Somerset WestLies between the foot of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains and False Bay. It is one of the very few towns in the world that is blessed with the best of everything.
It has the mountains, the sea, the vineyards and a village atmosphere.
Somerset West is 48 Kilometers from the center of Cape Town, and
many of the residents commute into the City daily. Even so, the
Industry in this Town has grown by leaps and bounds within the past
10 years.
This region was first visited by Europeans in 1657. The
Hottentots clan, residents in the area at that time, allowed their
livestock to graze in the area alongside the Lourens River.
This
river runs it's short journey from the Hottentots-Holland Mountains to the sea, and along this river, blossomed the little town of Somerset West. Golf
Somerset West boasts two championship Golf Courses, one of which is Erinvale, which hosted the 1996 World Cup and then, there are another two other courses within a ten minute drive from the Town. This excludes the numerous other golf courses available, 30 minutes away, in Cape Town. Water Sport
There are all types of water sport available, and the warm Indian
Ocean lends itself to Surf Skiing, Board sailing, Surfing, Diving and Snorkeling. And with it's white sandy beaches, and warm African sun, just simple relaxation. For the residents of this magnificent
area, it is like living in paradise. Other Sports
Like most South Africans, the people of the Hottentots-Holland
Basin love their outdoor activity, and make the most of the
favourable outdoor climate or the area. Other Activities
Somerset West boasts a host of cultural and business
activities. These include for the Theater lover The
Playhouse and for the Craft lover, the Town has been a fore
runner in the Craft Market Industry and has in the Summer
and Spring Months their exceptionally well attended Craft
Market.
Somerset West is also well known for their beautiful Christmas lights during the festive season. The main road is alight with all the
colours of the rainbow, and is closed off to traffic for most of
December (in the evening) with the Strawberry Fair. The
street becomes a hive of informal business activity which
comprises of business-and-craft stalls which line the Main
road.
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