Sponsored Content

LIFESTYLE NEWS - When people think about their ideal local holiday destination, there’s a strong chance that the Western Cape comes to mind. 

Holiday destinations such as Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands are popular getaways for holidaymakers in search of a place to unwind.

This is often somewhere with idyllic scenery and plenty of road trip pit stops and plenty of kids entertainment to keep the little ones occupied.

But there’s far more to the province than most people know. Like every other province in the country, there are a few charming hidden gems worth exploring.

Here are five holiday destinations you and your family should see when you’re in the Western Cape. 

Plettenberg Bay

Tranquil, scenic and charming are just a few of the adjectives that are commonly used to describe Plettenberg Bay. The pristine stretch of beaches, rocky peninsula and indigenous forests is often referred to as the gem of the Garden Route. But the views aren’t the only thing to enjoy in Plettenberg Bay. Guided forest walks, game drives and trips to the beach are just a few of the activities you and your family can look forward to when you visit this seaside town.

Stilbaai

Here’s another seaside town worth exploring on the Garden Route. Stilbaai, which is also known as the Bay of the Sleeping Beauty, lies approximately 25 kilometres from the N2 main road’s turnoff between Mossel Bay and Riversdale. Every kind of water-related activity you can think of is available at Stilbaai. Swimming, surfing, canoeing, and waterskiing are just a few of the activities you can undertake during your visit.

Betty’s Bay

Located 96km from Cape Town, Betty’s Bay offers a lot of the usual attractions you’d expect from a small seaside town in the Western Cape. But there’s one huge difference that sets it apart from the rest of the province’s tourist attractions: It’s penguin colony. Stony Point Penguin Colony is the third-largest breeding colony of African Penguins in the world, and you can expect to spot plenty of other bird species on the colony.

Klein Karoo

You’d be hard-pressed to find a stretch of land as beautiful as the Klein Karoo. If majestic mountains and sandy beaches sound like your idea of a good time, a sojourn to the Klein Karoo is precisely what you need. Expect to have lots of opportunities to canoe, swim, or go game viewing and bird watching.

Cederberg

There are lots of ways to take in the beauty of Cederberg, which is just hours from Cape Town. You can take a dip in the crystal-clear mountain rock pools or view the region’s rock art. Or you could just kick it at a beach and enjoy the unmatched peace offered by the region. If you want your holiday to be defined by a calming sense of solitude, Cederberg is your best bet.

The true beauty of travel lies in discovery. Even the most seasoned travellers still get goosebumps when they take in the beauty of an untapped destination. If you’re in the mood for an adventure this festive season, gather the family and head to one of the province’s secret getaways.

'We bring you the latest Garden Route news'