We have put together information on what attractions are available in the area, so please feel through to read about these now.

Day trips

Paternoster’s central location enables you to make day-trips to surrounding towns such as Vredenburg, Saldanha, Langebaan, St. Helena Bay, Stompneus Bay, Velddrif, Darling, Riebeeck West, Riebeeck Kasteel, etc.

Route 1: General

Day 1

Morning: !Khwattu
!Khwattu, the San Culture and Education Centre, is an 850 ha nature reserve on the West Coast where impeccably renovated old farm buildings house the project, a place dedicated to the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, the San or Bushmen. It is a choice destination for the discerning tourist who wishes to meet and learn about South Africaís First People while enjoying a beautiful natural setting in the unique West Coast environment. Restaurant and craft shop available.

Morning: Darling
Known as the wildflower jewel of the West Coast, Darling has presented an annual wildflower show since 1917. The town is home to a number of artists, the most famous being the inimitable Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout who entertains the masses at Evita se Peron. The serenity of the village offers an excellent museum and award-winning wine cellars.

Afternoon: Buffelsfontein
A privately owned game and nature reserve, Buffelsfontein has a history stretching back to the late 1800s, with a multitude of artefacts, structures and stories. Restaurant available.

Evening: Paternoster
Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants (where to eat).

Day 2

Morning: Langebaan
Langebaan appeals to both adventure seekers and those needing respite from the fast pace of city living. It is a mecca for kite surfers, wind surfers, kayakers, fishermen and yachtsmen. The quieter pace invites you to spend time in the West Coast National Park, the place where Eveís Footprint was discovered.

Afternoon: Velddrif
Velddrif lies on the mouth of the Berg River. A birderís mecca, wader hotspot, bokkoms and beaches – this is what life is all about! The beaches are situated along St Helena Bay where whales can be seen. Enjoy a sunset cruise along the winding river – an ideal opportunity for bird watching.

Evening: Paternoster
Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants (where to eat).

Day 3

Morning: Goedverwacht
Goedverwacht was established as a cattle farm in 1810 by Hendrick Schalk Burger, who bequeathed the farm to his slave Maniesa and her descendants. In 1889 the Moravian Missionaries bought the farm. A walkabout includes visiting the old restored, fully functional watermill, the beautiful Moravian Church and the grave of the last slave.

Afternoon: Piketberg
Snuggled against the Piket Mountain, the town is an unexpected surprise, featuring a striking stone Dutch Reformed Church, an interesting museum and an old synagogue. The local vineyards include Org du Rac and Nieuwedrift, while Winkelshoek offers a wine tasting lunch.

Evening: Paternoster
Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants (where to eat).

Route 2: Flowers

Wildflowers

  • Earth laughs in flowers. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • The flowers of the West Coast have an enigmatic pull that draws people from across the globe to this celebrated corner of Africa.
  • Every spring, from August to September/October, the apparently barren soil of the West Coast, from the mountains to the ocean, burts forth in a kaleidoscopic carpet of flowers.
  • Many tourists are drawn to this glorious annual display, and if you decide to follow suit, please bear the following in mind.
  • The duration of the flower season and the quantity of flowers is determined by the rainfall and the absence of warm berg winds.
  • The flowers turn to face the sun, and therefore are best viewed with the sun at your back. Flowers are in full bloom between 11:00 and 15:00, on sunny days.
  • Making use of the South African Wild Flower Guide 7, by John Manning and Peter Goldblatt, will be a great help in identifying the myriad species to be seen.
  • Never remove plants, bulbs or flowers from the veld… it is illegal to do so. Maps of the flower routes are available from the information offices. During the flower season, overnight accommodation should be booked in advance.
  • http://www.westcoastflowers.co.za/

Route 3: Whales

Notes

  • Nature does not take any orders from mortal man. Patience will pay off!
  • A good pair of binoculars is a prerequisite and a good investment.
  • A phone-call to the relevant information office beforehand, can save a lot of disappointment.

The towns in the area are well-known for their excellent seafood. Carpe diem while you are there!

Day 1

Morning: Yzerfontein

The Southern Right and Humpback whales visit Yzerfontein in groups of 8-10 between June and December. The cows calve in the calm waters in and around Yzerfontein. There are a number of look-out points: at the main beach, above the harbour in Arum Crescent, at Schaapen Island and the nature garden on top of the hill. Seating and information boards have been erected at these sites.

