Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Stompdrift Dam: The dam is the region’s largest dam with an impressive perimeter of 25 km.Activities, such as boating, kayaking, skiing, swimming and bird-watching take place here.Swartberg Circle Route: The route includes Meiringspoort and the Swartberg Pass, regardedas one of the most fabulous mountain passes in the world.CUISINEWine-tasting: Various establishments offer wine-tasting and the town is renowned for itsdessert wines.FAUNA AND FLORABirds: The region boasts many different species of birds, including black eagle, fish eagle,spoonbill and storks.Flora: The botanical diversity of the Meiringspoort region is truly extraordinary. One of themost striking flowers that grow in the region is the wild geranium.Fauna: Many species of animals, varying from small field mice to Cape mountain leopards,can be seen in the area.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREHistorical Building Walking Trail: The trail includes visits to many of the town’s most importanthistorical buildings and allows a glimpse into the history of the town.NATURAL WONDERSGreat Waterfall: Legends tell of stories that a mystical Meiringspoort mermaid lives in the coolwaters of the waterfall.Meiringspoort Gorge: The gorge is one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the areaand covers some 20 km of the Swartberg Mountain Range.Mountains: The geological formations of the mountains surrounding Meiringspoort formstrange and convoluted shapes. Framed against the clear blue sky, they are magnificent tolook at.Red Hills: The red-coloured open caves in the hills on Rietvlei farm have been declared aNature Heritage Site.DYSSELSDORPThis old mission station extends a welcoming hand to all visitors. To fit in with the character ofthe village, abandon your car and beg a lift on the donkey-cart taxi.HAARLEMThis small village lies some 30 km from Uniondale on Route 62.128