Twist and Shout: Welcome to South Africa’s Road Trip With The Most Twists
Are you ready to hit the road and experience South Africa’s road trip with the most twists? Buckle up and get ready for a 15-day adventure along the West Coast Way! This scenic road trip boasts over 101 things to do!
Our 6 Routes offer the “twists”, or loops – and each features its own variety of carefully chosen attractions which fall within themed Cape West Coast Way Routes: included is the Tractor Route, Berg Route, Foodie Route, Culture Route, Wild Route and Cape Way Route. – Carmen Lerm founder West Coast Way
Plan The Ultimate Road Trip Experience!
DAY 1 & 2: THE LODGE AT ATLANTIC BEACH IN MELKBOSSTRAND
Good to know: Atlantic Beach golf course boasts an impressive 18 holes that span 6229 metres, rivalling those of Scotland’s top courses. However, what sets it apart from the UK is the presence of a diverse range of antelope – including Springbok – who roam the fairways, creating a one-of-a-kind golfing experience.
The Lodge at Atlantic Beach, situated next to the R27 West Coast Road in Melkbosstrand, offers 4-star accommodations featuring double and twin B&B rooms. West Coast Way highly recommends the Lodge at Atlantic Beach as the ideal starting and ending point for your West Coast road trip in South Africa.
Distance from Cape Town: 27km
Where: R27
Contact: 021 553 4653 | [email protected] | www.thelodgeatatlanticbeach.co.za
STUDIO 46 — “THE HEART OF WEST COAST ART” IN BLOUBERG
Good to know: At Studio 46, it’s easy to uncover “the heart of West Coast art”. Once you step through jeweller and art entrepreneur Hettie Wainwright’s blue studio gate, you will be met with the many ways Cape Town’s captivating beauty is interpreted through jewellery and art.
Before heading further up the West Coast, during your relaxing stay at The Lodge at Atlantic Beach, stop at Studio 46 in Bloubergstrand to get your local art fix.
Where: Stadler Road, Bloubergstrand
Contact: 074 369 4294 | [email protected]
DAY 3: RIEBEEK VALLEY — “ARTS TOWN” OF WEST COAST WAY
Good to know: Although part of the joy of driving is the spontaneity of the journey, it is still wise to book accommodations ahead of time, especially when staying in the West Coast on weekends.
10h00 Depart Cape Town and follow N7 to Riebeek Valley
11h00 Arrive at Riebeek Valley – visit Kloovenburg, Riebeek Valley Tourism Office, Het Vlock Casteel
Book lunch at the oldest Hotel in SA: The Royal Hotel in Riebeek Valley
14h00 Depart and head out to Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
18h00 Arrive at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
Dinner at Kloof Restaurant at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
Where: On the N7
Contact: 022 921 3574 | [email protected]
DAY 4: PIEKENIERSKLOOF — GATEWAY TO THE CEDERBERG
Good to know: No matter where you go, a road trip is an adventure that emphasizes the value of the journey as much as the end goal. Soak up the scenery, relish the snacks, and prioritise safety above all else. It’s time to embark on the next chapter of your journey. Don’t forget to pack a warm jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable even on the warmest days.
Breakfast at Kloof Restaurant at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
10h00 Explore local rooibos, wine and food experience – Drive to Citrusdal
18h00 Arrive back at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort. Enjoy dinner at Kloof Restaurant at the resort
DAY 5 & 6: CLANWILLIAM – CEDERBERG HERITAGE ROUTE
Good to know: Venturing on a road trip up the West Coast is an excellent idea for those seeking a memorable experience. The small towns peppered along the way each have their own distinct vibe, shaped by the locals, history, natural surroundings, and cultural heritage. Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes to fully immerse yourself in the journey.
Breakfast at Kloof Restaurant at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
10h00 Book out of Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort and drive to Clanwilliam to book in at Ndedema Lodge (4-star).
Book at [email protected].
- In the town: Do a historical walk through Clanwilliam. Visit the Old Gaol Museum. (Ou Tronk)
- Enjoy: wine tasting, beer tasting, rooibos tea tasting.
- Trails to pre-plan: Go to Stadsaal Caves and Truitjieskraal, see Soldaatkop and walk Sevilla Rock Art Trail.
18h00 Arrive back at Ndedema Lodge. Eat at a local restaurant or ask Ndedema Lodge to pack you a special picnic basket
DAY 7 & 8: WILLEMSRIVIER HISTORICAL FARM
Good to know: Willemsrivier is a working sheep farm located in Nieuwoudtville, just outside the Cape West Coast border, with a colourful past. The historical farm is so connected to the West Coast, that West Coast Way sees it as part of ‘our journey‘.
