Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

RIEBEEK WESSituated just 4 km from Riebeek Kasteel lies the village of Riebeek Wes. Two majorpolitical figures who played important roles in South African history were born here, namelyGeneral Jan Smuts and Dr DF Malan.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREGeneral Smuts’ Birthplace: General Smuts was born on the farm Bovenplaas. Today, thehouse is on the property of PPC Cement.RIETPOORTThis small missionary village is situated 28 km from Bitterfontein, tucked away betweenextraordinary granite formations. Rietpoort presents a real opportunity to escape the rigoursof the modern lifestyle. Hitch a ride on a donkey-cart, enjoy a picnic of traditional cuisine andlisten to the melodious sounds of the local choir singing traditional songs and, for a while atleast, it is easy to forget the world beyond the boundaries of the village.FAUNA AND FLORAWild flowers: From late July to September the area blossoms into a Namaqualand flowerworld.SALDANHA BAYThe town of Saldanha Bay developed around the safest and deepest natural harbour in thecountry. The busy town is the industrial hub of the area and has several seafood-processing173