The West Coast has an atmosphere and landscape of its own. There’s abundant sea life in the cold Atlantic waters, which makes it an angler’s paradise, waves are ideal for surfing and there’s no shortage of wonderful restaurants to titillate your tastebuds and fill your belly. We found some great off-the-beaten-track things for you to do, too. Remember, this is flower country so if you want to see it in all of its splendour, plan your trip around August and September when the blooms are usually at their most spectacular.
Getting there by air: The West Coast is an easy drive from Cape Town along good roads. For the cheapest flights check out our website where we compare all the available flights to help find the best deal for you.
Canoe down the Berg River: Whether you’re into a thrilling white-water adventure or a gentle paddle with the whole family, this is the place for you. There are also guided tours down the river that take several days and are a great way to experience the beauty and birdlife of the West Coast.
Tackle a mountain bike trail in the Saldanha Nature Reserve: The reserve lies within the military base but you’ll forget where you are once you’re pedalling along the trail. Stunning sea views and interesting natural vegetation make this a ride to remember. The going is relatively flat so it’s an ideal outing for the family, and the routes are easy to follow, but don’t forget your helmet. And if you’re feeling really energetic you can ride to the estuary and go kite-boarding, windsurfing or fishing.
Walk the Swart Tobie trail: This adventure takes five days and covers 80km in a loop around Koekenaap. The trail takes its name from the Red Beak Oystercatcher, which is also known as the “Swart Tobie”. There is much to explore – including tidal pools filled with crayfish and mussels and incredible rock formations. Oh, and this is a slackpacker’s tour – meaning all heavy items are transported for you to the overnight spots. If you need a good backpack for your daily essentials, though, have a look what’s available on our site.
Take a flip in a microlight: Head to Malmesbury for a ride in what’s known as the motorbike of the sky – the ultimate flying experience in the open cockpit of a microlight. You’ll go up at dawn for 30 minutes – accompanied by a pilot – and swoop over farmlands and ocean, returning invigorated and just that little bit more appreciative of our country’s beauty. Make sure you wear a warm jacket or windbreaker though, it can get chilly up there.
Explore the 4×4 Blombosch trail: Yzerfontein – one of the most popular destinations on the West Coast – is where you’ll find the Blombosch nature trail and experience the wonder of the Sandveld region. The route is 13.5 km long and takes about two hours to complete. Only 15 vehicles are allowed on the trail at a time, which means it’s not over-populated and you’ll be able to savour the beauty of the area. The trail, which is graded 1 to 2, is a must for 4×4 lovers.
Anything we missed? What are your favourite things to do on the West Coast?