10h00 Book out of Ndedema Lodge drive 2 hours along the R364 Pakhuis Pass to Nieuwoudtville to book in at Willemsrivier Guestfarm – To book, call +27 (0) 83 4505 939 or email [email protected].
Tip: Visit Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, Hantam National Botanical Gardens, Nieuwoudtville Waterfall, Nieuwoudtville shops, the church and learn about the history of Willemsrivier farm.
DAY 9 & 10: LAMBERT’S BAY TOURISM AND WEST COAST WONDERS
Good to know: Lambert’s Bay is known as ‘Diamond of the West Coast’ . This small fishing town offers an enlightening experience of the refreshing life at sea, from snoek to flowers and award-winning Kookfontein Sauvignon Blanc; there is always something to taste, see, and savour in Lambert’s Bay.
DAY 9:
09h00 Book out of Willemsrivier and drive via R27 Van Rhyns Pass to Vanrhynsdorp to visit the Kokerboom Nursery
(arrival 10h00)
15h00 Book a stay with Lambert’s Bay Tourism in either Lambert’s Bay, Elands Bay or Graafwater.
18h00 Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the town you choose to stay in.
For more things to see and do in Lamberts Bay contact the tourism office on:
Distance from Cape Town: 261km
Where: Church St, Lambert’s Bay
Contact: 027 432 1000 | [email protected]
DAY 10:
10h00 Book out of your Lambert’s Bay Tourism accommodation
12h00 Explore the town of Lambert’s Bay more with West Coast Wonders, visit Bird Island Nature Reserve, Muisbosskerm, Bosduiflip, and take a Lambert’s Bay Boat Cruise.
18h00 Arrive at accommodation booked with West Coast Wonders.
Book online at www.westcoastwonders.co.za.
DAY 11 & 12: WAMAKERSVLEI BEACH FARM
Good to know: You can experience the charm of a bygone era at Wamakersvlei Beach Farm, a former fishing village turned beach farm. Located along the Cape West Coast, this unique destination is steeped in history that you won’t want to miss.
Indulge in the serenity of the secluded beaches and take leisurely walks along the shore. Feel the stress melt away as you reconnect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of this hidden gem.
Distance from Cape Town: 165 km
Where: Dwarskersbos
Contact: 083 527 7967 | [email protected] | www.wamakersvlei.co.za
DAY 13 & 14: THALI THALI GAME LODGE
Good to know: Located just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town and bordering the West Coast National Park and Langebaan, Thali Thali is a 1,460-hectare reserve featuring a diverse range of fynbos and games. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to book a game drive, archery lessons, and a braai during your visit.
09h00 Book out of Wamakersvlei Beach Farm and head to Langebaan to book in at Thali Thali Game Lodge for a glamping experience (3 Star), self-catering cottages, or a Farm House stay.
14h30 Enjoy game drives, archery lessons, loads of sunset cocktails and their excellent restaurant.
18h00 Enjoy dinner at the Thali Thali Game Lodge Restaurant.
Tip: Make Thali Thali Game Lodge your base, and from here visit: West Coast National Park, Paternoster, Langebaan. Visit Bokkomlaan on the Berg River, in Velddrif, a short 30 minutes drive from Thali Thali Game Lodge. Book a boat cruise with Cracklin’ Rosie River Tours on 071 897 9611 and see the calm Berg River via this gentle boat cruise. Enjoy beautifully hand-roasted coffee at Columbine Co. and then enjoy bokkoms, heritage and stoep stories at Ek ‘n Djy Vissery restaurant and bar – all in Bokkomlaan in Velddrif.
DAY 15: RETURN TO CAPE TOWN VIA DARLING
Good to know: Stop by Darling Brew, Africa’s first carbon-neutral craft beer brewery, on your journey back to Cape Town.
10h00 Book out of Thali Thali and head into Darling to visit Evita se Perron, Darling Brew and Groote Post.
Time to buy gifts, keepsakes and treasures:
- Visit Evita se Perron to enjoy their toffees, rusks, and cookbooks. Take a stroll through their museum and open-air sculpture garden, or grab a cup of coffee at their café.
- Darling Brew Craft Beer offers a restaurant for lunch, craft beer tastings, and direct sales.
- Groote Post is a renowned wine producer located on a historical farm in Darling. They are known for producing top-quality wines.
Find Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery on the West Coast Way Culture & Foodie Route.
Distance from Cape Town: 76km
Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery: 48 Caledon Street, Darling
Brewery, Restaurant, Tastings & Sales, open-air kids play area, MTB-friendly, Live Events
School Holidays & Flower Season: Open 7 days a week.
Contact: +27 (0)76 092 8313 | [email protected] | www.darlingbrew.co.za