Western Cape Towns

When it comes to the Western Coast you are really in for a great treat. Here you will experience diverse landscapes that stretch from Cape Town to Windhoek.

Bushmans Kloof

This is a privately owned wilderness reserve about 270km from Cape Town. Bushmans Kloof is home to a relatively large number of plant and animal species and prehistoric rock art sites. The site has been declared a national heritage site and its beauty is highlight by the scenic citrus groves and Wheatfield covered landscapes.

A bit of history

In 1991, in the foothills of the Cederberg, Bill and Mark McAdam purchased the seven farms that, together, became Bushmans Kloof - a valley around 7,500 hectares of overgrazed and severely neglected land. Then they banished the sheep and let the glorious natural fynbos slowly recover. They renovated and extended the manor house, mended eroded gulleys, destroyed alien plants, and in consultation with ecologists and wildlife experts, implemented a long-term veld management programme. They introduced indigenous animals including rare and endangered species such as the Cape Mountain Zebra, the Cape clawless otter and the Clanwilliam yellow fish. Hundreds of indigenous trees were re-planted. Six years later, Bushmans Kloof Lodge was opened to the public. On 31 January 2004, the private Tollman Family Trust acquired the property. The Tollman family is renowned hoteliers of South African origin. Their Red Carnation boutique hotels are found in the UK, Europe and the USA. This change in ownership brought with it a desire to ensure the continuation of the same core principles and compassion for the land, animals and flora. The new owners also brought a passion and understanding of operating some of the finest hotels in the world to Bushmans Kloof, to take the property to even greater heights. They are committed to sharing with travellers the unique qualities of South Africa, its heritage, its people, culture and the enormous choices and diverse experiences available in the country today, of which nearly all of these traits can be found at Bushmans Kloof.

Langebaan

This is a quaint and peaceful seaside town located in the West Coast National Park. Langebaan is very popular for its watersport and fishing and during flowering time the veld is transformed into a beautiful flowergarden.

Matzikama

The Matzikama region in the Nama Karoo includes such scenic wonders as the Sandveld, the Knersvlakte and the Matzikama mountain range. When you visit Matzikama you can feast on fresh crayfish and mussels or go whale watching during the migration season.

Saldanha Bay

South Africa's largest natural anchorage and port with the deepest water is 60 nautical miles northwest of Cape Town and partly protected by a 3.1km long artificial breakwater. Saldanha Bay is named after Portuguese explorer, Antonio de Saldanha. This town has strong ties with the sea. Saldanha Bay is the largest natural bay in South Africa: it offers a paradise for water sport enthusiasts.

Saldanha is also the location of the South African Military Academy as well as SAS SALDANHA, a naval training unit.

Things to see in Saldanha include the French Huguenot Memorial, Doc's Cave, the Breakwater and Cummings Grave. The breakwater was built in 1976 and is 1,8 km long. It connects the main land with Marcus Island. There are also hiking trails for the nature lover at Oranjevlei and at the SAS Saldanha Naval Base. Furthermore, boat trips to the islands in the bay, as well as fishing trips, can be organized (that is if weather permit).