Darling

The small village of Darling is situated on the Cape West Coast, 75 km north of Cape Town. Darling’s claim to fame is that it is the hometown of South African satirist, Pieter Dirk Uys, better know as his alter ego, Evita Bezuidenhoudt. The village has a real small town feel and is a popular getaway for Capetonians.

During spring (August, September) Darling is a very popular place to visit because of the abundance of wild flowers covering the fields surrounding the village. 'Evita se Perron' is a cabaret venue and restaurant with regular performances by Evita Bezuidenhout. It is housed in the old restored Darling station building. The name “Evita se Perron” is a play on words. (Perron is the Afrikaans for station platform.) Adjacent to 'Evita se Perron' is an arts and crafts market devoted to a grassroots project to address the problems of impoverished communities.

The farms in the Darling district produce wheat, grapes, peas, potatoes and wool (sheep farming). The village also boasts a textile factory, basket weaving and a clothing factory.

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Darling attractions

Riebeek-Kasteel

The town Riebeek-Kasteel is situated in the picturesque Riebeek Valley, approximately 80 km northwest of Cape Town. In 2009 it was voted one of the three most beautiful towns in the Western Cape. The attraction for tourists lies in the beauty and tranquility of the town and its surroundings.

Paternoster

Paternoster, a small fishing village situated on the West Coast, is a popular weekend destination for Capetonians. The name Paternoster refers to the “our Father” prayer of Portuguese sailors who were shipwrecked in the area. The town is famous for its abundance of crayfish, its traditional fisherman's architecture and endless pristine sandy beaches.

Saldanha Bay

The seaside village of Saldanha bay is situated on the northern end of Saldanha Bay on the Cape West Coast in South Africa. The Bay is the largest bay on the South African Coast and a centre for nature conservation and eco tourism.

Riebeek West

Riebeek West, situated in the beautiful scenic Riebeek Valley, is only an hours drive from Cape Town. It is the twin of Riebeek Kasteel, situated in the same valley. The charm of this village lies in the beauty of the valley, the impressive Riebeek Kasteel Mountain, the rolling hills and the play of vineyards and olive orchards.

Malmesbury

Malmesbury lies in the centre of the Swartland and is its biggest town. Most of the hills around town are covered in a blanket of golden wheat fields. Elsewhere there are vineyards and fields of canola. The town and surrounds offer various outdoor activities, as well as a wine-and-olive route.

Riebeek Valley

The Riebeek Valley lies at the foot of the Kasteelberg (‘Castle Mountain’), about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The Valley is covered in vineyards and olive groves, which support the twin towns of Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel. The Valley falls within the Swartland Region.