Countryside

Hermanus is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Magnificent mountains watch over the bay, which is home to the Southern Right Whales.

Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale watching destination in the world.

The famous informal al-fresco restaurant "Die Strandloper" specialises in traditional West Coast seafood such as snoek, bokkoms, mussels, crayfish, paella and waterblommetjiebredie.

"Die Strandloper" is situated north of Langebaan Town on the way to Club Mykonos. Be prepared to spend the whole afternoon at the beach as you eat about 10 courses (!)

Adults pay R130,- kids under 12 pay according to height, children under 5 and pets eat for free. Bring your own drinks or enjoy the strandloper beach bar.

Booking is essential, for more info visit www.strandloper.com

South Africa bottles around 65 million cases of wine per year and some of the premium wine estates in the Franschoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl areas are the source of these world-class wines.

Cellar tours and wine tasting as well as a tour of the town of Stellenbosch are well worthwhile. South Africa's award-winning wine industry is based in a region of gentle green hills, rugged mountains, fertile valleys and enchanting wine estates just outside of the city of Cape Town.

The charming, historic village of Montagu is the "mountain mecca" of the Western Cape and gateway to the Little Karoo.

This peaceful village is steeped in history and is famous for its awe inspiring rock formations, orchards, vineyards, local herbs and healing hot mineral springs.

Montagu offers several breathtaking hiking trails, for example the "Lover's Walk" (40min), the Aasvoel Krans Hike (1,5 hours), the "Cogmans Kloof Trail" (5-6 hours), or the "Bloupunt Trail" (6-9 hours).

The Cederberg Wilderness area comprises approximately 7 100 hectares. This remote, pristine area with its breathtaking natural beauty, which includes a variety of "fynbos" and dramatic rock formations, offers the visitor a unique wilderness experience.

Generally, only walking and hiking are permitted in the area. For the less fit visitor there are more accessible places such as the Stadsaal caves with their famous Bushman paintings.

For more Info visit www.capenature.org.za

A pleasant 2,5 hours drive from Cape Town in Walker Bay lies the little fishing village Gansbaai.

This peaceful village is frequently visited by adventure seekers from all over the world for a new adrenaline pumping sport: Great White Shark cage diving.

About four nautical miles from the harbour, you'll find the pristine Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. The channel between the two islands, known as Shark Alley, is reputed to be the best place in the world to observe and dive with these giant ocean predators.