You don’t need an excuse to road trip up the Cape West Coast. A car and any given day of the week are good enough reason. But if you’re looking for a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion close to Cape Town, you’ll find something for everyone up the West Coast – whether you’re a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, twitcher, foodie, wine lover, beer aficionado, adventurer, adrenalin junkie, culture buff, or a fun-seeking family.
EXPLORE THE WEST COAST
The West Coast has over 100 attractions. Here’s a small taste of things to do over a weekend…
Water Wheel Mill in Mamre
Although it hasn’t been in use since 1954, the mill is in a beautiful spot where horses peacefully graze under ancient oak trees at the Mamre Moravian Mission Station. Visit the beautiful double gabled church – a national monument that is still in use today – and the fascinating cemetery on the hill.
76 Frans Street, Mamre | GPS: -33.508056, 18.472369 | +27 (0)21 521 1080
Groote Post Wine Cellar
Groote Post is a historic 18th century farm with a 2,000ha game camp where you can spot some of Africa’s indigenous antelope, ostrich, wildebeest, and more. Treat yourselves to wine tasting, an award-winning game drive, a scenic walking trail, or a meal at Hilda’s restaurant. Make sure you book in advance for this popular eatery! Also, keep an eye out for the monthly Groote Post Country Market – the next one is taking place on 22 February.
Darling Hills Road, off the R27 | GPS: -33.482778, 18.410556 | Open: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00. Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10:00 – 16:00 (Closed on Easter Friday, Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill, and New Year’s Day) | +27 (0)22 492 2825 | sales@grootepost.co.za
!Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
Whilst offering a fascinating insight into the culture, heritage, and modern-day life of the San of Southern Africa, !Khwa ttu is also a fantastic place to enjoy a delicious meal in a restored farmhouse. The new mountain bike trail is great for all levels of experience.
R27, near Yzerfontein | GPS: -33.362375, 18.270589 | +27 (0)22 492 2998 | info@khwattu.org
Thali Thali Game Lodge
Revel in the romance of the bush at Thali Thali Game Lodge. Go on a game drive, enjoy a superb meal in the restaurant, stay over in the 4-star lodge, and meet their baby giraffe.
R27, near Langebaan | GPS: -33.036161, 18.151151 | Visit Thali Thali
POPULAR WEST COAST TOWNS
Paternoster
It’s little surprise that Paternoster is South Africa’s most popular Valentine’s Day getaway (based on LekkeSlaap’s 2014 bookings). The little fishing village has a relaxed Mediterranean feel with white washed cottages and long sandy beaches hugging the edge of the deep blue ocean.
Darling
Darling has so much to offer. Visit the Darling Museum, Alexanderfontein Darling Olives, Darling Brew, and Darling Cellars, which host their Annual Crush Day on 28 February. Evita se Perron is an intimate dinner theatre and home to Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout, the world famous alter ego South Africa’s best-known political satirist and impersonator, Pieter Dirk Uys. Have a look at our 10 places to visit in Darling.
Langebaan
The prolific wetlands around Langebaan have made it an internationally acclaimed Ramsar site – attracting nature lovers and twitchers from around the world. Calm lagoon waters and good winds make it a top spot for sailing and kite-surfing, but even land-lovers will find plenty to do in this lagoon town.
Other popular towns include:
- Yzerfontein – an urban conservancy where you’ll certainly find your Hakuna Matata
- Saldanha – a hot spot for water sport enthusiasts
- Jacobsbaai – lovingly known as “Namaqualand by the sea”
- Shelley Point – with a golf course and wellness centre
- St Helena Bay – enjoy the unspoilt coastline and magnificent views
- Hopefield – a historic town with incredible birdlife and hiking trails
WEST COAST WAY APP
West Coast Way has compiled a list of 101+ things to do! You can now download the West Coast Way’s 101+ Points Of Interest app to find all of the attractions in the area.
“Once downloaded, users of the app can ‘plug in’ their smartphone or device into their car radio, or listen from the handset as the app highlights lots of interesting things that you can see and do in the Cape West Coast Biodiversity Corridor and surrounds,” says Carmen Lerm, head of West Coast Way.
With so many things to see and do on the Cape West Coast, you don’t need an excuse for a road trip, but we bet you’ll find every reason under the African sun!
Feature image courtesy of West Coast Way
