Why the West Coast is the perfect place for a West Coast holiday
You may have considered going overseas, but one look at the exchange rate could send you into a slight depression. There is hope, however with the ever popular staycation trend that is currently sweeping our nation. The gem on offer for a break-away in the Western Cape is a fun and nature-rich West Coast Holiday.
South Africa is incredibly beautiful, offering a multitude of staycation ideas, with none better than a trip to the Cape West Coast. Located just 25 minutes from Cape Town, the Cape West Coast stretches from SANCCOB’s Penguin Sanctuary at Tableview Nature Reserve up to Vredendal and the Cederberg Mountains.
West Coast Way have developed free, fun and easy self-drive routes offering a myriad of little towns to visit, attractions to see and activities to do – which makes the Cape West Coast the perfect place for your next holiday.
Top West Coast Holiday ideas for your next road trip
Top places to stay:
Thali Thali Game Lodge
Thali Thali Game Lodge is a pristine privately owned 14.6km2 game and fynbos reserve, which is home to abundant bird and wildlife. If you want to go on a West Coast Holiday that is big on food, then this is the place to go to. The restaurant is famous for hearty ‘Weskus Kos’ (traditional West Coast Food) with a stunning look-out deck and boma. They grow their own vegetables to ensure that ingredients are fresh and grown sustainably. Thali Thali offers an a-la-carte menu, but on Sunday’s you will find people congregating around the West Coast buffet table – famous for its incredible tasty spread and quality. (Making a reservation is essential)
The sparkling splash pool and kids play area will ensure that kids can enjoy the outdoors with loads of space to run around in.
Accommodation at this 3-star lodge comes in the form of three self-catering chalets and five B&B luxury en-suite tents with mini-kitchen, well-appointed bathroom and inside sitting area. Each tent has a covered deck/verandah where you can sit and enjoy your braai whilst overlooking the beauty of nature and the many different bird species. There is also a big traditional farmhouse on offer for those wanting to spend time with the extended family, friends or a fun office break-away.
Accommodation • Child-Friendly • Bar • Restaurant (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) • Pool • Wheelchair Accessibility (Rooms, Bedrooms & Bathrooms) • 3 Star Tourism Grading • AA Grading • Trip Advisor • Conference Facilities • Wedding and Function Venue • Shop • Game Drives • Online Booking Facilities.
Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 117km
Where: R27, at Langebaan
Contact: +27 82 372 8637 | [email protected] | www.thalithali.co.za
Find Thali Thali Game Lodge on the Foodie Route
Russells on the Port accommodation and restaurant
Russells on the Port is in the peaceful and tranquil Port Owen Marina – a top location with stunning views of the Bergriver, which is part of Velddrif – one of the oldest West Coast towns. This luxury 6 roomed villa offer guest suites equipped with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a complimentary Tea and Coffee station.
The accommodation is complimented by a upmarket dining experience: Russells on the Port offer an intimate 90 seater restaurant overlooking the yachts and small boats in the Port Owen harbour. Their menu is seasonal and has fresh contemporary dishes with global influences. They have their own vegetable garden and pride themselves on preparing fresh produce grown in a sustainable manner. Dishes of West Coast seafood, lamb, rump, crispy pork belly and locally sourced game are all on the menu.
If you are looking at hosting your entire family then their 16 seater function area is ideal for birthday parties, meetings, conferences, anniversaries and includes a private waiter and gorgeous views.
Accommodation • Child-Friendly • Pool • Complimentary Tea/Coffee • Wheelchair Accessibility (Some Rooms, Bedrooms & Bathrooms) • Restaurant • Conferences • Bar • Small Functions • Weddings
Opening hours and to book your table for Upmarket Dining at Russells on the Port
Monday to Saturday: 08:00 until 21:30
Sundays: 08:00 until 19:00
Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 147km
Where: 1 Bronwen Avenue, Port Owen, Velddrif
Contact: +27 22 783 0158 | [email protected] | russellsontheport.co.za
Find Russells on the Port on the Foodie and Berg Routes
!Khwa ttu San – the San spirit shared
Spend the night and relax at !Khwa ttu in the West Coast in one of their cosy and beautifully decorated guest houses or tented camps tucked away on the West Coast countryside. This nature reserve overlooks Yzerfontein and you can see Table Mountain from a high vantage point located on the hills of Darling.
