Vredendal in the Olifants River Valley

Vredendal

Vredendal; Afrikaans for Peaceful Valley, is a modern town that thrives on the banks of the Olifants River. The town marks the boundary between the Mediterranean climate of the southern part of the West Coast and the dry, arid north.

The Olifants River is the large artery that drives the economy of the town and the region and makes this a small paradise for those who want to get away from the city, yet have access to all the modern amenities; the best of both worlds in technology and the warmth of small-town hospitality and living … Continued

Linger a while in Lambert’s Bay

Crayfish

Lambert’s Bay started out as a small and humble fishing village, much like all the other fishing villages along the Cape West Coast. Today, however it is known as the Diamond of the West Coast and one of the major tourist destinations year-round because of the moderate climate.

Here Seafood is king. In all its wondrous variety, the plentiful seafood has made the town into the prosperous community it is today.  Fisherman come from all over when the snoek (Cape Barracuda) run. This unique tasting fish is delicious slow-cooked on an open fire, basted with lemon juice and apricot jam … Continued

Jacobsbaai Photo

These photographs taken in Jacobsbaai (near Saldanha) on the Cape West Coast, were sent to me by my friend Barbara of WebTech Originals. Barbara took these photographs when a barge that was being towed by a tug boat dislodged and was stranded near Jacobsbaai … Continued

With Love From Shelley Point

© Paul Heydenrych

It all started on a Friday afternoon with three great friends, off for a weekend of fun and birthday celebration. It was lunch time, the car was packed, the music was playing and our journey began. Before we left Cape Town we had to stop off for some essential padkos (quiches, bottled water and chips from the Oakhurst Farmstall in Kenilworth) and once we’d bundled ourselves back into the car we were off …

Even though it was lunch time the traffic was bumper to bumper, because everyone knows Cape Town closes early on a Friday to make way for the weekend. Nevertheless we were three ladies on a mission to get to our destination - Shelley Point on the Cape West Coast … Continued

New on the Cape West Coast

Shelley Point Hotel

Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club is nestled between the silvery white sands of lush green Peninsula Village of Shelley Point, on the Western Cape coastline, approximately 90 minutes from Cape Town. Shelly Point’s perfect location allows it to receive the best features of the Cape’s Mediterranean climate.

Shelley Point is a marine reserve. Each new day brings close encounters with nature; crayfish, abalone, mussels, dolphins, cormorants and the rare oystercatcher and is one of the most popular bays for Southern Right Whales and Humpback whales to visit and calve. Continued

See Saldanha

Saldanha Bay

The seaside town of Saldanha lies in the northern corner of the largest and deepest bay in South Africa and is a bustling harbour town with a thriving fishing industry with fish, crayfish, mussels, oysters and seaweed. Any visitor taking a walk amongst the fisherman when they bring in their catch is in for an impromptu lesson in local culture. The banter amongst the fisherman goes on in regional speech with words and gestures that belong to the West Coast alone.

Many travelers have the impression of vast, grey open spaces when they think of the West Coast, of a country side that only blooms for a short period each spring … Continued

For Lovers and Loafers … Langebaan

Langebaan Lagoon

Located on the Cape West Coast and once a whaling station, Langebaan has evolved and firmly established itself as a tourist attraction to be reckoned with. While the town was officially founded in the early 1900’s, its history dates back hundreds years as an area once inhabited by the Khoi San people long before even the earliest Dutch and English explorers passed through.

Located as it is on the shores of a tranquil lagoon the town of course offers a wide variety of water sports and activities, including kayaking, windsurfing, and its newer cousin, kite surfing, boat trips and fishing, as well as paddling in the shallows or simply enjoying the white sandy beaches. The lagoon itself forms a part of the West Coast National Park, a wildlife sanctuary and home to many indigenous and migratory bird species as well as small mammals, making it ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Continued

Langebaan – A West Coast Gem

Langebaan

Defined by its rugged shorelines, coastal vegetation, heritage fishing villages and unpretentious lifestyle, the Cape West Coast still holds an element of the wild unknown. A tangibly strong culture of fisher-folk with their quaint small wooden fishing boats and simple lives on the sea, are qualities that draw visitors from across the globe. Loved by many, the dramatic coastline, changeable seas, white sandy beaches and cerulean blue skies creep under your skin and seep into your soul. The most popular of all the quaint villages is Langebaan, with its natural wonders, blue lagoon and azure skies.

