120 kms north-east of Cape Town, the West Coast National Park, dune territory, salt marshes and wetlands, covers 32,000 hectares. It includes the wonderful turquoise lagoon of Langebaan. It was recognized in 1985 as a nature and marine reserve, to protect its unique flora and fauna.
From September to April, it welcomes thousands of migratory birds, specialists believe it is the fourth most important ornithological refuge on the planet (flamingos, plovers, sand sanderlings, sandpipers, cormorants, gannets...).
n the flower season (August - September), the earth is covered with wild flowers forming a beautiful colourful carpet (white daisies and orange, pink, yellow and purple flowers of fynbos). This phenomenon can be observed as far north as Namaqualand. At this time, the park management allows visitors to access the wild section of Postberg.
The town of Langebaan, located above the lagoon, is a seaside resort popular with holidaymakers in the region. This is not where you will find unspoiled nature but homes and excellent fish restaurants... The lagoon is ideal for boating, windsurfing, canoeing, and some beautiful beaches punctuate the coast.
Paternoster is one of the last traditional villages of the west coast. Over the years, the life of the locals has changed little. People here live from the sea, fish snoek (cod) with colourful wooden boats, bring back lobsters they cook on the barbecue 'Kreef Braai' and sell mobiles made of shells to holidaymakers. Paternoster is often thought of as a small village in Greece with long white sand beaches and typical houses with whitewashed walls and wooden shutters. This sweetness of life and this remote rurality are perhaps the reasons that made the place a destination 'in fashion'.
Including the southernmost point of the African continent and subject to the hot and cold currents of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Western Cape province is very different from the rest of the country. The many assets of the city and its region should seduce you: geographical setting, cosmopolitan atmosphere, gastronomy, world class wines, culture, history, temperate climate (Mediterranean), whales.
Advice:
- The period to visit Cape Town extends from October to May, however the best month is February with less frequentation and a summer time still almost guaranteed...
Note: avoid December if you can (peak tourist season)
- Allow at least 3 nights in Cape Town to enjoy the city, the beautiful peninsula and the Wine Route
- Combine Cape Town with the charming Garden Route (minimum 3 additional nights)
South Africa, the 'rainbow' nation.
South Africa is so diverse you feel like you are visiting several countries in one trip!
With grandiose and various landscapes (mountains, « bush », beaches, forests, plains, desert), a pleasant climate in all seasons, an abundant and diversified fauna and flora including the “Big Five”, a population with the most composite ethnic groups, South Africa accumulates important natural wealth. Also note among its assets: quality of the hotel sector, services, road network, means of transport, rich and varied gastronomy, excellent wines, favourable exchange rates, 21 national parks and many private reserves, a multitude of activity throughout the country…
When to go?
South Africa has this peculiarity of presenting a wide variety of climates: Mediterranean, subtropical or temperate depending on the region with a high rate of sunshine everywhere (watch out for sunburn!)
South Africa can be visited all year round with more favourable periods depending on interests:
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June, July and August (South African winter) for animals and therefore preferably the North of the country.
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September and October: best times for flowers (Namaqualand) but very good for game drives as well.
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From November to March (South African summer): best time to enjoy the South and East of the country, beaches of the Cape and the Indian Ocean. The Garden Route is particularly appreciated in February: the weather is nice; the temperature of the water is pleasant.
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April and May: very pleasant autumn with always nice days in Cape Town and the resumption of the animal season.
Formalities:
The passport must include two blank pages and still be valid for 30 days after the expected date of exit from South Africa.
French nationals are exempted from prior visas. A 90-day residence permit will be issued at the border on entry into South African territory.
For other nationalities, inquire on a case-by-case basis with the competent authorities of their country of origin.
For any minor child: a multilingual extract of birth certificate (or an unabridged birth certificate translated into English - certified translation) is required to enter and leave South Africa (in the case of a child traveling with his 2 parents). Please consult the official sites for more information about all the requested documents according to your case.
Health:
No vaccinations are required for entry into South Africa. However, it is advisable to check the updating of your usual reminders and vaccinations as for any country.
Anti-malarial treatment is recommended (see your doctor).
Currency:
The Rand is the official currency of South Africa (symbol: ZAR). Credit cards are accepted everywhere and distributors are easily available for cash withdrawal. Travellers’ checks in euros are also accepted in banks and some hotels.