Taking a West Coast road trip is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike: the route overflows with outdoor adventure opportunities, art hubs, lively markets, and so much more to see and do. Discover some of the best nature reserves, historic villages, and seaside accommodation options with this list of must-sees.

Blaauwberg

Fringing Table Bay, 15 kilometres due north of the Cape Town CBD, Blouberg (or Blauuwberg), is a suburb within a highly biodiverse region. The landscapes here embrace a wetland, 624 plant species, 40 mammals (including whales, dolphins, and seals), 166 bird species, 30 reptiles, and four amphibians.

The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve sits on Blouberg Hill and stretches to a soft, sandy coastline. With a beautiful view of Robben Island, a world heritage site, the reserve offers beauty and nature as far as the eye can see. It is the only city nature reserve where white-tailed mice, the ‘aardvark’, and a bird known as Layard’s titbabbler can be found.

If you feel like spending an evening on the premises, the reserve has a Montispectus self-catering unit. The unit is generally hired for families or friends on a weekend getaway.

Where: Eerste Steen Resort, Otto du Plessis Dr, Bloubergstrand
When: May – Oct: 8am – 5pm | Nov – Apr: 8am – 7pm

Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve

The landscape of the Witzands Aquifer Nature is home to critically endangered fynbos and numerous animals, including molerats, mongooses, caracals, Steenboks, and Cape Grysboks. Witzands Aquifer is named after the vast underground natural aquifer which supplies drinking water to surrounding communities.

However, the reserve is primarily known for the Atlantis Dunes—the perfect place to try 4×4 drives, ATV quad biking, and sandboarding. If you’re looking for a more leisurely experience, the team at Atlantis Dunes can take you up to the higher viewpoints via 4×4 for some incredible views and photo opportunities.

Cost: Walk-ins are free; however, various fees apply for the different activities. See the full price list and more info here.

When: Daily 9am – 5pm
Where: 0 Dassenberg Dr, Atlantis, Cape Town

Darling

Darling is one of our personal favourites on any West Coast road trip. This aptly named town fully submerged in history and natural beauty, surrounded by vineyards and veld blooming with wildflowers in spring. Darling is home to the famous Evita se Perron Theatre, as well as interesting museums, wine estates, shops, restaurants, toffee makers, and more.

Darling Brew is an award-winning beer company and tasting room that should be on every visitor’s itinerary. It is one of the most recognisable and highly acclaimed craft beer brands in South Africa, having recently earned the title of Best Local Craft Beer at the 2023 Kfm Best of the Cape awards. It is also Africa’s first carbon-neutral brewery.

Every Spring (over September), the town comes alive with brightly coloured wildflowers and the Darling Wildflower Festival.

When: Various
Where: 22 Pastorie St, Darling, 7345

!Khwa ttu

Set between Yzerfontein and Darling, this cultural and educational centre teaches visitors about the San people and the natural area. Traditional San guides lead unique tours within this UNESCO-listed heritage site within the beautiful Cape Floral Kingdom, raising both environmental and heritage awareness. 

A wide range of enthralling natural and historic sites in a remote area, an excellent museum, and some wonderful restaurants make !Khwa ttu a must-see. Guests will also be giving back: the centre is also a non-profit company and has been providing jobs and practical residential training for young San from all over southern Africa since 1999. 

There are several enticing accommodation options within !Khwa ttu, including farm cottages with beautifully curated interiors, eco cabins hidden deep in the fynbos, each with a private hot tub, and ‘Hilltop Huisies’ (hilltop cottages) with spectacular views over the vast wilderness. Learn more here.

When: Daily | 9am – 5pm
Where: R27 West Coast Rd, Yzerfontein/Darling

Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve

If you’re keen to see some wild animals on your West Coast road trip, this enthralling 1600-hectare reserve is a wonderful place to enjoy guided 4×4 game drives and ‘bike and saddle’ game drives (on mountain bikes) to see lions, buffalos, white rhinos, giraffes, caracals and more. A lovely restaurant, a wedding venue, and superb accommodation with a large sparkling pool add to the appeal.

