Archaeological Site
West Coast Fossil ParkThe first bear discovered south of the Sahara, lion-size sabre-toothed cats, three-toed horses and short-necked giraffes are all on display at this…
West Coast & Swartland
The windswept coastline and desolate mountains on the western side of Western Cape are a peaceful, largely undeveloped paradise. You’ll find whitewashed fishing villages, fascinating country towns, unspoilt beaches, a lagoon and wetlands teeming with birds, plus one of the best hiking regions in the country.
The West Coast National Park is a must for birdwatchers and lovers of seascapes, while inland lies the richly fertile Olifants River Valley, where citrus orchards and vineyards sit at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains – a hiker’s heaven. This remote area has spectacular rock formations and a wealth of San rock paintings.
Between the coast and the mountains lies the Swartland, undulating hills of wheat and vineyards. Swartland (black land) received its name from renosterveld, a threatened indigenous vegetation that turns dark grey in summer.
Explore West Coast & Swartland
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout West Coast & Swartland.
Park
Cederberg Wilderness AreaAs you drive, bike or hike through the bizarre-shaped, weathered-sandstone formations, glowing ochre in the fabulous Cederberg light, you'd be forgiven…
National Park
West Coast National ParkThis park encompasses the clear, blue waters of the Langebaan Lagoon and is home to an enormous number of birds. It covers around 310 sq km and protects…
Nature Reserve
!Khwa ttu!Khwa ttu is the only San-owned and -operated culture centre in the Western Cape. It's based on an 8.5-sq-km nature reserve within the ancestral lands of…
Village
Wupperthal Mission StationThis Moravian mission station, 74km southeast of Clanwilliam, dates back to 1830. Attractions include the original church and workshops – where handmade…
Winery
Groote PostOf all the Darling wineries, Groote Post has the most to offer the visitor, with wildlife drives, self-guided nature walks, a superb restaurant and, of…
Brewery
Darling BreweryDarling is one of the country's best-known breweries, pouring a wide range of beers including Africa's first carbon-neutral brew. You can taste any or all…
Historic Site
Sevilla Rock Art TrailThere are nine San rock-art sites along a relatively easy 5km hike here. The permit fee includes an informative pamphlet deciphering the paintings and…
Historic Site
Stadsaal CavesOnce occupied by the San, these sandstone caves are glorious at sunset. First visit the rock-art site, on the right as you drive through the gate, then…
Observatory
Astronomical ObservatoryA group of hobbyists run this superb mini-observatory. Bring a bottle of wine with you.
Nature Reserve
Cape Columbine Nature ReserveThree kilometres south of Paternoster, along a rutted gravel road, lies this windswept but beautiful reserve. It has campsites with basic facilities at…
Bird Sanctuary
Bird IslandSitting just 100m from the mainland, Bird Island is an important breeding site for the Cape gannet. You'll likely spot Cape fur seals too. The island is…
Winery
Namaqua WinesThe largest winery in the region is best known for its easy-drinking boxed wine. You can do a casual tasting or try pairing the wines with chocolate or…
Winery
Teubes Family WinesAs well as wine tasting, there are cellar tours and olive tastings. Cheese platters and pizzas are available on weekends if you book ahead.
Lighthouse
Cape Columbine LighthouseBuilt in 1936, the diminutive lighthouse is worth a brief pause. You can also stay over here in a simple cottage (double from R650).
Museum
Ou Tronk MuseumBased in the old jail, the museum pays homage to Clanwilliam's icons, with sections on San rock paintings, rooibos cultivation, traditional veldskoen …