The best way to explore the area is to hire a car to visit wineries, dairies, apple and pears orchards, coffee shops, fruit farms and undertake a huge array of activities. Expect top class places to eat, from superior farm stalls to gourmet restaurants on stunning wine estates.
The natural beauty of Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve lies right on Paarl’s doorstep.The picturesque landscape is dominated by native fynbos vegetation, a form of flowering heathland believed to contain one of the highest diversities of plant species in the world.View some of the 8500 species of plants found here, including proteas and ericas or catch a glimpse of some of the unique wildlife that the fynbos supports, such asbaboons, jackals and antelope.The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve offers many additional attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, including scenic walking trails, hiking, rock-climbing, abseilingand mountain-bike riding.
For some amazing birdwatching head to the Paarl Bird Sanctuary in the heart of Paarl. Forming part of the town’s water treatment plant, the 45 hectares of ponds attract over 140 species of bird. Look out for colourful Flamingos, African Jacanas, Green-backed Herons and many others.
For a relaxing afternoon, head to the Butterfly World Tropical Garden to see free-flying butterfly species from around the world or picnic at the Paarl Arboretum. Situated on 31 hectares on the banks of the Berg River, the arboretum boasts a collection of over 2500 tree and shrubs planted in groups according to their continent of origin.
Once you have built up a thirst, why not visit one of wine farms for which the region is renowned? The Paarl Wine Route is the second oldest in South Africa and is particularly well known for its high-quality Shiraz.
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