Your FREE road trip plan because we’d love to have you stay and play on the West Coast Way!
The West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists. Follow any of our five specially-crafted themed routes to really get the most out of your visit to the Cape West Coast. We’ve put tips together on how to plan your road trip and where to go on the Cape West Coast.
The West Coast Way “basket” of routes includes the Tractor Route, Berg Route, Foodie Route, Culture Route, and Wild Route – all of which are designed to showcase the many places to explore:
PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP
- Set a time and budget
- Get inspired by exploring westcoastway.co.za
- Check out our Road Trip Itineraries for places to visit
- Follow @WestCoastWaySA on facebook, twtter, instagam
- Plan out the start, the finish, and all of the places you will stay overnight
We’ve selected some of the highlights that are not to be passed by!
CULTURE ROUTE
The start of your West Coast Way road trip is Bloubergstrand. Start your road trip with a visit to Studio 46 – a fine art and jewellery gallery – in the historical Stadler Road of Blouberg Village. From here make your way to the fynbos trails of Lodge at Atlantic Beach in Melkbosstrand. This 4-star Lodge is the place to stay as you explore cultural attractions in the quirky town of Darling:
Evita se Perron
Darling’s pink pizzazz, has new owners: famed toffee-makers Hentie and Frits of Darling Sweet. Visit this transformed train station with heritage garden, Evita se Perron café, restaurant and gift shop filled with padkos favourites.
Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery
Take a slow drive to this celebrated microbrewery. Head Chef Ryan Josten offers a taste fusion of country kitchen paired with Darling Brew craft beers.
TRACTOR ROUTE
The West Coast Way Tractor Route connects Darling’s Groote Post to Riebeek Valley’s art and Yzerfontein’s beach.
Groote Post of the Darling Hills
This historic 18th century farm offer wine-tasting and sales from the cellar door, game drives and perfectly paired meals in the restored Cape Dutch homestead.
Riebeek Valley – Riebeek West, Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeeksrivier and Hermon
Explore the home to some of South Africa’s most famous painters and stay at the country’s oldest hotel, The Royal Hotel. Contact the Riebeek Valley Tourism Office to find out about their First Fridays festivities.
BERG ROUTE
Learn about the origins of a Cape West Coast staple known as bokkoms, explore Port Owen and Laaiplek harbour.
Bokkomlaan
“Bokkom Laan” is where the bokkoms, or Velddrif’s biltong, are made. Visit Ek & Djy Restaurant and Bar and hop on the Cracklin’ Rosie for a Berg River Cruise.
Wamakersvlei Beach Farm
This is the place to stay! Become one with nature at Wamakersvlei, a unique beach stay on a private beach with saltpans to explore.
FOODIE ROUTE
Thali Thali Game Lodge is a pristine game and fynbos reserve, located close to West Coast National Park and Langebaan Lagoon. You can either stay in the spacious farmhouse, chalets or luxury tents. Then go on:
- Daily game drives of abundant birdlife and wildlife.
- Try your hand at archery.
- Enjoy Weskus kos at Thali Thali restaurant.
- See Langebaan, Hopefield, the Fossil Park, Paternoster, Jacobs Bay, Saldanha Bay and St Helena Bay.
WILD ROUTE
Explore the Cederberg by following the Wild Route, from Lamberts Bay and Elands Bay’s coast to Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, Citrusdal and Clanwilliam.
Vensterklip Guest Farm
On Verlorenvlei in Elands Bay, stay in Vensterklip’s historical farmhouse accomodation or go camping. Enjoy the hospitality of the Tin Restaurant, International Bar and Red Shed Farmstall. Visit the San Caves.
Lamberts Bay
Lambert’s Bay, although small, has so much on offer: Bird Island, Muisbosskerm Restaurant, the Sandveld Museum, and the working harbour. Chat to the tourism office for accommodation.
Happy roadtripping!
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.