COMPARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ATTRACTIONS: MODULE 3 PROVINCE AND ITS UNIQUE FEATURES

THE CAPETOWN METROPOLITIAN AREA VICORIA AND ALFRED WATERFRONT  Is situated on the Atlantic shore, Harbour, the City of and . It has both residential and commercial estate.  Is an iconic mixed- use destination located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere that offers upmarket shopping malls, arts and crafts markets, theatres and live music, museums and an oceanarium.  Tourists visiting the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront can do plenty of shopping and also do fishing.  Major attractions in the city include the Bo- Kaap Museum; the ; the Museum and the Ratanga Junction theme park, the Houses of Parliament; the Southern Flagship Institute and the South African National Gallery.  Is an island in Table Bay west of the coast of , Cape Town. The island has a significant place in the history of the liberation struggle, because former president Nelson Mandela and other political activists were imprisoned there.  In the year 1999 the island was declared a World Heritage Site for its importance to ’s political history. The name of the island comes from the Dutch word “robben” meaning seals.  Visitors to the Cape take the Ferry from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for conducted tours on the island and its former prison. TABLE MOUNTAIN  Is a flat topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the , it forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.  Tourists usually ride on a cable car in order to reach the top of the mountain, they can also see the large array of mostly endemic fauna and flora. Tourists can also hike on the mountain trails; they can also do rock climbing; mountain biking and caving.

KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN  Is situated in the suburb of Newlands, the garden is one of ten National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa’s different biomes and administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.  In summer, open- air concerts are held at the garden to entertain visitors. They can also see plants from a number of different regions.

RHODES MEMORIAL  Is situated in , on the slopes of Table Mountain. It is a memorial to English- born, South African politician Cecil John Rhodes.  It is a popular viewpoint and picnicking spot; it is also a starting point for walking and hiking.

CAPE PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK  Is now known as the Table Mountain National Park, it was proclaimed on 29th May 1998 for the purpose of protecting the natural environment of the Table Mountain Chain and the fynbos vegetation.  The Park is managed by South African National Parks, the property is included as part of the UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.  The Park has many drives; walks and picnic spots including a licensed restaurant where tourists could enjoy themselves.

HOUT BAY  Is a suburb of Cape Town, situated in a valley on the Atlantic seaboard of . The name can refer to the town, the bay on which it is situated or the entire valley.  There are a variety of restaurants in the village; tourists can also go fishing in the area; go on hiking trails or even do sail boats. NATURE RESERVE  Is located on the southern slopes of the Helderberg mountains, about 600 species of plant have been recorded on the reserve including wide range of Proteas.  The reserve hosts outdoor music concerts in the summer, and has a café; picnic area; gift shop; Environmental Education Centre and museum displays for tourists. A wide range of wildlife can also be seen by tourists at the reserve.

VERGELEGEN WINE FARM  Is a historic wine estate in in the Western Cape, the estate was settled in 1700 by an early Governor of the Cape, Willem Andriaan van der Stel.  Vergelegen’s Cape Dutch house, gardens and winery are open to visitors to the farm. Any visit includes a trip up the mountain to the winery plant and guided walks under the vast Camphor laurels.

HELDEBERG WINE ROUTE  Is a sub- route of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the Heldeberg route is only a 15 minutes’ drive from Cape Town’s airport and near the town of Somerset West.  Tourists to the location can go on wine tours; they can also explore the beauty of the area.

BIG BAY  Is located in Bloubergstrand on the West Coast of South Africa, it has clean beaches and great waves for tourists that love water activities. Big Bay is situated approximately 20 kilometres from Cape Town and the V& A Waterfront.  Tourists to the area can be part of the annually held windsurfing events, whilst others are swimming.

GARDEN ROUTE OUTENIQUA CHOO – TJOE  Departs from George; is an old-fashioned steam train, was the last remaining continually-operated passenger steam train in South Africa ending operation in June 2009.  It was declared an officially preserved railway in 1992; carrying about 40 000 passengers per year at the time.  It was declared the Heritage Railway that while there is ongoing discussion between Transnet and a private enterprise called “Classic Rail”.

MONTAGU PASS  It is situated in the Western Cape on the unsigned road between Herold and George; it was named after John Montagu, Colonial Secretary of the Cape in the 1840s.  Tourists can go on hiking; mountain biking and leisure trails on the Montagu Pass.

LANGVLEI AND RONDEVLEI  They form part of the Touw River that connects the three lakes Eilandvlei; Langvlei and Rondevlei which host a variety of aquatic species and have been designated as a Ramsar site(wetlands of international importance).  Tourists can go do bird- watching and other water related activities.

