It’s time for your West Coast Holiday

#101FUN

Visit www.westcoastway.co.za and plan your weekend & holiday trip starting 25 min from Cape Town into the unique Cape West Coast biosphere. Take the West Coast Way via the R27 from Tableview and explore the Culture & Foodie Routes for the ultimate West Coast Holiday. Find a 101 fun things to do and see here for the first stretch of your road trip:

West Coast National Park with Geelbek Restaurant

Art Galleries & Museums

Darling Museum

After being established years ago as the ‘Butter Museum’, Darling residents began donating memorabilia to what is now the Darling Museum. It showcases an interesting recreation of a bygone era with Victorian clothing, kitchen, china and household items, as well as insights into Darling’s cream and butter industry and its farming history. Go for the Touch & Turn display for the kids!

Open: Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 16:00 | Friday: 09:00 – 15:30 | Weekends & Public Holidays: 10:00 – 15:00

Closed the 25 December 2015 and 1 January 2016

Where: Corner Pastorie & Hill Street, Darling

Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361

!Khwa ttu Dream Museum and Arts & Crafts Shop

A gallery showcases different art exhibitions which give a unique insight into the San culture. The !Khwa ttu shop sells beautiful art and San-inspired crafts. The Dream Museum shares the San Spirit, past, present and future. Open 7 days a week. !Khwa ttu has a beautiful shop displaying art, crafts, photography, books and innovative merchandise related to the San. Next door to the shop is the Dream Museum.

Open 7 days a week.

Closed: 25, 31 December 2015 and 1 January 2016

Where: R27

Contact: +27 (0)22 492 2998 Website: www.khwattu.org

Bay Gallery in Langebaan

For an uplifting experience, visit Bay Gallery, Marra Square, Bree St., Langebaan, 5 minutes from the beach. Original, beautiful, local artwork at amazing prices, including handwoven mohair scarves, shawls and throws and 2015 calendars by Frans Groenewald. Browsers are welcome!

Open 9.30am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays, until 2pm on Saturdays and by appointment on Sundays.

Where: Marra Square, Bree Street, Langebaan

Contact: +27 (0)73 304 8744.

Stone Fish Studio and Gallery, Paternoster

Stone Fish is not only a gallery but also a studio where West Coast artist Dianne Heesom-Green creates unique hand-built clay sculptures, paintings and hosts workshops. Her studio is in an old mill which was built in 1863 and the gallery also showcases original works by renowned artists.

Where: St Augustine Rd, Paternoster

Contact: +27 (0)82 824 8917

The West Coast Art Gallery, Port Owen

The West Coast Art Gallery sources and exhibits talent that is both upcoming and established from the entire region. Owned by artist, Dot Dixon, the gallery was created as a window on West Coast art and represents the works of over 100 artists and craftsmen.

Where: 52 Port Owen RoadPort Owen

Contact: +27 (0)22 783 2469

SA Fisheries Museum, Velddrif

Recently moved from Hout Bay, the SA Fisheries Museum exhibits the colourful and fascinating history of the fishing industry along the West Coast, from old whaling to present-day pelagic and lobster fishing. It also pays homage to all pioneers and subsidiary stakeholders in the fishing industry.

Open Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 to 16:00 | Saturday: 10:00 to 13:00

Where: De Villiers St, Laaiplek, Velddrif

Contact: +27 (0)22 783 2531 or +27 (0)82 849 9251

Hopefield Museum

Hopefield Museum is a true treasure trove of all things antique. Period furniture, a classic piano, garments and linen, crockery, utensils and collectables from the region, as well as old irons, antique radios and a fossil collection excavated in the area are on display.

Open: Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 17:00

Where: 38 Voortrekker Road, Hopefield

Contact: +27 (0)22 723-1720 or +27 (0)73 187-6764

Hopefield Dutch Reformed Church

Visit the impressive Dutch Reformed Church in Hopefield, built in 1879, and home to the 100+ year old Foster & Andrews Organ that is still used during every service today.

Only ten of these organs were imported to South Africa and the Hopefield community is justifiably proud of this wonderful antique that still sounds as good today as when it was first installed in 1911.

