South Africa
West Coast
Region
The West Coast begins about an hour's drive north of Cape Town and stretches along the cold Atlantic to the Olifants River.
by Felix Gillen
The West Coast begins about an hour's drive north of Cape Town and stretches along the cold Atlantic to the Olifants River. White fishing villages, the Langebaan Lagoon, wheat fields in the Swartland, and in spring, the wild flower bloom characterize the region, while inland rise the Cederberg Mountains.
The R27 coastal road leads to main attractions: the West Coast National Park on Langebaan Lagoon, the resort of Langebaan, and the fishing village of Paternoster. Inland lie Darling (wine and wildflowers) and the Cederberg Mountains (rock arches and San paintings). Wildflowers typically bloom from August to September. The sea is cold even in summer, yet a haven for kitesurfers. Many spots are day trips from Cape Town; for the Cederberg Mountains, an overnight stay is advised.
More places in West Coast
The Cederberg, about 250 kilometres north of Cape Town, is a wilderness area of reddish sandstone, bizarre rock formations, and San rock paintings. Hikes to the Wolfberg Arch and the Maltese Cross are among the best-known tours; Rooibos is grown near Clanwilliam, unique to this region.
