The Cape West Coast is one of the most uniquely beautiful regions in the Western Cape, South Africa. Here, sleepy seaside towns, endless beaches and pristine nature and wildlife opportunities abound.
In this post, we look at a variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy in the Cape West Coast.
#1 Explore Beautiful Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
Some 30 kilometres from central Cape Town, one finds the beautiful Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. The reserve, which offers glorious surrounding views out across the fynbos slopes and over the rocky, sandy coast alike, is fun for all ages to enjoy.
It is also one of the few places in the world where you can see two World Heritage Sites at once, in Table Mountain and Robben Island.
Another famous, historically key site within the reserve is the former battleground of the infamous 1806 Battle of Blaauwberg.
The reserve is also home to a variety of critically threatened vegetation and some 559 plant species, nearly 50 mammal species, over 160 bird species and 30 reptile species.
For entrance fees and opening times, please see here.
Contact: +27 (022) 444 0454, blaauwberg.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Website: www.westcoastway.co.za/blaauwberg-nature-reserve/
Address: Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, Eerste Steen Resort, Otto du Plessis Drive (M14), north of Bloubergstrand, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Stop by the Mamre Mission Station
The town of Mamre is a small but unassuming West Coast gem, loved for its richly colourful history. It is also the home base of the Mamre Mission Station, first established in 1808.
The original church and patronage still possess the very same charm and beauty as ever, although they are also now officially national monuments.
While the watermill has been restored and now serves as a museum, the church itself is still used for church services and is normally packed to the rafters every Sunday. In fact, it is also South Africa’s fifth oldest church.
A visit to the Mamre Mission Station provides an interesting, eye-opening experience for all.
Contact: +27 (062) 766 8651
Website: www.westcoastway.co.za/mamre-mission-station
Address: Mamre Mission Station, 57 Main Rd, Mamre, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Head to Darling Brew
Darling Brew, a unique and hugely popular craft beer producer in South Africa, calls the Cape West Coast home. While you can shop on-site or online for their delicious craft brews, visitors can also enjoy exploring the tasteroom.
They have tasterooms in both Darling, West Coast and in Woodstock – but we think it’s best to go directly to the source in Darling.
The Darling tasteroom overlooks the brewhouse and offers guests the very best in contemporary pub-style food, with the full Darling Brew craft beer experience for good measure.
There is even a family-friendly, grassy play area, complete with a huge jungle gym. Even your well-behaved pooch is welcome at the outdoor area so the whole family can enjoy a fun day out at Darling Brew!
Contact: (Darling Tasteroom) +27 (079) 092 8313, shop@darlingbrew.co.za, tasteroom@darlingbrew.co.za
Website: darlingbrew.co.za
Address: Darling Brew, 48 Caledon Street, Darling, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Enjoy the West Coast National Park
One of the West Coast’s most famous, much loved attraction is the endlessly gorgeous West Coast National Park.
Here, families can enjoy incredible day outings, relaxing overnight stays (in house boats or cottages), fun days spent on the water thanks to Kraalbaai and its beautiful stretch of beach, water sport activities, swimming, seasonal flower spotting, braaing and more!
During the annual flower season (August-September), a special portion of the Park, Postberg, is opened to visitors, allowing them to enjoy amazing flower spotting.
The West Coast National Park is also home to a wonderful array of wildlife, many of which can be seen alongside the road or even on it so please drive carefully and slowly when visiting the park and be mindful of nature!
For entry fees and opening times, please see here.
Contact: +27 (022) 772 2144/5, moipone.thathane@sanparks.org
Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast
Address: West Coast National Park, near Langebaan, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Visit Shelley Point
Shelley Point is a small, pristine peninsula found in the calm ways of Shelley Bay, St Helena Bay.
Thanks to its sheltered location, this unique spot is ideal for both fishing and sailing and even provides a fun, safe and shallow place for kiddies to play and splash in.
Nearby, there is also a nine-hole golf course and a lovely wellness centre for you to add to your list of local attractions when visiting St Helena Bay.