If you can, try to stay for a service so you can hear the wonderful sounds emanating from this beautiful organ.

Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 09:00 – 15:00

Where: Voortrekker Road, Hopefield, Cape West Coast, Western Cape

Contact: +27 (0)22 723-1416

For the Foodies:

Award-Winning Darling Brew craft brewery experience

Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery

Darling Brew has a collection of various beers and includes a light lager, a pale ale and an Indian ale – so that’s loads to explore in your West Coast Holiday. The signature drink is an extreme lager named Slow Beer, which is complimented by an ever-growing range of Darling Brew beers including the first carbon neutral beer in South Africa, the Blood Serpent, as well as the Silver Back, Rogue Pony, Gypsy Mask, Thunder Bird, Sunglazer, Black Mist, Bone Crusher and Slow Beer. Each one a ‘slow beer’ experience.

Darling Brew beer can be purchased or enjoyed at the new Tasteroom & Brewery  at 48 Caledon Street in Darling.

Here visitors can see the brewing process and enjoy beer and a proudly South African barbecue ‘braai’ menu indoors or outside in the garden. The open-air kids play area makes it a venue that the whole family can enjoy. The downstairs tasting room has been designed to be wheelchair friendly.

The food on offer is seasonal and locally sourced. New seasonal beers bring new food pairings ensuring a menu that is varied and interesting offering a smorgasbord of Darling’s best cheese, permaculture produce like pomegranates and cured meat. The restaurant works on a walk-in basis, so there is no need to book, however groups larger than 10 are encouraged to book to avoid disappointment.

Tasteroom operating hours:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm Kitchen closes at 4pm
• Friday 9 am to 9pm Kitchen closes at 8pm
• Saturday 9am to 5pm  Kitchen closes at 4pm
• Sunday 10am to 4pm  Kitchen closes at 3pm
• They are also open for private functions.
• Bookings are essential.

Contact: +27 (0)21 286 1099 | [email protected] | www.darlingbrew.co.za

Darling Sweet

Watch how they make their toffees and get to do a free toffee tasting!

Get to tast flavours like Tannie Evita’s Classic Toffee, Honey & Salt Toffee, Red Wine & Chocolate Toffee, Orange & Pomegranate Toffee, Liquorice Toffee and the Ormonde Wines Toffee. Look out for new products like the Darling Sweet Toffee Spread.

Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 17:00, Saturday 08:30 – 14:00

On Public Holidays (Except Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day CLOSED) 10:00 – 14:00

Where: Long Street, Darling

Contact Frits +27 (0)832354002

The Marmalade Cat

Open daily for breakfast and lunch and on Friday nights for pizza, this unique eatery is popular with locals and visitors alike. Easy to spot on Darling’s main road, here guests are greeted by the enticing aromas of freshly baked goods and a kaleidoscope of gifts and collectables.

Start your day with one of their delicious omelettes, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the flower-filled courtyard or pop in for afternoon tea – this quirky venue is sure to put a spring in your step.
Where: R315
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 2515 | www.marmaladecat.co.za

The Flying Pig

Go for free tastings of cured meat products.

The Flying Pig is a collaboration between Eighteen94 CureSmiths and Beulah Farm Deli.  The Flying Pig’s main aim is to showcase not only the charcuterie products of Eighteen94 CureSmiths, but also that of the local Darling producers, as well as top class artisanal coffee, roasted right here on the West Coast.  The Flying Pig has become known as Darling’s Deli because it is one of the only places you can find some of these wonderful products (like Udderly Delicious Cheese, NetGranaat Pomogranate products etc).  When visiting ask for Rosemead Artisan Breads – a new addition to the Flying Pig offering.

Open Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 08:00 to 14:00

Where: The Mantis Mall, Station Street, Darling

Contact Gill +27 (0)73 361 1091

Plaasmol Padstal

Located in Hopefield. Free entry into a permaculture, recycle, re-use arts and crafts experience. They have a restaurant and you can view Africa’s biggest and smallest chair!

