Have you heard the phrase ‘The West Coast is the Best Coast’? It is not just a catchy line – it rings true for many visitors who have fallen in love with the region and proud locals who call it home. The area is vast and diverse and stretches from Table View in the South to Paternoster in the North as well as inland, including among others the towns of Darling and Moorreesburg. Ideally, you should take a few days to explore, relax and immerse yourself in all the region has to offer, but for visitors pressed for time, it is possible to do a day trip out to enjoy a few natural and cultural highlights.
We have a few firm favourites we include in our day tours from Cape Town. You simply have to stop over in Bloubergstrand for that iconic Table Mountain view and photo-taking opportunity. Depending on the weather, the season and our specific itinerary for the day, we either make this stop on our way out or make sure we capture the moments on way back to Cape Town at sunset.
An informative and fun stopover (especially for the kids) is the West Coast Ostrich Ranch in Philadelphia. The guides make this visit an absolute delight – an unforgettable experience seeing our native South African ostrich up close. You can also browse the gift shop for anything from handbags to decorated eggs!
And what is a day tour without some wine tasting at a beautiful estate? A visit to the historic 18th century Groote Post wine farm in the Darling Hills area is not just a highlight for wine lovers, but an inspiration due to the Pentz family’s focus on conservation. Peter Pentz played an important role in establishing the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, which incorporates Groote Post and stretches from the Milnerton Lagoon to Langebaan.
A visit to the charming rural village of Darling is like opening a treasure chest! You probably need a full day to enjoy what the town has to offer – from the quirky take on our South African heritage at Evita’s Peron to a craft beer tasting at Darling Brew, Africa’s first carbon-neutral brewery. We allow some time for wandering and browsing and then continue along further North-West to eventually reach the Postberg Flower Reserve, which is part of the West Coast National Park. Peak Flower Season from August to October is the best time to visit this beautiful reserve to enjoy the flowers in full bloom, offering an incredible display of vibrant colour. Here we spend time taking photos and basking in the natural beauty of this unique landscape.
The West Coast National Park comprises 36,259.8 hectares and stretches from Yzerfontein in the South to the Langebaan Lagoon in the North and is bordered by the R27 coastal road. The park is a must-visit in any season and enjoyed throughout the year – not just for the Spring flower display. 
Another highlight on the West Coast is the !Khwa ttu San Village – a Unique San Heritage Centre. The centre “…combines culture and heritage, adventure and relaxation, and education, giving a new understanding of the phrase ‘San Spirit Shared’.” To gain an appreciation for and understanding of the indigenous people of this reason, the !Khwa ttu San Village should be included in every West Coast itinerary. Centrally located within the region this world-class facility was opened on Heritage Day, 24 September 2018, and offers the visitor a unique insight into the history of the San people in Southern Africa.
Finally, a visit to the West Coast would not be complete without a stopover in the quaint fishing village of Paternoster. A feast for the senses – from the beautiful sandy beach, colourful fishing boats and white-chalked cottages to a delicious variety of fresh seafood in any of the local eateries – it is a certainly one of the highlights of our West Coast tours.
We always return to Cape Town feeling refreshed and inspired, having experienced not just the natural beauty and cultural diversity of this magnificent region of the Western Cape, but also the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people. TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO SIMPLY MAKE A TOUR BOOKING GET IN TOUCH: