West Coast Cycling

 West Coast Cycling is a self-guided cycling holiday. It is an opportunity to view the unique West Coast of South Africa.

Unique coast & fishing villages

Discover the beautiful Atlantic coastline with long stretches of unspoilt white sand and little coves of alternating rock and sand. Experience Yzerfontein, Langebaan and life in the fishing villages St Helena Bay (Shelley Point) and Paternoster.

Dolphins and Whales

A number of different species of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) move through the nutrient-rich waters of the West Coast, fed by the Benguela current. On your route you might spot seals, dolphins and whales. Southern right whales are regular visitors to the West Coast from middle winter onwards with the most sightings in December.

Wild flowers

Every spring, from August to September/October, the apparently barren soil of the West Coast, from the mountains to the ocean, bursts forth in a kaleidoscopic carpet of flowers. Many tourists are drawn to this glorious and world famous annual display.

Nature Reserves

The West Coast National Park, including the Langebaan lagoon, covers some 40 000 ha. The park is particularly well known for its bird life  and for the spring flowers which occur in the months from August to September. Over 280 species of birds. Seagulls, cormorants, sacred ibis and the Oystercatcher using this coastline as their breeding ground. Wildlife in the park includes large antelope such as eland, red hartebeest, bontebok, kudu, gemsbok, steenbok, mountain zebra, duiker and ostriches. 

The reserve at Cape Columbine is on a peninsula and covers 263 hectares of gorgeous wild, rocky coastline. The huge round rocks just inside the bays are ideal for the sightings of dolphins and whales- in season. The Cape Columbine lighthouse is the only brick and mortar in the reserve. Built in 1936, it was the first South African lighthouse to receive all navigational safety features.It is usually the first lighthouse sighted by ships coming from South America or Europe.

Accommodation 

4 star standard hotel or guesthouse. The seafood from the West Coast is legendary.

!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre

Learn about the San Bushman culture- the history, livelihoods, challenges and successes of all San groups in southern Africa. The centre is the only one of its kind dedicated to the story of southern Africa’s first people.

West Coast Fossil Park

The fossil site near Langebaan is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil faunal remains. See the fossils of bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes and the many other exotic animals which inhabited the West Coast area some 5 million years ago.

Other activities

Other activities in the West Coast area can be added to the cycling package

Day 1

Own transport or transfer from Cape Town to !Khwa ttu (76 km)
Afternoon- arrive !Khwa ttu San Cultural and Education Centre. 

Dinner and overnight !Khwa ttu San Cultural and Education Centre
(South African private braai is one of the options).

Day 2

With its diverse terrain and spectacular vistas, !Khwa ttu has the perfect landscape for excellent mountain biking. Cycling routes safe and on private land.
Morning cycling along the coast to the beautiful West Coast town of Yzerfontein and back. 30 km Enjoy refreshments at Yzerfontein
Guided tour to learn about the San history and the present day challenges facing one of the Africa’s most fascinating minority cultures.
Late afternoon cycle for sundowner (15 km) and beautiful views of Table Mountain, West Coast National Park, Langebaan Lagoon and Saldanha Bay
The combination of single track, jeep track, farm roads, relaxed riding and beautiful scenery all make for the perfect rides.

Dinner and overnight !Khwa ttu San Cultural and Education Centre. (South African private braai is one of the options).
Distance: 45 km

Day 3

After breakfast transfer to Langebaan (53 km)
Cycle to the West Coast National Park Langebaan entrance gate. Ride the 17 km Red and/or13km Green trail. The 13 km Green Trail (follow Green signs) starts at the Langebaan gate and traverses up to the Seeberg Bird Hide before heading back to the gate. The Red Trail (follow Red signs) also starts at the Langebaan gate of the park, heads up to the Seeberg Lookout and thereafter to Mooimaak and the Seeberg Bird Hide before heading back to the gate. The trails are on the Langebaan Lagoon, very scenic and not technically challenging.

Overnight Langebaan
Distance: 30 km

Day 4

West Coast National Park: From the Langebaan gate, cycle to Kraalbaai & return 70 km on tarred road with little traffic. (Can turn back earlier). The West Coast National Park boasts a popular and colourful flower season annually betweenJuly and September. You will see a wide variety of flowers on display, from daisies, to bulbs as well as eland, ostrich and red hartebeest. In the Atlantic Ocean look out for dolphins and in season whales.

Overnight Langebaan
Distance: 30-70 km

Day 5

Transfer, self-drive or cycle to West Coast Fossil Park, Langebaan Road (About 25 km)
Guided tour of West Coast Fossil Park which gives you fascinating history of the area.
See the fossils of bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes and the many other exotic animals which inhabited the west coast area some 5 million years ago. There we recommend after the guided tour the marked cycling trail of 10 km. This provide an excellent opportunity to experience first-hand the unique west coast flora and fauna. Transfer or self-drive to Paternoster (42 km)

Overnight Paternoster
Distance: 10 – 35 km with an option to do more cycling when you arrive in the scenic West Coast town, Paternoster.Distance: 60 km or less

Day 6

Ride through Cape Columbine Nature reserve. Cape Columbine lighthouse was the last manned lighthouse to be built in South Africa in 1936. Visit the lighthouse and Tietiesbaai (10 km) Ride the same road back to Paternoster and then further north along the beach. You can continue for 20 km from Paternoster to Shelley Point mostly on a jeep track or turn around any time. It is a gravel road, corrugated with soft sand spots.

