Go-Cape Travel Directory Accommodation South Africa West Coast


Welcome to the West Coast & Swartland Travel Information and Accommodation Page This page describes the West Coast region with useful links and information on places to visit , what to do and where to stay when on vacation on the West Coast of South Africa IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION ON THE WEST COAST - SEE BELOW
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West Coast & Swartland - Map & General Information on West Coast & Swartland Western Cape
Towns of the West Coast & Swartland Atlantis - Aurora - Bitterfontein - Cederberg - Citrusdal - Clanwilliam - Darling - Eldands Bay - Hopefield - Jacobsbaai - Lambert's Bay - Langebaan - Malmesbury - Moorreesburg - Piketberg - Paternoster - Riebeeck West - Riebeeck Kasteel - Saldanha - St Helena Bay - Vanrhynsdorp - Velddrif -Vredenburg - Vredendal - Yzerfontein
Links for West Coast Activities
	West Coast - General Information A rugged coastline contrasted with pebbled and white, sandy beaches. The abundance of seafood from the Atlantic Ocean, the cold waters of the Benguela current, waders and sea birds, yachts at Langebaan, just a few of the attractions of this western stretch of coastline along of the Western Cape. This is a region in which to explore nature, hike along the white dunes and hop over the grey boulders of rock. Hikers can be found knee-deep in a plain of flowers or with their feet in the white sand of the west coast. In Spring the plains of daisies (local flowers) dance in a soft breeze against the backdrop of a turquoise blue sea. The summers have a lovely Mediterranean climate and Winter brings this region frontal rain from the Atlantic, and a time to sit back enjoy a good book, write or enjoy a romantic day at the fire place.
Climate: Sunny winter days in this region are spectacular, clear blue skies with colour contrast that renew the soul. This region offers the nature lover, hiker, surfer, sailor or connoisseur a breakaway from the city lights. Average rainfall: 430mm per year Average Temperature: 24.6 C Climate: Winter Rainfall region Note: If you are planning to use a 4X4 on the beach, please remember to get a Coast Permit (R150) from the West Coast Regional Council at Morreesburg or Ganzekraal, Strandfontein or Lamberts Bay. Flower Season: The rainfall and the absence of berg wind conditions are critical to the length of the flower season in the region. Flowers are best viewed between 11am and 3pm (the warmest part of the day). The flowers turn their faces to the sun, so keep the sun behind you when viewing flowers. It is an offence to pick flowers or to uproot them. If you are planning to visit the West Coast during the flower season, we advise that you make your accommodation bookings well in advance. Go here. If you can't get any bookings on the West Coast don't despair you can also make accommodation bookings in the Cape Winelands , Cape Peninsula or Olifants River Valley. West Coast Route (N7 North) Heading out of Cape Town to the north, following route N7 takes you on to Darling, well known for it's flowers, arts and orchard shows in September. Don't leave Darling without visiting "Mev Evita Bezuidenhout" (Pieter Dirk Uys) at Evita se Perron, laughs and humour (022 492 2831). Visit Duckitt's Nursery and Baskets for All. Oh yes and then there is the "Kuns & Kitch Route" boasting the Perron Art Market, Darling Art Gallery, ( Darling is home to over 15 well known artists) Earth Craft Studio, Jenni Jewel Studio and the Vyge Valley farm stall on Route 27 (R27). Hopefield on the Zouteriver (R45) is situated in the centre of fynbos country with the South African Air Force Central Flying School being a close by landmark toward Vredenburg the business centre of this region and Saldanha Bay a natural harbour and colourful coastal town. Initially a church congregation that grew to the town it is today. See the fossils on exhibit at the Tourism Bureu and don't miss the flowers in Spring (End August-September). Enjoy coffee at Dirki's coffee shop. Stop and pick up some fresh honey and waterblommetjies from the area. Saldanha another picture perfect coastal town, situated above a natural harbour, this town makes an ideal base for water sport enthusiasts. Sea food is the livelihood of this town and you are bound to get some fantastic sea food cuisine in town. Visit Doc's Cave, the WW2 Naval Coastal Gun Battery. Stay over at Blue Bay Lodge and soak up the sun on the beach. Visit the Postberg West Coast National Park during September to see the floral splendour during the flower season. Drive around the spectacular Langebaan Lagoon with it's wetlands area with an abundance of bird life (more than 360 species). The reserve has a number of bird lookout points for visitors. The town Langebaan is situated on the eastern side of the lagoon and is perfect for water sport activities. The town has a moderate winter and summer climate. Walk along the stretched out sandy beaches of Paternoster (Cape Columbine) or head further north to St Helena Bay discovered by Vasco Da Gama in 1497. The town was named after the desperate prayers of Portuguese shipwrecked sailors, Paternoster meaning "Our Father". See the large number of flamingos, spoonbills, glossy ibis and avocets at the mouth of the Berg River at Velddrif. Also visit the Rocher Pan Nature Reserve near Dwarskersbos, a must for bird lovers. Doringbaai is a picture perfect coastal town about 8km from Strandfontein. The lobster ("kreef") factory and harbour is a picture that will stay with you for years. In days gone by Doringbaai was used by merchant ships as a anchoring bay to trade with towns like Vanrhynsdorp.See the lighthouse, whales and flowers and bird life.

