Cape West Coast activities to pique every interest

Now that you’ve started planning your trip to the West Coast Fossil Park (WCFP), why not extend your stay a bit and uncover some more of the Cape West Coast’s magic. 

Whether you’re into art and culture or prefer expending as much energy as possible on outdoor activities; love treating yourself and your loved ones to exceptional gastronomic experiences or craving a solitary break from it all, the West Coast has something for everyone. 

History, Art and Culture

During your visit to WCFP, you’ll enjoy a fascinating glimpse into this area’s ancient history with our in-situ fossils dating back more than 5 million years and our interpretation centre telling the story of creatures – great and small - that used to roam this region. 

Continue your exploration of the history and culture of this unique part of South Africa by visiting a few more significant sites. 

!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, Yzerfontein

Did you know that southern Africa is home to one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer societies on earth? Living across six countries in the SADC region, currently only about 130,000 San remain. Sadly, their ancient way of life, languages, and culture are under grave threat from dis-enfranchisement, climate change impacts, and a widespread lack of understanding. 

!Khwa ttu is an award-winning heritage centre that gives you the opportunity to learn all about this precious indigenous culture from the San people themselves. Gather round for an unforgettable story – the story of humankind.

Visit the !Khwa ttu website for more details. 

Elands Bay Caves & Rock Paintings

Located just outside the village of Elands Bay, a collection of San and Khoe rock art have been remarkably preserved in a cave in the hills above the harbour.

It is estimated that this site was first occupied during the Middle Stone Age, dating back more than 80 000 years, and intermittently during the Later Stone Age until possibly 500 years ago. Among the ochre artworks in the cave, there are images of Eland – an important animal in San spirituality –, other smaller animals, fat-tailed sheep and human figures. Most striking of all, however, is the gallery of small, patterned handprints. 

The cave is open to the public free of charge, but visitors are expected to show the necessary respect for this ancient site by staying on the pathways and not touching any of the artworks.

Cradle of Human Culture Artist’s Route

If you’d like to focus your entire trip on aspects of history, art and culture along the West Coast, we highly recommend following The Artist’s Journey created by the Cradle of Human Culture. The route includes WCFP, !Khwa ttu and Elands Bay cave, as well as the Sevilla Rock Art Trail, Riel Dancing in Clanwilliam, the Diepkloof Rock Shelter in Elands Bay and Truitjieskraal in the Matjiesrivier Reserve. 

Visit the Cradle of Human Culture website to find out more. 

Evita se Perron, Darling 

If you’re looking for a slightly more modern (and satirical) spin on South Africa’s complex cultural landscape, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Evita se Perron in Darling. Once home to the famous Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout (the hilarious alter ego of actor/writer, Pieter-Dirk Uys), Evita se Perron may be under new management, but still offers a colourful, tongue-in-cheek take on who we are as South Africans.

On the site, you will find the Kossie Sikelela fine dining restaurant where Chef Henti van der Merwe serves food that embodies a modern interpretation of traditional local flavours and cuisine, paying homage to those who have helped shape South African cooking.

If you enjoy a bit of drama, be sure to coordinate your visit with one of Tannie Evita’s performances at the Evita se Perron theatre. 

Visit the Evita se Perron website for more info.

Outdoors and Nature

At WCFP, we’re extremely proud of our natural heritage and the work that’s been done to restore and preserve the indigenous flora and fauna. While visiting, you can enjoy these efforts close up by doing one of our four moderate mountain bike trails (choose between 10km, 8km, 5km and 3km) or opting for a guided birding walk with a local expert. 

We’re pretty sure this will whet your appetite for even more outdoor exploration along the West Coast, for which there is fortunately ample opportunity! 

West Coast National Park

Located just 150km outside of Cape Town, this gem of a national park is perfect for those who want to reconnect with nature in a laid-back and relaxed manner. Home to a number of antelope species, small predators like bat-eared foxes and caracal, and even honey badgers as well as a huge array of bird species, it offers ample opportunities to enjoy some exciting sightings – whether while enjoying a leisurely drive or exploring one of the hiking trails on foot. 

If you haven’t visited during flower season (August and September), it’s high time you did! During these two months, the entire park is covered in a carpet of colourful spring blooms and brimming with fresh, new life. 

When the hunger pangs set in, make your way to Kraalbaai for a beach picnic/braai against the azure backdrop of the Langebaan lagoon or indulge in a delicious meal at Geelbek restaurant. 

Visit the West Coast National Park website for more info. 

Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Less than 100km north up the coast from the West Coast National Park, Rocherpan Nature Reserve offers an equally delightful retreat for nature lovers. With its combination of land, sea and vlei habitats, it’s especially popular with birders. A total of 183 species have been recorded, of which about 70 are water birds. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the endangered white pelican as well as the greater and/or lesser flamingo. 

Be sure to bring your mountain bike for a ride along the jeep track, as well as your hiking boots, swimming costume and fishing rod! It may be a small park, but there’s more than enough to keep you occupied for a weekend stay. 

Visit the Rocherpan Nature Reserve website for more info. 

Lagoon activities, Langebaan

Even though the West Coast’s Atlantic waters are notorious for their iciness, it doesn’t mean water-based activities are out of the question.