Afternoon: West Coast National Park

The park is not only the site of the oldest anatomically modern fossilized human footprint, but Whales (mainly Southern Right) and dolphins (mainly Heaviside) are regularly seen along the shore of the West Coast Peninsula from August to February/March. The main areas are as follows: Atlantic View Point, Tzaarsbank, Plankiesbaai, Saldanha Bay and in the Lagoon up to Schaapen Island. Seating and information boards have been erected at these sites which are accessible by foot and car.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 2

Morning: Paternoster

Paternoster is well known as a whale-watching point. The best time for watching is between August and the end of December. Since Paternoster does not have a jetty, it would be best to watch them directly from the sandy beaches of Paternoster Bay, whether at Voorstrand or Mosselbank beach.
The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve is also a frequently visited place and the rocks give many opportunities to get closer to the whales. Kayak in Paternoster as well as The Beach Camp situated in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve offers kayak trips to get close to these huge mammals.
Tamaryn rock in front of Mosselbank beach is a turning point for the kayaks and you are likely to see dolphins all year round.

Afternoon: St Helena Bay

On the West Coast we are privileged to see a number of different species of cetaceans in our nutrient-rich waters fed by the cold Benguela current. Amongst them are Southern Right whales, Humpback whales, Brydeís whales, Common dolphins, Killer whales, Heaviside dolphins, and Dusky dolphins. St Helena Bay is an excellent viewpoint to behold these creatures. The area, however is also notorious for mass strandings.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

 

Route 4: Adventure

Activities and sports in and around the West Coast are plentiful. The Lagoon has so many possibilities to offer, wind driven, motor- and man-powered alike. The crystal clear water and the sandy beaches are truly inviting, so spend your recreational time right here.

Day 1

Morning: Langebaan

After an easy one hour drive along the R27, you reach the town of Langebaan hugging the shores of the Langebaan Lagoon. The almost year-round sunny weather and safe water conditions makes it a world-renowned mecca for kitesurfers, windsurfers, and kayakers. Rentals and lessons are available.

Afternoon: Windstone Horse Riding Centre

Visit the centre on Langebaan Way and enjoy a canter through the West Coast Fossil Park.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 2

Morning: Paternoster

Wake up with the sound of the sea lapping at your feet. Let a knowledgeable guide take you on a sea kayak tour, go crayfish diving (in season with own permit) or go scuba diving in the nearby wrecks.

Afternoon: Redelinghuys

Redelinghuys is known as the potato capital of the Sandveld. It is also home to Klein Tafelberg where 4×4 rides can be enjoyed or you can crisscross the sand dunes on a quad bike.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 3

Morning: Porterville

The dry hot summers, November – February, with powerful thermals in the mountains create ideal conditions for paragliding in the Dasklip Pass, location for the annual paragliding world championships.

Afternoon: Citrusdal

Here, in the heart of citrus country, one can enjoy 4×4 drives and explore the spectacular rock formations in the Cederberg Mountains. Alternatively do skydiving from a world-renowned drop zone.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Route 5: Cultural

Day 1

Morning: !Khwattu!

Khwattu is an 850 ha nature reserve on the West Coast, where impeccably renovated old farm buildings house the project, a place dedicated to the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, the San or Bushmen. It is a choice destination for the discerning tourist who wishes to meet and learn about South Africaís First People while enjoying a beautiful natural setting in the unique West Coast

West Coast National Park

The park is the site of the oldest anatomically modern fossilised human footprint. The 117,000 year old footprints of a woman were discovered in the ancient dune rocks at Kraal Bay near the Preekstoel rock formation. Tourists can also view a replica of the footprints at the Geelbek Info Centre in the Park.

West Coast Fossil Park

The West Coast today is completely different to what it was 5 million years ago. Thousands of fossil bones were found on this site that attracts worldwide attention – these include the first bear ever discovered south of the Sahara, sabre tooth cats, and long-horned, short-necked giraffes, as well as ancestors of the buffalo, hartebeest and steenbok. Open daily, tours on the hour, presentations need to be prebooked.

