
We’re helping one of our clients today with a Christmas stay in the Western Cape – even though it’s only July, Cape Town itself gets seriously busy and expensive over Christmas and New Year, so we’ve suggested some out-of-town ideas for him and his partner.
Over Christmas, staying outside the city but somewhere hiking friendly would make a lot of sense. You might like to consider the small town of Darling, which is about 60 minutes north of Cape Town, with the coastline 30 minutes to the west (if you wanted a day at the beach), the West Coast National Park and the Cederburg mountains about 45 minutes to the east (for hiking). It’s got all the amenities you’d want from a small town and happens to be right in the centre of the desert flowering area (and you may still in late December catch the spring flowers) which are a marvel.
Another option might be to look at the towns of Grabouw and Caledon with the surrounding villages in Elgin. This would give you access to some of the excellent hiking in the Overberg region (such as the Kogelberg Biosphere and De Hoop Nature Reserve as well as Walker Bay) and the less crowded coastlines of that region. This region starts about 45 minutes outside Cape Town but feels like a world away.
So if you’re struggling to find decent and affordable options for December this year in the Western Cape, don’t be put off! Give us a call and we’ll make some suggestions.
Images: drivesouthafrica.org, capenature.org