The region north of Cape Town is often further divided into the West Coast, Swartland and the Olifants River Valley. To the west, the region borders on the Atlantic Ocean, with a string of colourful fishing villages, each with its own charm. Just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldhana one finds the tranquil waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, one of the most popular destination for young visitors from all over the world.
The Cederberg Mountains with Missionary Station
Inland from the coast is the Swartland (black land) named after the indigenous renosterbos which at times turns the landscape into its characteristic dark colour. The landscape ranges from undulating wheat lands to flower covered pastures. A belt of mountains, with fascinating rock formations - the Cederberg, Koebee and Bokkefeld Mountains - form the eastern border. Further north the visitor encounters the fertile Olifants Valley with its wealth of succulent plants. From mid August to September carpets of wild flowers cover this region from coast to the mountains.
Elands Bay is a small town on the West Coast of South Africa that has managed to maintain the laid-back lifestyle for which the West Coast is so well known. Only 200 km from Cape Town, Elands Bay is the perfect place to unwind with peacefull surroundings and an endless beach. It is also a great place to enjoy activities like rowing, sailing, surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, bird watching, whale whatching and fishing to name a few.
Tip: This is my favourite trip because of its remoteness, the beauty of the Cedarberg and the friendly people of the mission station.
Tip: If you have a chance to stay overnight this is the place to be. (no tourists jet)
Wupperthal is situated about 74 km from the town of Clanwilliam in the remote Tra-Tra valley on the edge of the Cedarberg wilderness area. The town can only be reached by a gravel road that winds down the valley via the Koueberg pass. It is this isolation which makes it such a special place. The road can be travelled in a sedan car but can become more challenging after heavy rains. Dating back to 1830, the town was established by German Rhenish missionaries. Wupperthal was named after the missionaries hometown in Germany. Under their guidance, the town was laid out with the cottages of the inhabitants overlooking the fertile farmlands along the Tra-Tra River. The church, workshops and school forms a separate complex. This layout is still evident today and the shoe factory established by Leipoldt (famous Afrikaans author) to create work is still in operation, making hand-made leather velskoene (shoes) which are available for sale. This craft has been passed down from father to son and the workers at the factory are fourth generation shoemakers. Other attractions in the village include the Rooibos Tea factory, which is in operation during the summer months. Rooibos is an indigenous plant which grows wild only in this area. It is gathered by hand and blended with organically grown rooibos cultivated in the hills around the town. Rooibos is exported, but is also available for sale from the Lekkerbekkie shop and information centre. Wupperthal is surrounded by several outlying settlements whose inhabitants make the journey into town using traditional carts drawn by six donkeys. The simplistic church, approached through an avenue of gum trees, is an imposing sight. Wupperthal also offers numerous opportunities for hiking and mountain biking as well as a wonderful natural swimming pool about 1km from the village. Guided tours, traditional meals and donkey-cart trips can be arranged and light refreshments are available from the Lekkerbekkie. There is also a museum and an information office.
Welcome to the seafood hotspot of the West Coast! Lambert’s Bay is known as the Diamond of the West Coast and the crayfish mecca of South Africa. Snoek is also available during a snoek run which takes place a couple of times during the year. Boats from all over the West Coast flock to the town to catch this fish which has also become more popular. Lamberts Bay is also famous for its long stretches of uninterrupted white beaches and abundant marine life which gathers in the cool blue waters.
The village of Clanwilliam is the gateway to the Cedarberg. Clanwilliam is a very old place with many original Cape Dutch style buildings. There is a large dam used by boat enthusiasts. The Cedarberg is best reached from Clanwilliam via the Pakhuis Pass. The breathtaking beauty of the eroded and bizarre formations of the Cedarberg with its many San rock paintings attracts many tourists.
Tip: Visit the fairy tale landscaped Cederberg with its 30 meter rock arches.
Paternoster is one of the most attractive fishing villages along these shores. Paternoster means 'Our Father' and the town received its name from the heartfelt prayers of Portuguese shipwrecked sailors. With its whitewashed fishermen's cottages Paternoster is a perfect example of a genuine, rustic West Coast village. The 263ha Colombine Nature Reserve is home to a wide variety of sandveld, fynbos and wild flowers. The best time to to visit is from mid August to mid October when the wild flowers are in full bloom.
