Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Pepper Tree: This tree is one of the largest pepper trees in the country with a diameter of11.2 m.Picnic Spots: The lovely countryside offers several spots where people can enjoy a leisurelymeal while drinking in the beauty of the area.Wildlife: The area has several nature reserves and game farms, where a variety of animalscan be seen.Wolwedans Dam: The area surrounding the dam is particularly beautiful, owing to its naturalfauna and flora.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURESearle Memorial Church and Searle Family Graveyard: Charles Searle and his familywere among the early residents of the area, having arrived in 1858. They are rememberedin the Searle church and graveyard where many family members are buried.OTHER ATTRACTIONSWatson Shoe Factory: Many residents earn their living at this factory. The guided tours of thefacility are enlightening and entertaining.HARTENBOSThis is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Garden Route Region and is knownfor its beautiful beaches, calm surf and the beauty of its fynbos.ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPINGATKV Holiday Resort: The resort has modern facilities amid a lovely setting of fynbos anduntamed nature.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREHartenbos Museum: The Great Trek of 1838 is the main theme of this museum.HEIDELBERGThis small town lies on the banks of a tranquil river and the slopes of the Langeberg. Thetown dates back to 1855 and supports the farming-orientated community that producesmainly wheat, wool and citrus fruits.ADVENTURE AND SPORTAngling: The mouth of the Breede River provides heavenly conditions for anglers and is alsoa good place for watching the whales.Adventure Activities: The area around Heidelberg offers a variety of activities, namelymountain-biking, fishing, horse-riding, golf, swimming, tractor and trailer trails and boat hire.Grootvaderbosch Hiking Trail: The trail winds through areas of great natural beauty.FAUNA AND FLORABirds: Bird-watchers frequent the area along the Breede River and the Langeberg Mountains.112