Accommodation options here include everything from budget-friendly chalets to luxury four-sleeper cottages with 360-degree views of the bush. There is also a bushcamp and a self-catering guest house with breakfast included. All accommodation has been built sustainably with natural materials found in the area. 

Cost: Various; more information here

When: Office hours: 8am – 5pm
Where: Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve | R27 West Coast Road | Western Cape

Yzterfontein

This picturesque seaside village provides many interesting shops and a variety of restaurants, including the West Coast Farmstall, which has a large children’s play area, and a wonderful bakery in the centre of town. The Yzerfontein region is known for its excellent fishing and hiking spots, as well as great whale-watching opportunities between July and October. Visitors can also see African Penguins in their natural habitat at Dassen Island.

Strandkombuis is a guesthouse, restaurant and wedding venue perfectly situated on the longest beach in South Africa. It also offers a range of outdoor adventure activities. Learn more here

When: Always Open | Restaurant: Fridays from 6pm and Sundays from 12pm
Where: 16 Mile Beach, Strandkombuis Rd, Yzerfontein

West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park offers walking trails, bird-watching areas, picnic, and braai areas, and a safe spot on the Tsaarsbank to enjoy a bit of whale watching in August and September. Thrill can plan mountain biking and cycling trips, try kayaking and kiteboarding, or explore the well-known, challenging hike in the park.

The Langebaan Lagoon supports dense populations of molluscs and crustaceans and serves as a nursery for juvenile fish. This may be a perfect spot to introduce children to marine life.

Cost: Various, from R55 – R247. See the full breakdown of prices and book here

When: April – August: 7am – 6pm | September – Mar: 7am – 7pm
Where: West Coast National Park lies inside the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, on the R27 coastal road between Yzerfontein and the Langebaan Lagoon. 

Langebaan

A little further up from the West Coast Nature Reserve, Langebaan offers wonderfully temperate weather and an idyllic seaside lifestyle. At Thali Thali Game Reserve, spot buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and numerous antelope species, or try game drives, archery lessons, and classic sundowners on the restaurant deck overlooking the bush.

There are plenty of accomodation options to choose from. One of our favourites is The View, a luxury villa known for its panoramic views over the lagoon, tempting swimming pools, and chic, minimalist interiors.

Where: Mykonos Access Rd, Mykonos, Langebaan, 7357
When: Always Open

Jacobs Bay

The quiet village of Jacobs Bay, frequently called ‘Namaqualand by die see’ (Namaqualand next to the sea), is ideal if you want to escape the crowds. Its two-kilometre-long waterfront is decorated with pretty bays, and the area’s tranquillity attracts wildlife. Jackals, steenbok, duikers, and small tortoises are often spotted here. The House of Bean and Leaf offers excellent coffee, while Weskusplek provides mouth-watering seafood and beautiful ocean views.

The quirky Pixie and Fairy Village, a backpackers’ village filled with fairy and gnome statues, was inspired by the owner’s childhood search for the fairies mentioned in traditional Zulu folklore, in the forests of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Where: Plot 307, Main Rd, Jacobs Bay
When: Daily: 9am – 5pm

Paternoster

Paternoster is considered one of the oldest villages on the West Coast. Beyond its fishing fame, the town is known for its prime snorkelling spots and abundant sea kayaking, fishing, surfing, and kiting opportunities.

The Paternoster Waterfront is a social hub with various restaurants and shops overlooking the waters (including Waffle Wharf, Rock Lobster Pub, Maneki Home Goods, Mattat Leather Goods, and others). A theatre and art gallery known as Die Koelkamers Teater offers a platform for creatives to showcase their work to the locals of the entire West Coast.

When: Mon – Sat: 9am – 10pm | Sun: 9am – 4pm
Where: 1 Kreefte St, Kliprug, Paternoster

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