WILDERNESS NATIONAL PARK  Is located around the seaside town of Wilderness between the larger towns of George and Knysna, in the Western Cape.  It is a protected area of South Africa forming part of the Garden Route National Park.  Sports within the Park includes canoeing; bicycling; abseiling; kloofing; paragliding; boating; fishing and hiking for tourists.

KNYSNA  Is a town situated in the Western Cape, and is part of the Garden Route it is 55 km east from the city of George on the highway.  Tourists visiting this area can go hiking; biking; horse-riding; scenic drives; picnic spots and abundant fauna and flora. TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK  Is a protected area on the Garden Route, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. It is a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline and the Otter Trail.  Tourists visiting the Park can go on scenic walks and trails; including the world- famous Otter Trail. BLOUKRANS RIVER BRIDGE  Is an arch bridge located near Nature’s Valley, Western Cape. It was constructed by Concor between February 1980 and June 1983; the bridge stands at a height of 216m above the Bloukrans River.  Is the site of the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jumping; tourists to the Bloukrans River Bridge can do bungee jumping. GORGE  It flows from the confluence of the Gamka River and Olifants River and is joined by the Groot River; before flowing through the Langeberg Mountains and coastal plan.  Tourists visiting this area can do bungee jumping and fishing. MOSSEL BAY  Is a harbour city on the Southern Cape of South Africa. It is in an important tourism and farming region of the Western Cape Province. It is situated exactly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.  Tourists can go surfing and watch the whales and dolphins. MOSSGAS INFORMATION CENTRE  The harbour at Mossel Bay is one of the most modern commercial and recreational harbours on the southern Cape coastline.  Visitors to the Mossgas Information Centre can find out how synthetic fuels are produced from offshore gas deposits. KEURBOOMS RIVER NATURE RESERVE  Is named after the Western keurboom tree; the reserve is a sanctuary for indigenous trees including the Cape beech; glant stinkwoods and the beautiful Outeniqua yellowwoods.  Tourists can do the following activities angling; swimming; picnicking; kayaking and canoeing; boating and bird-watching. ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE  Situated 8km south of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route; it is a treasure-trove of marine, geological and archaeological marvels.  Tourists can do hiking trails in this area as it is one of the most popular and well known trails in the area and one of the most scenic.

WINELANDS MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE  Or dry summer climate is characterized by dry summers and mild; wet winters. The climate received its name from the Mediterranean Basin; where this climate type is common.  The resulting vegetation of Mediterranean climates are garrigue in the Mediterranean Basin; the fynbos in South Africa and the chaparall in California. WINE ESTATES  The most popular way to discover the joys of is on a day trip from Cape Town.  Tourists can go on wine tours an also do wine tasting.

SOME WELL-KNOWN WINELANDS TOWNS HUGUENOT MONUMENT  Is situated in Franschhoek Western Cape, dedicated to the cultural influences the Huguenots have brought to the Cape Colony after their immigration during the 17th and 18th centuries.  On the site there are wine cellars joined by a colonnade that tourists to the destination can explore when they are visiting in and around the monument.

FRANSCHHOEK WINE ROUTE  Is a small town in the Western Cape and one of the oldest towns of the South Africa. Franschhoek’s original inhabitants are the Khoisan people.  Settlers from Dutch established farms and named them after the areas in France; these farms have grown into renowned wineries.  Visitors to this attraction can go on wine tours that are offered at the wine route. AFRIKAANSE TAALMONUMENT  Is located on a hill overlooking Paarl; Western Cape. Officially opened on the 10th October 1975; it commemorates the semicentenary of Afrikaans being declared an official language of South Africa.  Tourists to the attraction can learn about the Malay language; culture; way of living and the history that the museum has. PAARL WINE ROUTE  Is a city in the Western Cape, it is the third- oldest city and European settlement in South Africa and the largest town in the Cape Winelands.  Tourists visiting this area can go to the former headquarters of the wine industry in South Africa. STELLENBOSCH WINE ROUTE  Has its own municipality (incorporating the neighbouring towns of Pniel and Franschhoek) adjoining the metropolitan area of the City of Cape Town.

 The Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek valleys form the Cape Winelands; the larger of the two main wine growing regions in South Africa. The Stellenbosch Wine Route established in 1971 by Frans Malan from Simonsig, Spatz Sperling.  Tourists can visit the destination to experience a wide range of cultivators and walk in farms such as Warwick and JC Le Roux.

