The Cape West Coast

 From blues,greens,browns and red,not forgetting the kaleidoscope of colour presented in Spring, the West Coast is an artists' dream palette.

A region filled with diverse landscapes, the azure blue on the one side, mountainous abode on the other and in between, everything from wheat fields, orchards, vineyards and wildflower fields.

The coast is dotted with quaint little fishing villages, known for crayfish and bokkoms, and long stretches of pristine beaches lapped by blues seas. 

Some of the well known coastal towns are:

Langebaan - home to the Langebaan lagoon, a mecca for kite and wind surfers, kayaking yachting and fishing. Here you will find Club Mykonos Resort and Casino, an exotic place conjuring up images of the Mediterranean Greek Village of it's namesake.

Saldanha Bay - well known for its established steel industry, its also has a natural deep sheltered harbour that plays an important role for imports and exports of the region. The town is also home of the South African Military Academy and a naval base.

Paternoster -  a short climb up to the top of the Cape Columbine Lighthouse, South Africa's last manned lighthouse, will grant you an unparalleled view of the of the bay where you would be able to see colourful fishing boats catching crayfish and Snoek.

Further inland you will find many little towns seemingly lost in history, such as the mission stations of Wupperthal and Goedwerwacht and the home town of famous writer C. Louis Leipoldt of Leipoldtville.

Other well known towns are:

Citrusdal - aptly named after its renowned citrus industry, where the oldest orange tree in South Africa can be found, this town is also famous for The Baths, a natural hot spring resort. The town also grows a South African favourite; Rooibos tea.

Clanwilliam - home of Rooibos tea and in Spring, covered in an array of colourful wildflowers. Both Clanwilliam and Citrusdal are surrounded by ancient San rock art painting sites as well as the original caves where they once lived.

Darling - home of the famous Tannie Evita, the alter ego of actor Pieter-Dirk Uys, and Evita se Perron, a cosy coffee shop and theatre. In Spring, numbers of tourists flock to this little town to see the wildflowers in full bloom.

Riebeek Valley - the artistic heart of the West Coast, well known for its wines and olives.

Activities are abound in the region for adventure seekers as well as those looking to unwind from the hustle and bustle of modern life. 

A hike along the Waterfall Trail near Porterville will take you past 22 consistent waterfalls, a breathtaking site indeed. A rewarding experience for birdwatchers, the region has a large number of different species as well as fishing opportunities for the avid angler.

If culture and heritage is what you after then a visit to !Khwa Ttu in Yzerfontein, The Living Landscape Project in Clanwilliam or The West Coast Fossil Park near Langebaan is well worth a visit.

Wining and dining is a gastronomic affair as the region offers some of the best sea food such as crayfish, mussels, oysters, abalone, Snoek and bokkoms. The region also offers exceptional locally produced wines and olives.