A School Holiday Guide to the West Coast Way
Now Is the Perfect Time to Pack the Kids in the Car and Head Up the West Coast Way
The schools have closed up for the term and the first taste of warmer weather is here. So, what’s stopping you from packing the kids into the car and heading up the Cape West Coast?
Whether you’re planning a day out or turning the school holidays into a few nights away from home, here is a holiday guide to get you started.
Places to Stay
Make Langebaan Your Base
With the lagoon, beaches, wildlife and plenty of activities nearby, Langebaan is an easy choice for a family getaway.
Make the Farmhouse Hotel in Langebaan your base for a few days. It is set overlooking the Langebaan Lagoon, and equipped with a pool, games room and play area for younger guests. Since The Farmhouse Hotel is on the West Coast Way Foodie Route, a great way of adding some flavour to your trip is visiting La Petite Maison, located in the Farmhouse Hotel. The restaurant offers french inspired dining, and they have a kiddies menu, making it perfect for the whole family.
For something a little closer to nature, Thali Thali Game Lodge offers glamping, chalets and farmhouse accommodation. Families can spend their days exploring the reserve, going on a guided game drive or trying their hand at archery.
Stay by the Sea
If your ideal school holiday involves waking up close to the ocean, head further north.
Wamakersvlei Beach Farm, just north of Dwarskersbos, offers self-catering accommodation surrounded by open coastal landscapes. West Coast Wonders further up offers accommodation in and around Lambert’s Bay. While you’re in Lambert’s Bay, pop in at Lambert’s Bay Tourism to discover more about the town and find out about the family-friendly activities and local experiences that will keep the kids entertained.
A Small-Town Escape
For a different kind of West Coast experience, make Darling your base.
Disa Lodge offers a peaceful stay in one of Darling’s historic homes, putting you within easy reach of the town’s attractions and the surrounding West Coast.
Contact:
- Thali Thali Game Lodge: +27 (0)82 372 8637 – [email protected] – thalithali.co.za
- The Farmhouse Hotel: +27 (0)22 772 2062 – [email protected] – thefarmhousehotel.com
- 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
- Disa Lodge: +27 (0)22 492 3561 – [email protected] – disalodge.co.za
Things to Do
Spend the Day at the Beach
When the weather warms up, nothing beats a day beside the water. Head to Langebaan Lagoon, explore the beaches around Yzerfontein or make your way further north to Paternoster and St Helena Bay.
Pack a picnic, bring the beach toys and let the kids burn off some energy while you enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
Step Millions of Years Back in Time
At the West Coast Fossil Park, the whole family can travel millions of years into the past.
Explore the fossil-rich landscape and discover the prehistoric animals that once roamed the region. It’s a fun way to sneak a little learning into the school holidays.
A Bit of Adrenaline
This one is for the older kids and adventurous parents, there’s nothing quite like seeing the West Coast from above. It’s certainly one way to make the school holidays memorable!
Studio 46
Slow the pace down with a visit to Studio 46 in Blouberstrand. Discover local creativity, browse the art and take some time to explore this unique West Coast stop.
Bokkomlaan
Take a trip into the historic bokkomlaan.Stop in at Ek & Djy Vissery for some lunch, enjoy a river tour with Cracklin’ Rosie River Tours, or head to Columbine Co for a snack and refuel with some coffee and delicious baked treats.
Contact:
- West Coast Fossil Park: +27 (0)22 766 1606 – [email protected] – fossilpark.org.za
- Skydive Cape Town: +27 (0)82 800 6290 – [email protected] – skydivecapetown.co.za
- Studio 46: +27 (0)74 369 4294 – [email protected] – studio46.co.za
- 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
School Holidays the West Coast Way
With this Holiday Guide, don’t wait for the December rush. Right now, with the weather warming up and the school holidays stretching out ahead, is exactly the right time to take the slower road up the coast, let the kids run wild.
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.