A guide to Spring in the West Coast, South Africa

Here are some things to know

For this trip, you will need your own car so head over to the car rental section at the Airport and pick up your pre-booked vehicle. In South Africa, we drive on the left side of the road. It is safe to road trip through South Africa so no need to worry about that and all our accommodation recommendations will be in safe areas. The weather this time of the year can be a bit unpredictable, there can be some cold and rainy days and sunny days.

So, what do we have planned for our Spring trip through the West coast in South Africa? It is flower season and whale season this time of the year so you are in for a treat! We will be visiting 2 locations: West Coast National Park and Hermanus. 

West Coast National Park 

This is one of the most beautiful places in the Western Cape, with so much to offer. My recommendation would be to spend 2 nights here, enjoying the hiking trails, nature and  

Where to stay 

Duinepos Chalets

@lisarose

If you want a low-key, no fuss stay in complete nature then staying inside the West coast national park in one of the cottages is the best option for you! The cottages are self catering and have easy access to all the walking trails and nature offered inside the park.

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The Shark Bay Hotel & Spa

@lisarose

If you are looking for a place close to the West coast national park that is a bit more luxurious then the Shark Bay hotel and spa is a great option. It's in a prime location, on the border of the national park with access to the water. It's a beautiful hotel, with a restaurants for you to eat at but still close enough to Langebaan if you want to get food there.

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Activities 

West Coast National Park

@lisarose

Beautiful national park with many options for hiking trails and picnic spots.

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Hiking trails

There are 6 different hikes available in the park, you can also mountain bike if that is your preference. All the information for the hiking trails can be found on this PDF provided on West coast national park website. 

Flower gazing

August and September are the months for flowers in the Western Cape. It is truly stunning to drive through the park and see beds of flowers everywhere. You can drive through the top section of the National Park, Postberg, which is only opened up to the public for the flower season. As you drive through, there is plenty of animals around to see like: Buck, Ostrich, and Zebras. 

Eve's Footprint

Footprints of a women who lives 117 000 years ago were found in Kraalbaai in 1995. Although the original footprint is now in Iziko South African museum in Cape Town , you can view the replica in the visitors centre and be in the same place where the footprint was found. 

Whale watching 

Have a picnic by the beach and gaze at the ocean looking for whales. Spring is whale season and the park offers a few spots which are perfect try spot some whales.  

Where to eat

If you are staying in the National park, you will need to bring your own food for the self catering accommodation. I would recommend stopping at a Woolworths or Checkers to pick up food supplies for self catering in Cape Town before you start your drive or stop in Langebaan. 

Farm stalls:

Here are 2 great farm stall stops on the way to the national park to pick up a snack or a drinks on your way to the national park:

Route 27 Roosterkoek /Biltong /Gifts

@lisarose

This is a cute Farm stall on the way to the West Coast National Park where you can east some traditional Afrikaans Roosterkoek, which is basically like a toasted sandwich. You can grab a coffee here too, some souvenirs or biltong. There is also a bathroom.

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Ou Meul Melkbosstrand

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A cute Farm stall on the way to the West Coast National park from Cape Town. They have great coffee, pies, pastries and lots more!

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Restaurants:

Here are a few options for restaurants in Langebaan:

Die Strandloper Restaurant ( BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL)

@lisarose

This is a really special place, a must visit if you are in the area. Dining on the beach with a 10 course seafood feast.. Bring your own drinks, swimming costumes and instruments.

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RocXiBeach

@lisarose

A restaurant right by the beach with great ratings. A perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy some seafood, sushi and cocktails.

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Hermanus

This is our second location for the trip, a small town on the West Coast and a perfect place to spot a whale, soak up the South African culture and enjoy the beach. 

Hermanus is about a 3 hour drive from the West Coast National Park. You drive past Cape Town, which makes it a perfect opportunity to spot over for 2 nights to explore the bug city. You can check out my 2 Day guide to Cape Town in the link below. 

Lisa Rose

Available for hire

2 Days in Cape Town - Itinerary

This is a hassle free, easy going guide to follow if you only have 2 days to explore the city of Cape Town. This guide is perfect for people who want to see what the city has to offer but also don't want an itinerary that is too busy. With this guide will be focused on the city centre and surrounding areas like Sea Point.

Free

Itinerary

Where to stay

Esplanade Hermanus

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Beautifully decorated suites with a sea view in central Hermanus.

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9SeaVillage

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Private house in central Hermanus, with sea views and access to the beach. Short walk to restaurants and central town.

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Activities

Southern Right Charters

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Well known in South Africa for their whale watching tours. Jump on board and experience the great waters of the South African West Coast and hopefully spot some whales1

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Old Harbour Market Hermanus

@lisarose

Check out the local market in Hermanus central town. A great place to pick up some souvenirs to remember your trip.

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Fernkloof Nature Reserve

@lisarose

A beautiful Nature reserve close to Hermanus with different trail hiking options. Beautiful fynbos flowers to be seen.

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Where to eat 

THEO'S TAVERNA

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Delicious Greek food in central Hermanus. A hit with the local people, best to book in advance!

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Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar

@lisarose

Situated right on the water makes it a great place to try and spot a whale. Lovely food and even better views.

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Onshore Eatery

@lisarose

Great for breakfasts, coffee and pastries in Hermanus.

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Thanks for reading, I hope my guide helps! Have an amazing trip and welcome to the Western Cape ❤️