WELLINGTON WINE ROUTE  It is located 45 minutes away from Cape Town, it is one of the youngest wine routes in the Cape. And it is home of South Africa’s dried fruit industry.  Activities for tourists to indulge in include wine tours; safari drives; cultural tours; hiking; 4X4 routes etc. KLEIN KANNALAND  Is a town on the Western side of the Klein Karoo in the Western Cape and lies on South Africa’s Route 62.  It is renowned as a centre of the port wine industry in South Africa with several major wine estates.  Calitzdorp is a haven for enthusiasts of fishing; bird- watching; 4X4 and other scenic routes; horse riding and wine tasting. De RUST  Is a small village at the gateway to the Klein Karoo, it is located at the foot of the Mountain range between and .  This area is also known for ostrich farming; of which tourists can see when they are visiting the town. GAMKA MOUNTAIN RESERVE  It was established in 1974 to conserve a small, remnant herd of endangered Cape mountain zebra, the reserve is now a world heritage site.  Tourists can spot the rare and endangered Cape mountain zebra including other wildlife; go on picnics; rock climbing; swimming etc. MEIRINGSPOORT GORGE  Is a South African mountain pass on the N12 national road, where it crosses the Swartberg mountain range.  Halfway through this gorge is a beautiful 69m high waterfall that nature lovers would like to see when visiting in and around the area. Drives on the pass are done by tourists; hiking trails and mountain hiking.

OUDTSHOORN  Is the world’s ostrich capital and the region’s main town. It is located between the Swartberg mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south.  Approximately 26km from Oudtshoorn lie the remarkable Cango Caves with a series of thirty spectacular subterranean limestone carvens.  Visitors to the destination may attend the Little Karoo National Arts Festival, go on a wine tour; visit museums; monuments and memorials.

CENTRAL KAROO REGION KAROO NATIONAL PARK  Is a wildlife reserve in the Great Karoo area of the Western Cape near Beaufort West, founded in 1979.  Tourists to the area may camp; dine at the restaurants within the park; take souvenirs with from the curio shops; go on guided tours; see the wildlife on the park and on picnics. MATJIESFONTEIN  Is a settlement in the Central Karoo in the Western Cape, it has also been restored to its Victorian splendour and it is now a national monument.  Visitors can go to the Victorian spa and get pampered. They can also visit the monument.

WEST COAST LANGEBAAN  Is town in the Western Cape situated on the eastern shore of the Langebaan Lagoon. It is a designated Ramsar wetland from the year 1988.  It is also a popular holiday destination for tourists that would like to do bird- watching; sailing; kayaking; kitesurfing; fishing and they can spot Whales in October and November.

THE WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK  Is located north of Cape Town in the Western Cape, it is an internationally renowned wetland. The Langebaan Lagoon forms part of the Park.  Tourists to the area can observe wildlife such as the bontebok; kudu; Cape grey mongoose; bat- eared fox and the others. Tourists can also see wildflowers in the region.

CAPE COLUMBINE  Is well known for its lighthouse, which is the last manned lighthouse built on the South African coast.  Visitors to the Cape columbine can have a closer look of the lighthouse and go fishing 5 km away.

SALDANHA BAY  Is a natural harbour on the south western coast of South Africa. Saldanha Bay’s location makes it a paradise for water- sport enthusiasts.  Canoeing; bicycling; abseiling; kloofing; paragliding; boating; fishing can be done by tourists in that region.

WEST COAST FOSSIL PARK  It is situated 110km north of Cape Town, the fossil sites of Langebaanweg have exceptionally well- preserved remains of fossil fauna dating back to 5.2 million years ago.  Visitors to the Park can learn about the animals that lived in the Western Cape 5 million years ago; climatic changes in and around the region since that time and so forth.

LAMBERTS BAY  Is a small fishing town in the Western Cape situated north of Cape Town. With Bird Island as a tourist attraction.  The coast town has been proclaimed “The Diamond of the West Coast” because of its white beaches and lobsters.  Tourists to the area can have walks along the beach; do fishing; water- skiing etc. They can also see jackass penguins and Cape cormorants including other sea birds

YZERFONTEIN  It is known for its historic lime furnaces where local limestone was burnt to produce lime for whitewash and for agricultural purposes.  Tourists can go to the beautiful beaches; take walks; swim and do other water related activities. The can also watch whales and enjoy the spectacular views of the beaches. DARLING  Is a small town in a farming area on the west coast region of the Western Cape, approximately 75km from Cape Town.  Tourists visiting the region can go to the annual flower exhibition; go to the Evita se Perron to dine and enjoy comedy shows. There are also music festivals for visitors.