Overnight Paternoster
Distance: 60 km or less

Day 7
Depart after breakfast

Option: The route can be shortened to 4 nights / 5 days. 

Stay at some of West Coast’s finest hotels and guesthouses and visit restaurants serving mouth watering international cuisine. A variety of establishments has been selected, offering differences in character. All bookings are subject to availability. Click on the pictures to view the high standard of accommodation.

Rates

Choice of Standard or Superior accommodation. The rate of our West Coast Cycling package also depends on availability. Rates will be quoted on request. 

Included

Not Included

Grading

Overall rating of West Coast Cycling is Easy/Moderate. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to cycle  about 50 km per day and be able to cope with undulating countryside and some hills. See Cycling grades Day 1 – Arrival : Day 2 -Moderate : Day 3 – Easy : Day 4 – Moderate: Day 5 – Easy : Day 6 – Moderate

 Alternative/additional options

Your holiday can be extended or amended to include additional activities, for instance a game drive in a private nature reserve. The costs of additional options will be quoted on request.

When to book West Coast Cycling

Any time of the year, but we recommend spring or autumn. During spring, late July to beginning October, the normally dry coastline becomes a wildflower tapestry. This is normally the highlight of the year. A beautiful autumn day or windless winter’s day on this coastline is a gem and something to experience. The winter temperature is mild and the West Coast is a low rainfall area During the winter (low season) accommodation is normally more freely available. It is a good option for local guests who are either prepared to accept weather risks or can change their plans based on 7 day weather predictions. During December and January (high season) strong south easterly winds can be unpleasant.

Climate

The West Coast is a semi arid region. The climate is influenced by the Atlantic (cold water) ocean. In summer the West Coast is hotter, drier and more windswept than Cape Town. It is consistently windy, especially during the blustery summer months. It becomes increasingly drier further north and fog banks hug the coastline in winter. Spring is a great time to visit when spectacular wildflowers appear in the fields . Peak flower season is July to September after the winter rains.

Getting there

For international visitors:  Fly to Cape Town International airport and from Cape Town to !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre by car or transfer.

From Cape Town. The route to !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre is as follows:

Follow R27/West Coast Road. Total distance 95 km from Cape Town International airport- Driving time: 1 Hour 33 Mins

What to take

Wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory and bicycles need to be equipped with basic repair kit. These items can be provided with bicycles rented via us. Bring your own if you prefer so. If you decide to bring your own, a MTB is the best choice (not a road bike or hybrid). 

It is important to be comfortable when cycling. The best is to wear thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hard-wearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer. These allow your skin to breathe and wick the moisture away from your skin to the next layer, avoiding the chill which cotton T-shirts can cause.  A thin fleece or sweatshirt is ideal as the next layer. Also take a lightweight waterproof jacket (breathable and windproof material is best). Sport shoes are fine for cycling and for when you stop off to visit places on foot. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic box (for transporting lunches), first-aid kit, camera and an extra plastic bag for litter.

Insurance

It is recommended that appropriate holiday insurance is arranged with cover for illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of any cancellations.

Route description

Our detailed route notes and -description allow you to ride self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage. As soon as we have finalised your booking we will specify your hotel schedule. (We are using different hotels/guest houses from time to time). The tailor-made Route guide include hotel details, route notes, maps and GPS references. Going self-guided is simple and convenient with our Route guide. It allows you to set out when you like, stop where you want and visit sites en route that are of interest to you. Our notes include information on monuments, places of interest along the way and suggested stops for lunch, wine tasting etc. The Route guide will be given to you on the date of your arrival. We can provide a file which can be imported to a gps or computer for navigation on a cellphone or gps device.

Availability and Booking

To enquire or reserve a date, go to: Availability request

For general information: Contact us, or

email: info@trailsandtravel.co.za, or

Booking process and -conditions – Go to  How to book

Map

Attractions

You will visit the following attractions:

Gallery

View pictures in West Coast Cycling Gallery

Reviews

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided cycling/hiking holiday offered by Trails and Travel in South Africa- “Overall, the holiday was invigorating-  You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our cycling community in the States- Fantastic cyclings, wines and accommodation” For details  go to Reviews

West Coast area information

You can enjoy Paternoster, Jacobsbaai, gorgeous beaches and view whales and wildflowers (in season) on the West Coast Cycling– a self-guided cycling holiday. To find out more about the area, go to Read more. West Coast Cycling is a convenient way to see and experience the atmosphere of this unique part of South Africa.

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