WHERE & WHAT
The locals like to say “WesKus BesKus” which translates directly from Afrikaans to ‘West Coast Best Coast'“ and we have to an agree in so many ways. This is a place where the allure of strikingly blue water, windswept beaches, the friendliest communities and the best seafood in the country is what makes it an ideal destination for the slow travel enthusiast. The much loved regions starts just 1.5 hours from Cape Town and stretches for 300mi up the coast.
OUR expeRIENCES
There are few places where Land and Sea combine in such perfect harmony like they do on the West Coast. The region lacks for nothing when the itch hits to get out there and explore something memorable! The Spring Wildflowers bring about an annual, globally renowned rainbow of color and wildlife. Set sail on the langebaan lagoon, visit the indigenous San people exhibit, sample excellent local beers and wine. Humpback Supergroups also visit this coastline in the early part of the year.
SPRING WILDFLOWERS
Spring time on the West Coast brings about a celebration of one of the world’s most prominent and active floral regions. For 4-6 weeks every year (August & September) the unique fynbos kingdom is joined by an array of special wild flowers presenting a truly a memorable visual display for keen enthusiasts from all around the globe. If you find yourself in the right place at the right time, you can expect to see millions of flowers carpeting the land in a riot of bright colors.
The West Coast National Park is one of the best places for to experience the flowers. Experience it as a full day trip from Cape Town or as part of a West Coast / Cederberg multi-day tour that also ventures further into the Namaqualand region where the flowers continue.
WOLFGAT & Die Strandloper
Wolfgat Restaurant is nestled in the tiny coastal town of Paternoster. Intimacy and charm coupled with its breathtaking ocean views and warm hospitality Chef Kobus van der Merwe's innovative dishes showcase the finest local ingredients, from freshly foraged seaweed to sustainably sourced seafood. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring each visit is a unique and unforgettable gastronomic journey. Wolfgat's dedication to showcasing the flavors of the West Coast has earned it numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of World's Best Restaurant at the 2019 World Restaurant Awards.
Die Strandloper Restaurant is a rustic beachfront dining experience located in Langebaan known for its traditional West Coast seafood feasts. Guests can enjoy a variety of grilled fish, mussels, snoek, and more, all cooked to perfection over open fires. The restaurant prides itself on its laid-back atmosphere, where diners can kick off their shoes and feel the sand between their toes and a unique dining concept.
LAGOON & OCEAN ADVENTURES
Langebaan Lagoon, located on the South African West Coast, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its serene beauty and rich biodiversity. This sheltered lagoon, with its calm turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches, is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The surrounding West Coast National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, making it a birdwatcher's delight. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely day of kite surfing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach while taking in the stunning panoramic views.
Our favorite lagoon activity is the 2 hour paddle around Schaapen Island with it’s impressive birdlife and white bunnies that were left behind by Spanish settlers (yes really!).
SIP & SAVOUR
Some of the pioneers of both the famed historcal wine industry and more recent emerging craft beer scence are based on the West Coast. Our team have gone far and wide to find the best family-owned wineries in the region that to date produce some of the best wines the country have on offer. Join us on smooth and winding dirt roads in the countryside as we visit charming tasting rooms and renowned winemakers.
Darling Brew is the country’s first carbon-neutral microbrewery known for their innovative approach to brewing and using locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to relax with a refreshing drink, Darling Brewery provides a welcoming space to savor quality brews and enjoy the essence of South African craft beer culture.
THE SAN PEOPLE
A deep dive into one of the last remaining hunter gatherer communties on earth. !Khwa ttu is a unique cultural and educational center that offers insights into the heritage and history of the San people, also known as Bushmen. Visitors to !Khwa ttu can engage in interactive experiences such as guided tours, storytelling sessions, traditional food tastings, and even learn about the San language and crafts. This immersive cultural experience not only showcases the rich traditions of the San people but also supports the local community through sustainable tourism practices.
A visit to !Khwa ttu provides a meaningful glimpse into the ancient ways of the San people and their deep connection to the land.
