Discover the Wonders of the West Coast

With bright teal skies and sun-bleached shorelines, it’s easy to see why the West Coast is one of South Africa’s most beloved regions.

Exactly where the region starts is a minor point of contention, but to reach the official municipal border means driving about an hour north of Cape Town, following the Atlantic Ocean.

As you make your way there, don’t forget to make a pitstop in Bloubergstrand to experience the perfect vantage point of Table Mountain rising up from the Mother City. Stopping to snap up a few pics just before grabbing a crisp sundowner at the Blue Peter Hotel is a long-standing tradition for travellers venturing west.

While the West Coast is known for its breathtaking ocean views, it’s also an adrenaline junkie’s paradise ideal for kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking and mountain biking. The region also boasts a landscape of rich geographical diversity and an abundant collection of fiery wildflowers throughout the spring and summer months. Even if you're not able to visit during the warmer seasons, rest assured that the region’s year-round serenity, beauty, and endless opportunities to reconnect with nature are always well-worth it.

Have the kids in tow? Pop in at Sunnypark Fun Park in Langebaan for a day spent making a splash, skimming down the slides, and filling up tummies on all sorts of mouth-watering seafood and vleis grilled to perfection on the braai. While those shimmering beaches in the region tick all the right boxes for sun-worshipers, be sure to add the West Coast National Park to the top of your travel list. Cradled between the R27 and the Atlantic, this is just the place to lay out a picnic or to lace up your hiking shoes for a gentle stroll or a more strenuous hike.

Before concluding your journey through the West Coast, be sure to try more of the region’s favourite eateries, from Die Strandloper to the Hebron Restaurant and Farmstall located slightly further inland.

Activities & Local Attractions

West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park can be accessed via the R27 or via Park Street in Langebaan. Once here, you'll quickly discover a bounty of wildlife, especially when it comes to the art of bird watching. The National Park showcases flocks of sandpipers, flamingos, Cape gannet, and African penguins, to name a few. You’ll also come across your fair share of galloping mountain zebras, stealthy African wild cats, elegant bontebok and the cunning caracal. Make a note to pay this West Coast wonder a visit during wildflower season for floral views paired with that fragranced mountain air guaranteed to delight the senses. Make a beeline for the Tsaarsbank section of the park to spend a few hours gazing over the vast ocean expanse and you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dancing dolphins, southern right whales, and the occasional humpback.

Drikus Horse Trails

The Cape West Coast is an ideal location for galloping across the beach on your trusty steed, almost as if you've sprung straight out of a Western in true cinematic form. If you’re keen to saddle up, there are a few favourite horse trails, perfect for kids and adults alike. One of our top favourite’s, is The Drikus Horse Trails that can be found along the glistening shores of Paternoster. You can book your ride effortlessly online or via the Swartrug Farm, just off of Stompneus Bay Road. The adventure begins at the farm, allowing ample time to soak up the surrounding farmlands before trotting off in the direction of the beach. Kids under the age of five are permitted to join but must ride with an adult.

Hiking Trails

When it’s time to hang up the car keys and stretch out the legs, explore the blissful surrounds of the Cape West Coast via the region’s abundant hiking trails. These include the Geelbek, the Helderwater, and the Restoration trails. The Geelbek trail, located within the West Coast National Park, promises a 7km or 9km excursion through the local strandveld, and along the shores. The Helderwater trail, is flanked by Langrietvlei Farm and calls for a 10km journey following the curves of the Berg River. Last, but not least, is the slackpacker-friendly 3.5km Restoration trail, which will have you traversing alongside the old mine roads. This is a great route for birdwatching and those travelling with little ones.

Sunnypark Fun Park

Located at 1 Padrao Street, Langebaan, Sunnypark guarantees entertainment galore for the whole brood. It’s the type of place where moms and dads can put their feet up while teens and tots have a ball with pedal karts, TV games, jungle gyms, jumping castles, and a slip-and-slide, amongst other activities on the go. Looking to bond as a family? Tackle the mini-golf activities, team up for a game of pool, or showcase your skills in a thrilling paintball session that neither you nor the kids will soon forget!

