The Cape West Coast (Weskus) is a place so diverse in beauty, it carries a sense of magic. Best known for its beautiful beaches and quaint seaside towns, it’s also boasts notable flora and fauna, along with incredible hikes and trails through rocky terrains.
📍DAY 1: Swartland
DRINK at Swartland Winery
Situated north of Cape Town, near the town of Malmesbury, you'll find a popular wine destination: the Swartland. The vineyards benefit from the constant cool breezes that blow off the Atlantic Ocean, effectively sustaining the many microclimates, while the proximity to mountain ranges adds its own dimension to the physical character of the fruit. When visiting, you can visit taste the entire portfolio of wines!
EAT at La Parrilla
"La Parrilla”, meaning 'the grill' in Spanish, serves exotic flavors inspired by Latin American cultures and cuisine. This spot promises to transport you to Latin America while feeling right at home in the fusion of diversity.
EXPLORE Riebeek Kasteel Town
Walk around the town exploring and browsing the interesting shops and businesses. The Gallery is also a nice stop to see all the incredible local art. Also visit the Riebeek Valley Tourism office.
Be sure to stop and smell the roses at the Garden Centre; with a superb collection of Bonsais an Aridarium (Indigenous & exotic succulents), there is also a Hothouse with tropical and edible plants, organic swimming pool, Cycads collection and a landscaped garden.
NOTE: If you are visiting over the 1st weekend of May, this is also the home of the Olive Festival.
STAY at Shiraz Estate Guest House
Shiraz Estate Guest House is designed with a modern touch and laid-back luxury in mind. Soak up the peaceful setting, take a dip in the refreshing pool or chill out in the gazebo. The front patio is a wonderful place to watch the sunset over the Kasteelberg and vineyards from the front patio.
📍DAY 2: Darling
TASTE at Darling Sweet
Try some of the most delectable old fashioned and handcrafted toffees at Darling Sweet. Started by Frits van Ryneveld, with his love for quality and design, and Hentie van der Merwe, with his passion for art and food, a range of toffees were formed; they are unique to Darling and its surrounds, using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.
DRINK at Darling Brew
One of South Africa’s first well-established and award-winning micro- breweries offers a wide range of great craft beers that are loved for their flavour, high-quality ingredients and slow brewing process. Each beer in the range has unique characteristics and an inspiring story; be sure to visit and taste the local tales.
NIBBLE at Alexanderfontein Estate
Darling Olives is a family-run business located on Alexanderfontein Estate just outside of Darling. When visiting, you are able to taste the olives and oils produced on the farm, along with delicious chocolate and cheese products too.
STAY at !Khwa ttu
!Khwa ttu is a San culture and education centre based in a Nature Reserve. Boasting a stylish guest houses, open air tented camps, thrilling mountain bike trails, a restaurant and a shop selling hand-crafted gifts, it is a destination, in itself, to be explored.
📍DAY 3: Langebaan
LEARN at !Khwa ttu
San guides lead unique tours for visitors, fulfilling !Khwa ttu’s mission to enable San to reclaim and share their heritage, in their own way. San Spirit Discovered (tour) shared fascinating insight into the culture, heritage, knowledge, skills and contemporary life of the San. Guided tours are offered daily at 10:00 & 14:00, and are conducted either on foot or by bicycle.
EXPLORE the West Coast National Park
Here you'll fine the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, a focal point of the West Coast National Park. You can also picnic while whale-watching at Tsaarsbank, hike the Geelbek - Strandveld trails, spot birds and learn about Eve's Footprint - young woman who left her mark 117,000 years ago.
NOTE: If you are visiting in Spring, experience the flower fields and blossoming season here too!
SUP on Langebaan's Lagoon
Enjoy the summer paradise with some sea, salt and sun: try your hand at water sports, like stand-up-paddling, windsurfing and sailing.
EAT at Geelbek Restaurant
Situated right on the lagoon, with spectacular views of the Park and natural vistas of flamingos, game and wildlife, is the Geelbek Restaurant. It has a proud South African heritage that dates back to the 1700's.
