West Coast Way Stops Worth the Drive

September is a special month in South Africa. We honour our heritage, and we celebrate the industry that lets people from around the world (and around the corner) come and experience it: tourism. Nowhere do these two things sit more comfortably together than on the Cape West Coast, where centuries-old fishing traditions, wide-open landscapes and a fiercely proud local community meet some of the best road-tripping in the country.

Since 2014, West Coast Way has been the region’s dedicated destination marketing initiative, helping put the Cape West Coast on the map for travellers who want more than just a stopover between Cape Town and Namaqualand. Over the past decade-plus, we’ve built free self-drive routes, told the stories of local business owners, and worked to bring sustainable, responsible visitor growth to the towns, farms and coastline stretching from Blaauwberg all the way up to St Helena Bay and beyond. Every wildflower season, every foodie stop and every stop at a padstal proves that when tourism is done right, it doesn’t just benefit visitors; it strengthens the whole community.

So in the spirit of Heritage and Tourism Month, here are some of our favourite West Coast stops to celebrate this September.

1. Studio 46, Bloubergstrand

Start where many West Coast Way road trips begin: Blouberg, with Table Mountain framed perfectly across the bay. Studio 46 is a gallery, jewellery studio and creative hub all in one, with pieces made from sea glass, shells, and cast cuttlefish that feel like a genuine keepsake of the coast. It’s also a working studio offering art classes, so you can leave with more than just a souvenir.

Contact: +27 (0)74 369 4294 – [email protected] – studio46.co.za

2. Disa Lodge, Darling

Built in 1890, Disa Lodge is one of the oldest houses in Darling and sits right on the West Coast Way Culture Route. Run with warm, down-to-earth hospitality, it’s the kind of B&B that makes a weekend in this quirky Swartland town feel like coming home rather than checking in.

Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3561 – [email protected] – disalodge.co.za

3. Skydive Cape Town, Malmesbury

For the adrenaline seekers on your Heritage Month list, Skydive Cape Town offers a bird’s-eye view of the coastline that few other experiences can match. It’s one of the most exhilarating ways to appreciate just how dramatic this stretch of coast really is — from 3,000 metres up.

Contact: +27 (0)82 800 6290 – [email protected] – skydivecapetown.co.za

4. Thali Thali Game Lodge, Langebaan

One of the original partners on the West Coast Way journey, Thali Thali has been welcoming visitors to its private game lodge long before “eco-tourism” became a buzzword. Grab your binoculars for a game drive and a slower, wilder side of the West Coast.

Contact: +27 (0)82 372 8637 – [email protected] – thalithali.co.za

5. The Farmhouse Hotel, Langebaan

Originally built in 1860 as the Panorama Farm Homestead, The Farmhouse Hotel overlooks the Langebaan Lagoon and borders the West Coast National Park. Between the wood-fired hot tub, the afternoon scones and the fine-dining menu at La Petite Maison (there’s a reason they’re on our Foodie Route), it’s an easy pick for anyone wanting a proper West Coast base for exploring the lagoon and the park. 

Contact: +27 (0)22 772 2062 – [email protected] – thefarmhousehotel.com

6. Bokkomlaan, Velddrif

Down on historic Bokkomlaan in Velddrif, where fishermen still dry their catch along the Berg River to make the traditional West Coast bokkoms, Ek & Djy serves up local flavours with plenty of character. It’s an easy, unpretentious stop for a true taste of the Weskus. Another stop on Bokkomlaan is Columbine Co., a great coffee stop on the river that also serves delicious baked goods and artisanal breads. To round off your Bokkomlaan visit on the water with Cracklin’ Rosie, take a peaceful cruise along the Berg River.

Contact:

• Cracklin’ Rosie River Tours: +27 (0)71 897 9611 – [email protected] 
• Columbine Co.: +27 (0)84 879 7006
• Ek en Djy Restaurant, Bar & Shop: +27 (0)82 781 3878

7. Wamakersvlei

Tucked into the Sandveld between Velddrif and Lambert’s Bay, Wamakersvlei Beach Farm has a history as rich as its scenery, once a stop for ox wagon repairs and weary travellers. Today, five beautifully restored self-catering cottages sit alongside a 7km private beach and border the Rocher Pan Nature Reserve, making it a peaceful spot to explore fynbos, wildlife and birdlife on foot or by mountain bike. 

Contact: +27 (0)83 527 7967 – [email protected] – wamakersvlei.co.za

8. Lambert’s Bay

Further up the coast, Lambert’s Bay is proof that the West Coast Way stretches well beyond the towns closest to Cape Town. This working fishing harbour town is home to the famous Bird Island gannet colony and some of the best crayfish on the coast. For the full local picture, Lambert’s Bay Tourism is the go-to resource for exploring the area, while West Coast Wonders offers a collection of farm and town stays for those who want to settle in and experience Lambert’s Bay life for a few days rather than just pass through. 

Contact:

• Lambert’s Bay Tourism: +27 (0)27 432 1000 – [email protected] – lambertsbay.co.za
• West Coast Wonders: +27 (0)83 458 1575 – [email protected] – westcoastwonders.co.za

Protecting What Makes the West Coast Worth Visiting

None of the above is worth much if the coastline itself doesn’t survive to be enjoyed. That’s why, alongside every recommendation on this list, we want to acknowledge the work of Protect The West Coast (PTWC), a not-for-profit formed in 2020 to fight illegal and unregulated mining along the Cape West Coast. Responsible tourism and environmental protection aren’t separate causes on the West Coast; they’re the same one. Every visitor who chooses to travel here with care, and every rand spent supporting local, sustainable businesses, is part of what keeps this coastline worth protecting in the first place.

Contact: [email protected] – protectthewestcoast.org

Every Visit Counts

Heritage and Tourism Month is a good reminder that tourism isn’t just an industry — it’s a form of storytelling. Every stop at a family-run guesthouse, every meal at a local restaurant, and every rand spent supporting a tour operator or conservation cause helps keep the Cape West Coast’s heritage alive for the next generation to inherit and share.

So this September, pick a route, pack the car, and go and meet the West Coast for yourself. 

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). 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.