After a short 90 min drive from Cape Town on the West Coast road, we arrive in Velddrif, a unique fishing town just past Langebaan.  The birdlife is already drawing our attention with beautiful pink flamingo’s  ‘showing leg’ in the flood plains on the right as you cross the bridge to enter the town. Although distracted, we take a quick right again to escape the town.  The plan to first wash the city off, fill our lungs with the fresh revitalizing air of the West Coast and settle in at HeronsRest.

HeronsRest: A West Coast rest with the Herons

After a quick 10-minute drive we are greeted by a lane of beautiful flowering aloe, which lead us to our destination.   It looks like a little oasis with a beautiful lawn, an Acacia and Almond tree creating welcoming shade and succulents and flowers finishing the scene.

Mercia Wanneberg, HeronsRest General Manager, was there to share stories and advice on things to see, places to visit and the background and history of Velddrif and Laaiplek.  The rooms are spacious and modern with a view of the huge Eucalyptus trees on the edge of the garden.  This is where the Herons nest, usually in June, and the origin of the HeronsRest, which strived to create a calm peaceful escape.

HeronsRest felt like a home away from home, with a cozy lounge and fireplace, board games ready for those rainy days or cold nights and a beautiful open-plan kitchen and dining room.

The Lapa was a dream!  Splash pool and deck chairs to fully enjoy the West Coast summer for those who don’t want to brave the freezing Atlantic.  Seeing the indoor braai I already start planning a trip to the harbor in Laaiplek to get some fresh fish for a braai one night!

Being a lover of the outdoors, for me, HeronsRest was an absolute paradise, offering hiking trails, bike rides, bird watching, trekker rides and picnics by the river.  Also a Beach bakkie will be available to take you to the famous Bokkom Laan. The orchard was a treat, with guavas, pear, grapefruit, prickly pears, lemons, oranges and olive trees and I was so happy to walk away with a perfectly ripe pomegranate. Mercia also told me they are planning a vegetable garden where we would be able to pick our own vegetables to cook there on our next visit.

Because HeronsRest is located out of town and surrounded by the beautiful West Coast landscape it is a perfect weekend break away to recharge for the coming week. HeronsRest is also perfect for boutique wedding and events.

Facilities available at HeronsRest:

• Accommodation  • Child Friendly  • Pool • Braai Facilities • Complimentary Tea/Coffee • Wheelchair Accessibility (Some Rooms, Bedrooms & Bathrooms)  • Bird Watching  •  Indigenous Landscape  •  Hiking  • Lapa  •  Small Functions  •  Weddings

Distance from Cape Town: 156,5km
Where: De Plaat 34, Velddrif, R27
Contact: +27 22 783 0272 | +27 71 141 7313 | [email protected] | www.heronsrest-velddrif.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.