It’s that time of year again, when we have the pleasure of winding the windows down, and venturing down the long, open roads of the West Coast. Witnessing the sight of the blooming beautiful buds of the Namaqualand daisies, as they salute spring.
As inhabitants of the Cape, we count ourselves considerably lucky to be spectators of the show that the landscape puts on for us, throughout the months of the year. Nature’s remarkable reminders of transformation. There are few places in the world that illustrate a change in the season, quite like the West Coast does. From one moment to the next, a relatively arid coastline embarks on a spectacular chrysalis of colour. As Namakwa daisies and wild flowers burst open with the light of day, and close with the dark of night. Every year, the spring flowers blanket the West Coast, Cederberg and Namaqualand landscapes, where the highest concentration of succulent plants exist. With a little help from the bees, as they perfect their pollinating duties, the region is continuously evolving. Making way for an abundance of diverse, wild plant species, to adapt, grow and thrive.
So with spring in our steps, and the daisies in full bloom, we’ve compiled a list of breathtakingly beautiful excursions to embark on, along the West Coast. A day trip that’s only an hour’s drive away from Labotessa’s doors. Where you get to explore the distinct terrain that unravels as far as the eye can see. Stopping off at your leisure, sourcing souvenirs, sampling the local produce from the land, and savouring each moment of your great Cape adventure, with your travelling companions.
- First stop could be the quaint villages of Darling or Riebeek-Kasteel. Lovely little hamlets that welcome you in with open arms. Wearing their creative community hearts on their sleeves.
- Visit Darling Brewery – the award-winning microbrewery for some craft beer tasting. Or the famous Groote Post wine estate where the cool climatic conditions of the Darling Hills yield superlative grapes. One of the oldest farms on the West Coast that originally served as a trading post for sailors. The farm is also a reserve with game viewing available. Also worth visiting the olive and wine farms of the Riebeek Valley.
- Then onto the Postberg Flower Reserve, within the West Coast National Park. It is open to the public, with an entrance fee of R110 for SA adult citizens, R55 for children, R247 for international adults and R124 for international children. There are a number of hiking trails within the park, where you are likely to come across the odd herd of zebra, antelope, ostriches, tortoises and other small wildlife. A reminder to keep your eyes peeled to the pathways at this time of the year, as we do share the land with snakes.
- The large saltwater lagoon of Langebaan is the West Coast’s little pocket of paradise. You can picnic along the warm water’s edge, watching the pink flamingos prance about the shoreline. Sail, swim, paddle and kayak. Explore the Langebaan peninsula that sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the lagoon.
- !Khwaa ttu Nature Reserve – The award-winning San heritage centre settled immediately off the R27 – less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Learn all about the human origins and the contemporary San life. A compelling story told in three architecturally-inspiring and thought-provoking buildings. A place to experience the authentic warmth of San Spirit.
- West Coast Fossil Park – Fossilised remains of the sabre-toothed cat, the African bear and the sivathere (short-necked giraffe) are on display in the museum. The park features interactive exhibitions and guided tours of the dig sites. It also has a lovely market and café, with plenty of easy walking nature trails to explore.
- Remember to stop-off at as many padstals (farm stalls) as you wish, sourcing the best local ingredients and quirky curios and homemade crafts. For an authentic insight into the farming communities and sustainable produce of the area, the padstals on the West Coast are full of interesting and delicious treasures.
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