TIME TO START CHECKING SOME “MUST-DO’S” AND “MUST SEES’S” OFF YOUR HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST!
And what better way than with a West Coast Way festive season road trip, with six specially-themed, family-friendly routes?
Freedom, exhilaration, a sense of adventure and just pure fun – as we head into the Cape West Coast of South Africa
That’s what epitomises a great West Coast Way road-tripping experience. Bond with your family, get an up close and personal perspective on new places, eats, wines and treats, while discovering the lesser-known gems and off-the-beaten-track attractions.
Hit the road and start your road trip with a visit to the gorgeous town of Darling. Here you can do a wine tasting at the family-friendly wine farm, Groote Post, which was founded in 1706. Also, visit Darling Brew for artisanal beers. The brewery has been acknowledged widely as Africa’s very first carbon-neutral brewery and one of the best local craft beers in the country. Get a taste of Southern Africa when you twist open one of Darling Brew’s craft beers dedicated to the endangered species of sub-Saharan Africa. Want to stay longer? Nestled among the vineyards and nature reserves in the heart of the small town, is Disa Lodge. Take a short walk from the B&B to the Darling Museum, Darling Sweet toffee crafters, restaurants, Ormond Wine Farm, and Darling Wine Shop.
Only 80km northeast of Cape Town lies the famous Riebeek Valley, with Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West to explore. The “art town” is well known for its exceptional wines and olive oils. Despite being a popular destination amongst connoisseurs, it’s a favourite place for those seeking a more easy-going and relaxed lifestyle. Riebeek Valley is a unique town that does not stray away from its roots. With each visit, you’re guaranteed to be met with friendly faces, picturesque scenery, and of course, food and art! Tip: Pop in at the Riebeek Valley tourism office for more details on what to see while in the valley.
Photo Riebeek Valley David Lazarus Photography
Heading up the R27 towards Langebaan, the Thali Thali Game Lodge is not to be missed. In addition to the restaurant, pool, and kiddies’ play area, there is a choice of accommodation – from a spacious farmhouse to self-catering chalets and rustic tents. Guided game drives offer sightings of cape buffalo, kudu, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, zebra, sable antelope, red hartebeest, springbok, duiker, bontebok, steenbok, and ostrich. There are also archery lessons offered for those keen to try their hand at this fun sport.
Further along, in Velddrif itself, road trippers will discover other “must-visit” attractions, such as the heritage site of Bokkomlaan, which is a unique dirt road alongside the Berg River that is scattered with a cluster of historic buildings and jetties. Whilst there, you can enjoy a river cruise on the Cracklin’ Rosie before opting for a delicious lunch at Ek & Djy, followed by artisanal coffee at The Columbine Co – all businesses that are run out of quaint, historic old fishing sheds.
Heading along the coastline from Velddrif towards Dwarskerbos, travellers would do well to book in at the historical Wamakersvlei Beach Farm. Stay at this true West Coast gem with charm and nature at its core that offers rustic-chic accommodation in a glorious private beach setting. So put on your trail shoes, grab your binoculars and plan your stay at Wamakersvlei Beach Farm!
Further up the coast, your journey will take you to Verlorenvlei, a stunning estuary that connects Redelinghuys, with its unique murals, to Elands Bay. Here you will find Vensterklip Guest Farm and its Red Shed Farmstall on the West Coast Way Wild Route. Situated just outside Elands Bay, visitors can enjoy this wonderful piece of wilderness by taking on fun activities like bird watching, hiking, horse riding, surfing, fishing, and discovering rock art and plant life. Also, make a point to see the San and Khoi rock art in the Elands Bay Cave. All part of a not-to-be-missed road trip that offers rustic accommodation and a restaurant in a 300-year-old converted farm shed.
Lambert’s Bay Tourism and West Coast Wonders make experiencing Lambert’s Bay, the ‘Diamond of the West Coast, even more noteworthy. Get your bags packed and start exploring this legendary fishing town that offers all of life’s simplest pleasures just a few kilometres away from each other. Visit the Sandveld Museum to take a step back into the early years of Lambert’s Bay, where you can view photographs, books, archaeology, farming equipment, and local life exhibitions. For those eager to connect and reflect in nature, the labyrinth at Weskus Hokkie is the perfect destination – allowing visitors to journey through the first steps of South African Bushmen. Plan your stay in Lambert’s Bay with West Coast Wonders Farm Stays at Steenbokfontein Seeplaas, Weskus Quarry, Weskus Hokkie, and Weskus Grotjie. Book your space via WhatsApp at 083 702 1414. Tip: Pop in at iconic Bird Island with its Cape Gannet colony, and look for local wines, such as Kookfontein Sauvignon Blanc.
Photo Di Brown
Your road trip can also include visits to the tiny tranquil village of Aurora; Yzerfontein (whilst here be sure to visit Wright’s Gin to sample and buy their artisanal gins); Langebaan; Hopefield; Koringberg; Citrusdal (with nearby Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort a must visit, with its zipline and plethora of family-friendly activities and 5-star accommodation); Porterville; Piketberg; Vanrhynsdorp; Clanwilliam; and Doringbaai (where a visit to the Fryers Cove wine (sea) farm is highly recommended) – to name only a few of the MANY towns and attractions that dot this wonderful part of the world.
Make your way to Skydive Cape Town (just outside of Melkbosstrand) today and experience a rush like no other. Prepare to tick skydiving off your bucket list with Skydive Cape Town. Open seven days a week and ready for visitors to experience Cape Town in freefall.
Summer holidays are almost upon us, and with the Cape West Coast on our doorstep, Capetonians don’t have to travel far to access all the amazing attractions and activities here. Did someone say West Coast Way festive season travel bucket list road trip?
For more information on taking a West Coast road trip and the list of 101 Things To Do On The West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way at 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.
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.