What to do and see in Stanford, Western Cape: The Best Outdoor Activities

A birds eye view of undisturbed whales completely unaware of human presence. Mothers and calves, mating groups, whales breaching, Great White Sharks and dolphins from the comfort of our dedicated whale watching aircraft.Whale sightings guaranteed in season.Out of whale season we see sharks and dolphins on scenic flights along one of the most beautiful coastlines to the southern tip of Africa. All flights are private and exclusive.

Phillipskop Mountain Reserve protects 246ha of beautiful fynbos on the slopes of the Klein River Mountains. It is also home to Phillipskop Cave, an important local heritage site due to the presence of rock art - the only recorded rock art on the Cape Whale Coast. There are a range of hiking trails for all abilities leading to a small waterfall, the peak of Phillipskop itself, interesting rock formations, such as the David and Goliath Rock Stacks, as well as lots of magnificent views. The trails can be combined into longer circular routes. WATERFALL HIKING TRAIL (3.5km) An easy, more or less level, hike to a small waterfall with a popular picnic spot underneath a beautiful rock candlewood tree. This is also the route to take to access Phillipskop Cave. ROCK STACKS HIKING TRAIL (3km) A short climb up to admire the two rock stacks, David and Goliath, with great views on the way back across the fields of the Overberg. This trail is good to combine with the Waterfall Hiking Trail for a circular route. SADDLE HIKING TRAIL (4km) A chance to reach the highest parts of the reserve. Beautiful views from the Saddle into the hidden valley behind Phillipskop. You can go from here up to the peak itself or onto the ridge of the Klein River Mountains to look down on Tesselaarsdal.

I am Howard Kurt Owner of African Horse Company. African Horse Company is an eco-adventure company that offers outrides and overnight trails, ranging from one day to ten days. Based in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the terrain covers unspoiled white sandy beaches, fynbos and vineyard-covered mountain slopes that offer you a fauna and flora feast for the eyes, mind and soul.

This 15km hiking trail between Stanford and Tesselaarsdal allows you to follow in the footsteps of the famous Tesselaarsdal Barber. The hiking trail traverses the Klein River Mountains with its beautiful fynbos, rich in proteas, and spectacular views across the Overberg. The route can be started at Phillipskop Mountain Reserve or in Tesselaarsdal, and done as figure of eight or just one way.