Destination overview

The Western Cape province is one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions, attracting the majority of foreign tourists. It is an area of majestic mountains, colourful patchworks of farmland set in gorgeous valleys, long beaches and, further inland, the wide-open landscape of the semi-desert South African Karoo.

The two oceans meet on the coast of the Western Cape: the cold Atlantic Ocean in the west, while the warmer Indian Ocean lies on the southern coast of Africa. The plankton-rich cold Benguela current flows along the west coast and is considered to be one of the world’s richest fishing grounds.

A mixture of diverse cultural backgrounds gives the Western Cape a cosmopolitan atmosphere, creating a demographic profile quite different from the national pattern of South Africa. Centuries of trade and immigration have created a population with genetic and linguistic links to different parts of Europe, southeast Asia, India and Africa. Afrikaans is spoken by the majority, with isiXhosa and English being the other main languages.

The Western Cape's unmatched natural beauty, cultural diversity, excellent wine and rich cuisine make it one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions. Perched between the ocean and the mountain, and with a national park as its heart Table Mountain Nature Reserve, Cape Town is a wonderful city not to be missed. Among its attractions are climbing, surfing and diving along with vibrant nightlife, excellent wine and endless shopping.