STAY
The West Coast is littered with old and charming Fisherman Cottages. With their whitewashed walls, thatch roofs and traditional fireplaces they’re unapollogetically real and unpretentious. We’ve experienced some of our most loved weekend trips in this region largely because of the authenticity of the stays. We’ve also stayed in some of the more modern and tastefully designed houses and boutique guesthouses up and down the coastline. Trust out Travel Designers to match you to a stay that speaks to your style of slow coastal travel.
BOOK A STAY
Our Favorites: The Barn in Yzerfonten, Shark Bay Hotel, Gonana Guesthouse, The Farmhouse Hotel.
SEAFOOD SPECTACLE
The culinary scene on South Africa's West Coast offers a diverse and vibrant array of flavors and influences that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. From the fresh seafood straight off the Atlantic Ocean to the traditional dishes passed down through generations, visitors can embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. The fusion of indigenous ingredients with modern techniques creates a unique dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether indulging in a seafood feast at a seaside restaurant or savoring local specialties at a bustling market, every meal tells a story of the land and its people. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainability, the West Coast culinary scene is a true reflection of the region's natural beauty and bounty.
Our Favorites: Woflgat, Gaatjie, Die Strandloper, Voorstrandt, Weskus Spens Padstal.
journeys & PACKAGES
SLOW TRAVEL THROUGH THE WEST COAST FOR A COUPLE OF NIGHTS. COMBINE IT WITH CAPE TOWN OR ENJOY IT ON IT’S OWN.
WEST COAST SLOW TRAVELER
3 NIGHTS
BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE STAY
WEST COAST WILD FLOWERS EXPERIENCE
WEST COAST CULINARY EXPERIENCE
LANGEBAAN LAGOON ACTIVITIES
COASTAL WINERIES & BREWERIES
SAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE
WEST COAST & CEDERBERG
4-5 NIGHTS
BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE & LODGE STAYS
WEST COAST WILD FLOWERS EXPERIENCE
WEST COAST LAGOON ACTIVITIES
WEST COAST CULINARY EXPERIENCE
CEDERBERG HIKES
CEDERBERG CAVES & ROCK ART
CAPE TOWN & WEST COAST
5-6 NIGHTS
BOUTIQUE HOTEL & GUESTHOUSE STAYS
PENINSULA TOUR
WINELANDS TOUR
TABLE MOUNTAIN HIKE
WEST COAST WILD FLOWERS EXPERIENCE
WEST COAST CULINARY EXPERIENCE
IT’S GOOD TO KNOW THE BELOW
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$250 - $350 PER DAY PER PERSON:
- For this amount you can spend the night in a 4 star establisment, include a full day tour and a dinner at a great restaurant.$400 - 600 PER DAY PER PERSON:
- For this amount you can spend the night in 5 star establiment, include a wine, kayaking or san people tour and dine at a top restaurant in the region.$700 + PER DAY PER PERSON:
- For this amount you can have a luxury all inclusive trip to the featuring 5 star accommodation, spa treatments, kayaking, curated dining and wine experiences and a full concierge service.*It can be done cheaper than the above, just let us know what your budget is and we'll suggest a suitable itinerary.
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The coastal west atlantic climate in the West Coast region means the summers are hot and dry while the winters are cold and a bit wet but not freezing in the evenings.
Summer from November through March:
- Average Daytime Temp of 25C / 80F
- Average Nightime Temp of 20C / 68FAutumn from April through May:
- Average Daytime Temp of 18C / 65F
- Average Nightime Temp of 14C / 57FWinters from June through August:
- Average Daytime Temp of 15C / 59F
- Average Nightime Temp of 10C / 50F
- Rainy season but some winters are more dry than othersSpring from September through October:
- Average Daytime Temp of 20-25C / 68-80F
- Average Nightime Temp of 13C / 55F -
- Cape Town International Airport is a 1.5 hour drive from the start of the West Coast which then continues up the coastline for another 500KM
- Reveler offers private transfers from Cape Town International Airport and Central Cape Town
- Reveler offers specialist guides for various activities in the region
- Using a Travel Designer and/or Private Gude to help you help you plan and execute travel to the West Coast is highly suggested for an optimal experience.
REVELER TOP 8
WOLFGAT
WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK
GROOTE POST WINES
THE BARN YZERFONTEIN
LAGOON KAYAKING
GONANA GUESTHOUSE
PATERNOSTER BEACH
DIE STRANDLOPER