 The West Coast area includes Darling, Langebaan, Saldanha and Yzerfontein. The hauntingly beautiful coastal wild flower reserves unravel across green hills. Famous for seaside resorts, spring flower displays, the West Coast National Park, fynbos and watersports.
The West Coast National Park is a great place to see the flowers, either by car, on foot, or by bicycle. The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, near the small town of Paternoster, is also a floral paradise but is better known for its rocky shoreline with numerous sheltered coves.
The small town of Darling is well known for its fabulous bulbs, annual flower show and as the home of the wildly creative Pieter Dirk Uys who has catalysed the town's metamorphosis from sleepy hollow to a vibrant cultural centre.
There are some good wineries in the area and, while most of the eateries are of the steak and pizza variety, there are some excellent restaurants - many specialising in seafood. In fact, one of the most rewarding West Coast experiences is to while away a whole afternoon at a traditional beach restaurant. This is like nothing you've ever seen. Built from dried out bushes and a bit of shade cloth, these ephemeral structures offer makeshift furniture on a sand floor and fabulous seafood cooked on an open fire and served with home made bread.
There's loads to do on the West Coast. The birding is spectacular with huge flocks of resident and migratory waders. There are horse trails, a fossil museum, boat trips on the Berg River and some good hiking and day walks. There is also some interesting rock art.
Langebaan is one of the top windsurfing and kite surfing spots in the world and there are wonderful facilities for both experienced sailors and novices, the lagoon is perfect for kayaking. Elands Bay offers some of the best surfing in the country and the nearby Verlorenvlei is a birder's paradise.
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