Afternoon: Goedverwacht

Goedverwacht was established as a cattle farm in 1810 by Hendrick Schalk Burger, who bequeathed the farm to his slave Maniesa and her descendants. In 1889 the Moravian Missionaries bought the farm. A walkabout includes visiting the restored, fully functional watermill, the beautiful Moravian Church and the grave of the last slave.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 2

Morning: Citrsudal and Clanwilliam

Afternoon: Cederberg

The Cederberg Wilderness Area lies east and south of Clanwilliam. This isolated undeveloped area has unique rock formations and features the Stadsaal (Town Hall) Caves with its famous elephant drawings. Either take a packed lunch with you, or return to Citrusdal for a restaurant meal.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 3

Morning: Clanwilliam

One of the oldest towns in the country, Clanwilliam is the centre for flower and historical routes, as well as hiking trails and rock art viewing. The Living Landscape Rock Art Project has local residents trained as rock art guides to assist visitors. Enjoy lunch in the town before setting off for the hour’s drive to Wupperthal.

Afternoon: Wupperthal

In the remote TraTra valley, lies the picturesque Moravian Mission Station of Wupperthal. Famous for its ëvelskoeneí (leather shoe) factory, rooibos tea farming, and the Mission Station itself. Note: The approach road is partially tarred and suitable for ordinary cars, except after heavy rains.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Route 6: Birds

The Cape West Coast Peninsula lies between two internationally recognized Important Bird Areas (IBAs) – The West Coast National Park and The Lower Berg River Wetlands. Birders will delight in the many special birds to spot from habitats including mountain, coastal, river and estuarine and of course a host of waders. Birding Information Brochures and Birding checklists are available to enhance the visitors birding experience.
Bird lovers follow this link www.westerncapebirding.co.za
Explore twelve of the greatest spots for Bird Watching scattered around the West Coast. Locations include the West Coast National Park, Bird Island at Lambert’s Bay and the Darling Bird Route.

Rietvlei & the Milnerton Lagoon

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is situated beside the R27 coastal road only 15km from the city centre of Cape Town. The Reserve encompasses the Milnerton Lagoon and Flamingo Vlei. Access is via the Milnerton Aquatic Club (follow the road signs to the right of the R27 and turn right at next traffic lights onto Pentz Drive). There are 173 species to be seen including whitebacked ducks, which are common seasonally in the permanent pools near the Beach Hotel. There are picnic and toilet facilities, eight information panels and a hide overlooking the pans.

Olifants River Estuary

The estuary and its associated wetlands are earmarked for future RAMSAR listing as an Important Bird Area. Flamingoes, sandpipers and many other migratory and resident waders can be seen (183 species have been recorded to date). The small settlement of Papendorp is situated overlooking the Olifants River Estuary where the river enters the sea. A variety of marine birds can be seen on the hiking trail between Strandfontein, Ebenhaezer, Papendorp and Doringbaai, situated just south of the Olifant’s River Estuary.

Porterville Blue Crane Route

Rocherpan Marine & Nature Reserve

This Reserve consists largely of a seasonal vlei (wetland) which is usually dry
between March and June. The adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988. The Reserve provides a sanctuary for one of South Africa’s most endangered coastal birds – the African black oystercatcher. Additional attractions include whales from June to December. Picnic sites are available. R30 entrance fee per vehicle.

Day 1

Morning: West Coast National Park

Langebaan Lagoon in the West Coast National Park was registered as a wetlands of international importance for birds, under the RAMSAR Convention, in 1988. More than 25% of South African bird species can be viewed in the park. The lagoon supports large numbers (up to 55 000) of waterbirds in summer. Most of these are waders (23 species). The largest colony of kelp gulls in South Africa is found on Schaapen Island. Visit the Geelbek hide for rare waders including Hudsonian and blacktailed godwits, whiterumped sandpipers and Dunlins; the salt-marsh hides and the Seeberg hides are excellent areas for flamingos.

Darling Bird Route

The wide diversity of vegetation in the Darling area offers birders a large variety of birds from larks and pipits to lesser flamingoes and great white pelicans. The area stretches from the strandveld of the Darling Hills Rd and Groote Post to the renosterveld of Waylands and Oudepost wildflower reserves. The beauty of the flowering bulbs and the diversity of the wildflowers offer the birder a unique springtime experience. In the summer large numbers of blue cranes may be seen in the wheatfields along the Darling / Malmesbury and Moorreesburg roads. The Tienie Versfeld Reserve and the !Khwa ttu San Culture & Education Centre enable to the visitor to further enjoy the diversity of Darling.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 2

Morning: Velddrif

Hotspot for rare waders. There are few if any other areas in the entire country where such a plethora of rare waterbirds can be seen. Recent rarities include the Little Blue Heron, Hudsonian Godwit, Black Harrier and Lesser Yellowlegs.

