Celebrating Love, Freedom and Open Roads
October is Pride Month in South Africa, and the Cape West Coast is a great place to celebrate it.
A Little History
In much of the world, Pride Month is celebrated in June, but in South Africa it’s most closely tied to October. That’s because the first Pride march on the African continent took place in Johannesburg in 1990.
What makes South Africa’s story so remarkable is how much of it was written into law. In 1996, our Constitution became the first in the world to explicitly prohibit unfair discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. In 2006, the Civil Union Act made South Africa the first country in Africa, and one of the first few in the world, to legalise same-sex marriage.
Start in Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world’s best-loved LGBTQ+ destinations, so it’s the natural place to begin with West Coast Way’s Cape Way Route. Spend the morning at the V&A Waterfront, ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for views over the city, or wander the gardens at Kirstenbosch.
If you’d like to venture beyond the CBD, head north to Bloubergstrand and Studio 46, still within Cape Town but a world away from the city bustle. Pride is about self-expression, and this studio is a celebration of local artistry and individuality, with local artwork, sea-inspired jewellery and art classes. Book a class with friends, or pick out something handmade to mark the day.
Head Up The Coast
Pride has always been about courage, and few things say that like jumping out of a plane. Skydive Cape Town lets you soar above the coastline for a day of freedom and adrenaline, whether it’s your first jump or your tenth. Once your feet are back on the ground, head to Darling, where you can wind down exploring the town. Round off the day at Disa Lodge in Darling, where the rolling hills are a quiet backdrop after an exciting afternoon.
Stops on the Tractor Route:
- Skydive Cape Town: +27 (0)82 800 6290 – [email protected] – skydivecapetown.co.za
- Disa Lodge: +27 (0)22 492 3561 – [email protected] – disalodge.co.za
Savour Every Moment
In and around Langebaan, the Foodie Route is about good food, open space and time with people you love. At Thali Thali Game Lodge, go on a game drive, try your hand at archery and finish the day over a delicious meal. For something more refined, The Farmhouse Hotel looks out over the Langebaan Lagoon, and its restaurant, La Petite Maison, serves French-inspired dining.
Stops on the Foodie Route:
- 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
Slow Down By The Berg River
Here, time moves a little slower. Explore the coastal town of Velddrif. Take a Cracklin’ Rosie River Tour and see the area on the Berg River, then settle in at Ek en Djy Restaurant, Bar & Shop for a meal with friends. Before you head off, stop at Columbine Co. Coffee Shop for coffee and some artisanal treats. You can stay at Wamakersvlei Beach Farm, set between Rocherpan and Dwarskersbos, where historic fishermen’s cottages are a peaceful base for the weekend.
Stops on the Berg Route:
- Wamakersvlei Beach Farm: +27 (0)83 527 7967 – [email protected] – wamakersvlei.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
Finish at the Coast
Lambert’s Bay is the end of the road. Walk the white sandy beaches, visit Bird Island and enjoy fresh local seafood at Muisboskerm. Lambert’s Bay Tourism can point you to the best spots and give you directions. When it’s time to choose where to stay, West Coast Wonders has options from farm stays to ocean-view self-catering apartments, so you can end your Pride trip watching the sun go down over the Atlantic.
Stops on the Wild Route include:
- 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
Happy Pride from the West Coast Way
Whether you’re travelling with a partner, chosen family or friends, or on your own, the West Coast welcomes you. Pick a route, book a stay and celebrate on the open road.
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.