Western Cape Franschhoek — Photo take in Franschhoek by Anika De Klerk on Unsplash - *Thank you Anika, Beautiful Photo!*

You'll probably come to the Western Cape with a plan, accommodation booked, places to see, routes mapped out, restaurants booked. That's fine.

But the Western Cape has a way of slowing you down whether you've planned for it, or not.

Literally and figuratively, because the traffic enforcement in the Western Cape is very active and highly visible, and cameras are usually ready, and in working order.

Having said that; the Western Cape will slow you down in ways you didn't account for, I mean, you will stop and take pictures...

Whether you live in Cape Town, or just here for the weekend. There's always something new going on. Another sunset...? Well, I bet you haven't seen it that way before.

If you are a travel influencer, the Western Cape is just the place for you.

Slowing down is also in small things like:

The bit of an extra wait for your coffee at an obscure farm stall
The gravel road that tempts you off the highway
The views that make you forget what time lunch was planned, and then some

Out here, your itinerary isn't a checklist. It's only a suggestion. Plan as you may, the Western Cape has a surprise for you.

That Pause Between Destinations

You might be heading for wine country, the beach, a town on the beach or a cabin in the mountains; but it's the moments in between that will slow you down.

A roadside stall selling nothing you need but everything you have always wanted
A sign pointing to a view, a waterfall or a bakery... you will follow it... just to see
A drive that should take two hours takes four, and somehow that feels right

Oh, so you want me to prove it to you? Okay. Here are a few pics taken in Cape Town.

Devils Peak peaking through the clouds — Photo by Thomas Bennie on Unsplash

Five beautiful pics taken in Cape Town, which is only part of the Western Cape. I'm not sure you understand...

Devils Peak peaking through the clouds by Thomas Bannie
Tim himself, pausing to snap some bangers
Photo of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay by Stephan
Someone Hiking Kasteelspoort on Table Mountain, perched on a cliff, by M Venter
A Cave in the Cape Peninsula by Stephan

There's also this beautiful view from Maiden's Cove... Scan around, see for yourself.

Here's a photo of Chapman's Peak Drive

Small Towns Were Created for Taking Your Time

If I haven't convinced you yet... I stand by my point, the Western Cape does not do "fast". A few areas in Cape Town sure is, but you'll need money, and 'dem things made out of steel.

In places like McGregor, Prince Albert and Riebeek-Kasteel, you quickly realise: no one's trying to impress you. The charm isn't curated, it's in the welcoming tone and smile of the people. Locals wave. Shops close early. Lunch can take an entire afternoon, and they have sooo many stories to share.

Don't forget about the Garden Route

With beautiful places like Mossel Bay, Wilderness, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay (in that order, if you take the N2 from Cape Town), you might forget about those smaller places, like Sedgefield and Herolds Bay that totally deserves your attention.

I took these two pics with my phone, but thought I should share. Enjoy!

Powered Hang Glider over Myoli Beach in Sedgefield, Photo taken by Anton for StayHere

Leaving George Early Morning, Photo taken by Anton for StayHere

What I've Learned is to Let the Place Set the Pace

You don't have to toss your itinerary. But leave space in it. Skip the back-to-back bookings. Stay more nights. Walk the extra block. Order another glass of wine. Take the long road home.

Because the Western Cape doesn't reward the rushed. It's the ones who slow down that get the best of it.

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