Cape Helderberg Destinations & Attractions
"Helderberg" means "clear mountain" and, when paying a visit to this exquisite part of the Western Cape, there is no confusion as to where it got its name. This is one of the world’s most significant wine-producing areas, and is home to the Stellenbosch Wine Route and the Helderberg Wine Route (part of the greater Stellenbosch route). As such, it is an extremely popular destination among international tourists and is, therefore, well equipped to handle large groups of visitors at any given time.
The Helderberg Mountains reach an impressive height of 1 137 metres, and offer fabulous hiking, walking, cycling and photographing opportunities. These magnificent mountains are awe-inspiring as they expose the sheer magnitude of Mother Nature's power.
Somerset West is part of the Helderberg region, and is a popular place to stay for those that want to experience Cape Town without staying in the heart of the activity. It is about 30 minutes’ drive from the City Bowl, but remains historical and charming. It is surrounded by exquisite views of mountains and ocean, and is home to a fair number of its own esteemed wine estates (including the awesome Vergelegen).
The Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest wine route in the country and comprises more than 200 official members. The Helderberg Wine Route falls under the Stellenbosch umbrella. The wine farms are made up of a variety of relatively obscure labels that have lovingly been produced by hand to global classics that are known for their fabulous varieties. Formal wine tours can be arranged, or visitors can simply follow the route and pop in wherever they please. Cellar tours and tastings are a must if you are to experience the full delight of the Winelands.
Due to the biodiversity and natural beauty of the area, it is no wonder that there are some spectacular reserves to be found here. The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve covers 70 000 hectares and is home to about 1 300 plant species and a huge variety of faunal species, including leopard. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve covers an impressive 100 000 hectares and boasts 77 plant species that occur within this reserve alone, and nowhere else on the planet.
There are a number of beaches situated along the Cape Helderberg coastline. These invite families and those that want to indulge in some warm South African sunshine to spend long, lazy days splashing about in the cold waters and warming up on the soft, white sands. These beaches include Gordon's Bay, Cool Bay, Strand and Bikini Beach.
