The shores of the lagoon were the home of the Saldanha Man who lived here 100 000 years ago. Eve’s footprint - a set of 117 000 year old footprints was discovered here in 1997.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Langebaan
Set on the coast overlooking a beautiful azure lagoon, Langebaan is a watersports paradise.
The Langebaan lagoon is a magnificent stretch of crystal clear sheltered water warmed by the sun. It’s a great place for a picnic, a windsurf or a day trip from Cape Town. There are important sea bird breeding colonies on the islands off the coast and large numbers of migrant birds in summer. In winter and spring the adjacent West Coast National Park is renowned for its flower displays. The lagoon has excellent sailing and windsurfing and the relatively shallow water is warmer than the sea. It is entirely marine, with no fresh water inlet. The sandy shores are populated with countless molluscs, crustaceans and other mud living organisms which provide the staple diet of thousands of wading birds (20 species, up to 55000 birds), many of them summer visitors from the Arctic. The islands off the coast are home to colonies of jackass penguins, kelp gulls and gannets. There are almost 250 species of birds in the area, and there are several walking trails and bird hides in the West Coast National Park (also called Postberg National Park).
Pas op*
*Watch out - for tortoises crossing the road.
*Watch out - for tortoises crossing the road.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
“Please come and experience what life is like for my brothers and sisters in the township and I will describe to you what has changed in recent years since democracy.”
(Scarborough and Kommetjie,Cape Town)
Kammanassie backpackers in Uniondale can be found on a road less travelled, and therefore a good alternative to the N2 zoom.
(Uniondale,Route 62)
For couples and singles that enjoy their privacy
(Green Point,Cape Town)
Set on a huge property with lovely gardens and overlooking the mystical Hogsback Peaks, this is a wonderful backpacker.
(Hogsback,Eastern Cape Inland and the Karoo)
Located in the centre of the village, this thatched backpackers lodge has a pub and restaurant and is just a stones throw from the beach.
(St Francis Bay,Sunshine Coast)
A quiet beach with warm water year round, thumping surf and safe swimming is just a 2 minute walk away. Most mornings see dolphins cruising around the point.
(Umzumbe KZN,South Coast)
Do the Garden Route and get high on adrenaline.
(,Garden Route)
This Cape Town backpacking hostel is between the mountain and the city and within walking distance of everywhere.
(Cape Town City Bowl,Cape Town)
Little Brak Beach House offers fab out-of-town tranquillity and loads of comfort .
(Little Brak,Garden Route)
A holiday by the sea.
(Saldanha Bay,West Coast)
