Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Game-viewing: There are various nature and game reserves in the area where the “Big Five”have also taken up residence.Ostriches: A visit to one of the many ostrich farms in the area is a delightful experience. Onecan learn more about these awkward birds, enjoy lunch or a snack and maybe even attemptto stay on an ostrich for more than a few seconds. The shops also sell various ostrichproducts and curios.Rein’s Nature Reserve: This reserve lies some 30 km south of Albertinia and is home to morethan 500 species of plants and to animals such as tortoises and Cape mountain zebras. Birdand whale-watchers also frequent the reserve.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREAncient Fish Traps: These traps date back some 4 000 years, when Khoisan huntersconstructed them to add fish to their diet. The traps are still in working condition.Albertinia High School: Take a walk past the High School that was established in 1908. Theschool was later extended, but the old buildings can still be seen.History: To ensure that you do not miss any of the historical sites, arrange to go on ahistorical tour through the town.Mission Street: Many of the homes of the founders of the town still stand in this street.NG (Dutch Reformed) Church: The church was built in 1904 and has an exceptional andunique architectural style.OTHER ATTRACTIONSAloe Factories: For centuries, aloes have been used for medicinal purposes and the aloefactories produce products and ingredients used in the health and beauty industry. Guidedtours can be organised if arrangements are made in advance.GEORGEThe town of George nestles at the foot ofthe beautiful Outeniqua Mountains, some12 km inland from the coast. Georgewas founded in 1811 and is the sixtholdest town in the country. It is named forthe British monarch at the time, George III.It is the largest town along theGarden Route. Because George liesclose to several other towns, it hassteadily grown into the distribution,education and medical centre of theregion.108The timber industry was the maineconomic activity of the town for manyyears and still plays a major role in the