CAPE OVERBERG ROUTE

The southern coastline of the Western Cape is a delightful mix of cultures, attractions and unsurpassed natural splendour. There's no doubt that Africa's southernmost point is one of the world's most dramatic places. And it's a real traveler´s destination with ghosts - like the Flying Dutchman whose ship is condemned to spend eternity trying in vain to round the Cape - and tragedies - like the wreck of the Birkenhead on which the tradition of women and children first began. Fortunately, though, the journey by road is a lot less dangerous - in fact, the Coastal Route South East through the Cape's Overberg district is one of South Africa's most scenic and interesting drives.

From Cape Town, follow the N2 eastwards to Somerset West to look for disas and proteas at the Helderberg Nature Reserve, play golf in the shadow of the mountains or have a safe swim at the wide, flat beaches of The Strand. Drive along the beachfront to Gordon's Bay, stopping at the harbor for a cruise of False Bay. Clarence Drive - the road from Gordon's Bay via Rooi Els and Cape Hangklip to Betty's Bay - is a spectacular route with many viewpoints offering excellent sea and mountain gazing, and, in season (June to November), great whale watching.

Visit the African penguin colony at Betty's Bay or discover the fynbos (the macchia - the unique vegetation of the Cape) at the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden before continuing to the holiday and golf resorts around Kleinmond.

Drive via the fishing community of Hawston to Hermanus - which boasts the world's best land-based whale watching (and where else can you watch whales from the comfort of your hotel bed). Hermanus is the only town in the world that has a Whale Crier. He will make sure you do not miss any opportunity to see these gracious mammals.

Now the road turns inland again to the village of Stanford before returning to the coast at De Kelders and Gansbaai one of the best locations for cage diving in the world and beach based viewing great white sharks. Follow the R43 (gravel road) at Quoin Point and drive to Molshoop, turning right onto the R319 to Struisbaai - a holiday town with a 14 kilometer-long white sand beach.

And finally you'll pass through L'Agulhas and come to the Agulhas National Park - and Africa's southern tip. This is the official meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Visit the museum and climb the tower at Cape Agulhas Lighthouse before returning to Struis Baai. Now follow the R319 inland again to Bredasdorp to see the country's only shipwreck museum or to search for giant proteas on the slopes of Preekstoel Mountain.

Also, do not forget to visit the Kapula Candles gallery for a range of hand-made candles and home ware accessories. A 25-km detour will bring you back to the coast at Waenhuiskrans (Arniston), a restored, 200 year-old fishing village. Stop at De Mond Nature Reserve for beach walks, picnicking and birding before returning to Bredasdorp.

Return to Cape Town on the R316 via Napier and Caledon, or take the R317 to join with the Coastal Route East (N2 Garden Route) at Stormsvlei. Alternatively, take the R319 to join the Coastal Route East (N2 Garden Route), to travel east on the Garden Route.