Discovering the Beautiful West Coast in South Africa

By Alice Faircloth


People undoubtedly like to visit beautiful locations but are occasionally disappointed when they find that those places are rather touristy. SA still manages to offer a genuine travel experience however if you particularly enjoy taking a trip along the unbeaten path, then the west coast can be an outstanding choice for you.

The West Coast is less touristy than the East Coast because the East Coastline has warm seas whereas the West Coastline has a colder ocean. The East Coast is known for its Garden Route and vineyards, whereas the West coast has traditional farms with fruit and vegetables.

Exactly what the West coastline has to offer though can be especially enjoyable in September and October, when it is Springtime in South Africa. Throughout this season the dry semi-desert location of Namaqualand, also known as "the South African Wilderness", goes into bloom and you will discover kilometers on end of astonishing colourful blooms. The Namaqualand Flower Route begins in the West Coast National Park near Langebaan and runs along the N7, straight through towns like Garies, Kamieskroon, Port Nolloth, and Springbok.

Two of the gems of the west coastline are the Cedaberg Mountains and the Cedaberg Wilderness; 710 000 hectares of dazzling beauty where it is still possible to discover old rock art and go hiking and abseiling. The West Coast ends on the North border of the country and running into Namibia further north and the Kalahari desert to the East. There are beautiful seaside towns to visit along the way, such as Lambert's Bay, Saldanha Bay and Paternoster.

There are numerous means to enjoy your holidays in South Africa. The value for money is excellent and most of the fish is actually cooked on open fires as you sip a sun-downer at one of the open air tables.

The whole of the Olifant's River valley is wonderful for its old world appeal and values. You will meet numerous descendants of the first Dutch settlers that have been working this land for over 4 centuries. Citrusdal can be specifically excellent when the oranges are ripe on the trees and contrast with the dark green foliage and the deep turquoise sky.

Do not mix up the Oliphant's River Valley with the Oliphant's River which offers cruises to see hippos and crocodiles. That Oliphant's River is on the opposite side of the country near the Kruger National Park.

If you start your holiday in Cape Town, we recommend that you go directly for the Namaqualand experience, from there you can take a plane to the Kruger National Park if you want a Safari, otherwise you can spend a few days in Cape Town and see the botanical Gardens called Kirstenbosch, the City Center, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Table Mountain. After that you can head for Cape Point then maybe drive along the Garden Route if you want.

On the East Coast you will be able to enjoy Ocean Safaris. In the winter months you can take a boat ride and get within fifty meters of the whales. In the summertime you can get "up close and personal" with the dolphins. Possibly stop off a night or 2 in Wilderness, which is the perfect lazy spot with a wonderful beach to get some rest before you make your way back home.




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