All three guest houses – self-catering with breakfast offered at the restaurant – are stylishly furnished with luxurious beds, spacious en suite bathrooms, dining areas with cosy fireplaces and a stoep with spectacular panoramic views for the perfect sundowner experience.
The San Guided Tour Experience is offered daily by qualified guides. The tour is a fascinating insight into the culture, heritage, knowledge, skills and contemporary life of the San. You will be able to see fresh animal tracks, explore a replica San village and get to know the herbaceous fynbos of the area and their many uses.
!Khwa ttu’s restaurant is hosted in the restored original farmhouse, adjacent to the San Dream Museum and Curio, Art and Book Shop, and offers breakfast and lunch and everything in between. Wines from Darling, including those from the well-known Ormonde Private Cellar, are on offer. The restaurant is famous for their Eland Burger and decadent desserts.
You can explore !Khwa ttu in the West Coast by foot, safari vehicle or mountain bike.
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 Experiences • Mountain Biking Trails • Mountain Bike & Helmet -hiring
Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 74km
Where: Grootwater Farm, R27
Contact: +27 22 492 2998 | [email protected] | www.khwattu.org
Find !Khwa ttu on the Culture Route
Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay on a beautiful natural harbour
Saldanha Bay is on the south-western coast of South Africa, about 105 kilometres north-west of Cape Town. Watched over by two massive granite vertical rocks on the mountainside, named Adam and Eve. On a clear day you can see Table Mountain from this unique vantage point.
Saldanha is a holiday hotspot for water sports lovers, as well as those who just want to unwind and the big bay is a favoured venue for regattas and sailors to test their skills.
The Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay is luxurious and spacious – the big lounge offers beautiful views over the water. The hotel is family friendly and offers kids activities, swimming pool, mini-golf, indoor kids entertainment area and so much more.
Enjoy cocktails at the bar next to their roaring fire during winter, or on the deck while sampling local sustainably-grown oysters with sparkling wine. Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay is famous for their healthy and lavish breakfast spread and offer lunch and dinner to guests.
A short walk from the hotel takes you to the Saldanha Cultural Village, Oyster Farm and various coffee shops and restaurants.
Restaurant • Lounge with a Fireplace • 9 hole mini-golf • Indoor Kids Entertainment Area: Foosball; Table Tennis; Darts • Board Games
Open 7 days a week | Booking Essential
Distance from Cape Town: 142km
Where: Main Road, Saldanha
Contact: +27 22 714 1264 | [email protected] | www.proteahotels.com
Read more here
Find the Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay on the Foodie Route
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort – gateway to the Cederberg
Located on the picturesque Piekenierskloof Pass, this Mountain Resort is all about relaxation, sweeping views and heart-racing activities. This family-friendly resort offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, chess set, and mini-golf.
You can visit the beautiful town of Citrusdal for the day where you can enjoy coffee and some shopping at the quirky Sandveldhuisie which is located next to the Citrusdal Museum (perfect for the history buffs).
Accommodation at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort includes 22 hotel rooms 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. In the resort’s lodge, you’ll find satellite TV, Wi-Fi, a bar, dining room and terrace.
The Zip-lining platforms have re-opened and you can enjoy this adrenaline-inducing activity from a 3 or 7 platform experience.
Enjoy delicious food at Kloof Restaurant – open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kloof Restaurant is famous for their succulent steaks, chocolate brownies and Rooibos infused koeksisters.