Klawer is situated on the banks of the Olifants River and is about 3 hours drive from Cape Town (N7). The region is covered in colourful flowers in Spring. Visit the Klawer Wine Cellar and Trawal Wine Cellar. Lambert's Bay is situated on the coast about 2,5 hours from Cape Town (N7) and boasts with beautifully sun bleached beaches and turquoise blue sea. Perfect for sand ski, water sports and sea adventures. Visit the bird island, see the Flamingos at Jakkalsriver. Adventurers can even try a desert hiking route or go on a 4x4 trail at the wild game farm, Panorama Park. Enjoy the unique open air restaurants Bosduifklip (Tel 027 432 2735) or Muisbosskerm on the beach (Tel 027 432 1017). Swartland and Sandveld Region Between the West Coast and the Swartland lies the sparsely populated Sandveld region (North of the R399 and West of the N7). Elands Bay is the Jeffery's Bay of the West Coast attracting surfers from across South Africa and a surfing spot not to be missed, don't leave your wet suit at home though. It is also the lobster pantry of the West Coast so stop over at Hotel Eland and enjoy some. Verlorenvlei attracts a multitude of bird species that come here to breed. The town Piketberg, is set against a mountain with the same name and just north of the junction of the R399 and the N7 route. This town is an unexpected surprise to the adventurous tourist. See the Versveld Pass, Piketberg Museum enjoy hiking trails or 4X4 routes at Noupoort or visit the Olive forest at Voelvleibos (022 913 2057). Wine lovers can visit the thatched winery of Winkelshoek producing west coast wines and brandy, enjoy lunch at the restaurant. Visit the Danckaert Museum in Porterville and find out more about the history of this region. See the old naval gun that announced the arrival of a ship in Table Bay. Take a Disa tour (flowers) or if you're the more adventurous type sling yourself into a hang glider at Dasklippas or take a mountain bike trail. The Riebeeck Valley is home to numerous artists, potters, painters and more. In this valley tourists can visit the Kloovenberg Olive Farm and Wine estate, Allesverloren Wine Estate, Meerhof Winery, Riebeeck Winery or the the Art Route (first weekend of each month), Riebeeck West is the birth place of one of South Africa's Prime Ministers and well respected military strategists, General Smuts. Visit his Birth house. Riebeeck Kasteel, just 4km from Riebeeck West is set along the Kasteelberg and boasts a Church museum. this building, built in 1855, was the first place for community worship in the region. Malmesbury, (65km from Cape Town) is the largest town of the Swartland. Don't leave here without some freshly baked bread! Surrounded by wheat fields and vineyards, the town offers you a visit to Kalbaskraal Nature Reserve which boasts a wide variety of indigenous flora. Visit the award winning Swartland Winery just 3km outside of town. The town still has a drive-in movie theatre. Enjoy the golf course, Riverland Nature Reserve, Suikerbekkie glazed fruit factory, and try The Manor for lunches and traditional cuisine.(022 487 1771) Stop over at Kontreispens for lunch or Die Solder and buy some unique gifts. Taking Route 45 (R45) will bring you back to the Cape Winelands and the town of Paarl. See more on the Cape winelands here.
Activities - What to Do
Texan Tours offer daily 4x4 excursions up and down the Cape West Coast. The West Coast is rugged, yet stunningly beautiful and offers some of the most spectacular views of Cape Town	Tel: +27 21 554-1287 Fax: +27 21 554-1287 Mobile: 082 570 2558
Tanbranic Boat Trips offer mini-cruises in one of the dolphins' favorite bays. Go whale spotting for Humpback & Southern Right whales and enjoy A full hour of fun in the sun! Boat leaves from Britannia Bay or Sandy Point Harbour, depending on tides and the weather	Contact: Anton or Anet Tel: +27 (0)22 742 1792 e-mail: Tanbranic Boat Trips
Schaafsma Charters, Saldanha Bay offer extended exploration, adventure and deep sea fishing tips, ranging from 1 day to 8 weeks. See bird life, seals, mussel farming, gannets, penguins, cormorants and whales and dolphin spotting in season.	Contact: Rob Schaafsma PO Box 172, Vredenburg, 7380 Tel: +27 22 714 4235 Fax: +27 22 714 3896 e-mail: Schaafsma Charters
Bird enthusiasts can enjoy related activities and join the West Coast Bird Club	Boardwalk Bistro - Velddrif Open Monday-Saturday Luches, Dinner Call: 082 702 1693
Other Popular Links:	Take a boat trip on the Berg River Call: 082 9510447
Zest for Birds	SANCCOB
Ananzi.co.za SA's fastest Search Engine	Visit Bird Island! Lambert's Bay Open 7 days a week from 7am-7pm (summer) Winter: open till 5pm. Call: 083 726 2207 e-mail enquiries