Worcester Oudtshoorn
Cape Columbine light­ Table Paarl SOUTHERN CAPE Uitenhage Alexandria
house on the West Coast Bay THE CAPE (See pp222–35) George Tsitsikamma Algoa Bay
warns ships of the danger- WINELANDS Riversdale Port
ous rocks along the shore. Cape Town (See pp190–209) Swellendam Plettenberg Elizabeth
Bay
It was the last manned Mossel
light house to be built Simon’s Town Bay
in South Africa.
Hermanus St Sebastian
Bay
Gansbaai Arniston

Hermanus is best-known for the southern right whales
that come here to give birth to their calves. The best time
of year for whale-watching is around September.
Brilliant aloes in flower in the Tsitsikamma sector of the Garden Route National Park

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