Yzerfontein is a quaint, untouched fishing village is an urban conservancy where man and nature live in harmony. It boasts the 16 Mile Beach, the longest uninterrupted beach on the South African coastline, with a spectacular view all the way to Table Mountain.

Find Yzerfontein on the West Coast Way Culture and Tractor Routes

Situated within close proximity of Darling, !Khwa ttu San Culture & Educational Centre, and the West Coast National Park, it’s the perfect choice for a quick getaway. If you are a birdwatcher, beach lover or appreciate nature & fynbos, then Yzerfontein is the place to visit! Find the top accommodation places at Yzerfontein Accommodation.

Main living area at MiPhika

Walk along the 16-mile beach

This spectacular beach offers myriad activities for the whole family, including surfing and kite surfing as the long stretch of beach makes it ideal for beginners. Or simply pack a beach bag, towels, picnic and head to the beach for the day. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Did you know that there is a tractor buried in the sand? In 1979 a car got stuck on the beach and the tractor came to its rescue. It pulled the car out successfully but then got stuck itself. It still sometimes reappears depending on how low the tide is and how rough the seas. Maybe you will get lucky.

Try and spot the abandoned tractor on the beach at low tide

Visit the old harbour

Fishermen angle from the beach and rocks, collect mussels, with the small-craft harbour allowing for the launch of boats and jet skis.

A public fish market can be found alongside the main road, and the local fisherman tow their fishing-boats here and offload their catch. It is a hive of activity and an unforgettable experience when the Snoek is in season.

Go for a hike with the Schaapeiland Hiking Trail

The Schaapeiland Hiking Trail skirts the edge of the village of Yzerfontein. Approximately two kilometres long, it starts from the Main Beach – or Sixteen Mile Beach as it is also known – and then runs in a southerly direction, that is, towards the harbour. It is an easy walk for most people.

Once you leave the main beach the Trail runs higher up along the rocks. A well-maintained footpath covered in crushed mussel shells is clearly signposted with white footprints to show the way.

On the Trail many indigenous bird species may be encountered, one of the most important being the small black Oyster Catcher with its bright red legs, long, pointed red bill and shrill whistle-like screech. This bird is on the Cites Red Data List of endangered species.

Learn about the penguins at Dassen Island

Dassen Island is South Africa’s second largest Island after Robben Island and is about 10km west of Yzerfontein in the Atlantic Ocean and is home to the African penguin. The African Penguin is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List and listed on Appendix II of the CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species). Dassen Island was declared a nature reserve in 1987 and is now managed by CapeNature, mainly to protect its seabirds.

Rosemead Artisan Bakery & Patisserie

The bakery is situated at Beulah Farm Deli on the R27, about 500 m from the Yzerfontein/Darling turnoff from Cape Town’s side. Make a stop on your way to stock up on sourdough bread, baguettes, rustique or pastries for your weekend or holiday, or on your way back home. Browse the Farm Deli while you’re there for a selection of local products like cheese, exotic mushrooms, pomegranate ice lollies

Browse the Farm Deli while you’re there for a selection of local products like cheese, exotic mushrooms, pomegranate ice lollies and reductions, farm style preserves, interesting toffees and rusks, and a whole range of handmade meat products like smoked bacon, salami, chorizo, French saucisson, black forest ham, and much more from Eighteen94 Curesmiths. 

Open Tuesday – Sunday
Where: Corner of Park and Volstruis Streets, Yzerfontein
Contact: +27 (0)66 222 5076 | Facebook Page

West Coast Padstal
A little hideaway, midway up the West Coast where one can find the tranquillity of the countryside and still be within easy reach of Cape Town. Here you can relax with a cup of true ‘Boere Troos”, enjoy a typical home cooked meal or just browse through the Farm Stall for that something special.

Once you arrive, take a walk through their beautiful nursery that grows and sells indigenous flora, locally grown herbs and vegetables. The kids will love a visit to the Aviary, which is large enough for their resident Macaws, Cockatoos, African Grey’s and other large parrots to fly around freely in.

Open 7 days a week
Where: Corner of R27 and R315, Yzerfontein
Contact: +27 (0)71 658 9167 | Facebook Page

Strandkombuis

Strandkombuis is an authentic West Coast seafood buffet restaurant situated on the famous 16 Mile Beach, in Yzerfontein. They pride themselves on the quality and freshness of their dishes. After a lazy Sunday lunch, take a long walk on the beach.

Open Friday – Sunday
Where: 16 Mile Beach, Yzerfontein
Contact: +27 (0)22 451 2360 | [email protected]

Yzerfontein Accommodation

From Guest Rooms to Self-Catering Accommodation, Yzerfontein Accommodation caters for everyone. Choose from 20 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. Yzerfontein Accommodation is a family business built on openness, consistency, and loyalty. They cultivate personal, intimate relationships with the locals enabling them to personalize your experience by offering self-catering accommodation and holiday packages.

Yzerfontein Accommodation is a family business built on openness, consistency, and loyalty. They cultivate personal, intimate relationships with the locals enabling them to personalize your experience by offering self-catering accommodation and holiday packages.

Fairview Self Catering

• Accommodation Child-Friendly • Pet-Friendly • Online Booking • Braai Facilities

Open 7 days a week
Where: Yzerfontein
Contact: +27 (0)22 451 2181 | [email protected] | www.yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za

!Khwa ttu San Cultural & Education Centre
This resourceful facility offers a fascinating insight into the culture, heritage and modern-day life of the San, or ‘Bushmen’. San guides demonstrate their hunting skills, share their ancient knowledge and unique ‘clicking’ language. Two Mountain Biking trails from casual leisure to experienced adrenaline junkie.

• Accommodation Child-Friendly • Pet-Friendly • Bar  • Restaurant (Breakfast / Lunch)  • Fireplace • Wheelchair Accessibility (Restaurant)  • Trip Advisor  • Conference Facilities  • Wedding and Function Venue  • Shop  • Tractor Rides  • San Guided Tours  • Mountain Biking Trails • Mountain Bike & Helmet -hiring

Bush House At Khwa ttu

Open 7 days a week| Free entry
Where: Grootwater Farm, R27
Contact: (c) +27 (0)22 492 2998 |[email protected] | www.khwattu.org

Enjoy a private guided nature experience

The Cape West Coast Biodiversity Corridor stretches from Table View Nature Reserve and stretches all the way to Saldanha Bay in the north and the Darling Hills in the east. The West Coast Biodiversity Corridor is situated within the – Cape West Coast Biosphere – 1 of 651 globally.

Slack-packing Trails
The Cape West Coast Biosphere is home to a network of luxury trails that offers something for everyone.

The West Coast Way Biosphere Trails offer exciting slack-packing trails as a wonderful way to experience the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Cape West Coast. Book 1 of the 4 types of trails available: West Coast Way Darling Stagger, West Coast Way Eve’s Trail, West Coast Way Five Bay Trail and West Coast Way Wheels of Time. Bespoke trail options can be created. Open 7 days a week. Starts 90min outside Cape Town.

Contact:  [email protected] | www.westcoastway.co.za

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.

West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists. South Africans and visitors can explore a unique collection of themed routes to do adventure-filled Cape West Coast self-drive trips or a West Coast Holiday. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Scenic Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route – as well as the newly launched West Coast Way Wild Route, all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many. For more information on West Coast Way’s #WestCoastTwist and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.