Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Finding the Beautiful West Coastline in South Africa

By Alice Faircloth


Individuals undoubtedly like to check out stunning locations however are in some cases dissatisfied when they find that those locations are rather touristy. SA still manages to provide a real travel experience however if you especially appreciate taking a trip along the unbeaten path, then the west coast could be an outstanding option for you.

Since the East Coastline has warm seas whereas the West Coastline has a colder ocean, the West Coast is less touristy than the East Coast. The East Coast is well known for its Garden Route and vineyards, whereas the West coast has traditional farms with vegetables and fruit.

Exactly what the West coast has to offer though can be especially satisfying in September and October, when it is Spring in South Africa. During this season the dry semi-desert area of Namaqualand, likewise referred to as "the South African Outback", goes into bloom and you will see kilometers on end of extraordinary vibrant flowers. The Namaqualand Flower Route starts off in the West Coastline National Park near Langebaan and runs along the N7, through towns like Garies, Kamieskroon, Port Nolloth, and Springbok.

Two of the jewels of the west coastline are the Cedaberg Mountains and the Cedaberg Wilderness; 710 000 hectares of rugged beauty where it is still possible to discover ancient rock art and go hiking and abseiling. The West Coast ends on the Northern border of the country and running into Namibia further north and the Kalahari desert to the East. There are lovely coastal towns to go to along the way, such as Lambert's Bay, Saldanha Bay and Paternoster.

There are lots of ways to enjoy your holidays in South Africa. People who like seafood will adore traveling the Route 27 and stopping off at the numerous seashore bistros available. Here the crayfish is exquisitely succulent as certainly, are all the fish, which is caught fresh every single day. The value for money is outstanding and most of the fish is in fact cooked on open fires as you drink a sun-downer at one of the outdoors tables. Here you will discover the perfect balance between culture, luxury and nature.

The whole of the Olifant's River valley is fantastic for its old world beauty and worth. You will meet many descendants of the first Dutch inhabitants that have actually been working this land for over 4 centuries. Citrusdal can be particularly impressive when the oranges are ripe on the trees and contrast with the dark green foliage and the deep blue-green sky.

Do not mix up the Oliphant's River Valley with the Oliphant's River which offers cruises to see hippos and crocodiles. That Oliphant's River is on the other side of the country near the Kruger National Park.

If you start your holiday in Cape Town, we recommend that you go directly for the Namaqualand experience, from there you can take a plane to the Kruger National Park if you want a Safari, otherwise you can invest a couple of days in Cape Town and see the botanical Gardens called Kirstenbosch, the City Center, the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain. After that you can head for Cape Point then perhaps drive along the Garden Route if you like.

On the East Coastline you will be able to appreciate Ocean Safaris. In the winter season you can take a boat ride and get within fifty meters of the whales. In the summer you can get "up close and personal" with the dolphins. Possibly stop off one night or two in Wilderness, which is the perfect lazy spot with a superb beach to rest up before you make your way back home.




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