The large saltwater Langebaan Lagoon offers a tranquil alternative to the cold water and crashing waves of the surrounding beaches. It’s also the perfect location to practise your favourite water sport or try your hand at a new one!

Cape Sports Centre is a team of dedicated windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts who offer a range of lessons and equipment rentals. Apart from wind- and kitesurfing, they’re also ready to help you embark on an unforgettable kayaking, SUP or wing-foiling adventure on the lagoon. 

Visit the Cape Sports Centre website to find out more. 

Surfing

If you’re a keen surfer, you’re probably familiar with the abundance of surf spots along this stretch of coastline. 

According to Wavescape, most of the good surf on the West Coast comes in the form of left-hand point breaks.

Some of the standout spots include Yo-yos and Farmer Burgers near Lamberts Bay, Elands Bay, Schaapeiland and Vredenberg Point. 

Visit the Wavescape website for more detailed info.  

Fishing

It can be argued that the jewel in the crown of the West Coast’s outdoor activities is undoubtedly fishing.

Anglers are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing spots, which include open beaches, rocky bays, gullies, river mouths, estuaries, piers and harbours as well as the deep seas. 

Jacobsbaai’s Platklip is particularly famous among those seeking to snag a ‘lekker’ kabeljou from the shore, while Langebaan Fishing offers a variety of estuary and deep sea charter options.

Visit the West Coast Way website for more information about fishing.

Food and Drinks

Immersing yourself in five-million-year history can work up quite the appetite, which is why we’ve joined forces with the West Coast Chef School to open a restaurant at the WCFP. Here, you can enjoy a range of light meals, as well as an array of hot and cold drinks. 

The West Coast’s culinary excellence does not end here, however, and we encourage you to experience at least one of the following: 

Picnic at Groote Post, Darling

Located in the Darling Hills, Groote Post is an historic 18th century dairy farm turned winery, where cool climatic conditions yield world class wines. One of the best ways to experience the fruit of their labour and the magnificent views, is to enjoy a picnic from Hilda’s Kitchen. 

These delectable picnic platters combine a selection of Darling cured meats, local cheeses and freshly made relishes with a quiche, selection of two salads and chocolate brownies for dessert. Wine is not included, but can (and should!) be purchased from the cellar to enjoy with your food.

Find out more by visiting the Groote Post website.

Beer tasting at Darling Brew

One of South Africa’s award-winning microbreweries, the original Darling Brew Tasteroom in Darling offers contemporary pub-style food with the full craft beer and beer tasting experience. Here you can sit down to a great meal, knowing that you are supporting local producers; our head chef Ryan Josten is intent on sourcing the freshest, most amazing ingredients from within our talented, hard-working community.The outside seating area is equipped with a jungle gym, making it the perfect pit stop for families with young children. 

They also offer brewery tours for R75 per person, which includes a 30 minute tour with one of our DB Brewers and a Darling Brew Flagship Flight for Beer-tasting (4 x 100ml beer tasting panel). Booking 48 hours in advance is required. 

Find out more by visiting the Darling Brew website. 

Dinner at Wolfgat, Paternoster

If you’re craving a truly exquisite and exclusive dining experience, Wolfgat in Paternoster will not disappoint! 

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and its dramatic seasonal transformation, Kobus van der Merwe’s signature Strandveld food menu comprises a series of tasting dishes presented in seven courses. Sustainable seafood, local lamb and venison, and seasonal veldkos is featured, enhanced by wild herbs, seaweeds from the local rock pools, and pickings from the garden.

To keep things intimate and sustainable, they only accommodate 20 diners per sitting. Be sure to book your spot well in advance!

Find out more by visiting the Wolfgat website. 

Lunch at Muisbosskerm, Lamberts Bay

The quintessential West Coast dining experience, Muisbosskerm is an open-air beachfront restaurant serving up an array of the region’s most sought-after seafood and traditional dishes. 

The buffet menu is a popular option, as it gives you the opportunity to sample as many of the mouthwatering dishes as your stomach has room for. 

Note that booking is essential!

Find out more by visiting the Muisbosskerm website. 

Rest, Relaxation & Pampering

By now you probably have a jam-packed West Coast itinerary, but don’t forget to include some well-deserved pampering!

Simply Bee, Hopefield

If you enjoy doing DIY spa days in the comfort of your own space (whether home or holiday accommodation), be sure to stock up on luxurious, locally-made, eco-friendly skin, hair and body products at Simply Bee in Hopefield. 

All their products are free from harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances and parabens, and are hand-made using 100% organic propolis and beeswax from their own hives. 

Find out more by visiting the Simply Bee website. 

Shelley Point Spa, St Helena Bay

If you’re craving a more professional pampering session, you can’t go wrong with a treatment or two at Shelley Point Spa, just outside St Helena Bay.

Here, vintage elegance meets pure relaxation. Go all out and book a half- or full-day package or opt for something sweet and short, like their 90-minute quick indulgence that includes a facial, back massage and foot treatment. 

Find out more by visiting the Shelley Point website. 

Yacht cruise, Langebaan

Feel like a millionaire when booking a sunset yacht cruise on the Langebaan Lagoon. Departing from the Club Mykonos harbour, Elite Charters offers a range of cruise options, as well as private charters. 

Find out more by visiting the West Coast Ways website.