From Cruises on the Lagoon to San Guided Tours: 18 reasons why the Cape West Coast is the perfect weekend getaway on your next trip to South Africa
18 reasons the Cape West Coast is a two-day power package
Thinking of squeezing the whole Garden Route into one weekend? Think again.
17 stunning reasons why the Cape West Coast is the perfect weekend getaway on your next trip to South Africa.
- Wildlife (Think Kruger By The Sea)
Thali Thali Game Lodge is where you’ll spot Oryx, Springbok, Bontebok, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe and Ostrich. Back at the ranch – or lodge – you can try your hand at you can try your hand at archery or simply enjoy some well-deserved sundowners on the deck.
The stunning restaurant boasts a cosy interior dining and bar area and a large deck from which the sunsets are spectacular. Situated right next to a lapa, splash pool and kiddies play area, it is especially popular on Sundays when they host a sumptuous buffet.
There is a choice of accommodation at Thali Thali and you can either stay in the spacious farmhouse, self-catering chalets or in spacious luxury tents which have en-suite bathrooms and kitchen facilities.
Find Thali Thali Game Lodge on the West Coast Way Foodie Route.
Contact: +27 82 372 8637 / +27 83 275 2825 | [email protected] | www.thalithali.co.za
- Rooibos Tea (South African’s Gift To The World)
At the Bergendal Farm near Citrusdal, you can treat yourself to taste pairings of one of South Africa’s biggest gifts to the tea-drinking world: rooibos. Taste the myriad Rooibos infusions on offer in the Carmién Tea Range.
Find Carmién Tea on the West Coast Way Berg Route.
Contact: +27 (0)22 921 8900 | [email protected]
- Zip-Lining (That’s The One Where You Zip From Platform to Platform)
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort has a total of seven zip-lining slides covering the distance of 1.4 km. Zip through the air hair-raising speed as the fynbos flashes by 30 meters below your feet. Literally, a thrill a minute.
Find Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort on the West Coast Way Berg Route.
Contact +27 (0)22 921 3574 for bookings.
- Darling Brew (Like, the Best Bru)
Yes, the Cape West Coast is home to craft beer and the best brews can be found at Darling Brew in Darling. Their Tasteroom & Brewery offers a view of the brewing process for a rare glimpse of where the nectar comes from.
Find Darling Brew on the West Coast Way Culture Route.
Contact: +27 (0)21 286 1099 for bookings.
- Khoi San Culture (And Words Starting With Exclamation Points)
The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Educational Centre is where you’ll get to stare into the flames in a real-life replica of a traditional San homestead. You might also get to lay down in one of their grass huts, there is, however, first rate accommodation available in the main building.
Find !Khwa ttu on the West Coast Way Culture Route.
Contact: +27 22 492 2998 for bookings.
- Pitstops (Or ‘Padstals’)
The Vygevallei Farm Stall and Wine House is one such ‘padstal’ that offers famous home-made pies, farm bread and a dish called Cape Bobotie which roughly translates to ‘the best combination of curry and raisins you’ll ever taste’.
Find Vygevallei Farm Stall on the West Coast Way Culture Route.
Contact: +27 74 138 1610 or [email protected]
- More Pitstops (With Even Better Names)
Stop at the Kardoesie N7 Countrystop for a bite to eat or a swim in their large sparkling pool with views of Lambert’s Bay in the distance. Or just take a moment to take in the stop’s unique name. ‘Kardoesie’. It simply rolls off the tongue.
Find Kardoesie N7 Countrystop on the West Coast Way Berg Route.
Contact: +27 (0)82 525 2247 or [email protected]
- A Private Cellar (For Public Quaffing)
Ormonde Private Cellar has mountain bike trails and artisan food platters, but the biggest attraction – with good reason – is the wine and chocolate pairings that take place in a tasting room. Take a stroll down to their pond to view their swans while the kids play at the small playing area – making Ormonde the perfect family friendly destination.
Find Ormonde Private Cellar on the West Coast Way Culture and Foodie Routes.
Contact: +27 22 492 3540 | [email protected]
- Walks On The Wild Side (Well, It’s Slackpacking So Make That The Mild Side)
Try the Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails with names like Darling Stagger, Eve’s Trail, Five Bay Trail and Wheels of Time for a close encounter with the cultural and natural heritage of the region. Remember to walk slow ‘cause theres lots to see.
