Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

VREDENDALThe modern town of Vredendal is the economic centre of the Lower Olifant’s River Valley andlies 50 km from the sea. Vegetable farming and wine-making are the main economic activitiesof the region. The wild flowers offer added attraction from July to September and the irrigationscheme of the valley attracts many agritourists.CUISINEOlifants River Wine Route: Vredendal is part of the wine route and boasts five wine cellars:Spruitdrift Wine Cellar, KWV Distillery, Namaqualand Wine Cellar, Stouman’s Private Cellarand Vredendal Wine Cellar.FAUNA AND FLORAMatzikamma Eco-Park: The park is the best place to view the wide variety of fauna and floraof the area.WUPPERTHALWupperthal is rich in culture and history and started life as a Moravian Mission Station. Thelocal economic activities have a long history and are still centred around the shoe and glovefactories and agriculture, where farmers reap their grain with sickles and donkey-carts stillthresh the grain.ADVENTURE AND SPORTHiking, mountain-biking and 4x4 routes: These are some of the outdoor activities offered inthe area.YZERFONTEINThe lovely white beaches, flourishing fynbos and pleasant weather conditions attract manyvisitors to this small coastal village. Yzerfontein also affords beautiful views of Table Mountainto the south and Dassen Island to the north. The unspoilt coastline includes the famousSixteen-mile-Beach.ADVENTURE AND SPORTSixteen-mile-Beach: The beach is a popular spot among swimmers, surfers, anglers andwind-surfers.FAUNA AND FLORABird Watching: The area offers spectacular bird-watching opportunities. This ecotourismorientateddestination includes the wild flowers that bloom mainly from July to September.Dassen Island: This, the largest island off the West Coast is 4,5 km long and 2 km wide.The island also boasts a lighthouse and is home to many species of birds, penguins andmammals.Whales: The shores have several lookout points from which visiting whales can be watchedfrom June to December.178