West Coast

Quaint fishing villages, seaside resorts, luminous lagoons and endless stretches of wild coastline characterise this unspoilt corner of South Africa. It lies off the beaten path of most tourists and provides a stress-free and remote driving destination.

Fishing and water sports are popular, especially on the warm green waters of Langebaan Lagoon. Coastal towns nestle around rocky and sandy bays and there’s always an abundance of seafood on offer. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, diving and angling, as well as whale watching in season are popular. The jewel in the crown is the West Coast National Park. Bordered by stormy ocean on one side and placid lagoon on the other, it boasts spectacular flower

displays in the spring and stunning bird life in summer.

Paternoster is a charming village of white-washed cottages with colourful fishing boats drawn up on the sand. The town’s name means ‘Our Father’ and is ostensibly derived from the prayers of shipwrecked Portuguese sailors. It’s a seaside haven where travellers can unwind, stroll the endless beaches and indulge in excellent seafood cuisine, especially fresh crayfish. Adjacent Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and Tieties Bay offer beautiful carpets of wildflowers in springtime. To the north is Bird Island, just off Lamberts Bay, populated with thousands of cormorants and gannets.