Open 7 days a week | Free entry
Where: Hopefield, R45
Contact: +27 (0)74 924 8478

True West Coast Experiences:

Elite Charters Cruises on the Langebaan Lagoon

Carmien Tea

Grown exclusively along the West Coast of South Africa, the rooibos produced here is cultivated to it’s best by the naturally occurring Mediterranean climate found along the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor. The rooibos tea farmed here serves as a base to the myriad infusions offered by Carmién Tea. Carmién Tea now offers these flavour pairings at their picturesque Bergendal-Carmien Rooibos farm in the Citrusdal valley.

Where: Bergendal Farm, Citrusdal Contact: +27 (0)22 921 8900 | www.carmientea.co.za

Elite Charters

Set sail – and coals on fire – from Club Mykonos to the crystal clear shallows of Kraalbaai in the Langebaan Lagoon for a 3 hour braai cruise on board a 38ft catamaran. You read that right. Elite Charters at Club Mykonos Marina offers a cruise on Langebaan Lagoon that ends with a braai for the ages hosted by the crew.

Open 7 days a week | Booking Essential
Distance from Cape Town: 130km
Where: R27, inside Club Mykonos, Langebaan
Contact: +27 76 397 8351

www.elitecharters.co.za

Yzerfontein Labyrinth

This labyrinth was created by the Yzerfontein conservancy and can be located on the corner of Dassen Island Drive and Atlantic Drive. Entrance is free and perfect for the whole family to do.

Mamre

Bring the family and all your friends for a free Heritage Walking Tour at Mamre Moravian Mission Station

Find out more about the Heritage Walk here: https://www.westcoastway.co.za/mamre-mission-station/

Open Monday to Sunday 08:00 – 17:00

Visit Tori Oso Restaurant for light meals or cake & coffee. (Open Tuesday to Sunday)

Book a community guide to take you on the Walking Tour by calling them 2 days before planned arrival.

Where: On Main Road, Mamre

Contact: Stephanie +27 (0)72 972 3539

!Khwa ttu – San Spirit Shared

They offer San guided tours, a restaurant, accommodation, museum, shop and gallery. !Khwa ttu combines adventure, relaxation and San education to create a new understanding of the phrase “San Spirit Shared”. !Khwa ttu restaurant, located in a rustic farmhouse, serves breakfast and lunch. Enjoy freshly prepared food with a selection of dishes using free range, reared game. Paired with Darling wines. Being located on a nature reserve you will find many species of large animals and antelope including Zebra, the large Eland and Springbok. It also has an abundance of smaller mammals, birdlife and fynbos plants. Explore by mountain bike, by foot or guided tours.

Find great specials this time of the year! Bring the kids during the holidays for their Kids Holiday Fun program. Make and shoot your own traditional bow & Arrow. Follow animal tracks. Flay nature games and so much more! Boys and girls between 6 and 12 years old. Bring your own bike or use one of theirs.

Open 7 days a week

Closed: 25, 31 December 2015 and 1 January 2016

Where: R27

Contact: +27 (0)22 492 2998

Darling Mystery Trail

Fragments of a mysterious story still exist, find the ideal trail to the treasure by sorting out the riddles you will come across. A map will be provided, to make it more fun some modern geocaching elements are added. You can use your GPS, the QR-code reader and the compass on your smartphone. You can also win prizes!

Start at the Darling Tourism Bureau situated in the Darling Museum. Entry into the Museum is included in your Darling Mystery Trail fee.

Pay R20.00 per person – SAVE R5 – Quote “West Coast Way” when buying your ticket at the Darling Museum. T&C apply.

Booking Essential.

Open 7 days a week (Closed: 25 December 2015 & 1 January 2016)

Where: Pastorie Street, Darling

Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361

Sip your way through Darling

Ormonde Private Wine Cellar in the heart of Darling

Ormonde Private Cellar 

Ormonde Private Cellar is located on the rolling hills of Darling and offers the perfect way to spend your day in a family friendly environment with loads to taste, learn and see.

