Thursday, April 18, 2013

Finding the Beautiful West Coast in South Africa

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By Alice Faircloth


Individuals certainly like to check out gorgeous places however are in some cases disappointed when they find that those places are rather touristy. South Africa still manages to offer a real travel experience but if you especially enjoy taking a trip along the unbeaten path, then the west coastline might be an excellent choice for you.

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

What the West coastline has to offer though can be specifically satisfying in September and October, when it is Spring in South Africa. Throughout this season the dry semi-desert area of Namaqualand, also referred to as "the South African Outback", goes into bloom and you will see kilometers on end of extraordinary colourful 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 North border of the country and encountering Namibia further north and the Kalahari desert to the East. There are beautiful seaside towns to check out along the road, such as Lambert's Bay, Saldanha Bay and Paternoster.

There are numerous ways to enjoy your holidays in South Africa. People who enjoy fish and shellfish will enjoy navigating the Route 27 and stopping off at the many seaside dining establishments readily available. Here the crayfish is particularly succulent as indeed, are all the fish, which is caught fresh daily. The value for money is exceptional and most of the fish is actually cooked on open fires as you drink a sun-downer at one of the open air tables. Here you will discover the perfect balance in between nature, culture and luxury.

The whole of the Olifant's River valley is wonderful for its vintage beauty and values. You will meet numerous descendants of the original Dutch inhabitants that have actually been working this land for over four centuries. Citrusdal can be especially excellent when the oranges are ripe on the trees and contrast with the dark green foliage and the deep turquoise 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 opposite side of the country near the Kruger National Park.

If you begin your vacation in Cape Town, we recommend that you head straight 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 and then possibly drive along the Garden Route if you want.

On the East Coast you will be able to enjoy Ocean Safaris. In the winter months you can take a boat trip and get within fifty m of the whales. In the summertime you can get "up close and personal" with the dolphins. Possibly stop off a night or two in Wilderness, which is the perfect lazy area with a great beach to get some rest before you make your way back home.




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