Accommodation • Child-Friendly • Bar • Restaurant (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) • Outdoor Pool • Indoor Heated Pool • Wheelchair Accessibility (Chalets 9 & 16, Hotel Room 217) • 4 Star Tourism Grading • Trip Advisor • Conference Facilities • Wedding and Function Venue • Tuck Shop • Un-Guided Nature Walks • Online Booking Facilities
Open 7 days a week | Booking Essential
Distance from Cape Town: 169km
Where: N7 Piekenierskloof Pass, Citrusdal, 7340
Open 7 days a week | Free entry
Contact: Reservations +27 (0)22 921 3574 | [email protected] | www.piekenierskloof.co.za
Find Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort on the Berg and Wild Routes
The Lodge at Atlantic Beach
The Lodge is a nature gem at the start of the biodiversity rich Cape West Coast Biosphere and a short 5-minute drive from Cape Town’s newest Blue Flag beach: Melkbosstrand. Cape Town’s prestigious Atlantic Beach Golf Estate is home to The Lodge, giving guests the opportunity to play a game of golf on this 18-hole links golf course.
Sit back and enjoy beautiful views of Table Mountain and Robben Island (two world heritage sites) from the Club House restaurant.
The Lodge at Atlantic Beach is so much more than a haven for golfers. It is perfectly positioned for exploring the delights of the West Coast and offers a relaxing spa and wellness centre, a sparkling pool, tennis courts and jungle gym with ample space for kids to run around – making it an all round family friendly destination.
Accommodation • Child Friendly • Wheelchair Accessibility (Some Rooms, Bedrooms & Bathrooms) • 4 Star Tourism Grading • Member: Cape Town Tourism • AA Grading • Trip Advisor • Bar • Restaurant (B&B on site with Golf Clubhouse offering Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) • Championships Links Type Golf Course, Golf Academy & Driving Range and Shop • Tennis • Pool • Wellness Spa • Fitness Centre • Conference Facilities • Wedding and Function Venue • Un-Guided Nature Walks • Online Booking Facilities.
Open 7 days a week| Free entry
Distance from Cape Town: 27km
Where: R27
Contact:+27 (0)21 553 4653 | [email protected] | www.thelodgeAB.co.za
Read more here
Find the Lodge at Atlantic Beach on the Culture Route
Club Mykonos in Langebaan
Club Mykonos resort is a family-friendly Mediterranean getaway to endless fun in the sun, which makes it the perfect break-away for romantics, families and adventure seekers. This famous West Coast attraction offers stunning views of the famous Langebaan Lagoon and access to top places to enjoy West Coast food.
When searching for accommodation in Langebaan, Club Mykonos allows you to choose from 3 diverse self-catering accommodation options consisting of 361 luxurious Kalivas (apartments), with stunning views of the Langebaan lagoon and a host of things to do.
Wet your water wings with activities ranging from fishing trips to wet bike rides to a relaxing cruise. While the kids enjoy a fun day out with Chester the Donkey and the bubbly staff at Club Onos, indulge yourself at the Spa and Health & Leisure Centre or play a round of Mini Golf. Dine the night away at any number of restaurants and bars across the resort. Sample the beauty of Langebaan on the West Coast, with the best of Mediterranean hospitality.
Club Mykonos offers family-friendly entertainment and a safe, secure space for young children, tweens, teens and young adults to play and have fun.
Accommodation • Restaurant • Conferencing • Child-Friendly • Water & Land Activities • Spa • Casino
Open 7 days a week | Booking Essential
Distance from Cape Town: 116km
Where: R27, Mykonos Access Road, Langebaan
Contact: Tel: +27 (0) 22 707 7000 [email protected] | clubmykonos.co.za
Read more here
Find Club Mykonos on the Foodie Route
Things to do on the Cape West Coast:
Enjoy the art, wine and craft beer of Darling
Situated between vineyards and golden wheat fields, the quaint town of Darling has a tangible sense of history with lovingly restored Victorian homes.
The Darling Museum recreates life in a bygone era with fascinating displays of Victorian clothing, china and household furniture, rooms partitioned depicting daily life such as a shop, a laundry room, school and buttery.
Take a self-guided historic walking tour of the museum. Should you want a little more excitement then do the Darling Mystery Trail and challenge your mind on this innovative treasure hunt of historic facts and finds.
