Cape Floristic Region Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Unesco • National park

Facts and practical information

The Cape Floristic Region, located in the Western Cape region of South Africa, is a true paradise for nature lovers. This stunning area is known for its incredible biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and unique floral kingdom. From majestic mountains to pristine beaches, the Cape Floristic Region offers a wide range of attractions that will captivate every visitor.

One of the highlights of this region is Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain that dominates the skyline of Cape Town. A ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway will take you to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline. For the more adventurous, hiking to the summit is a popular option, offering unforgettable vistas along the way.

Another must-visit destination in the Cape Floristic Region is the Cape of Good Hope. This iconic landmark is the southwesternmost point of the African continent and marks the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The rugged cliffs, sweeping vistas, and diverse wildlife make this area a true natural wonder. Take a leisurely hike along the scenic trails or explore the numerous viewpoints for a truly memorable experience.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a must-see. This world-renowned garden is home to an incredible variety of indigenous plant species, including the famous Protea, South Africa's national flower. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, visit the treetop canopy walkway, or enjoy a picnic on the lush lawns while admiring the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain.

The Cape Floristic Region is also a paradise for wine enthusiasts. The Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine regions, located just outside Cape Town, are renowned for their world-class vineyards and award-winning wines. Embark on a wine tour and indulge in tastings at some of the region's most prestigious estates, while soaking in the scenic beauty of the rolling vineyards and majestic mountains.

Local name: Kaapse floraryk Unesco: from 2004Area: 30330.2 mi²Elevation: 886 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°10'0"S, 18°22'30"E

Location

Western CapeSouth Africa

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Cape Floristic Region Top Attractions

Cape Floristic Region Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cape Floristic Region offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve, Kouga Dam, Houwhoek Pass. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Protected area
De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It lies three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg region, near Cape Agulhas, the southern tip of Africa.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve
The Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve is located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa approximately 40 km east of Cape Town.
Dam
Kouga Dam
The Kouga Dam is an arch dam on the Kouga River about 21 km west of Patensie in Kouga Local Municipality, South Africa. It supplies irrigation water to the Kouga and Gamtoos valleys as well as drinking water to the Port Elizabeth metropolitan area via the Loerie Balancing Dam.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain pass
Houwhoek Pass
Houwhoek Pass is a pass on the N2 national road between Grabouw and Botrivier in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The pass is a dual carriageway and the summit is at 340m above sea level.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Cederberg
The Cederberg mountains are located near Clanwilliam, approximately 300 km north of Cape Town, South Africa at about 32°30′S 19°0′E. The mountain range is named after the endangered Clanwilliam cedar, which is a tree endemic to the area. The mountains are noted for dramatic rock formations and San rock art.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Du Toits Peak
The Du Toitskloof Mountains are a range in the Cape Fold Belt in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The highest point is Du Toits Peak which is the highest seaward facing peak in the Cape Fold Belt ranges, i.e. the highest peak in the Western Cape within direct sight of the ocean.
Nature • Natural attraction • Valley
Gamkaskloof
The Gamkaskloof, also known as Die Hel, is a narrow, isolated valley about 20 kilometres long and a maximum of 600 metres wide.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Kogelberg Nature Reserve is a nature reserve of 3,000 ha comprising the Kogelberg Mountain Range, to the east of Cape Town, South Africa.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Boosmansbos Wilderness Area
The Boosmansbos Wilderness Area of 142 km² is situated 20 km north of Heidelberg in the eastern Langeberg mountain chain of the Western Cape Province, South Africa.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain pass
Swartberg Pass
The Swartberg Pass on the R328 runs over the Swartberg mountain range which runs roughly east–west along the northern edge of the semi-arid area called the Little Karoo in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It's the only road access to Gamkaskloof.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Swartberg
The Swartberg mountains are a mountain range in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is composed of two main mountain chains running roughly east–west along the northern edge of the semi-arid Little Karoo. To the north of the range lies the other large semi-arid area in South Africa, the Great Karoo.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain pass
Meiringspoort
Meiringspoort is a South African mountain pass on the N12 national road, where it crosses the Swartberg mountain range.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Stellenbosch Mountain
Stellenbosch Mountain is a mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain pass
Du Toitskloof Pass
Du Toitskloof Pass is situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa, on the regional route R101 between Paarl and Worcester.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Kogelberg
The Kogelberg is a range of mountains along the False Bay coast in the Western Cape of South Africa. They form part of the Cape Fold Belt, starting south of the Elgin valley and forming a steep coastal range as far as Kleinmond.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Hottentots Holland Mountains
The Hottentots Holland Mountains are part of the Cape Fold Belt in the Western Cape, South Africa. The mountain range forms a barrier between the Cape Town metropolitan area and the southern Overberg coast.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Groenland mountains
The Groenland is a small mountain range in the Western Cape, South Africa, and forms part of the Cape Fold Belt.
Dam
Rockview Dam
Rockview Dam is a zoned earth-fill/rock-fill type dam located on the Palmiet River near Grabouw, Western Cape, South Africa. It was established in 1986 and serves mainly for pumping purposes. The hazard potential of the dam has been ranked high.
Dam
Gamkapoort Dam
Gamkapoort Dam is a gravity type dam located on the Gamka River, near Prince Albert, Western Cape, South Africa. It was established in 1969 and its primary purpose is for flood control.

Day trips

Cape Floristic Region – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cape Floristic Region, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Table Mountain (Table Mountain National Park), Adderley Street (Cape Town), Maximum Security Prison (Cape Town).

14 milesN
Natural attraction, Cliff
Table Mountain, Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain, a prominent landmark towering over the city of Cape Town, South Africa, is a natural wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. This flat-topped mountain is not only a significant tourist attraction but also a symbol of the city, often featured...
17 milesN
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Adderley Street, Cape Town
Adderley Street, situated in the bustling city of Cape Town, South Africa, stands as a vibrant shopping district that offers an eclectic mix of retail experiences for both locals and tourists alike. Known for its historical significance and central location, this...
25 milesN
Museum, History museum
Maximum Security Prison, Cape Town
The Maximum Security Prison on Robben Island, located off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, is a stark reminder of the country's turbulent past. This former penitentiary, now a World Heritage Site, is most famously known as the place where Nelson Mandela, along...
17 milesN
Displays on local Islamic culture
Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
Nestled at the foot of Signal Hill in Cape Town, South Africa, the Bo-Kaap is a vibrant and historic area renowned for its colorful homes and cobbled streets. This iconic neighborhood, also known as the Malay Quarter, is a living museum reflecting the rich cultural...
18 milesN
Up-close encounters with marine life
Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town
Nestled in the heart of Cape Town's bustling waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is a vibrant marine life sanctuary that offers a window into the majestic underwater worlds of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. As a premier attraction in South Africa's Mother City, this...