West Coast Way Puts Curiosity Back on the Summer Road-Trip Map
Before Google Maps, instant reviews and AI-generated itineraries, road trips relied on paper maps, local directions and a willingness to see where the road led. This summer, West Coast Way is bringing some of that curious spirit back, inviting travellers to put down the scrolling and explore the Cape West Coast through real places, real people and experiences that cannot be downloaded. Established in 2014, West Coast Way connects more than 101 things to see and do across six interlinking routes (Cape Way, Culture, Tractor, Foodie, Berg and Wild Routes), linking travellers with the region’s small towns, local businesses, food, nature, heritage and adventure.
Technology may have made travel easier, but it has not replaced the pleasure of asking a local where to stop, discovering somewhere that was not on the itinerary or simply taking the next road because it looks interesting.
“We have never believed that a good road trip should be about ticking off as many places as possible, because the best part is often what happens in between the places you planned to visit,” says Carmen Lerm, founder of West Coast Way and affectionately known as The Weskus Guru. “AI can give you a list of places to go, but it cannot replace the local who tells you where to stop for lunch, the small business owner who shares the story behind what they make, or the feeling of finding somewhere you were not even looking for. That is the kind of travel we want to encourage this summer.”
The Human Copilot is Back
The idea is not to reject technology altogether, but to encourage travellers to use it as a starting point rather than allowing an algorithm to dictate every kilometre of the journey. West Coast Way’s six themed routes make it easy to plan a trip around what interests you, while still leaving plenty of room to take a detour, follow a recommendation from a local or change the plan when something catches your eye.
Each route offers a different way into the Weskus. The routes can be followed individually or mixed and matched, giving travellers the freedom to create anything from a day trip close to Cape Town to a longer summer road trip with several overnight stops.
For visitors who want to make a few days of their Weskus adventure, Thali Thali Game Lodge and The Farmhouse Hotel provide two very different bases from which to explore, while also offering plenty to enjoy without getting back into the car. Thali Thali Game Lodge brings wildlife, guided game drives, archery, big open spaces and a relaxed West Coast stay into the mix, while The Farmhouse Hotel places travellers alongside the Langebaan Lagoon, with comfortable accommodation and La Petite Maison offering French-inspired dining with a West Coast influence. The idea is simple: choose a base, choose a route and then give yourself enough time to explore rather than trying to squeeze everything into one perfectly optimised itinerary.
Lekker Experiences, Without the Big Price Tag
A summer road trip does not have to come with a large holiday budget either, and West Coast Way is highlighting a selection of affordable experiences that make it possible to explore the region without spending a fortune.
The West Coast Way’s Things to Do Under R100 selection includes simple, local experiences that can easily be added to a day on the road, including a coffee and something freshly baked at Columbine Co. in historic Bokkomlaan, a visit to Darling Brew, locally produced olives and farm products at Darling Olives, a journey millions of years into the past at West Coast Fossil Park, and a day exploring the lagoon, beaches, birdlife and trails of West Coast National Park.
Six Routes, One Weskus, Plenty to Discover
“More than a decade later, our purpose remains the same, connecting people with the places, businesses and stories that make the Weskus special. When everything can be recommended to us before we even experience it, there is something quite special about leaving a little room for curiosity,” says Lerm.
This summer, West Coast Way encourages travellers to leave a little room for curiosity and discover the Cape West Coast beyond the perfectly planned itinerary. From beaches, lagoons and fynbos to farmland, small towns, food, heritage and adventure, six themed routes connect more than 101 experiences, giving travellers plenty of ways to create their own Weskus journey.
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). 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.