The West Coast is a drier area bordering on the cold Atlantic Ocean where whales and dolphins can often be seen. During the months of August and September the landscape emerges in a riot of colour as the spring flowers bloom after the winter rains. Leaving Cape Town, take the R27 to Velddrif. Stop off at the popular Langebaan Lagoon (a popular summer resort) and West Coast National Park where 50 000 migratory birds can be seen in the summer. The National Park contains 40% of the earth’s remaining sandveld fynbos.
From Langebaan and Veldrif drive west to the small fishing villages of Paternoster, Stompneus Bay and St Helena Bay - one of the worlds principal fishing areas. These small bays have become popular haunts for summer visitors wishing to relax in this scenic and peaceful environment.
On the return take the R364 inland to Clanwilliam at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains and continue over the Pakhuis Pass, where the Afrikaans poet Louis Leipoldt is buried. Enjoy the strange rock formations and well-known hiking trails before continuing on the N7 to Citrusdal. Turn off onto the scenic R303 between Citrusdal and Ceres (the centre of the deciduous fruit industry), travelling over the Middleburg and Gydo passes into Ceres - or take the Mitchell’s Pass to the historic town of Tulbagh. (There is a stretch of gravel between Citrusdal and Ceres).
The West Coast has two official wine routes – the Swartland Wine Route with its scenic Riebeek Valley and the Oliphant’s River Wine Region. The West Coast seas provide a bounty of quality seafood to accompany the fruit and wine of the area.
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