West Coast Walk
Overview-West Coast Walk
West Coast Walk is a self-guided walking/hiking holiday. It is an opportunity to view the unique West Coast of South Africa and experience life in the fishing villages St Helena Bay (Shelley Point), Paternoster and Langebaan.
| Type | Self-guided walk | |||||
| Location | Paternoster, Shelley Point and Langebaan | |||||
| Group size | 1+ people | |||||
| Duration | 3 nights | |||||
| Grading | Moderate grade | |||||
| Day Stages | 10 -20 km | |||||
| Distance | 38-65 km (3 days) | |||||
| Terrain | Beach walks, seaside paths, country rd | |||||
| Hotels | 4 star standard | |||||
| Meals | Breakfast each day | |||||
| Cost | From R7 800 per person (less 20% for 4) | |||||
| Dates | Any time possible. We recommend spring or autumn |
Trip details
View this unique coast and experience life in the fishing villages Shelley Point (St Helena Bay) and Paternoster, as well as Langebaan. You will walk along gorgeous beaches and at least 15 bays, each with their own unique characteristics. Enjoy long stretches of unspoilt white sand and little coves of alternating rock and sand. The seafood from the West Coast is legendary, and the West Coast area has no shortage of excellent crayfishing, fishing and diving spots. 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. Obviously sightings can not be guaranteed but southern right whales are regular visitors to the west coast from middle winter onwards with the most sightings in December. The presence of dolphins is less predictable being ultimately dependant on the availability of food. Probably Heaviside’s dolphins will be sighted in Britannia Bay when the northwester picks up. Good viewing points are at Shelley Point and Paternoster. On land 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.
Highlights
Unique coast
Gorgeous beaches and at least 15 bays, each with its own unique characteristics. Enjoy long stretches of unspoilt white sand and little coves of alternating rock and sand.
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.
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.
Nature Reserve
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.
Fishing villages
Fishing villages Shelley Point, Paternoster and Langebaan
Other activities
Other activities in the Westcoast area can be added to the walking package
Day 1: Arrival at Shelley Point for overnight. Visit the Da Gama museum and lighthouse
Distance 4-5 km
Day 2 : Walk from Shelley Point to Paternoster. You will pass Britannia Bay, which boasts magical scenery and typical Cape West Coast atmosphere. Enjoy a pristine stretch of white sand, tiny shell-strewn nooks, and beautifully etched rocky areas. Swimming and diving is very popular here. Your day ends in Paternoster, an easygoing fishing village, famous for its abundance of crayfish. There are 9 bays between Shelley Point and Paternoster and about 30 on the whole route. Overnight- Paternoster
Distance 12 or 22 km. Depending on option taken – Whole Day
Day 3: The walk starts in the fishing village of Paternoster along the beach to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and Tietiesbaai. During winter the Tietiesbaai area is usually quiet. In the summer months the crayfish season attracts many campers and results in much activity. The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve contains typical West Coast fynbos and also succulent Karoo scrub. From August to September/October the area is adorned by a bright tapestry of wild flowers. The route follows the rocky coast and there are beautiful pools for swimming. One might spot seals, dolphins and whales – from mid winter onward with the most sightings in December. The day’s walk ends at Varswaterbaai. There are 8 bays between Paternoster and Varswaterbaai. You can extend the walk to Trekoskraal if you prefer a long hike. Walk back to Paternoster via Cape Columbine reserve. Overnight- Paternoster.
Distance 20,3 km or 29,4 km, depending on option taken – Whole Day
Day 4: Transfer to your vehicle in Shelley Point and drive to Langebaan. Hike West Coast National Park Wild flowers can be seen from as early as July to as late as November.
Distance about 10 km
Overnight- Langebaan
Day 5: Hike West Coast National Park
For bookings during the flower season (August and September) we recommend the Steenbok trail in the West Coast National Park. The trail is limited to 20 people per day and is only available during August and September. This trail must be booked in advance and bookings open in June. Overnight day 5- Langebaan.
Distance 14 km
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.
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Rates
The rate for the Standard 4 day West Coast Walk option is from R7 800 per person for two people sharing. For a group of 4, with 2 people per room, the rate is from R6 240. It will be 4 star standard. Superior accommodation is also available. The rate is available on request. A minimum of 2 people per group. The above rates apply for groups of two or four people. Costs for single accommodation or an extra night or more than four people per group, available on request.
Included
Not included
Grading
Alternative/additional options
Your holiday can be extended or amended to include additional activities, for instance hiking in the West Coast National Park during the flower season (August or September). The costs of additional options are not included in the rate of the standard 4 Day trip but is available on request.
When to book West Coast Walk
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 Shelley Point by car.
What to take
Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover / windbreaker, good walking boots (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For daily needs, it is advisable to take a day-bag, a plastic bag to line the day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting lunches), first-aid kit , camera and film, torch/flashlight, extra plastic bag for litter.
Insurance
It is recommend that appropriate holiday insurance be arranged with cover against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover any possibility of cancellation for any reason.
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 of the West Coast
Gallery
View pictures in West Coast Gallery
Reviews
Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/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 walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” For details go to Reviews
West Coast area information
You can enjoy Paternoster, Shelley Point and Langebaan, gorgeous beaches and view whales and wildflowers (in season) on the West Coast Walk– a self-guided walking/hiking holiday. To find out more about the area, go to Read more . The West Coast Walk is a convenient way to see and experience the atmosphere of this unique part of South Africa.
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