Take on the twists and turns of the remote West Coast Way
Just about 20 minutes outside of Cape Town centre awaits the almost-irresistible open spaces of the West Coast of South Africa. Slam the door on the crowded big city and start planning your adventure to places that will need your tourism more than ever after #21daysLockdown. Start with high expectations and end with even higher rewards as you explore the diverse landscapes that define this region.
Self-drive six distinctively themed routes packed with wonder on the West Coast Way
Dive deep into the West Coast
The West Coast has a vast selection of small towns, beaches, nature reserves, hiking spots, farm stalls and other attractions found on an off the main arteries – the R27 and N7 highways. All facilities have been putting all possible measures in place to secure your safety and good health. So, go and socially distance yourself by venturing out to a place where you can breathe in some clean coastal air. That’s right let’s unearth the splendid isolation of the West Coast Way!
Affectionately referred to as ‘South Africa’s road trip with the most twists’, the West Coast Way boasts over 101 things to do – and so many of these are in the calm, wide-open spaces of the outdoors. Choose a weekend and drive slowly up the coast; see the landscape change from dunes to fynbos to mountain valleys and lush vineyards – so undeniably beautiful, it almost stings the eyes.
The Cape West Coast splits into three different parts due to its unique soil and vegetation: The Strandveld, The Swartland and The Sandveld. The Strandveld and the Sandveld were once the bed of the sea, whereas the Swartland, with its deep red fertile soil, derives its name from the indigenous blackish Rhenosterbush. All three areas have its own terroir, and you can taste it in the food, wine and other home-grown products like cheese and olives made and grown by passionate local artisans who rely on visitors’ revenue to put food on the table.
The West Coast way offers six completely free, themed routes for you to self-drive: Tractor Route, Berg Route, Foodie Route, Cultural Route, Wild Route – as well as the newly launched Cape Way Route – all of which showcase the many drawcards and nature activities that punctuate these roads. Be seduced by the simple way of life. Discover the marine species and wildlife found on the Cape Way Route, or go hiking with your family or partner on the Crayfish Trail, away from people.
Then eat your way through the West Coast – from top-rated seafood restaurants, humble roosterkoek at a roadside padstal or a quick take-away fish and chips wrapped in newspaper. Sleep soundly as you can choose from a variety of squeaky-clean accommodation options that have now taken extra measures to ensure your unit and all general public areas are extra sanitary for your convenience.
Decide on one route – or even design your own – and go! Just go! Whichever West Coast Way route you choose, know there is something beautiful for everyone around every remote twist and turn.