Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Nama-Karoo: As you travel through the Nama-Karoo, stop for a while and reflect on the factthat this landscape is over 650 million years old.OTHER ATTRACTIONSObservatory: The open-air observatory at Vanrhynsdorp offers spectacular star-gazingopportunities.VELDDRIF (including Laaiplek, Noordhoek, Port Owen & Dwarskersbos)Velddrif is a pleasant resort town at the marshymouth of the Berg River, and is popular withanglers and bird enthusiasts. Its gorgeous beachesare situated along St Helena Bay and form part ofthe MTN Whale Route.ADVENTURE AND SPORTWater-sport: Many anglers have made Velddriftheir annual retreat from the rat race. There arealso many other different water activities, such ascanoeing and boat trips.CUISINEBokkem Factories: A visit to one of the bokkem factories will enable visitors to see how thisWest Coast delicacy is processed. The factories also sell this small dried salted fish to visitorsdirectly.FAUNA AND FLORARocher Pan Nature Reserve: The Rocher Pan Nature Reserve is primarily a bird sanctuary.The pan teems with migrant wading birds, of which the pink flamingo is the most spectacular.Whales: The beaches in the area are a popular viewing spot during the whale season (Juneto November).VREDENBURGVredenburg is the business centre of the West Coast where many inhabitants from smallertowns come for shopping and administrative services. The spring around which this towngrew was originally called Twisfontein (“Fountain of Strife”) and Prosesfontein (“LawsuitFountain”) as a result of the squabbles between two farmers who both laid claim to it. In 1875,when the town was established around the spring, it was named Vredenburg (“Town ofPeace”).ADVENTURE AND SPORTRiding Resort: Visitors can go on exploratory horse trails in the veld or along the coast.ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGYWest Coast Fossil Park: The park covers a huge land area, some of which has been a richsource of animal fossil remains.177