You can walk to many of Darling’s attractions and accommodation from the museum: Darling Sweet, Flying Pig, Disa Lodge, Darling Lodge, and the really popular: Evita se Perron.
Family Friendly • Restaurants • Wine Estates • Entertainment • Activities • Craft Beer • Theatre • Museum
Open 7 days a week | Booking Not Essential for Museum
Distance from Cape Town: 76km
Where: Pastorie Street, Darling
Contact: Tel: +27 (0) 22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za
Find Darling on the Culture Route
Walk the Cape West Coast Trails
The aim of the Cape West Trails is to improve the well-being of communities living within the Biosphere Reserve boundary. Guides, caterers, drivers as well as accommodation and meals in restaurants have been sourced in these communities.
Trails (over 2-, 3- and 5-days) are led by experienced guides who know the route and safeguard guests as well as the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The trails are fondly called “Slackpacking” trails and are guided and catered, comfortable and safe. You can expect 3-4 star accommodation, exceptional local wines and sample the best and most delicious feasts of the West Coast along the trails.
Slackpacking • Trails • Guided Tours
Open 7 days a week | Booking Essential
Contact: [email protected] | www.westcoastway.co.za
Find the Cape West Coast Biosphere on the Culture and Foodie Routes
Cruise the Langebaan Lagoon with Elite Charters
Elite Charters is located at Club Mykonos in Langebaan, and offer you the complete water sports package; leisurely Yacht Cruises or Adventure Rubberduck and Fishing / Tailored Charters and Overnight trips. The Yacht and Catamaran can also be booked for team building events, private events and weddings.
Enjoy a leisurely 2-hour cruise departing from Club Mykonos Marina daily with an experienced crew who will make you feel at home. Refreshments are available at the cash bar with card facilities. These trips are shared with other guests and a minimum of 6 people are required.
A popular cruise is the 3 hour Braai Cruise to Kraalbaai in the West Coast National Park, this yacht can accommodate up to 40 people. Kraalbaai is known for its breathtaking crystal clear shallow water and the braai spots have magnificent panoramic views of the lagoon.
Yacht Cruises • Adventure Rubberduck • Fishing / Tailored Charters • Overnight trips
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
Read more here
Find Elite Charters on the Foodie Route
Experience Darling Brew
Darling Brew has a large collection of beers and includes a light lager, a pale ale, and an Indian ale. The signature drink is an extreme lager named Slow Beer, which is complemented by an ever-growing range of Darling Brew beers including Silver Back, Rogue Pony, Gypsy Mask, Thunder Bird, Sungazer, Black Mist, Bone Crusher and Slow Beer. Each one a ‘slow beer’ experience.
Visitors to the Tasteroom & Brewery can see the brewing process and enjoy beer and a proudly South African barbeque ‘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.
New seasonal beers bring new food pairings ensuring a menu that is varied and interesting offering a smorgasbord of Darling’s best cheese, pomegranate juice and cured meat.
Child-Friendly • Restaurant • Beer Tastings • Brewery • MTB-friendly Facilities
School Holidays/Flower Season: Open 7 days a week. Booking Essential
Open Tuesday 9:00 – 17:00, Wednesday to Friday 9:00 – 21:00; Saturday & Sunday 9:00 – 17:00.
Distance from Cape Town: 76km
Where: 48 Caledon Street, Darling
Contact: +27 (0)21 286 1099 | [email protected] | www.darlingbrew.co.za
Find Darling Brew on the Culture Route
Carmién Tea offers you a true #SipSouthAfrica experience
Carmién Tea is located in the foothills of the Western Cape’s splendid Cederberg Mountains and in the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor on the farm Bergendal.
Carmién Tea is at the forefront of producing the indigenous tea plant Rooibos. Rooibos, a unique, smooth beverage, is South Africa’s champion health tea. South Africans have been brewing it for generations from the leaves of the Rooibos shrub (Aspalathus linearis), indigenous to the Cedarberg mountain region in the Cape. In fact, Rooibos is cultivated ONLY in the Cape West Coast of South Africa and is exported to more than 66 countries in the world.