Established as a party town for lovers of watersports, fishing or just a good time, Langebaan has an exciting buzz over the weekends and holidays. Visitors to the town are never short of something to do over a long weekend, with a plethora of watersports equipment hire stores, restaurants, drinking holes, cocktail venues, horesriding, playgrounds and even a casino resort. Days are best spent on the water, skiing, canoeing or simply swimming and sunbathing, and the evenings are for soothing burnt skins and going out on the town to appreciate the sun setting over the vast lagoon. Continued

Take a Trip to Saldanha

Saldanha Bay

The seaside town of Saldanha lies in the northern corner of the largest and deepest bay in South Africa and is a bustling harbour town with a thriving fishing industry with fish, crayfish, mussels, oysters and seaweed. Any visitor takes a walk amongst the fisherman when they bring in their catch is in for an impromptu lesson in local culture. The banter amongst the fisherman goes on in regional speech with words and gestures that belong to the Cape West Coast alone.

Many travelers have the impression of vast, grey open spaces when they think of the West Coast, of a country side that only blooms for a short period each spring. This is true, but the West Coast is not about the climate or the region; it’s about the people. Their incredible sense of humour that allows them to laugh at themselves and face adversity with the same courage and determination as did their ancestors hundreds of years ago make the people of the West Coast as interesting and unique as the landscape. Continued

Delightful Darling

Darling © Kalimera

Known to some as the perfect weekend getaway and to others as an artistic refuge, 75 kilometres from the heart of Cape Town lies the sleepy town of Darling. As Cape Town has expanded, more and more city folk have chosen to leave behind suburban living and build a new life in one of the Western Cape’s outlying villages. Darling was one of the first such towns and remains one of the favourites for its thriving local community and attractive natural surrounds.

In less than an hour’s drive you can remove yourself from all the cosmopolitan bustle of the city to a tranquillity and old-world charm that will steal your heart.

The village lies amongst wheat fields and vineyards and invites the visitor with its warmth and friendliness to kick off your shoes and relax; to have a good meal at one of the restaurants or the bistro and drink some of the well-known wines that make the Darling wine route. Continued

West Coast Wonders

West Coast

When you wander up the R27 coastal road that winds up the West Coast of South Africa, you pass through towns and villages that make you think you have somehow stepped back in time. Towns and villages that are untouched by the frenetic energy of the city maintain the same steady pulse of living that has sustained them for decades. Here the clock ticks to the rhythm of nature with sea being main source of income for the fishing villages that dot the coast and the canning factories in Saldanha and Port Owen. For many the West Coast is a forgotten region as it is off the normal tourist track, but it rewards intrepid travellers with a unique perspective on South African life.

The sea too is the the main attraction for most of the visitors venturing up the coast. Yzerfontein is a hugely popular resort town and within easy reach from Cape Town that attract locals and tourists throughout the year. It is a favoured fishing spot and when the snoek runs, fisherman come from all over. Few experiences can beat the rustic bliss of sitting around a fire on the beach with fishsizzling on the coals and a black cast iron pot ready for the crayfish as the divers take it out of the water. Round off the meal with freshly baked bread and apricot jam and you have regional food at its best. Continued

Whispering Whale – A Gem of a find on the Cape West Coast

Whispering Whale

Situated in the tiny beach village of Jacobsbaai on the popular Cape West Coast between Saldanha Bay and Vredenburg, Whispering Whale is three luxury, self-catering or bed and breakfast apartments set amidst some of the country’s most unspoilt natural beauty and rugged coastline.

Whispering Whale is one of those truly idyllic escapes that go beyond the call of duty to fulfil their every promise. Breathtaking coastline and virgin beach, evident from each of the apartments, does indeed lull you into a sense of languor where strolling beaches and enjoying endless meals of incredible seafood easily becomes a way of life to which you become accustomed, if not addicted, and life is interrupted only by the odd venture to a nature reserve, on a hike or to partake of the array of endless water sports in the area. Continued

Visit Langebaan

Langebaan Lagoon

Mention Langebaan to Capetonians and they smile; only 100 kilometres from Cape Town this hugely popular holiday town offers the ultimate in easy getaways. Weekends away in Langebaan are an excellent opportunity to get some time out and indulge in the holiday mood without arduous planning or a long drive.

But it’s not only convenience that this West Coast town has in its favour. The Langebaan lagoon is simply stunning; crystal clear water surrounded by snow-white beaches attracts water sports enthusiasts from all over South Africa. Windsurfing, kite-surfing, angling and yachting are some of the favourite local pastimes.

The lagoon is also an amazing family spot, where Moms and Dads can take time to indulge in the time-honoured traditions of sand-castle building, stone-skimming and shell-collecting with their kids, making it an ideal Family-friendly holiday destination. The lagoon itself is protected from the wildness of the Atlantic Ocean making this a safe little haven for paddling and the water is also much warmer than at the ocean itself. Continued