Lunch at Geelbek Restaurant stimulates all five senses when it comes to ‘plating up’ West Coast and South African cuisine. ****
STAY at Windtown Langebaan
A kite- surfers’ paradise: next to the West Coast National Park, surrounded by the lagoon and breathtaking nature, is where you can enjoy a well-deserved kite trip, laidback holiday or active getaway.
📍DAY 4: Doringbaai
LEARN at West Coast Fossil Park
Near the coastal town of Langebaan, you can explore the area's history. Fossils of bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes and the many other exotic animals, which inhabited the west coast area some 5 million years ago, can be seen.
DRINK at Maskam Brewing CompanyWith water from a fountain in the Maskam Mountain Range, the Botha family of Vredendal has created craft beer on their family farm. Crafting Blonde Ale, Amber Ale and Lager, it is the first craft-brewery in the area (between Vredendal and Lutzville).
CYCLE the Viswater Mountain Bike Trail
An MTB 30km route that starts at Doring Bay circles through Papendorp and back again. At certain places you will be as close as 50m from the ocean, where the cool breeze is welcomed on those warm summer days!
EAT at Jetty Restaurant
Enjoy some local cuisine paired with local wine at Fryer's Cove, the Jetty Restaurant. Try some home-cooked favourites, such as Snoekkoekies (fish cakes), Kerrievis (pickled fish) and Roosterkoek (braai bread). On summer days you can sit back and enjoy a fish braai on the jetty, prawn pans and the sounds of great friends coming together.
STAY at Thornbay Accommodation
Located in Doringbaai, enjoy self-catering accommodation with stunning sea views. Each unit has a patio braai area, with access to a recreation room, a trampoline and a swimming pool. A fully stocked fishery is available for all your seafood needs, firewood and ice, giving you the perfect taste of the West Coast.
📍DAY 5: Cederberg
TASTE at Klawer Wine Cellar
Klawer Wine Cellar is the gateway to the Olifants River Valley. The cellars aim is to produce top quality wines through the limited production of cultivars such as Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage. One of the more unique offerings is a Rooibos and Wine Pairing, including treats such as fudge, biscotti and infused-wines.
EAT at Reinhold's Restaurant
Reinhold’s Restaurant is an establishment loved by locals, specialising in meat. From succulent lamb chops, to fillet, the extended a la carte menu offers something for everyone, while a small bar offers a respite to diners wanting to warm up a little before a meal. It is situated on Main Road in an old Victorian House; enjoy a quiet atmosphere as you overlook a peaceful garden and the Cederberg Mountains.
De Pakhuys offers accommodation in the middle of the world famous Rocklands climbing area. Here, you can enjoy some of the best bouldering spots in the world.
STAY at Kliphuis
Stayover at the upgraded campsite in the northern section of the Cederberg reserve, situated on the flower route to the Biedouw valley and Wupperthal. Set against the backdrop of the famous Rocklands bouldering site, it is the perfect spot for climbing enthusiasts. Enjoy the evening by bracing under the stars and bonding over travel stories.
📍DAY 6: Clanwilliam
WALK the Sevilla Rock Art Trail
The 5 km trail winds along the Brannewyn River and visits 9 sites of rock art paintings left behind by the San people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years. It is a relatively easy walk, with lots to look out for: from blossoms and unique succulents, to Springbok and babboons, there's no shortage to see!
TASTE at Veldskoendraai
This family-run restaurant offers a unique tasting of rooibos products: try over 100 blended rooibos teas, as well as any of the flavoured treats too. Be sure to browse the Farmer’s Market, gift shop and restaurant.
STAY at Travellers Rest
Located on the beautiful Pakhuis Pass, nestled in an area with ruggedly beautiful landscapes and mind blowing rock formations. Discover a place where you can truly enjoy the wide open spaces, the varied plant and animal life, inspiring night skies, and so much more.