Rooibos is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, but has a low tannin content and no caffeine. Rooibos is not a true tea, but a herb. The brew made from the dried Rooibos leaves is therefore a herbal infusion (known as a tisane) rather than a tea, but is widely known as Rooibos tea.
The Rooibos farmed on the Bergendal Farm serves as a base for the myriad infusions in the Carmién Tea Range. Carmién Tea now offers these flavour pairings as part of a farm visit to Citrusdal Valley. During the tour you can see how the Rooibos is graded according to colour, flavour, and cut length.
Rooibos Tea • Tea Tastings • Flavour Pairings • Farm Tours
Open 5 days a week | Booking Essential
Distance from Cape Town: 177km
Where: Bergendal Farm, Citrusdal
Contact: +27 (0)22 921 8900 | [email protected] | www.carmientea.co.za
Find Carmién Tea on the Berg Route
Ormonde Private Celler – for world-famous wines from Darling
Ormonde Private Cellar is located in 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. Ormonde Wines is a celebrated family vineyard with numerous awards. The principle behind the flagship wine, Ormonde, is simple: each year it must represent the finest wines from the best grapes they produce.
Ormonde Private Cellar produces the Alexanderfontein range of wines that are wonderfully aromatic and accessible on the palate, reflecting the terroir of the region in cultivar, character and style. Ormonde Private Cellar also produces the Ondine range which showcases an array of wines with which to entice your pallet.
Enjoy a decadent Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Ormonde Wines or order an artisan food platter. Bring your bike and enjoy the MTB Trails through the Vineyards and see the beautiful views that Darling is famous for!
Visit Ormonde’s tasting room and relax on the large lawn with kids play area.
Wine • Child-Friendly • MTB Trails • Picnics • Wine & Chocolate Pairing • Wine Tasting
Open 6 days a week | Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00 | Saturday 09:00 – 15:00
Distance from Cape Town: 76km
Where: Mount Pleasant Street, Darling
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3540 | [email protected] | www.ormonde.co.za
Find Ormonde Private Cellar on the Culture and Foodie Routes
Kardoesie N7 Countrystop on Piekenierskloof Citrusdal
The Kardoesie N7 Countrystop is located on the beautiful Piekenierskloof Pass between Citrusdal and Piketberg and is the ultimate watering hole for those on the Cape to Namibia N7 highway. They offer a restaurant and craft shop, tourism info center and accommodation. Over the years Kardoesie, who opened their doors in 1997, has become a delightful institutional stop.
Kardoesie N7 offers both self-catering accommodation and immaculate caravan and camping sites with a large sparkling pool with views of Lambert’s Bay.
Pop in at their Farmstall for fresh farm style bread, delicious farm butter, jams made on site – find fig jams, suurvygie jam, different citrus jams, and Rooibos infused juices made by Kardoesie. Stock up for your road trip or sit outside for lunch while you enjoy the sweeping views.
Zip-lining, mountain biking, cave explorations, bouldering, fresh seafood, hand-picked rooibos, wild-flowers, tracts of unspoilt coastline, and “veldskoene” made in a tiny town tucked into the vast Cederberg Mountains are just a few of the many things that is on offer via Kardoesie’s recently launched 7 Stops On the N7 Experience hosted on the West Coast Way Wild Route.
The 7 Stops On The N7 is a self-drive route which includes the towns of Piketberg, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, Wupperthal, Van Rhynsdorp, Nieuwoudtville and Garies. Read more about this exciting new route here.
Find Citrusdal on our Berg Route.
Accommodation • Child-Friendly • Restaurant • Craft Shop • Tourism Info Centre • Wheelchair Access
Open 7 days a week | Closed Sunday mornings
Distance from Cape Town: 169km
Where: N7 Citrusdal
Contact: +27 (0)82 525 2247 | [email protected]
Find Kardoesie N7 Countrystop on the Berg Route
West Coast Way is a unique collection of themed routes that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors when they do an adventure-filled Cape West Coast self-drive trip for a day trip 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, the other routes on offer, 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 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.