Tourism info: +27 22 783 1821, E-mail: velddriftoerisme@telkomsa.net

Berg River Bird Hides – Velddrif

This site on the estuary of the Berg River is an Important Bird Area(IBAs) and a proposed RAMSAR site. A hide is situated off Voortrekker Road, past the Riviera Hotel where the key to the hide is kept. The key is available every day at the reception of the Hotel. The hide overlooks an area of intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes, where more than 200 species of birds can be viewed. Birds like blackwinged stilts, purple gallinule, moorhen, flamingoes and pelicans, Caspian tern and kingfisher, can also be viewed on the farms Bloemendal (11-12km from Velddrif on the Velddrif/Hopefield Road) and Langrietvlei (±19km from Velddrif on the Velddrif/Hopefield Road). Both the farms are situated on the banks of the Berg River.

Afternoon: Rocherpan Nature Reserve

This reserve, only 15km North of Velddrif, was established in 1967 and consists largely of seasonal wetlands, though usually dry between March and June. The adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988. This combination of marine, wetlands and bush conditions, provides ample feeding and breeding conditions for a wide variety of birds. The reserve also provides a sanctuary for one of Africaís most endangered coastal birds – the Black Oystercatcher. The reserve provides one of the most important breeding and moulting sites for the Cape Shovellers.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 3

Morning: Verlorenvlei

Verlorenvlei (‘lost marsh’) is a beautiful, but unprotected, wetland situated outside of Elands Bay on the road to Redelinghuys. The shores of the vlei are private property, but there are numerous good birding spots along the road as well as from the accommodation establishments on the banks of the vlei. Notable species include the Purple Gallinule, Eastern White Pelican, African Spoonbill, African Eagle as well as European Bee- eaters, which breed in this area. The vlei has been identified as an important bird area and is a RAMSAR listed site.

Afternoon: Bird Island: Lambers Bay

The internationally famous Bird Island of Lamberts Bay is linked to the shore by a breakwater connected to the harbour and is therefore easily accessible to the public. It is the most accessible Cape Gannet colony in the world. The Nature Reserve provides shelter and protection to thousands of Cape Gannets, as well as various species of cormorants and penguins. The hide puts you within a wingspan of more than 25 000 blue-eyed Cape Gannets.

Visitors can witness the unique mating dances (April – September) and captivating vocalizing of thousands of gannets. Visitors are welcome from 07:00 – 19:00 in summer and 07:00 – 17:00 in winter.

Bird Island – Lambert’s Bay

The island is linked to the shore by a breakwater connected to the harbour and is therefore easily accessible to the public. The viewing platform on the Island has recently been replaced with a state of the art sunken hide, designed to blend in with the rocks of the area and situated in such a way as to allow the colony to expand. It is an important breeding site for Cape gannets and the mass of birds that congregate there, is an amazing sight. The island is also important for other marine birds such as African penguins, kelp gulls, white-breasted cormorants, and common tern.

Evening: Paternoster

Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Route 7: West Coast Wines (South)

Day 1
Morning:

Swartland Winery (Malmesbury)

Swartland Winery, a co-operative on the farm Doomkuil outside Malmesbury, was established in 1948. The current 65 members produce 23 000 tons of grapes pa. The premium range, Indalo, received a number of gold awards in 2003 with the Swartland Range hot on its heels. These and others like d’vine and Kamsberg can be tasted at the cellar. Open Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:00, Saturdays and Public Holidays: 09:00 – 12:00.

Kloovenburg Vineyards
Kloovenburg’s vineyards and olive groves herald the entrance to the picturesque Riebeek Valley. For tasting they offer award-winning wines, olives and cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. A limited quantity of excellent quality is their motto.