Picnic Platters are available at R150 per platter for 2 persons

Chocolate & Wine pairing at R60 per person (this needs to be pre-booked)

Tasting Room Hours: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 16:00

Closed: 25, 26 December 2015 and 1 January 2016

Open: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00 Saturday 09:00 – 15:00

Where: Mount Pleasant Street, Darling

Contact: +27 (0) 22 492 3540  | [email protected]  | www.ormonde.co.za

Groote Post

Enjoy free wine tasting at Groote Post for groups of 10 and less. This farm has an old slave bell, beautiful farm buildings and offers a free nature walk which includes a bird hide. Also on offer, at a very reasonable fee, is an opportunity to go on an award-winning farm drive tour that you can book upfront to enjoy with family and friends.

Open Monday to Sunday 08:00 – 17:00

Tasting Room Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 16: 00

Closed: 25, 26 December 2015 and 1 January 2016

Hilda’s Kitchen:

Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 – 14:30

28, 29 December they will be open

Closed: 25, 26 December 2015 and 1 January 2016

Contact Christelle +27 (0)22 492 2825

Darling Cellars

Darling Cellars offer informative tastings and cellar tours (by appointment) and make for a memorable visit. Get to view the famous ‘bush vines’ that yield grapes made into award-winning wines.

Open Monday – Thursday 09:00 – 17:00, Friday 09:00 – 16:00 and Saturdays and Public Holidays 10:00 – 14:00

Closed on Sundays, 25 December 2015 and 1st January 2016

Where: Mamre Station, R315, Darling

Contact: +27 (0)22 492 2276 or +27 (0)84 304 3820

Cloof Wine Estate

Visit Cloof’s tasting room where you can sit down and enjoy their award-winning wines. Or sip on a fun “Very Sexy Shiraz”. They have a restaurant where you can indulge in a beautiful summer menu. Get ready for fresh air and the sound of birds in their outdoor garden area where you can sit, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenic views.

A visit to Cloof Wine Estate includes a free tasting of their Darling Range and a R20 fee per person for the rest of the ranges.

The Tasting Room is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 – 16:00

Restaurant is open from 10:00 – 15:00

Closed on the 25th December 2015 and 1st January 2016

Where: R315 – off Mamre Road, Darling

Contact: +27 (0)022 492 2854

Accommodation

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort is the gateway to the Cederberg

Club Mykonos

Club Mykonos resort is a family friendly Mediterranean gateway to endless fun in the sun. Club Mykonos allows you to choose from 3 diverse self-catering accommodation products consisting of 361 luxurious Kalivas (apartments), with stunning views of the Langebaan lagoon and a host of things to do. Enjoy top accommodation, great food from a variety of restaurants and eateries, relax and rejuvenate at the spa, take a stroll or go on a cruise at the Marina, enjoy a wide variety of activities from tennis, swimming, paintball, mini golf and quad biking or work out at the gym.

Contact: +27 (0) 22 707 7000 |  [email protected] |  www.clubmykonos.co.za

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort

A stunning mountain resort high up in the Piekenierskloof with spectacular views over the Olifants River Valley. Known for Kloof Restaurant which is frequented by visitors and Citrusdal locals. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, children’s playground and mini golf (putt-putt) course. Accommodation includes 22 hotel rooms (non-self-catering) as well as self-catering chalets. The chalets are thatched and consist of 2 bedrooms en-suite, a fully equipped kitchen and loft with 2 twin beds. Piekenierskloof offer a 7 platform zipline experience of the Kloof taking you for a quick zoom into the Citrusdal Valley.

Find Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort in Citrusdal. Reservations +27 (0)22 921 3574  | [email protected] – Free WiFi. Kids Friendly. Distance from Cape Town: 169km

The Lodge at Atlantic Beach

An easy-going oasis where the best of surf and turf meet. Four star accommodation surrounded by a world-class golf course, gives you the choice to go explore or simply stay in and enjoy the view. The Lodge offers 3 types of luxury 4-star accommodation: Double, Twin and Self-catering apartment. Add to your stay with a game at Atlantic Beach Golf Club and access to the tennis courts, fitness centre and swimming pool. The Lodge is located uniquely at the new Blue Flag beach of Cape Town: Melkbosstrand.