Contact: N/A
Website: www.westcoastway.co.za/st-helena-bay
Address: Shelley Point, Golden Mile Boulevard, St Helena Bay, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Check out Simply Bee Shop and Observation Centre
At Hopefield’s Simply Bee Shop and Observation Centre, travellers can enjoy the unique experience of seeing hives with glass panels. This allows visitors the amazing opportunity of seeing the bee colony in their natural environment without disturbing them.
This educational centre showcases the bees and their natural life cycle, while also aiming to educate and inspire the public.
By prior arrangements – if weather allows – there can even be demonstrations arranged by the beekeeper to show visitors how honey is harvested, while also perhaps sampling some of the pure honey that Simply Bee produces.
While you are there, why not pop up the Simply Bee shop or enjoy a coffee and quick browse of the gift shop, where guests can also enjoy coffee, fresh scones, muffins and cakes?
Note: Entrance is free but donations are welcome.
Contact: +27 (022) 723 0569, info@simplybee.co.za
Website: observation.simplybee.co.za
Address: Simply Bee, 31A Church Street, Hopefield, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Step Back in Time at West Coast Fossil Park
Another fascinating, educational attraction in the West Coast is the popular West Coast Fossil Park. Here, visitors can take a step back in time and marvel at amazing, well-preserved fossil finds. This includes some of the creatures – like short-necked giraffes and saber-toothed cats – that once roamed the West Coast region unchecked.
On-site, there is a new exhibition hall, restaurant, shop, amphitheatre, conference and meeting rooms and open dig site for visitors to explore or utilise.
Visitors can enjoy heading on guided tours to the fossil dig site; grabbing a delicious bite to eat; and exploring any of the four moderate MTB trails. There is also a guided birding tour for those who are keen.
Contact: +27 (022) 766 1606, edu@fossilpark.org.za
Website: fossilpark.org.za
Address: West Coast Fossil Park, R45, Langebaanweg, Vredenburg, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 Enjoy the Darling Wine Route
The Darling Wine Route is home to some of the loveliest wine farms in the Western Cape. They are Darling Cellars, Groote Post Country Estate, Ormonde Private Cellar and Cloof Wine Estate respectively.
Each of these beautiful estates offers visitors something unique to savour – whether it is excellent wine tasting, a fun country market or a wholesome meal shared with those you love.
While you are exploring the Cape West Coast, be sure to check out its gorgeous wine farm offerings.
Contact: N/A
Website: www.visitwinelands.co.za/routes/darling
Address: Darling Wine Route, Darling, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Visit the Darling Museum
Another lovely little museum worth paying a visit to in the Cape West Coast is the Darling Museum.
Founded by a group of farmers’ wives in 1978 with a mind towards preserve butter-making history in Darling, this museum has since grown into a wonderful, diverse country museum.
Today, it reflects both the lifestyle and growth of the village since Darling’s original founding, back in 1853.
Some of the highlights at the museum include: a section honouring the Khoisan people; the on-site local tourism office; a unique butter museum and even old Victorian and Edwardian interiors showcasing life at home and at work in days gone by.
There is a small entry fee to visit the museum – but it is great for all ages to enjoy.
Contact: +27 (022) 492 3361
Website: darlingmuseum.co.za
Address: Darling Museum, Corner of Pastorie and Hill Street, Darling, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Head to the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch
Last but by no means least we have the family-friendly Cape Town Ostrich Ranch. Here, visitors can enjoy a fun, educational ostrich farm experience, found only thirty minutes from central Cape Town.
You can go on an interesting guided tour and say hi to the ostriches; dine on some delicious food (even an ostrich burger if you like); let the kiddies play in the fun outdoor play area; or simply spend some quality time out in the fresh air on this beautiful West Coast farm.
For tour pricing information and other details, please see here.
Contact: +27 (0)21 972 1669, info@ostrichranch.co.za
Website: www.ostrichranch.co.za
Address: Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa.