A mere 25 minutes north of the Mother City you will find a whole new world just waiting to be explored; one of unspoiled beauty, pristine beaches, quaint fishing villages and rich cultural history. Here you will find 101+ things to do and see for the whole family and the warm embrace of the most hospitable region in the country.
It can, in fact, be said that nowhere else in South Africa offers the unique diversity that one can experience in as compact a region as the unique West Coast Biodiversity Corridor which stretches from Blaauwberg to St Helena Bay on the R27, and inland to the R45.
The West Coast is the quintessential ‘road less travelled’ and custom-built for a good old-fashioned road trip.
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.Whether you need a short road trip of just a day or have time to explore at your own pace, these routes will guide you to the very best the Cape West Coast has to offer:
1. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
A mere 30km from Cape Town, The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve boasts spectacular views down fynbos slopes, across the cityscape and over 7km of rocky, sandy coastline to the ocean and beyond. It is one of the few viewpoints in the world from where you can see two proclaimed World Heritage Sites, namely Table Mountain and Robben Island. Also within the conservation is the site of the 1806 Battle of Blaauwberg.
Distance from Cape Town: 23.6km
Where: Cape Farms, just north of Blaauwberg on the R27 or Otto Du Plessis Drive
Contact: 021 554 0957/ 021 444 0454 (Eerstesteen Resort)
2. Melkbosstrand
A favourite with locals, Melkbosstrand is the archetypal seaside village and a popular water sports location. The long Main Beach is backed by green lawns that are perfect for sand-free picnics, and there are several cafés and restaurants dotted along Beach Road. Also a place of historical importance, this is where the invading British troops landed in 1806.
Where To Stay
The Lodge At Atlantic Beach, a mere 25 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. The Lodge overlooks the 10th fairway of one of Cape Town’s Premier Golf Estates.
Choose from 20 luxuriously appointed rooms at The Lodge and delight in the sumptuous meals on offer from the Sunset Terrace Restaurant at Atlantic Beach Golf Club, including lunch and dinner, as well as take full advantage of all the first-class facilities available on the Estate.
Where: 100 Fairway Drive, Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand
Contact: +27 21 5534653 | [email protected] | www.thelodgeatatlanticbeach.co.za
Distance from Cape Town: 33.2km
3. Koeberg Private Nature Reserve
The nature reserve offers educational information on the power station as well as two spectacular walking trails where visitors are treated to a range of fauna and flora, including grysbok, steenbok and springbok. A great way to see the reserve is on a bicycle and there are several spectacular routes to follow. There is also a bird hide where you can stop for a picnic and a spot of bird-watching. Open 7 days a week, walk or drive in and park at the Visitors Centre. Remember to bring your ID Book for registration. No entrance fees. For more information: 021 550 5314
Distance from Cape Town: 30km
Where: Off the R27, Melkbosstrand, Blaauwberg
4. Silwerstroomstrand
Silwerstroomstrand is a Blue Flag beach with excellent water quality and an expansive stretch of coastline in a wonderfully secluded setting. A small rocky point provides protection from the swell for safe swimming in the sea, and there is also a tidal pool for those wanting a warmer dip without the waves. There are also picnic and barbeque areas and a caravan park and bungalows for longer stays.
Distance from Cape Town: 46km
Where: Just off the R27
5. Witzand Aquifer Nature Reserve (Atlantis Sand Dunes)
This unique conservation area is made up of two priority sites, the Silwerstroomstrand Conservation Area and the Atlantis Dunefields. The landscape consists of sandy beaches, rocky shorelines and outcrops, as well as vast dunes. These world-famous dunes offer spectacular views of Table Mountain and are perfect for 4X4 adventures as well as sand-boarding.
Distance from Cape Town: 48km
Where: R307, off the R27
6. Mamre Mission Station
The town of Mamre is a true hidden gem with its rich and colourful history. It is home to a remarkable Moravian Mission Station which was established in 1808, and the original church and parsonage retain their charm are now national monuments. The watermill has been restored as a museum and the church is still used for services and packed to capacity every Sunday.
Distance from Cape Town: 59km
Where: Off R27, via the R307 between Atlantis and Darling
7. Groote Post Wine Cellar
Groote Post is a historic 18th-century farm where the unique aspects and cool climatic conditions of the Darling Hills yield superlative grapes and excellent wines. Part of the famous West Coast Flower Route, they also offer spectacular nature walks as well as game drives. Excellent food is available either at Aunt Hilda’s Restaurant or as a delectable picnic to be enjoyed on the lawn.
Distance from Cape Town: 60km
Location: Darling Hills Road, off the R27
Contact: +27 (0)22 4922825
8. Darling
Situated between vineyards and golden wheat fields, the quaint town of Darling has a tangible sense of history. In the heart of the West Coast Flower Region, in spring every field around the small town blooms a tapestry of flowers and the Darling Wildflower Show is held every third weekend in September. Darling is also home to renowned Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout and the quirky theatre complex, Evita se Perron.
Distance from Cape Town: 76km
Darling Tourism Bureau is open 7 days a week
Where: Pastorie Street, Darling,
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za
The Darling Wildflower show takes place annually and celebrates an integral part of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom comprising of Renosterveld, Rietveld, Sandveld, and Strandveld where more than 1200 different species of flowers can be found. The event includes entry to the Landscaped Hall (depicting the flowers of the area in their natural habitat). A Freeride on a tractor-drawn wagon to see the Oude Post Pristine wetland (that is not accessible to the public and can only be seen during the show), a Craft/Farmers Market, Veteran Tractor/Car Display, an Entertainment Tent featuring live music, a large Children’s area, safe and secure parking and many other attractions. There will also be numerous food and Beverage stalls where you can purchase a variety of food and drinks to take away or use the facilities to relax and enjoy the natural environment.
• Wildflower Show • Child-Friendly • Info • Stalls
Darling Brew Experience
Road tripping is thirsty work so be sure to stop at the new Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery for a taste of ‘slow living’.
Distance from Cape Town: 76km
Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery: 48 Caledon Street, Darling
Brewery, Restaurant, Tastings & Sales, open-air kids play area, MTB-friendly, Live Events
(For groups larger than 10 please book to avoid disappointment.)
Contact: +27 (0)21 286 1099 | [email protected] | www.darlingbrew.co.za
9. Riebeek Valley
Nestled among vineyards and olive groves Riebeek Valley includes the towns of Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel. The area is a market and festival hot spot ideal if you like to travel and shop. Kasteelberg offers some amazing hikes ideal for those who love birdlife and views from high up. Several Species of falcon, eagles and owls can be spotted. If vineyards and olive acres are your things, even that’s very unique through the lens and ever-changing.
Every year thousands of people descend on Riebeek Valley for the annual Olive Festival which is located on the Scenic Route. For the past 2 years I’ve missed it, but this year I ensured that I soaked up the delectable local olives, cheese, gourmet food and tantalizing wines this year’s festival had on offer.
Distance from Cape Town: 86.1km
Where: N7
Open 7 days a week | Free entry
Contact: +27 22 448 1545 | [email protected] | www.riebeekvalley.info
10. West Coast National Park
The West Coast National Park, which stretches from Yzerfontein to Langebaan, is a pristine nature reserve which offers an array of activities such as bird watching, game sighting, biking and whale spotting. Avid birdwatchers can spot over 200 species of land and sea birds, and the game includes springbok, kudu, gemsbok and the rare mountain zebra. The popular restaurant, Geelbek, is situated near the Langebaan lagoon.
Distance from Cape Town: 87.7km
Location: Off the R27
11. Yzerfontein
This picturesque seaside village is not only a haven for birdlife, wildlife, sea life and indigenous flora, it also boasts South Africa’s longest stretch of beach which runs for 16 miles, all the way up to the start of the West Coast National Park in the north. Popular with water sport enthusiasts, other activities include whale spotting, fishing and hiking.