Find The Lodge at Atlantic Beach in Melkbosstrand. Free WiFi. Family Friendly. Distance from Cape Town: 27km

Part of the Culture Route | Melkbosstrand

Book online www.thelodgeatatlanticbeach.co.za

Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay

This 3-star hotel offer a welcoming atmosphere with a fresh and spacious interior. The big lounge is a favourite relaxing spot for guests and the open terrace provides a 260 degree view of the harbour, bay and sparkling pool. Go for long beach walks after a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner at the restaurant. On a clear day you can see Table Mountain. Conference facilities available.

Open Monday to Sunday

Where: R27, R399, Main Road Saldanha Bay

Contact: +27 (0)22 714 1264

Thali Thali Game Lodge

Thali Thali is a pristine privately owned 14.6km² game and fynbos reserve which is home to abundant birdlife, wildlife and a restaurant offering traditional West Coast cuisine. There is a choice of accommodation and you can either stay in the spacious farmhouse, self-catering chalets or in spacious luxury tents which have en-suite bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Add to your nature experience with a game drive and archery experience.

Find Thali Thali at the Langebaan turn-off on the R27. Free WiFi. Kids Friendly. Distance from Cape Town: 117km

Part of the Foodie Route | Thali Thali Game Lodge

Book online: Thali Thali Game Lodge or www.thalithali.co.za

!Khwa ttu

!Khwa ttu offers 4 types of rustic and tented accommodation: Guest Houses, Bush House, Bush Camp and Bush Village Camp. All three guest houses at !Khwa ttu are stylishly furnished with luxurious beds, spacious en suite bathrooms and private wooden decks with spectacular panoramic views. Add to your stay with a San Tour, gallery visit and local restaurant.

Find !Khwa ttu on the R27, West Coast Road, on Darling’s Hills. Free WiFi at restaurant. Kids Friendly. Distance from Cape Town: 74km

Part of the Culture Route | Yzerfontein/Darling

Book online www.khwattu.org

Blue Bay Lodge

Situated above the beaches of Saldanha Bay, the hotel’s Bed & Breakfast lodge and suite rooms are adjoined by self-catering beach side cottages. Facilities include three star ‘en suite’ rooms, broad terraces, and an à la carte restaurant called the Blue Bay Café. Take long strolls on the beach, use the private bio kinetics gym, play tennis and go swimming, sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing.

Find Blue Bay Lodge in Saldanha Bay. Free WiFi. Kids Friendly. Distance from Cape Town: 142km

Part of the Foodie Route | Saldanha Bay

Book online www.bluebaylodge.co.za

Disa Lodge

Built in 1890, Disa Lodge was one of the first houses built in Darling. In the typical “farm house” style the building has beautiful wooden floors and high ceilings. Located in the old part of Darling in a quiet street lined with beautiful trees and is just around the corner of Darling Museum. Choose between 3 double bedrooms – all with bathrooms en-suite – of which 2 bedrooms share a small stoop.

Find Disa Lodge in Darling. Great braai stoep and braai facilities. Distance from Cape Town: 76km

Part of the Culture Route | Darling

Book online www.disalodge.co.za

Darling Lodge

Set in a lush garden, this beautifully restored Victorian country home is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. The main house, offers three individually decorated country style rooms and the more modern garden annex consists of three further generously appointed rooms with a grape-vine covered patio overlooking the sparkling pool.

The charming guest house and the beautiful garden are lovingly tended to make any stay special. A 2 minute walk will take you to the Main Road, with places like Darling Wines, Marmelade Cat, Darling Sweet, Flying Pig all just around the corner) or you stand in front of Darling’s beautiful museum. Leave your car behind and start the ultimate #SlowSummer on bicycle from here!

