The history of Riebeek Kasteel and the wider Riebeek Valley in the Swartland goes back a long way, as stone-age tools and KhoiSan art found in the mountains around it show. But today it’s a much-loved weekend getaway for Capetonians. Here’s my pick of things to do in Riebeek Kasteel and the Riebeek Valley.
By Roxanne Reid
The history of Riebeek Kasteel and the wider Riebeek Valley in the Swartland goes back a long way, as stone-age tools and KhoiSan art found in the mountains around it show. But today it’s a much-loved weekend getaway for Capetonians. Here’s my pick of things to do in Riebeek Kasteel and the Riebeek Valley.
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By Roxanne Reid
The West Coast village of Darling, just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, is a well-loved weekend getaway, particularly during the Darling Wildflower Show in September. But Darling has a lot more to offer at any time of year. Here are 20 things to do in Darling on the Western Cape’s West Coast. ![]() By Roxanne Reid Place of clear aquamarine waters and white sand beaches, wetlands, eland and zebra, flamingos and pelicans, whales and dolphins. In Spring, the area bursts into a splash of colour as wildflowers bloom. For outdoor enthusiasts there’s hiking, mountain biking and swimming. Find out more in West Coast National Park: the ultimate guide. By Roxanne Reid
If you were to compile a bucket list of places in South Africa you have to visit at least once in your life, what would you include? For me they’d need to offer something special in the way of nature, wildlife, beaches, culture and heritage, activities and experiences. Here’s a roundup of 20 of the best South African holiday destinations including a bucket list of places to visit if you haven’t already. By Roxanne Reid
Yzerfontein is an hour’s drive north of Cape Town along the R27 on the West Coast. Nature is a strong draw card - bird life, indigenous plants and 16 Mile Beach which stretches to the West Coast National Park. The town's a hub for fishermen and sporty types surfing, mountain biking or kite-surfing. Here are 10 things you may not know about Yzerfontein. By Roxanne Reid
Drive about 90 minutes north of Cape Town and you’ll find a strange place where giant creatures roamed long before the appearance of man on Earth. Here at this heritage site a fascinating journey has been quietly waiting more than five million years for you. Find out why you should visit the West Coast Fossil Park. By Roxanne Reid
If you’re like me, you need a few days away every now and then to stay invigorated and sane. But what happens if the purse strings are tight? Luckily, there’s lots of budget friendly self-catering accommodation in the Western Cape where you can stay without having to hawk your house. By Roxanne Reid
Small towns are special in many ways, from lack of congestion to country cool, from old buildings full of character to friendly people with time to chat. I’ve chosen 20 of my favourite small towns for weekend getaways from Cape Town. Read on to see if I’ve included your favourite. ![]() By Roxanne Reid What I love about Cape Nature reserves are their principles of conservation and ecotourism. Conservation comes first, but they recognise that ecotourism is an excellent way to introduce visitors to the amazement of nature that deserves to be conserved, and to bring in much-needed funds. Here are some of my favourites, from Cederberg to Kogelberg and more. ![]() By Roxanne Reid Sea. Beach. Fresh air. This is the stuff of weekend getaways in the West Coast village of Paternoster, South Africa. To enjoy it to the full, you’ll be looking for Paternoster accommodation. So here’s a cool place to stay that I recently discovered: Azzuro self-catering. |
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AboutI'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel. Categories
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