- Cederberg
The Cederberg is a wilderness area with some fantastic indigenous cedar forests, San rock paintings, magical waterfalls and bizarre rock formations. In winter, you'll find snow capped peaks and in summer you'll trade your soul for an ice cube.
- Paternoster
Paternoster and the adjacent Cape Columbine Nature Reserve are an easy drive from Cape Town - but far enough away to give a taste of true West Coast splendour.
- Darling
Small, sweet and home to some serious satire.
- Clanwilliam
Lying at the foot of the Cederberg, Clanwilliam's biggest drawcard is the Cederberg Mountains.
- Saldanha Bay
This safe natural harbour is home to a navy training base and a hub for the fishing industry. Thanks to its encircling arms, the bay is not only super safe for swimming and a top spot for sailing, but the water is also warmed by the sun, making it lekker* to swim in, unlike the rest of the West Coast, which is generally a breath-freezing temperature.
- Lambert's Bay
This large fishing village is something of a birdwatchers' paradise.
- Eland's Bay
This is a surfer's (and beach lover's) paradise with the best left hand break in S.A. according to Surf bum Geoff.
- Langebaan
Set on the coast overlooking a beautiful azure lagoon, Langebaan is a watersports paradise.
- Namaqualand
Namaqualand, on first impressions, is a harsh, relentless, arid wilderness. Its few inhabitants are burned and dehydrated by the sun and scorching winds, but far from loathing the territory, they have an intense affection for it.
- Piketberg
The high places in the mountains around Piketberg once offered sanctuary to groups of San (Bushmen) and some fine examples of their rock art can still be seen in the area.
- Richtersveld
This wilderness vastness (bounded in the north by the curve of the Orange River) offers hilly, rugged terrain distinguished by weird wind-sculptured rock pillars and spires. It's brown and bone dry except for the odd astonishingly lush greenness of irrigated lands.
- Springbok
Springbok is the largest town in Namaqualand proper and at the centre of the spectacular springtime flower show.
- Vredenburg
Founded around a bubbling spring of clear water, and an important centre for sheep and wheat farmers, "the town of peace" is situated 13km inland from Saldanha and is one of the bigger towns in the area. This is the only town with real backpacker accommodation on the West Coast.
Citrusdal
Citrusdal is home, as it's name suggests, to a citrus growing industry. Nestling in the beautiful Olifants River valley between fynbos clad mountains, it makes a great base for exploring the area and everything it has to offer - such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, spring flower hunting and the art of pure relaxation.
About two hours drive from Cape Town, Citrusdal lies in the Olifants River valley. Herds of elephants have been replaced by groves of glossy orange trees with the Cederberg Mountains lying in the background. This is a great area to explore on foot, mountain bike or in a car. Go adventuring. Hike, swim in the river, visit the hot springs, check out the mountain passes and hidden settlements or learn how to sky dive or paraglide. The Olifants river valley stretches from Citrusdal to Bitterfontein and is named after the elephant herds that explorer Jan Danckaert found here in 1660. The fertile soil produces fine crops of wheat and fruit, rooibos tea, tobacco, vegetables, wine and table grapes, and groves of delectable oranges. The Cedarberg lies on the western side of the valley. North of the Olifants Namaqualand begins. In spring the flowers here make spectacular carpets of colour.
Winter is also picking season for the oranges and a trip is well worthwhile when the blossoms are out in September/October.
Places to Stay
- Gekko Backpackers
This Cederberg backpackers is close to the mountains and hiking trails it is a good base for exploring the area.
- Wolfkop Nature Reserve
Hang out in the mountains for a while.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Appreciate the beauty of the countryside and get face to face with the locals
(Knysna,Garden Route)
This Cederberg backpackers is close to the mountains and hiking trails it is a good base for exploring the area.
(Citrusdal,West Coast)
A great backpacking hostel in the centre of Port Elizabeth.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
Quality safaris and adventures in and around Vic Falls.
(Gordon's Bay and Strand,)
On the shores of the lake.
(Uniondale,Malawi)
Dedicated to getting the best out of the sea.
(Zavora,Mozambique)
Footsteps from the beach… and awesome waves.
(Jeffreys Bay,Sunshine Coast)
A children's volunteer project in the heart of the Wild Coast.
(Addo Elephant Park,Wild Coast)
Nestled in a rural conservation village, these two self-catering timber cottages are perfect for snuggle sessions between surfing, fishing and hiking.
(Scarborough and Kommetjie,Cape Town)
High up on the plateau with spectacular views, they are within easy reach of Livingstonia and Manchewe Falls.
(The Kruger National Park,Malawi)