Find the Cape West Coast Biosphere on the West Coast Way Culture and Foodie Routes. Contact: 076 696 5354
Contact: 076 696 5354
- African Family Of Mammoths (Extinct Unfortunately)
The West Coast Fossil Park has a museum with fossils of animals that roamed the planes of the area a staggering five million years ago. When you’re done looking at the displays, you can rest your own weary bones at the cosy coffee shop on site.
Find the West Coast Fossil Park on the West Coast Way Foodie Route.
Contact +27 (0)22 766 1606 or [email protected]
- Club Mykonos (A Big, Fat Greek Resort)
Club Mykonos is a family-friendly Mediterranean getaway with self-catering accommodation and stunning views of the Langebaan lagoon. The resort also has a Spa Health & Leisure Centre available with Club Onos offering entertainment for kids.
Find Club Mykonos on the West Coast Way Foodie Route.
Contact +27 (0) 22 707 7000 or [email protected]
- Rest & Recuperation (Because Weekends Can Be Exhausting)
HeronsRest in Velddrif offers bird watching, hiking and mountain bike trails and features a pool, large farm-style kitchen, lounge and beautifully decorated entertainment boma. With rest half its name, the beds at HeronsRest are not to be missed either.
Find HeronsRest on the West Coast Way Foodie and Berg Routes.
Contact +27 22 783 0272 | +27 71 141 7313 or [email protected]
- Golf (It’s Basically Scotland With A Little Less Grass)
The Lodge at Atlantic Beach is next door to the magnificent 18-hole Atlantic Beach Golf Club and also offers access to tennis courts, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Be aware the course comes with the standard features of a links layout so bring some extra balls.
Find the Lodge at Atlantic Beach on the West Coast Way Culture Route.
Contact +27 (0)21 553 4653 or [email protected]
- Sundowners (Where Does The Sun Set Again? Oh Yes, In The West)
The Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay is the best place to watch the sunset while you tuck into locally-grown oysters. The hotel’s deck is designed specifically for that purpose with sun tanning beside a sparkling pool also catered for.
Find the Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay, Saldanha Bay on the West Coast Way Foodie Route.
Contact +27 22 714 1264 or [email protected]
15. A Three-Hour Braai Cruise (Yes, You Read That Right)
Elite Charters in Langebaan offers the complete water sports package that incidentally includes a three-hour Braai Cruise to Kraalbaai on the Langebaan Lagoon. Listen to the steak sizzle as you soak up the West Coast sun.
Find Elite Charters on the West Coast Way Foodie Route.
Contact: +27 72 702 9919 | [email protected]
- Port Side Dining (And Starboard Relaxing)
Russells On The Port with its six luxurious en-suite bedrooms is right next to the stunning Port Owen harbour. The restaurant serves Cape West Coast seafood, lamb, rump, crispy pork belly and locally sourced game.
Find Russells on the Port on the West Coast Way Foodie and Berg Routes.
Contact +27 22 783 0158 or [email protected]
- A Town Called Darling (Even Says So On The Map)
To most of us, darling is a term of endearment. On the Cape West Coast, however, it’s an entire town filled with endearing attractions like the Darling Museum, and the world-famous Evita se Perron.
Find Darling on the West Coast Way Culture Route.
Contact +27 (0) 22 492 3361 or [email protected]
18. Seaside luxury in Saldanha Bay
Perched upon the pristine shores of this natural inlet in the Atlantic Ocean, Blue Bay Lodge offers the very best in accommodation, dining and relaxation in a serene setting that not only unwinds the body, but also soothes the mind.
Find Blue Bay Lodge on the Foodie Route.
Contact: +27 22 714 1177/8/9 or [email protected]
These 18 reasons are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The West Coast Way has over 101 things to see and do on the Cape West Coast – ensuring that there is something for everyone. Which of these 18 reasons are you excited to try first?
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.West Coast Way is a unique collection of themed routes that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors when they do an adventure-filled Cape West Coast self-drive trip for a day trip or a West Coast Holiday. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Scenic Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route – as well as the newly launched West Coast Way Wild Route, all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many. For more information on West Coast Way, the other routes on offer, and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.