Wine tastings in Doringbaai
What to expect: Doringbaai may not be the first place you would go to for a wine tasting. This charming little town puts the ‘assume’ in unassuming, but the wines at Fryer’s Cove are quite exceptional and the tasting is a bargain – buy a bottle of wine (any bottle) and your tasting session is free. Look out onto the water and explore the remarkable story behind this most unlikely vineyard in the Weskus.
Website: http://www.fryerscove.co.za/
Bouldering in the Cederberg
What to expect: The Cederberg is known for its harsh rocky outcrops and the Rocklands Climbing area is a tick-box for any active climber – rookie or veteran – looking to test his skills. Originally developed in 2005 by a team of Austrians, which included famous climber Klem Loskot, it offers a huge range and variety of bouldering including Girl on my Mind 6C, Minky 7B, Black Velvet 8A, Gliding Through The Waves Like Dophins 8A+, Ray of Light 8B and Witness the sickness 8A.
Website: http://www.climbing.co.za/wiki/Rocklands
Darling Breweries
What to expect: Any craft beer drinker worth his/her salt will know of the near-iconic Darling Breweries and their incredible range of beers. Blood Serpent, Bone Crusher, Thunder Bird and Bone Crusher are just some of the brews developed by the brewery, but don’t let the names fool you, because these brews will not hurt you, they are heaven on the taste buds.
Website: https://www.darlingbrew.co.za/
Viswater MTB Trail
What to expect: Spanning a length of 30km, this circular route runs from Doring Bay to Papendorp and back again. The route includes a variety of terrain, with everything from soft, ash-coloured sand to rocky single-track, and in some sections you will find yourself within 50m of the ocean. Just as your legs start to wane, the southern wind will push you down the home stretch where you can enjoy an ice-cold beer at the Jetty Restaurant.
Website: http://www.capewestcoast.org/features/explore_details.php?feature_id=29
Maskam Breweries
What to expect: Maskam Brewing Company lies on the border of Namaqualand in the town of Vredendal. Their name is derived from a spring in the Maskamberg Mountains, which is the source of water for their beer. Enjoy a tasting of their brews and a bit to eat in a setting that will be hard to beat.
Website: http://www.maskambrewing.co.za/
Sky diving in Malmesbury
What to expect: For a bird’s eye view of the majesty of the Weskus, head over to Mother City Skydiving! Located 12km north of Malmesbury, just off the N7, this is the perfect stopover for all adrenaline junkies. Offering tandem jumps daily, you will not find a better spot to jump out of plane, take in the glorious views, and get a much-needed dose of adrenaline.
Website: www.mothercityskydiving.co.za
Have a seafood lunch AND dinner
What to expect: You cannot visit the Weskus without tucking into some seafood! The area is famous for its seafood dishes with a number of amazing restaurants based in coastal towns such as Langebaan and Paternoster. Grab some crayfish for lunch, the catch of the day for dinner, or do both. You won’t be disappointed.
Swartland Wine Route
What to expect: It might not be the most famous of the Western Cape routes, but the Swartland Wine & Olive Route, established in 1986, offers visitors the hospitality of country life while sipping on some of the finest wines. Each producer on the route offers guests a uniquely different experience. Its 20 members include cooperatives, private cellars, garagistes and wine merchants.
Website: http://www.swartlandwineandolives.co.za/
west coast fossil park
What to expect: The West Coast Fossil Park near the popular holiday destination of Langebaan, has one of the world’s richest concentration of fossils dating back some five million years ago. Discover fascinating stories of when sabre-toothed cats roamed the area, along with short-necked giraffes, four-tusked elephants and strange, three-toed horses. Adults can enjoy one of the fossil tours, and then grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, while the kids play in the play park.
Website: http://www.fossilpark.org.za/
west coast farm stall
What to expect: Eighty kilometres from Cape Town is a tranquil garden and nursery, the perfect place to catch your breath while enjoying a cappuccino and fresh scone with cheese and cream – YUM! There’s also traditional ox tail, fish and chips or eisbein and mash. The kids can visit the hundreds of birds and parrots on display in the garden and make their way onto a huge walk-on chessboard!
Website: http://www.westcoastfarmstall.co.za/wmenu.php
west coast national park
What to expect: Considered a jewel of the Western Cape, the West Coast National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town and just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay. There is plenty to do, ranging from various hikes and mountain biking to kayaking and whale watching, while a picnic or lunch at the Geelbek restaurant are favourite pastimes in the park. There are also a number of fantastic accommodation facilities if you would like to spend some time exploring.
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/
!khwa ttu san culture and education centre
What to expect: Embark on a fascinating journey into the culture, heritage, knowledge, skills and contemporary life of the San/Bushman people. Guided tours are offered and can be taken on foot or by bicycle. Indigenous to the area, the San have a wealth of knowledge of the region and are intrinsically tied to it. A great outing for young and old.
Website: https://www.khwattu.org/
the wild flowers
What to expect: The Cape West Coast is known for many things - its pristine beaches, quaint seaside towns and rich cultural history among them – but come spring time, it plays host to the greatest flower show on earth as the areas natural wild flowers begin to bloom. Come August/September the West Coast is generally in full bloom and visitors from around the world flock to the region to catch the show.
Website: http://goto.capetown/article?ArticleID=bkwHNmXqYz
groote post country market
What to expect: Running on the last Sunday of every month – with the exception of the winter months from June through August – the Groote Post Country Market is the perfect place to pack up the family and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Brimming with country hospitality, expect everything from artisanal food to arts and crafts. For the kids, they will be well entertained with tractor rides, zorb ball and more!
Website: http://www.grootepost.co.za/
ou tronk
What to expect: Die Ou Tronk (Old Jail) in Vanrhynsdorp is located in a building dating back t0 1895 that has been recently restored. This lovely venue will captivate you with its small nursery, coffee shop, and locals waiting to share their stories. Perfect for the little ones and their parents.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/outronkvanrhynsdorp/
kommetjie restaurant
What to expect: A family-friendly restaurant located right on the beach, boasting incredible views, amazing seafood and a great West Coast vibe. Grab a table on the stoep and soak in the atmosphere. The restaurant is also pet friendly if you have any four-legged friends you would like to take along for the drive.
Website: http://www.namaquawestcoast.com/
cape nature bird island
What to expect: Lying about 100m offshore of Lambert’s Bay, Bird Island is one of only six sites in the world where Cape Gannet breeds and it is the only one that is accessible to the public. The island’s lookout will allow you to get close to the birds as they perform their unique mating dance, while you will also have the opportunity to view cormorants, cape fur seals and more.
Website: http://www.capenature.co.za/
tollies boat & river cruise
What to expect: Offering sunset and bird-watching cruises, Tollies Boat & River Cruise in Velddrif is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Children will be well looked after with the boats adhering to high safety standards. Take along some snacks and refreshments, then it’s feet-up and time to relax.
Website: http://www.gideonestates.co.za/