Afternoon:

Riebeek Cellars
The Cellar is recognized for its excellent quality, fruity flavoured whites and full bodied reds. Tel: +27 22 448 1213, E-mail: info@riebeekcellars.co.za
Allesverloren Wine Estate

Established in 1704, Allesverloren is the oldest wine estate in the Swartland Wine of Origin District and celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2003. Renowned for its distinctive full-bodied red wines: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and its multi-dimensional port. Tel: +27 22 461 2320, E-mail: info@allesverloren.co.za

Evening: Paternoster
Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 2

Morning:

Porterville Cellars
Nestled at the base of the majestic Groot Winterhoek Mountains is Porterville Cellars, home of good wines. The cellars boast a beautiful tasting room where, in its warm relaxed atmosphere, a simple wine tasting is turned into a memorable occasion. Tel: +27 22 931 2170, E-mail: info@tulbaghwine.co.za
Afternoon: Winkelshoek (Piketberg)
At the northern entrance to Piketberg you’ll find the very impressive tasting hall of Winkelshoek. It is the only cellar where all the wines of the Swartland Wine of Origin region can be tasted and bought. Tel: +27 22 913 1092, E-mail: info@winkelshoek.co.za
Citrusdal Cellar
A short drive over the Piekenierskloof Pass will bring you to the Goue Vallei (Golden Valley), home of the Citrusdal Cellar. This cellar receives grapes harvested from (grown in) matchless conditions.
Cederberg Mountain vineyards produce fruity Pinotage and Chardonnay grapes, while Piekenierskloof delivers unusually concentrated extracts, handpicked from vines growing in sandy soil, caressed by cool, moist breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. Unique wines like Cardouw Grenache and Goue Vallei Chianti can be tasted here. Tel: +27 22 921 2233, E-mail: info@citrusdalcellars.co.za
Spend the evening at one of the many accommodation facilities in Citrusdal.
Tourism info: +27 22 921 3210, E-mail: info@citrusdal.info

Evening: Paternoster
Dine at one of Paternoster’s fine Restaurants.

Day 3
Morning: Klawer Cellar
Travelling further north, you’ll find the pride of the Olifants River Valley – Klawer Cellar. Although locally available, Birdfield is an export series of wines. Both the winemaker and the cellar have already won a varity of Varitas and other awards. The cellar is producing top quality wines with limited cultivars like Shiraz, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc (Stein) and Chardonnay. Tel: +27 27 216 1530, E-mail: klawerwyn@kingsley.co.za

Afternoon: Lutzville Cape Diamond Vineyards
Lutzville Cape Diamond Vineyards are nestled on the banks of the Olifants (Elephants) River, where it flows into the diamond-rich ocean of the South African West Coast. A few miles downstream, the Atlantic Ocean’s bracing Benguela current brings cool breezes to create perfect conditions for our brilliant, multi-faceted fine wines.
The cellar is open for wine tasting Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00, Saturdays and Public Holidays: 10:00 – 14:00.
Tel: +27 27 201 3376 E-mail: info@lutzvillevineyards.com
Overnight in one of the guesthouses and enjoy a leisurely 3-hour drive back to Cape Town the next day.

National Parks & Reserves

West Coast Fossil Park

The West Coast Fossil Park is situated on the R45 and offers daily tours of the digging sites with professional and well informed guides. The many thousands of fossil bones from the digging sites continue to attract world-wide attention and a fascinating array of mammals are represented, including The Africa bear, saber-tooth cats, giraffe, horses and even extinct elephant! Apart from the excellent tours, the Park also boasts a visitor centre, tea room and small shop. Horse riding trails and bird watching are other popular ways of spending time at the Fossil Park.

 

The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, which includes Tietiesbaai, covers an area of 263ha along the rocky stretch of coastline with numerous inlets and coves. The entrance is about 5km from the fishing hamlet of Paternoster. It was declared a nature reserve in December 1973. The vegetation of typical West Coast veld range from the well-known West Coast fynbos to succulent Karoo. During spring, from August to September, the area is covered in a bright tapestry of wild flowers. The name, Cape Columbine, is the name of the last manually controlled lighthouse to be built in South Africa. It, in turn got its name from the British wooden ship “Columbine” which was wrecked in 1829, 1.5km north of the lighthouse. It is usually the first South Africa lighthouse to be seen by ships sailing from Europe. The lighthouse was built in 1936 on Castle Rock. The light stands at a height of 80m above sea level and casts a beam, which is visible for about 50km. The reserve offers hiking, angling, bird-watching, diving, kayaking and a beach campsite.

 

Cape to Namibia Route

The new Cape Namibia Route offers a plethora of activities in a combination found nowhere else on the planet. This is the one route where you can touch dinosaur fossils, dive in kelp forests, play in the snow, revel in the cacophony of hundreds of thousands of seals and gannets, immerse yourself in the spectacle of the second-biggest canyon on earth; kayak in white and blue water, eyeball black-maned lions and sip German beer to oompah music.