Where To Stay
Yzerfontein Accommodation
From Guest Rooms to Self-Catering Accommodation, Yzerfontein Accommodation caters for everyone. Choose from over 30 different accommodation places, all with their own unique offerings. Some are Child-Friendly, Beach facing, Wheelchair-Friendly, or Pet-Friendly. You can add wonderful activities to your stay: like horse riding, a photoshoot, a delicious picnic or a skydiving experience.
• Accommodation Child-Friendly • Pet-Friendly • Online Booking • Braai Facilities
Contact: +27 (0)22 451 2210 | +27 (0)83 453 2336 [email protected] | www.yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za
Distance from Cape Town: 80km
Where: 90km north of Cape Town on the R27
12. !Khwa ttu San Cultural and Educational Centre
The centre offers a fascinating insight into the culture, heritage, knowledge and modern-day life of the original inhabitants of the West Coast and tours by qualified San guides demonstrate their unique skills and share their ancient knowledge. They also offer a spectacular MTB trail and accommodation and the original farmhouse is now a beautiful restaurant which is open for breakfast and lunch daily.
Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 74km
Where: Grootwater Farm, R27
Contact: (c) +27 (0)22 492 2998 | [email protected] | www.khwattu.org
Where To Stay
Spend the night and relax in one of their cosy and luxury guest houses or tented camps, tucked away on the West Coast countryside. All three the Guesthouses are stylishly furnished with luxurious beds, spacious en suite bathrooms, dining areas with cosy fireplaces and private wooden decks or a stoep with spectacular panoramic views. Rest in supreme comfort, luxury and style wherever you decide to stay.
Contact: (c) +27 (0)22 492 2998 | [email protected] | www.khwattu.org
13. Langebaan
Known as the Jewel of the West Coast, Langebaan enjoys almost year-round sunshine and boasts azure waters and unsurpassed natural beauty. Bordering the West Coast National Park, Langebaan is an internationally acclaimed Ramsar Site for its importance as a wetland and is host myriad bird species. The mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon also make it the perfect location for many water sports.
Distance from Cape Town: 116km
Where: R27
Where To Stay
Langebaan Beach Accommodation is situated on the beautiful Cape West Coast of South Africa. We specialise in premier beachfront location holiday homes. All of our houses offer outstanding accommodation for short and long-stay holidays in Langebaan – the heart of the Cape West Coast.
Open 7 days a week
Where: Langebaan
Contact: +27 (0)22 772 1150 | 064 654 8546
[email protected] | www.langebaanbeacaccommodation.com
Distance from Cape Town: 134.5km
Albatross Guesthouse is custom build house offering comfortable accommodation in central Langebaan. Rooms are well-appointed with free WiFi access, comfortable beds, good quality clean linen and with outstanding service. Albatross Guesthouse is conveniently situated in the centre of town, within walking distance to the beach, shops and all the restaurants, the library and banks.
Open 7 days a week
Where: Langebaan
Contact: 082 820 5350
Distance from Cape Town: 134.5km
14. Saldanha
Situated in South Africa’s largest natural Bay, Saldanha is known for its contrasts and natural beauty. The hub of the fishing industry as well as a holiday hotspot for water sports lovers, the bay also hosts the South African Military Academy, in which can be found a pristine nature reserve which becomes a floral wonderland in spring and offers great vantage points from which to view the Southern Right Whale in the calving season.
Distance from Cape Town: 142km
Where: R27 to R399
15. Jacobsbaai
The beautiful, rugged and rocky coastline of Jacobsbaai boasts a sea frontage of 2km which has 7 different bays. The coastal fynbos supports a variety of wildlife which can best be seen along the 17-km hiking trail runs between Swartrietbaai and Tietiesbaai. Often referred to by locals as ‘Namaqualand by the sea’ its wildflowers are breathtakingly beautiful in spring.
Distance from Cape Town: 151km
Where: R27
16. Paternoster
One of the oldest villages on the West Coast, Paternoster epitomizes the authentic and traditional West Coast lifestyle, and life here is closely connected to the sea. Fishermen still head out daily in colourful traditional wooden boats to catch fish, which can be bought at the local; market or enjoyed in the quaint restaurants. Paternoster is also popular with snorkelers, kite surfers and flyers, hikers, cyclists and kayakers.
