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West Coast & Cederberg Mountains
Why visit the West Coast & the Cederberg?
South Africa’s west coast and Cederberg areas may be less well-known than the Garden Route but they are just as appealing. Beautiful valleys criss-crossed with rivers are surrounded by the unique and stunning rock formations of the Cederberg while along the coast you’ll find charming fishing villages with white-washed houses and coastal parks with dramatic beaches and dunes.
In August & September springtime flowers burst into life with over 3,500 floral species, a magnificent display of nature at her finest. There is plenty to do year-round, with walking and cycling trails, unique flora and fynbos and some of the oldest artwork on the planet showcased in the numerous rock art paintings hidden in the hills.
This beautiful area can be reached in little over two hours’ drive from Cape Town.
Discover the West Coast & Cederberg Mountains
Fishing Boat At Paternoster
Maltese Rock Formation, Cederberg
West Coast National Park Flowers
Cederberg Starry Skies
Rock Art At Bushmans Kloof
Highlights of the West Coast & Cederberg Mountains
• The Cederberg Mountains are scenically unique and known for their striking rock formations. Hike, cycle or canoe through pristine wilderness and cool off in a refreshing rock pool.
• The Cederberg is home to some of the best preserved rock art dating back thousands of years. The art offers a cultural insight into the way of life of the San people.
• During spring (August to October) the Cederberg is transformed with a spectacular display of wildflowers, including many that are unique to the area, a colourful treat for the eyes.
• Paternoster is a quaint fishing village with white-washed houses, a beautiful beach and a number of excellent restaurants – just ask the Capetonians who head here for summer weekends! To guarantee a table, early booking is required.
• Take a hike or enjoy the beautiful beaches and dunes of the Columbine Nature Reserve, right next to Paternoster, or the West Coast National Park where you’ll find bird hides along the shores of the Langebaan Lagoon. The park is particularly beautiful during the spring flower season (August-September).
• South Africa’s world-famous Rooibos (redbush) tea is only grown naturally in the Cederberg. Around Clanwilliam there are rooibos farms and tea houses where you can learn about the process and sample the famous brew. The area also produces some fine Cederberg wines.
• The Cederberg’s remote location makes it one of the best places in South Africa for stargazing.
Places to stay in the West Coast & Cederberg
“I have never been anywhere quite like South Africa! Jaw dropping scenery, world class food and outstanding service - it blew me away! Seeing elephants and lions in their natural environment was such a special experience – it moved me to tears.”
Sam, African Pride Tours Consultant
"The best trip we have ever had and we have had some wonderful holidays. Africa is a very special place - we will definitely be returning to South Africa."
Mr S via The Travel Shop
"We had an amazing holiday thanks! It was super from start to finish. African Pride did us proud. Our £££ took us much further than would have been the case in Europe - meals out were much cheaper, as was drinking. We were delighted. The Harley Davidson coastal tours and Franschhoek ebike tours were excellent, and we would definitely recommend. It was a really lovely holiday making memories that we will treasure always!!"
LA via Bakewell Travel
Explore the West Coast & Cederberg area
The West Coast and Cederberg is where the local Capetonians take their weekend breaks and with attractive seaside villages, coastal nature reserves, or the unique mountainous Cederberg scenery, we can understand why. The easiest way is to self-drive which will also give you the flexibility to combine various areas, alternatively transfers to your chosen accommodation can be arranged, just let us know your preference.
Self-Drive Touring
An easy 2-3 hours’ drive from Cape Town will bring you straight into the heart of this appealing area. Travelling through farmland, glimpses of the Cederberg Mountains and their striking rock formations start to appear on the horizon. Taking the coastal route, a drive through the West Coast National Park will set the scene for the treats ahead along with the sleepy coastal villages like Paternoster. In the springtime further north, find carpets of an array of colourful spring flowers.
Guided Touring
To see the spring flowers in the Namaqualand area is a must for many a gardening enthusiast and for such an experience a specialist guide is recommended. The flowers are dependent upon the rains and journeys can be long, but it will be worth the adventure. Staying in any of the reserves or lodges found here will give access to an array of guided tours which include rock art, guided nature walks or drives, star gazing, or hiking, horse riding or cycle trails around the reserve.
Exploring Further
If you are looking for something different or have a specific interest, then talk to the team and we can ensure your curiosity is satisfied. Aside of the spring flowers for which the area is well known, you will also find great opportunities for star gazing, learn about rooibos tea production, rock art and its spiritual significance, for bird watchers there is a tremendous opportunity whilst some lodges will teach you about the San medicinal plants.
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DiscoverWhen to travel to the West Coast & Cederberg Mountains
The Western Cape is a year-round destination, but the summer months from November to March are the warmest time to travel. The spring months of August & September see the landscape burst into life with a carpet of vibrant wildflowers in the National Parks.
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West Coast
The Western Cape, north of Cape Town, is perhaps less well-known than the Garden Route, but is no less appealing. On the coast is Paternoster, inland you'll find the dramatic Cederberg Mountains.
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