Western Cape, around Cape Town

Cederberg - great hiking and camping reserve. Cape Nature actually has 40% off accommodation for August! I'm going for a few days around about the 20th.
Langebaan - West Coast Reserve is a great place - though I usually go in summer for braaing and swimming but there's some good walks as well.
Paternoster is nice little town with some good restaurants and picturesque views. Really nice little town.
Hermanus is also nice town especially for whale watching. I really like the drive along the coast to Hermanus - with opportunities to stop in Pringle Bay, Stony Point, etc. I sometimes take the long route back via Franschoek (which makes for a looong day).

Actually looking at the Cape Nature Reserves is a great place to start for finding places in the Western Cape. A lot depends on your interests.

Excellent advice given above !
I have been to all the places you mention, and like them all a lot, for different reasons. I dont know your interests, but personally if I had to choose only one, it would be Hermanus (as you are travelling in Whale season). Hermanus (and the surrounding areas) is a fantastic place for Whale watching, from the shore and from a boat. Its also a pleasant town with a relaxed holiday athmosphere, good restaurants etc. If you go to Hermanus, I would also drive one way along the coast (and the other way inland, as I also like Sir Lowrys Pass). If you like wine, there are some lovely places in the nearby Hemel and Aarde Valley. I also like the small village of De Kelders, with spectacular cliffs, great Whale watching from the shore and nice walks.

Paternoster is a very beautiful small place. Its very pretty, with small cottages, flowers, a wide and very beautiful beach, colorful fishing boats, a couple of good restaurants and beautiful sunsets. Its a lovely place, but there isnt much "to do or see" (which for me is probably part of the charme).

In the Cederberg, besides hiking and beautiful nature in general, you can also see ancient cave paintings from the San bushmen. Also in spring, beautiful "carpets" of flowers. But you are probably a week or 2 late for the "main flowering". Or what do you mean Ghalied ?

Hi Ghalied,

Thank you for your reply.
The website of Cape Nature is really helpfull. I will defenitely choose a few nature reserves.
I was thinking of a road trip to Cederberg, and then on the way back Langebaan and Paternoster (West Coast National Park).
Another option is driving to Hermanus, via Kogelberg Nature reserve and Walker Bay.

How many days will both trips take do you think?
I have two weeks, so doing both roadtrips for a couple of days each is perfect.
Do you know if all places are accesible with a regular rental car (not a 4x4)?

Thank you for your help.

Joris

Hi Nathalie,

Thank you for your reply!

I will visit Hermanus for sure.
Maybe it's better to just drive by Paternoster, and not staying there.

How is hiking in the Cederberg? Is it hard?
Is it easy to drive in the park?

Thank you for your tips, it really helps me.

Joris

Your very welcome.
Personally, if you go to Paternoster, I would also stay there for a night or two. Its really a very very nice little town.

With two weeks (assuming this is not including time in Cape Town), you could indeed discover all of the places you are looking at, without having to rush.

Hi Joris

I agree with Nathalie that Paternoster is well worth as night or two. You might also want to stop at Die Strandloper for lunch or supper. Nearby Cederberg, Clanwilliam is also lovely - you might also want to visit the Biedouw Valley (http://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/western-cape/item/889-biedouw-valley-pass-p2266.html) where rooibos tea is from.
Consider returning to Cape Town via Bainskloof pass. It's out of the way but picturesque. Other small towns that are cool are Riebeek Kasteel, Tulbagh, Paarl, etc.

All places are accessible by normal car. The hikes range from easy to expert, there's plenty of info on them on the site or you can get info at the information office. I am going to Cederberg in just over a week, so I can give you specific up-to-date info afterwards (or if you're in the Long Street/Bokaap area before your trip we can meet up for a coffee).

The trip to Hermanus, like I said, I like to combine with visiting Franschoek. Especially because I like that drive via Theewaterkloof. Also consider stopping in Elgin (and try this: http://capecanopytour.co.za/) which is a great valley.

Hey Ghalied,

Thanks again for the tips.

I have 8 full days for the roadtrip, the other days I will spent in Cape Town and Stellenbosch (including Franshoek).

The planning so far:

1. Drive to Cederberg early, hiking in the afternoon.
   I read that the Wolfberg Arch hike is at least 8 hours, so that's to much. Any recommendations for hikes?
2. Another day in Cederbergen.
3. Driving to Langebaan and Paternoster, exploring this towns and staying the night there.
4. Via West Coast National Park, driving to Hermanus.
5. Exploring Hermanus and the sourrounding area.
6. (free)
7. (free)
8. End roadtrip in Cape Town.

What do you think of this plan?
I might have spare time on 25th of August, i'll let you know if i'm around!

Joris

In the Cederberg, the Maltese Cross trail is the other popular one. If its hot, you can do the waterfall hike and drive to the Stadsaal caves to check the rock art if you have time.

Your itinerary looks good - though that's a lot of ground between West Coast Reserve and Hermanus on day 4, there's probably a stop you might want to make along the way. Which route are you taking? I'd prefer the R45 but that takes you past Franschhoek which you're visiting at a different time so maybe the R43 (though much longer) is better.

The 25th would be perfect - it's the day after I return from the Cederberg.

From Cape Nature's site for Cederberg Hikes:
> Uitkyk Trail

Estimated time: 3 hours

A short, steep trail that offers fantastic views of the Cederberg Mountains and the Algeria valley.

Waterfall Trail

Estimated time: 3 hours

This is a moderately steep trail that leads from Algeria Forest Station up to the Middelberg Waterfall. The route is clearly signposted. It is possible to swim in the small pool at the waterfalls. This is also a fantastic picnic spot.

Maltese Cross

Estimated time: 5 hours

A well-marked trail that begins with a mild uphill walk heading towards the imposing Maltese Cross. Hikers return along the same route, with fantastic mountain views along the way. Make sure you have a valid hiking permit from Sanddrif (tel: +27 (0)27 482 2825).>

We really enjoyed Hermanus -- phenomenal whale watching from land and by boat. Also good hiking in the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

West Coast National Park is worth a stop on your trip. Really good wildflowers and also interesting wildlife.