Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Churches: There are many churches in the area all featuring unique architectural styles andhistory, such as the Dutch Reformed Church, the Reformed Church and the Anglican Church.Merino Statue: The statue was erected in honour of the merino sheep which represents oneof the most important economic activities of the area.Rectory: The town has an excellent museum complex containing a restored rectory,furnished with pieces of furniture from shipwrecks and the Waenhuis (Wagonhouse), whichexhibits a variety of wagons and old farming implements.Shipwreck Museum: The museum exhibits fascinating treasures taken from the many shipswrecked off the stormy coast.FAUNA AND FLORABredasdorp Nature Reserve: South of the town lies the 80-ha Bredasdorp Nature Reserve onthe slopes of the Bredasdorp Mountain Range. The hiking trails that traverse the reserve offerviews of the unspoilt fynbos vegetation and the animals that have made their home here.De Hoop Nature Reserve: The reserve runs along 40 km of unspoilt coastline and stretchesinland for 10 km. It is one of the most biologically diverse sanctuaries in the world andcontains one of the largest undisturbed areas of coastal fynbos. There are over 1 500 speciesof plants (50 of which are unique to the reserve), as well as 70 species of mammals and 220species of birds. Its 15-km-long vlei (“lake”) is the lifeblood of the reserve and sustains therichest concentration of bird life in the country. The species of birds in the reserve range fromcoots, ducks and grebes to small waders, herons and egrets, and the limestone caves at itsnorthern end house thousands of bats. The endangered Cape vulture has a breeding colonyin the Potsberg Mountains and the Cape mountain zebra and bontebok are also found here.Other species of buck, such as eland, grey duiker, grysbok, steenbok, grey reebok andklipspringer also roam the vast, green plains. Offshore, the reserve is a premier calving andmating ground for southern right whales. Less conspicuous mammals such as caracal, Capefox, water mongoose and the striped polecat also live in the reserve. Reptiles andamphibians, such as snakes and tortoises can be seen as well.CALEDONCaledon was founded in 1813 near the place where hot mineral springs are found. Thesprings were first used by KhoiKhoi tribes. It is named after a former Governor of the Cape,the Earl of Caledon.ADVENTURE AND SPORTFour-by-four Routes: 4x4 expeditions can be organised with the local farmers.CUISINEBeer and Bread Festival: The festival takes place in March and the whole area shows off itsbeer and local crafts.ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPINGCaledon Casino, Hotel and Spa: The Casino, luxurious hotel and spa were built adjacent tothe natural hot mineral springs.138