Distance from Cape Town: 149km
Where: R399
17. Shelley Point
Shelley Point is a tiny, unspoiled peninsula which lies in the calm waters of Shelley Bay. Protected from the swell, it is ideal for sailing and fishing, and also provides shallow, safe water for children to splash about in. Other than a 9-hole golf course and a Wellness Centre, there are few amenities and it truly is the place to get away from it all.
Where To Stay
Shelley Point Hotel and Spa allows guests to choose from elegantly decorated suites with an emphasis on comfort and privacy. All accommodation includes buffet breakfast and children under six years stay for free. And all rooms have en-suite bathrooms with fresh fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers. Among the accommodation are 31 luxury suites, three of them disabled-friendly, two honeymoon suites and 48 duplexes for four guests in each.
Accommodation • Restaurant • Conferencing • Child-Friendly • Wheelchair- Friendly • Water and Land Activities • Spa
Open seven days a week: Booking Essential
Where: R27, about 150 km from Cape Town, in an exclusive security peninsula resort of Shelley Point, on Golden Mile Boulevard,
Contact: +27 (0) 22 742 1065 or email [email protected] shelleypointhotel.com
Distance from Cape Town: 203km
Where: R27
18. St Helena Bay
An unspoilt coastline, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a great year-round destination. Traversing a total of 18 bays and fed by the nutrient-rich Benguela Current, St Helena Bay is one of the world’s prime fishing areas and dolphins and Southern Right Whales also enjoy the calm waters. The Cape St Martin Private Nature Reserve is the only place on the West Coast where you can watch the sunrise over the sea.
Distance from Cape Town: 149km
Where: R27
19. Hopefield
Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is a historic town that dates back to 1851. Attractions include the beautiful Hopefield Dutch Reformed Church built in 1879 where the original organ still plays at weddings and during the Hopefield Fynbos Show and a replica of the hominid skull Saldanha Man which can be viewed at the Fossil Museum.
Visit Hopefield’s Simply Bee Shop, Observation Centre and Farm Exhibition. The first-ever glass observation hive gives you a fascinating first-hand insight on how a bee colony lives and works to make honey. Simply Bee also produces many natural honey and fynbos products that can be bought at the shop. Open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00 and on Saturday’s until 13:00.
Contact: +27 (0)22 723 0569 Website: www.simplybeeswax.co.za.
Distance from Cape Town: 124km
Where: R45
20. Thali Thali Game Lodge
Thali Thali is a pristine privately owned game and fynbos reserve with abundant wildlife and bird species. Home to a wide variety of antelope as well as many other species, there are no predators, so guests are free to explore on foot. Daily game drives are available as well as other activities like archery and a 3D bow hunting track. A rustic restaurant offers an excellent menu and great views.
Where To Stay
The accommodation at Thali Thali Game Lodge consists of was designed to create a unit incorporating the entertainment area with bar facilities and an open-air Lapa. There are three West Coast-style self-catering chalets, five B&B luxury tents as well as a big old farmhouse with 4 bedrooms which is separate from all the others and ideal for families and groups.
Open 7 days a week | Free entry
Distance from Cape Town: 116km
Where: R27
Contact: (c) +27 (0)82 372 8637 / +27 (0)83 275 2825 | [email protected] | www.thalithali.co.za
21. Bokkomlaan in Velddrif
Velddrif is the heart of the fishing industry on the West Coast. Many visitors go there and miss this undiscovered gem. Until now. Cross the Carinus Bridge and take a right along Voortrekker Road between St Helena Bay and Aurora. Stop at the view site beneath tall palm trees and watch ample waders in the waterway. Continue a little further and take a right into Bokkomlaan. Time seems to stands still as fishing boats bob in the wake next to numerous jetties. Fishermen can be seen preparing fish for sale as they did in the fishing heyday. Bokkomlaan is the first road to have been built in Velddrif. It was granted heritage status one year ago.
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.