The Cape West Coast

What is still an almost undiscovered treasure trove of unspoilt beaches, incredible mountain ranges, rich geographical diversity, and the most astounding carpet of wild flowers in spring, has evolved into a major holiday route out of Cape Town along Route 27. The Cape West Coast stretches from Cape Town as far as the border with the Northern Cape at Touws River, including within its parameters the indescribably beautiful Cederberg Mountains, famous for centuries-old rock art. All along this stretch of coastline is a series of quaint historic towns and fishing villages with names like Lambert’s Bay, Paternoster, Saldanha and Langebaan that today roll with ease off the tongue, but until fairly recently were left to languor in relative obscurity. Salt of the earth residents make the area from Ganzekraal to Strandfontein their home, where snoek, mussels and crayfish are a way of life and ‘bokkoms’ (salted mullet strung up in bunches and left to dry) is the local delicacy. Route 27 is a seafood mecca and a number of open-air beach restaurants offer unsurpassed seafood fresh from the sea, cooked on open fires whilst you watch the sun sink slowly over the sea.

Where to visit along the West Coast

Vredendal

The town is situated on the banks of the Olifants River. The irrigation scheme of the Olifants River permits extensive agriculture and viticulture. Various cellars in the area offer export quality wines for sale to visitors. Guide tours of the various cellars can be arranged. Tunnel farming in the area include tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, pumpkins and summer fruit like watermelon. Raisins of this area is also much sought after.

Lamberts Bay

Welcome to the seafood hotspot of the West Coast! Lambert’s Bay is known as the Diamond of the West Coast and the crayfish mecca of South Africa. Snoek is also available during a snoek run which takes place a couple of times during the year. Boats from all over the West Coast flock to the town to catch this fish which has also become more popular. Lamberts Bay is also famous for its long stretches of uninterrupted white beaches and abundant marine life which gathers in the cool blue waters. Take a relaxing daybreak and soak up the sun, surf the sparkling waves or enjoy a boat ride over the big blue bay. This gem of a seaside village owes its origin to humble beginnings as a fishing village, like most of the surrounding South African coast villages, but is has become one of the major tourist attractions on the West Coast due to its moderate all year climate. The Sandveld Museum and nearby local farms like Wadrift, will open your mind to the cultural history of this unique place. Lamberts Bay is also jam-packed with plentiful birdlife. Some of the more popular species on the list include gannets and Cormorants. Dolphins, whales and the ever entertaining seals at the internationally acclaimed Bird Island attract tourist from all over. Heaviside dolphins are frequently spotted from the beach. Lamberts Bay is also a great place to view the lush stretches of wild field flowers that are most beautiful during spring. For the more adventurous at heart, enjoy a 4x4 track route on the ever popular sand dunes or even a speed cruise on a speed-boat. When in Lamberts Bay, do as the locals do – let go of all your inhibitions and soak up the summer fun, all year round! Lamberts Bay, as you’ll rightly discover, is the perfect destination for entertainment and adventure, as well as relaxation.

Clanwilliam

Clanwilliam is situated at the foot of the mighty Cederberg mountain range ±230 km from Cape Town. It has lots to offer the tourists, namely the beauty of the mountains, rock art, bird-watching, historical buildings, the scenic beauty of the flowers in "Flower Season", as well as water sports. We have ample accommodation in and around the town. Various 4x4 routes and hiking trails are available in the area. Further more, Clanwilliam is situated in a part of the Western Cape which is the only place in the world where Rooibos is planted and cultivated. The factory can be visited for a video-show on the tea-proccess and products can be bought directly from them. Clanwilliam is also well-known for its "Veldskoene" (leather shoes), made by Strassbergers. A visit to the factory is worthwhile, and shoes can be bought from them in any size and colour.

Langebaan

Langebaan is an idyllic little seaside town on the South African West Coast. It is located at the edge of the tranquil Langebaan lagoon, just over 120kms North of Cape Town. The seasons on the West Coast are hard and dramatic – but that’s part of their charm. The jewel of the West Coast towns, Langebaan, will leave you with memories of startling blue sea, acres of spring flowers and the enticing smell of fish braai’s. Founded in 1922, this historical town was once a whaling station but has now been transformed into undoubtedly the busiest holiday destination of the West Coast. It is a mecca for nature-lovers and water sport enthusiasts. The lagoon is part of a protected area, the West Coast National Park, and is also excellent for all kinds of water sport. A world-renowned birding spot with migratory birds from as far as Russia stopping here annually, the Park is also a favourite destination with nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. During the flower season (July – September) the landscape is transformed into a giant garden as the area explodes into a riot of colours when the wild flowers bloom. During winter and early spring one might catch sight of a Southern Right Whale in the lagoon where they return to calve each year. Sunsets on the west-facing coast are legendary and you’ll experience plenty of dramatic moments. We are sure you will return again and again to this tranquil, magnificently beautiful place.

Darling

Darling is the heartbeat of the West Coast region. The little village lies tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields. Here you can still expect to see a horseman cantering through the streets on a Saturday afternoon. A gaggle of geese might waddle into a neighbour's garden to forage. You may witness a funeral procession accompanied by the consolatory gospel sounds of a traditional brass band. Lovingly restored Victorian homes and ancient trees make an idyllic setting for a getaway that promises serenity, nature, culture and much more!

What to do in the West Cape Coast

Visit Papendorf, Strandfontein and Doringbaai
Visit the Heerenlogment Cave
Visit the beautiful Cederberg Mountains
Fossil Park
Wild daisy tours to the flower reserves
Visit numerous nature reserves including the West Coast National Park, Cederberg Wilderness Area, Elands Bay Nature Reserve and Rocherpan Nature Reserve