West Coast Beaches

Keen to wiggle your toes in the sand? The Cape West Coast is home to an expanse of beautiful beaches, perfect for days spent strolling along silky sands hunting for seashells. Paternoster beach is a great place to start, surrounded by a quaint town of enticing shops, eateries and friendly locals who are always happy to point you in the right direction. Langebaan is also great. This lovely little lagoon town boasts an abundance of beach bars and restaurants with favourable temperatures to enjoy year-round. Elands Bay tops the list for avid surfers. It is also noted for its series of caves which feature various rock art sites.

Carmien Tea

Delve into the details of how rooibos makes its way from crop to cup with an insightful farm tour at the home of Carmien Tea. Based in the hilly region of the Piekenierskloof Mountains near Citrusdal, the tea farmed here serves as a base to the myriad infusions offered by the Carmien Tea brand. During your experience, you’ll be let in on some local secrets detailing the specific approach to growing and harvesting rooibos to perfection, as well as why this plant boasts so many health benefits. If you are in the mood to sample some of the farm’s delicious brews for yourself, there is also the option to take part in a tea, food, and wine pairing guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds, top up your tummy, and quench your thirst.

Darling

The West Coast is famed for its diverse array of artisanal products, from olives and wine to cheese and beer. The good news is that you will find all of this in abundance when visiting the charming town of Darling in the Cape Floral Region. Pop into one of the four renowned wine estates, treat yourself to a fruity craft beer at the Darling Brew beer garden or taproom, and grab a stunning souvenir from one of the bustling craft markets. If you are an art or music lover, it is also worthwhile to plan your visit during springtime when the Voorkamer Fest arts festival or the Rocking the Daisies music festival are set to take place.

Zip-lining at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort

Zip-lining has become a popular activity with families over the years and one of the best spots to get the blood-pumping is at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort. Located along the Piekenierskloof Pass leading into the town of Citrusdal, this accommodation features a total of seven zip-lining slides – with each line getting longer and even more intense (the last two platforms sit around 30 meters high!). If you’re ready to channel your inner flying fox, get ready to zip your way over towering treetops, and down the kloof into the valley. Each guest is equipped with a safety harness and helmet and secured to twin steel cables, making this a very safe zip-line available to anyone from the age of eight and older.

Die Strandloper

Located at Jan Olfsen Street, Leentjiesklip, in Langebaan, Die Strandloper is currently open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday. This restaurant is famous for its incredible seafood, enjoyed right on the shore with the soothing sounds of the lapping waves as the background music. Arrive hungry and take your pick from creamy mussel pots, grilled harders, fish curry, freshly baked breads, tasty jams, roosterkoek and sweet potato.

Hebron Restaurant and Farm Stall

For those looking to stay further inland, the Hebron Restaurant and Farmstall can be found in the local town of Citrusdal along the N7 motorway. With delectable homemade preserves, marmalade, and oven-baked bread, this one makes for the perfect early morning stop for families or couples looking to fill up their tummies before kickstarting the day. Add an espresso, cappuccino, or a steaming cup of rooibos into the mix and you’ll be good to go.

Seekombuis

Seekombuis, or ‘Sea Kitchen’ as translated from Afrikaans, can be found right next to the crashing Atlantic Ocean inside the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. The restaurant boasts an open-air set-up and allows patrons to tuck into their pub-style feasts while sitting in old fishing boats on a pet-friendly stretch of beach sand. If you are visiting between the months of December and May, be sure to call in advance to place your order for the full West Coast seafood buffet, allowing you to sample some of the most sumptuous delicacies that the sea has to offer.

Voorstrandt Restaurant

Enjoy a satisfying meal inside a historic fisherman’s tin cottage that is well over 100 years old when you stop by Voorstrandt Restaurant in Paternoster – one of the West Coast’s oldest and most charming fishing towns. Unsurprisingly, seafood is the restaurant’s specialty. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the many tasty options that appear on the menu, most of the locals agree that the spicy Malay seafood curry is Voorstrandt’s trademark dish. Alternatively, indulge in some variety courtesy of an abundant seafood platter.

Where to stay

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort

A gentle meander along the winding curves of Piekenierskloof Pass will bring you to the welcoming sight of Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort. With horizons that run off into the sunset, this modern, yet laid back resort is ideal for the whole family. From private suites to self-catering chalets, two on-site swimming pools, a restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi, you might never want to leave. There’s plenty of outdoor space for the kids to run around, along with a jungle gym, trampolines, and a massive outdoor chess set. Additional family-friendly activities include hiking, archery, and zip-lining.

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