Tip: Visit Colombine Nature Reserve in spring - a haven for nature lovers and photographers.
One of the treasures on the West Coast, is the beautiful bay of Jacobsbaai. This picturesque village has an unspoilt coastline of about 2km with quaint white fisherman's cottages, which add their charm to what has been referred to as "Namaqualand by the Sea" due to the region's flower extravaganza in spring. A Wonderful Fresh Meal Places To Visit
Jacobsbaai is situated about 145km (1½ hours drive) from Cape Town and about 8km north of Saldanha Bay. It is centrally situated to explore the breathtaking West Coast region and attractions. There are lots to explore in the neighbouring towns, all less than a 30 minutes drive from Jacobsbaai. Some of the "must sees" while you are here, are the Rocherpan Nature Reserve near Velddrift, Cape Columbine Nature Reserve & the Columbine Lighthouse, the West Coast National Park and the Fossil Park − all offer an insight in the natural history of this area. Nature
Be sure not to miss the most scenic time of the year to visit Jacobsbaai for an unforgettable personal experience of our majestic flowers from August to October. A botanist's dream, with free veld displays every year! There are 1200 indigenous plants in the area.
The village of Citrusdal is the gateway to the Cedarberg. Citrusdal is best remembered for its big citrus plantations. There is also a hot water spa in the area.
Tip: Visit the fairy tale landscaped Cederberg with its 30 meter rock arches.
Saldhana and the West Coast National Park are only 100 km
from Cape Town. The picture perfect village nestles next to the
Langebaan Lagoon. This is an ideal place to stay when visiting the West
Coast National Park. Langebaan
Lagoon with its secluded islands where thousands of birds roost, its
golden beaches that stretch for miles, and the salt marches that are
home to a vast concentration of migrant waders from Europe is extremely
popular. Flamingos can be seem in the lagoon in winter after the
migratory birds have left. Near Langebaan is the West Coast Fossil
Park where many thousand of fossil bones have been found. Open air
restaurants that fringe the coast, offer fresh seafood, like smoked
angelfish, snoek (an African game fish), mussels and thinly cut
perlemoen.
Langebaan
Langebaan and the West Coast National Park are only 100 km from Cape Town. The picture perfect village nestles next to the Langebaan Lagoon. This is an ideal place to stay when visiting the West Coast National Park. Langebaan Lagoon with its secluded islands where thousands of birds roost, its golden beaches that stretch for miles, and the salt marches that are home to a vast concentration of migrant waders from Europe is extremely popular. Flamingos can be seem in the lagoon in winter after the migratory birds have left. Near Langebaan is the West Coast Fossil Park where many thousand of fossil bones have been found. Open air restaurants that fringe the coast, offer fresh seafood, like smoked angelfish, snoek (an African game fish), mussels and thinly cut perlemoen.
Darling is a wild flower gem, a little village nestled in the hills, 75 km north of Cape Town. Darling's environment is a seasonal kaleidoscope of wheatfields, vineyards and immense beauty of the wild flowers.
It is the mecca of 15 local artists. Pieter Dirk Uys, the international admired satirist, who is known for his impersonation of a fake female ambassador, Evita Bezuidenhout, of an unknown country (Homeland) called Bophatisweti has his own theatre Evita se Perron in the converted railway station. Darling was named after Lieutenant Governor Charles Henry Darling and founded in 1853.
Tip: Join the pilgrimage to Pieter Dirk Uys and his theatre.
Malmesbury is the center of South Africa's largest wheat-growing area, situated in the region north of Cape Town known as Swartland. Swartland meening black land refers to the dark color of its fertile soil. Malmesbury grew up round a mineral spring which produces sulfurous water at a temperature of 32°C. The first settlers established themselves here in 1744. The settlement was given its present name in 1829 during a visit by the Governor of the Cape, who named it after his father-in-law the Earl of Malmesbury. The spring is no longer used.
Tip: This is my favourite trip because of its remoteness, the beauty of the Cedarberg and the friendly people of the mission station.
Langebaan and the West Coast National Park are only 100 km from Cape Town. The picture perfect village nestles next to the Langebaan Lagoon. This is an ideal place to stay when visiting the West Coast National Park.