I believe that your first experience of a destination is made better when accompanied by someone who both knows the place well and genuinely loves it too. I was so happy that my first encounter of the West Coast in Western Cape was with Khotso Micha, founder of Southern Xplorer Tours.
The way I felt exploring the West Coast was comparable to the first time I travelled to the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Once again, I was left amazed by the natural beauty of South Africa.
If you also appreciate journeying to parts of South Africa that we seldom hear about, I urge you to add a trip to the West Coast to your must-do-list.
Discover the West Coast
With Cape Town International Airport being the second busiest airport in South Africa, it is certain that the Western Cape province receives a large portion of the country’s travellers.
The province’s capital city, Cape Town, is the most popular destination in the Western Cape. I love Cape Town and I do recommend it but I also want to encourage you to explore the other parts of the Western Cape too.
South African landscapes reward you for taking the road less travelled.
Among the list of the Western Cape’s must-visit outlying regions are the Karoo, the Garden Route and the region highlighted in this post, the beautiful West Coast. This is where the Cederberg Wilderness Area and a small town called Langebaan are found. After a day trip to the West Coast, I couldn’t wait to sit down and write this blog post to tell you about it.
Why visit the West Coast?
In my exploration of South Africa it is a common theme that my favourite parts of the country are those that require more effort to reach. South African landscapes reward you for taking the road less travelled. The West Coast region is a juicy reward for a 2 hour drive from Cape Town.
This impressive region is unique in it being both a serene escape within nature and also an adventurous retreat. I can’t compare the West Coast to anything. It’s range stands out to me as one of South Africa’s must-visit regions for lovers of the outdoors.
West Coast Day Trip With Southern Xplorer Tours
Southern Xplorer Tours offer a range of excellent road trip packages in South Africa. As specialists in the West Coast, their packages are focused on the best that this area has to offer. When I asked Khotso why he chose to focus his company’s tours in the West Coast, he responded saying:
“It’s the unique landscapes, the vegetation, the wildlife and the experiences (some surprising) all within a 3 hour round trip in the region.”
After going on a hosted day trip with Southern Xplorer Tours to West Coast, three things were evident – their knowledge, experience and passion for the region.
Another thing that stands out about Southern Xplorer Tours is their understanding of what appeals to young adult travellers.
If you want a boring history lesson and a monotoned guide, this is the wrong place to look! Southern Xplorer Tours keep it real and fun.
West Coast National Park
We departed from CURIOCITY hotel in Green Point around 9am. The first stop was the West Coast National Park. You know when someone had described a spot with so much enthusiasm and then, when you see it, it’s even better than you anticipated? That’s how I felt about the West Coast National Park! You absolutely must check it out for yourself. Below I have highlighted three incredible things to do at West Coast National Park.
Note: The West Coast National Park is managed by SANParks.
Postberg
This section of the park is where you can view the West Coast’s vast colourful display of flowers best. These flowers only bloom once a year so being there felt very special. What a warm reception into the Spring season.
There are so many flowers that they appear like a gathering of fairies dancing with the wind. Please don’t judge my imagination haha!
I don’t believe that anyone could witness this spectacular display without smiling.
Note: Postberg only opens during flower season which is usually between August to September.
The Langebaan Lagoon
The Atlantic Ocean forms a lagoon between the park and Langebaan town. The moment I first caught sight of the turquoise lagoon while we were driving through the park, I lit up with amazement.
It was hard to believe that the view would get better but it really did! To really admire the size and stunning blue shades of the lagoon, do a little climbing through the park’s rocky viewpoints.
Unlike the usual cold waters of the Atlantic, the lagoon is warm enough to swim in. I felt like I was in Mauritius!
I can’t decide whether walking along the lagoon’s shore or taking in the view of the lagoon from above is better. I’ll let you choose – checkout the images below.
Tsaarsbank braai area
You could easily spend a full day at the West Coast National Park by coming prepared to make the most of the Tsaarsbank braai (babercue) facilities.
Set against the rough waves of the Atlantic Ocean, this braai or picnic spot is one of a kind. It’s so rare to have a view like this and be on an undisturbed coastline while braai-ing. Imagine that!
Atlantis Dunes
There are dunes in the West Coast and they are stunning! On the drive back to Cape Town from The West Coast National Park, we stopped at Atlantis Dunes. These must-see white sand dunes are only 45 minutes away from the city – #winning!
I felt so small standing amongst the far stretching dune hills. The brightness of the sand also stood out in making this destination soo good-looking.
If you are up for some action on the Atlantis Dunes, there are a variety of activities on offer depending on how adventurous you want to be.
You could go for a walk, a 4×4 drive, go quad biking, go dune thrashing or have a go at sandboarding.
I hadn’t heard of dune thrashing before I went. It’s like a speedy roller coaster ride through the dunes. It’s the ultimate adrenaline rush for those that are up for a wild ride. Below is a photo of the dune thrasher. I was buckled up in the back seat.
As experts in the West Coast, Southern Xplorer Tours gave me an awesome introduction to this magnificent region of South Africa – thank you 🙂
There is much more to the West Coast than can fit into a day. I would definitely return for a repeat AND to discover even more!
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