A very popular stopping point for visitors is the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

These little sea-birds and their strange mannerisms can keep you entertained for hours. Their awkwardness on land is more than compensated for when they hit the water. Adept and fast swimmers, make them excellent at catching fish, their staple diet. Their donkey-like call, is the reason they were formerly known as Jackass penguins.

If you catch the Overberg at the right time of the year, the undulating fields of new wheat and flowering canola in these farmlands offer visitors a vivid colour palette.

The vibrant green and yellow contrast is also a fitting reminder that you are in South Africa, as these are the same colours worn by  our National sporting teams.

The area is often referred to as the breadbasket of South Africa.

The botanical gardens are a celebration of the diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Although it may be the smallest of the planet’s six plant kingdoms, it is nevertheless home to 9000 species, of which roughly 6000 are unique to the area. Known locally as “Fynbos”, these include the King Protea which is South Africa’s national flower, Ericas and Restios. A new inclusion is the “Boomslang” walkway, which gives visitors an elevated view of the gardens. The colours in spring are spectacular.

One of the many sights of great natural beauty in the Garden Route area, the Heads guard the entrance to Knysna lagoon and town.

It creates a natural division between the calmness of the lagoon and the fury of the Indian Ocean.

It is estimated that the amount of water that flows in and out of the lagoon with the daily tides, is equivalent to the same volume of water that flows over Niagara falls in a year. This area offers visitors with many diverse activities.

Ostriches in the Oudtshoorn area on Route 62 have evolved over the years. Initially their highly prized feathers were used in the early 1900’s as fashion accessories, but now they are farmed for their meat and eggs.

One ostrich egg is the equivalent in volume to 24 chicken eggs.

A visit to an Ostrich farm is a must when in the area. You might even see an ostrich race.

Springtime on the West Coast is when the true floral diversity of the area can be witnessed.

The semi – desert scrubland is replaced by an explosion of colour that is absolutely breath-taking. A mixture of daisies, vygies and gazanias are some of the species that bloom in September, transforming the area.

There are also many guest houses in the small towns and on farms to house the many visitors.

The many courses available in Cape Town, the Overberg and the Garden Route are a must for any golfer. The course variety coupled with favourable weather all year round, provide opportunities for a rich golfing experience.

A keen golfer myself, I am a member at the Westlake golf club in Cape Town, which recently hosted the SA ladies open, and should certainly be on everyone’s playing list.

I can design an itinerary to suit all needs which would include some sightseeing on days off the course.