Where: 22 Pastorie Street, Darling

Contact: +27(0) 22 492 3062

Russells on the Port

Russells on the Port is settled in a peaceful and tranquil location overlooking the Port Owen Marina. A top location situated on the doorstep of the Port Owen marina with stunning views of the Bergriver and Marina. Each luxurious guest suite comes equipped with a flat screen TV, free WiFi and a complementary Tea and Coffee station

Russells on the Port is an intimate 90 seater restaurant situated in a luxurious 6 roomed villa overlooking the bergriver basin. Their menu is seasonal and has fresh contemporary dishes with global influences. Flavours are big and natural focussing on the essence of the main ingredient. They have their own vegetable garden and pride ourselves on preparing fresh produce. Dishes of west coast seafood, lamb rump, crispy pork belly and locally sourced game are

Contact: +27 22 783 0158 | [email protected] | russellsontheport.co.za

For beach lovers:

Langebaan is also known as ‘wind town’ for obvious reasons!

Pack a picnic, some beach toys and head on out to some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches:

Eden on the Bay – Pack a picnic

Bloubergstrand – perfect for water sports, get your kite out and have fun, or have a swim at Little Bay and Big Bay.

Melkbosstrand – The long white beach is ideal for leisurely strolls, family fun and is a kite surfing hot-spot.

Silverstroomstrand – Relax at one of its picnic sites or braai areas.

Yzerfontein – Here, a myriad of activities await including surfing, kite surfing and seasonal whale spotting.

Churchhaven and Kraalbaai – perfect for families and water sport fanatics.

Langebaan Lagoon -Fly a Kite on the beach at Langebaan

Saldanha – A favourite for water sport lovers!

Jacobsbaai – The sandy beach in Hospital Bay is ideal for family outings.

Paternoster – An ideal destination for divers, kite surfers and flyers, hikers, bikers, kayakers and art lovers.

Shelley Point – Go for sailing, fishing and it offers safe water fun for the whole family.

St Helena Bay – Perfect for yachtsmen, canoeists, surfers, birders or fishermen.

Tietiesbaai – Very popular playground for campers, fishermen and families.

Get close to nature on these spectacular Nature Reserves:

Thali Thali Game Lodge – Image by Anje Rautenbach

Thali Thali Game Lodge

It is free to visit Thali Thali Game Lodge and a 1.5 hour game drive is only R300 per adult. 
And a 45 minute archery lesson by a professional will cost you only R150. Or go for a walk on the farm – perfect for birders and any other nature lover.

Accommodation: Luxury B&B tents, Self Catering Chalets and a spacious farm house

Open 7 days a week | Free entry

Closed on the 25^th of December.

Where: R27
Contact: (c) +27 (0)82 372 8637 / +27 (0)83 275 2825

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve

Go for Picnic sites, braai areas, hiking trails, historic buildings, surfing, windsurfing, bird watching, whale-watching and fishing (permit required)

Costs: Vehicles R20

Adults (18+) R14, Children (aged 3-17), students and senior citizens R7 (proof required), Children under 3 free

Learner/student groups: R6 per learner (pre-booked; discounts may apply)

‘Friend’ of this reserve: free entry (proof of Friends group membership required)

Where: Cape Farms, Cape Town

Contact: +27 (0)21 554 0957

West Coast National Park

Just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay, and only 1,5 hour’s drive from Cape Town’s City Centre, one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West Coast National Park.

Have lunch at the Geelbek Restaurant and sample true West Coast food and wine. They are open 7 days a week from 09:00-17:00.

Stay over at Duinepos Self Catering Chalets. A total of 11 self-catering chalets each sleeping 4 people comfortably and allowing for a maximum of 6 people.

Costs: SA Citizens & Residents with ID R45 per adult, per day & R22 per child, per day

Open 07:00 – 19:00

Where: Off the R27

Contact:

West Coast National Park: +27 (0)22 772 2144/5

Geelbek: +27 (0)22 772 2134 | 072 698 6343

Duinepos: +27 (0) 22 707 9900

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve lies on a rugged and magnificent peninsula coastline. The historical lighthouse is the only brick and mortar structure in the reserve. On the leisure side, enjoy dolphin and whale sighting, kayaking the inlets and the shoreline.

Where: Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, Tietiesbaai

Contact: +27 (0)22 752 2718

Rocherpan Nature Reserve

The Rocherpan Nature Reserve is a unique combination of two ecosystems which attracts over 180 bird species, including Cape Shovellers, pelicans, flamingos and the rare African Black Oystercatcher. Water mongoose, duiker, ostriches can also be spotted, while Southern Right whales pop in seasonally.

