You can do more than stroll and relax on white-sand beaches along the Weskus. In Namaqua West Coast, Cederberg, Bergrivier, West Coast Peninsula and Swartland, you will learn about native ecosystems, enjoy shopping and dining, and discover the area’s rich Culture & Heritage. Here’s how to spend five perfect days in the Weskus.
Day 1: Swartland
Start your day with a visit to! Khwa ttu – a San Culture Village.Get a fascinating insight into the culture, heritage, knowledge and modern day life of the San of Southern Africa. Accompanied by a group of qualified San guides who will lead you to a truly exceptional experience, on foot, by tractor ride or mountain bike. During the tour they will demonstrate their skills and share their ancient knowledge. This experience provides a unique opportunity for you to listen to accurate accounts of the past and present lives of the San people. Stop at Darling Brew for a refreshing cold craft beer. Darling Brew is one of South Africa’s first well established and award-winning microbreweries since 2010. They brew a wide range of great craft beers that are loved for their flavour, high quality ingredients and slow brewing process. The restaurant serves delicious beer paired meals, made from fresh, organic, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. End your day with the Swartland Wine & Olive Route for an authentic wine experience in the countryside. The route contains 20 members and you will be tasting the best of the best with amazing award winning wines.
Day 2: West Coast Peninsula
Travel to the West Coast National Park. The Park is well-known for its bird life and spring flowers (August – September) especially in the Postberg flower reserve section of the Park. Wildlife in the Park includes antelope such as eland, mountain zebra, red hartebeest, kudu, gemsbok, steenbok, duiker and ostriches. A flamingo population lives in the salt marshes of the Langebaan lagoon. Visit the West Coast Fossil Park, the park is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil remains that date to 5.2 million years ago. It has fossils of 200 different species, many of them new to science. The park offers daily tours of the digging sites, a coffee and gift shop, kid’s playground, as well as horse, hiking and mountain bike trails. After all the Weskus beauty has been soaked travel to Langebaan and enjoy traditional Weskus food and a refreshing sundowner while admiring the un-spoilt private beaches that the accommodation has to offer.
Day 3: Bergrivier
Start your day with a Bergrivier Boat Trip, Tollies River and Boat cruises in Velddrif offer fun and exciting cruises for all. Enjoy splendid bird watching cruises while you are treated to an unforgettable experience. Then visit Rocher Pan Nature Reserve is a coastal birding haven. The prime feature is the large Pan that attracts 183 species of birds. The reserve boasts four beautiful eco-cabins with uninterrupted views of the Pan. Visitors who head along the Weskus to visit the Reserve will possibly mention to you that the birdlife is incredible, but what they will not reveal is that it is also a wonderful setting in which to spot whales. Have a wonderful lunch at Chalie’s Brew in Velddrif, it is well known for fantastic craft beer and great food. Before departing to Piketberg visit Bokkomlaan, here a 200-year-old fishing tradition continues. There are 12 “vishuise”, or fish houses, along Bokkomlaan in Velddrif, some of which are still used for their original purpose. Travel to Org de Rac Wine Estate, there you will find they are home to organic wines. The fresh oyster and bubbly pairing is an absolute must!
Day 4: Cederberg
Depart to Lamberts Bay and Visit Bird Island, it’s about 100m off the shore of Lambert’s Bay on the Weskus. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the blue-eyed Cape gannet up close. It is one of only six sites worldwide where Cape gannets breed, and it is the only breeding site easily accessible to the public. Travel to Clanwilliam and have a rooibos experience. The Cederberg Mountain region is the only place in the world where Rooibos grows endemic. The Rooibos Route in Clanwilliam offers a wide variety of experiences: Cultivation, History, Activities, Treats, Teahouse, Restaurant and Accommodation. Interested in the planting and harvesting of Rooibos, then check out the Rooibos Tea Farm Tours or is history your cup of tea? Want to do a tea tasting, then the Teahouse will be your stop. And while you are there, sleep over, have some lovely rooibos infused meals and treat yourself with organic rooibos products. Sleep at Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat a 5 star establishment nestles at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, the ideal wilderness getaway to escape, restore and relax. The reserve is a natural playground for those who want to reconnect with themselves and the essence of life, with wide open plains, mystical rock formations, crystal clear water falls, and an abundance of flora and fauna.
Day 5: Namaqua West Coast
Travel to Vredendal and have lunch at Die Keldery restaurant, a fantastic place where you will find traditional dishes and best-quality wines, there is a beautiful porch overlooking the unique Maskam Mountain. Children can run around while the adults enjoy a glass of wine and soak up the sun. This is perfect to experience with friends and family. Visit Fryers Cove here, you will discover a winery with beautiful vineyards flowing to the ocean’s edge offering an excellent wine tasting experience. The West Coast Wine Route is an intimate and fulfilling experience like no other – from charming, family-run farms in unique locations to some of South Africa’s most famous mega-wineries. Depart to Vanrhynsdorp and sleep at Letsatsi Lodge which is an ideal stopover, situated just outside Vanrhynsdorp, Letsatsi Lodge suites everyone’s taste.