OLIFANTS RIVER VALLEY CITRUSDAL MUSEUM  Is housed in a former old stone church; the citrus area in Olifants River Valley is the third largest in South Africa with wine route from Citrusdal to Lutzville boasts a selection of internationally acclaimed wines.  Tourists visiting this area will discover more about the first colonists and San inhabitants. CEDARBERG WILDERNESS AREA  The Cederberg mountains are located near Clanwillam, approximately 300 km north of Cape Town; the mountain range is named after the endangered Clanwillam cedar.  Tourist visiting the area can go hiking; mountain biking; rock climbing and also view the San rock art.

SWARTLAND REGION  The Swartland is best known for its wheat production, interspersed with vineyards which produce high-quality wines.

RIEBEEK VALLEY  Is one of the oldest towns in South Africa; situated at 80km north-east of Cape Town in The Riebeek Valley together with its sister town Riebeek West.  The area has become a popular haven for well-known artists and is steeped in South African history. ELANDS BAY  Is a town in South Africa located in the Western Cape, on the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated about 220km north from Cape Town.  It is a world class location for tourists who love surfing and it is also popular for its caves where tourists can view a variety of rock paintings.

THE OVERBERG REGION PENGUIN RESERVE  It is also known as the Stony Point Nature Reserve and it is located in the coastal town of Betty’s Bay, Approximately 90km from Cape Town.  Tourists to the destination may get to see a wide range of penguins as the area is one of two populous breeding colonies on the African continent for the jackass penguin.

HERMANUS  Is a town on the southern coast of the Western Cape, well- known for the best land- based whale- watching in the world.  Visitors to Hermanus can visit the Old Harbour Museum and learn more about the Whaling industry including the history of Hermanus.

De HOOP NATURE RESRVE  It lies three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg region near Cape Agulhas, it is one of the components of the “Cape Floral Region Protected Areas”.  The reserve includes a Ramsar wetland named De Hoop Vlei.  Tourists to the reserve can see the wildlife in the reserve; do water- sports on the wetland and also do bird- watching.

BONTEBOK NATIONAL PARK  The Park is located 6km south of Swellendam in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, it was established in 1931 to preserve the Bontebok.  Tourists can go on game drives; do mountain biking; mountain climbing; kayaking; fishing; go on hiking trails or take walks in the Park.

CALEDON  It is situated on the N2 national route, 113km by road from central Cape Town. It is famous for its natural mineral waters and hot springs.  Tourists visiting the area can attend the wild flower shows; go to the Caledon museum and even visit the Caledon Spa.

HOUWHOEK PASS  It is a beautiful mountain pass on the N2 national road and Sir Lowry’s Pass offers spectacular view of , from Gordon’s Bay to .  Visitors can go on scenic drives along the pass; go on mountain hiking; mountain biking and leisure trails on the Houwhoek Pass. THE BREEDE RIVER VALLEY REGION CERES  Is the administrative centre and largest town of the Witzenberg Local Municipality in the Western Cape; Ceres serves as a regional centre for the surrounding towns.  Tourists can go on hiking trails; 4x4 routes; mountain biking trails and one can even ride in an old Bedford truck to the summit of the Matroosberg.

De DOORNS  Is a town in the Breede Valley Local Municipality, Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape. It takes its name from the farm “De Doorns boven aan de Hex Rivier”(the thorns on the upper Hex River) known as early 1725.  Tourists visiting the area can go to historical buildings; homesteads and San rock paintings. Adventurous tourists can go for a drive on the famous Hex River 4x4nRoute. MONTAGU  Is a town in the Western Cape about 180km from Cape Town in western little karoo. Montagu is near the Robertson Wine Valley; and is most easily reached via the Route62 scenic route.  Tourists visiting the area can go on hiking trails; 4x4 routes; mountain biking and some of the best rock-climbing in the world. TULBAGH  It is named after Dutch Cape Colony Governor Ryk Tulbagh, it is a town located in the “Land van Waveren” mountain basin in the winelands of the Western Cape.  Tourists visiting the area can see the 32 national monuments on Church street, they can also go on various events held in this town.

ACTIVITY

You are required to do a mini research on the following tourist attractions:

 Bo- Kaap Museum  Castle of Good Hope   Ratanga Junction theme park  Houses of Parliament  Southern Flagship Institute and the South African National Gallery.