Costs: R40 per adult and R20 per child

Where: 25 km north of Velddrif, R27

Contact: +27 (0)79 203 1092 or +27 (0)79 754 1866

Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve

Bird Island lies about 100m off the shore of Lambert’s Bay on the Cape’s West Coast. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the blue-eyed Cape gannet up close. Bird Island is one of only six sites world-wide where Cape gannets breed, and it is the only breeding site easily accessible to the public.

Cost: R40 per adult and R20 per child

Where: Lamberts Bay

Contact: +27 (0)71 657 5651 or +27 (0)82 336 5936

SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve

Although this gem of a reserve is situated inside the military grounds, it’s accessible to the public via the entrance to the Military Academy. In spring, hiking trails, spectacular spring wildflowers and fantastic whale spotting awaits, all perfectly framed against the coastline. The MTB trail at the SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve is a network of mountain bike trails also used for hiking trails.

Free entry.

Where: Military Academy, Main Road, Saldanha

Contact: +27 (0)22 715 1142

Lighthouses

North Head and South Head lighthouses, Saldanha Bay

The regal-like North and South Head lighthouses (known as the Twins) at the entrance to Saldanha Bay also serve another important function other than to guide ships between the two rocky promontories that form the edges of the bay. The straight imaginary line connecting the two lighthouses acts as an ‘arrival’ line – once a ship has crossed this, it has ‘arrived’ in the bay.

Where: Saldanha Bay, Cape West Coast

Cape Columbine lighthouse, Paternoster

The fortress-like and spectacularly situated Cape Columbine lighthouse is perched on a windswept headland and is usually the first lighthouse sighted by ships coming from South America and Europe. Built in 1936, it was the first local lighthouse to combine all three navigational safety features – a light, a fog signal and a radio beacon.

Where: Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, Tietiesbaai

Contact: +27 (0)22 752 2705

For the Nature Lovers:

Hiking at Cape Columbine, Paternoster

The rugged Cape Columbine Nature Reserve runs along a spectacular rocky stretch of coastline indented with inlets and coves. There are many hiking trails throughout the reserve which lead to various panoramic viewing points.

Where: Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, Tietiesbaai

Contact: +27 (0)22 752 2705

Bird Watching in the West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park has become a legendary birding site where a mix of coastal strandveld, salt marshes, tidal lagoons, mudflats, reed beds, a freshwater pan, rocky and sandy shorelines and offshore islands provide sanctuary for a wide variety of endemic and exotic birds.

Open 07:00 – 19:00

Where: Off the R27

Contact: +27 (0)22 772 2144/5

The Darling Bird Route

Birders can enjoy a range of species from larks and pipits to lesser flamingoes and great white pelicans, as well as a variety of raptors. Flowering bulbs and the wildflower diversity offer a unique springtime experience and in the summer, large numbers of blue cranes can be spotted in the wheat fields.

Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361

Whale spotting in Yzerfontein

Southern Right and Humpback whales visit Yzerfontein in groups of eight to ten between June and December. The cows calve in the calm waters and there are numerous look-out points from which to view these magnificent mammals.

Where: Main Beach, Yzerfontein

Whale spotting in Paternoster

The best time to sight whales in Paternoster is between August and December, and they are best viewed directly from the beaches at Paternoster Bay. The adjacent Cape Columbine Nature Reserve is also frequently visited by whales and the rocks are the perfect place to spot them.

Where: Beach front, Paternoster

Hiking on the Cape West Coast Biosphere Trail

The West Coast Biosphere Trail is an awe-inspiring 2.5 day, 30km wilderness hike meandering through unique vegetation, deserted beaches, dunes and the tranquil lagoon of the West Coast National Park.

Contact: +27 (0)83 708 4007

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.

Take the road less travelled in the West Coast Way

For more information on West Coast Way Routes and the list of 101+ Things To See And Do in the Cape West Coast, visit our eventspage. Choose to go on a self-guided adventure drive by following the routes, or book an air-conditioned trip to top West Coast attractions in South Africa.

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