From Melkbosstrand to Nieuwoudtville to Darling – and back via Lambert’s Bay!
Are you ready to hit the road and experience South Africa’s road trip with the most twists? As you venture into South Africa’s Cape West Coast Biodiversity Corridor, one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, you are greeted by a vibrant array of colours and an incredible variety of botanical treasures.
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.
Plan The Ultimate Self-Drive Road Trip Experience!
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]
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.
15h00 Book a stay with Lambert’s Bay Tourism and West Coast Wonders
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]
Book online at www.westcoastwonders.co.za
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
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.
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
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.