For all official information and updates regarding COVID-19, visit the South African Department of Health’s website on www.sacoronavirus.co.za
As South Africa undergoes ‘lockdown’ from 26 March to 16 April to slow the spread of COVID-19, West Coast Way is doing its part to support this national effort and ensure the safety of our staff and visitors.
Our attractions will close over this time, but we are encouraging travellers to postpone their journey and stretch their legs with us on the West Coast when the lockdown has been lifted next month.
The West Coast is the perfect place for travellers to celebrate the end of their isolation, and West Coast Way offers over 101 attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Travellers exploring the Weskus can combine athletics, leisure and educational stops to create one-of-a-kind experiences – The autumn sun also gives the entire West Coast a glorious glow that makes every attraction an Instagrammable moment.
Visits to the West Coast after these uncertain times will also help keep local communities #tourismstrong during these unprecedented times.
In the meantime, here is some info to help you understand what the national lockdown means for West Coast Way members:
- No one is allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or to collect a social grant.
- Accommodation establishments have been instructed to provide South African Tourism details of tourists who are still accommodated within their establishments, their activity/ movement and itinerary, and date of arrival in the country.
- Travellers may not relocate during the lockdown unless it is to head home.
- Travellers who are staying must be placed under quarantine effective immediately.
- Travellers leaving the country will be subjected to mandatory testing at the following airports ahead of boarding a flight:
OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Cape Town International Airport, Western Cape and King Shaka International, Durban, KwaZulu Natal - South African citizens and residents arriving from high-risk countries (China, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Switzerland and the United States) will automatically be placed under quarantine for 14 days.
- Foreign nationals arriving on flights from high-risk countries were prohibited a week ago and will be turned back.
International flights to Lanseria Airport will be temporarily suspended. - International travellers who arrived in South Africa after 9 March 2020 from high-risk countries will be confined to their hotels until they have completed a 14-day period of quarantine.
- All restaurants, cafes, bars and taverns must close during this time.
- The Department of Tourism has made an additional R200 million available to assist SMMEs in the tourism and hospitality sector who are under particular stress due to the new travel restrictions.
South Africa’s Department of Health has launched a robust coronavirus website, with a range of resources and up-to-date information. In addition to the existing, emergency hotline, the DOH has also instituted a WhatsApp Support Line:
Emergency Hotline: 0800 029 999
WhatsApp Support Line: 0600-123456
GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 / *120*7867# from any cell phone
Persons with disabilities, SMS ‘help’ to 31531
Women Abuse Helpline: 0800 150 150
Childline: 0800 055 555
SAPS Crime Stop: 0860 10111 / SMS Crime Line: 32211
GBVF-related service complaints (SAPS): 0800 333 177/
[email protected]
National AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322
National Human Trafficking Helpline: 0800 222 777
Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567
National Department of Health: www.health.gov.za
National Institute of Communicable Diseases: www.nicd.ac.za
World Health Organisation: www.who.int
We look forward to welcoming people to our shores soon and showing them why ‘die Weskus is die beskus’.
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.