7 days: West Coast to Elands Bay Return Trip
There are so many awesome and relaxing places to enjoy along the West Coast especially for wild seas, surfing, rock climbing, hiking and getting off the beaten track. Here is a small selection of places to visit on a return trip from Cape Town to Elands Bay over 7+ days. Of course one could spend much longer exploring this magnificent area or one could extend the trip from Elands Bay up to Upington for the magical Augrabie Falls - check out our other itineraries or email the Lekker Camper crew for more ideas. If you have comments or places to add then please do get in touch with us via facebook or email.
Day 1 - Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
You will arrive on your flight to Cape Town International Airport where a member of Lekker Camper will meet you directly from your flight with your Lekker Camper VW Campervan. Head for Cape Town and explore this wonderful city. Take a dip in the sea at Camps Bay beach before driving over the picturesque Chapman’s Peak towards Simons Town and Kalk Bay.
Explore trendy Kalk Bay and old Simons Town. Kalk Bay has some cute arty, antique and fashion shops plus some fabulous cafes and restaurants including Olympia Cafe & Deli, Polana for fabulous cocktails, Brass Bell for a beer and more. If you have time, then drive to the famous Cape Point. Explore the wonderful scenery and take in the amazing views from the light house. Then head back via Kommetjie along False Bay to Stellenbosch or sleep over in Simons Town or Kommetjie.
If you stayed over in Simons Town then you may wake up to the noise of penguins at the famous nearby Boulders Beach. You can visit and swim with the penguins at this fabulous beach. The sea is cold, but the experience is exhilarating.
Day 2 - Stellenbosch and the Boland Wine region
If you stayed over in Simons Town then you may wake up to the noise of penguins at the famous nearby Boulders Beach. You can visit and swim with the penguins at this fabulous beach. The sea is cold, but the experience is exhilarating.
Spend the day wine tasting in Stellenbosch and/or Somerset West. There are an abundance of wine estates to visit, so check out the wine route map in your campervan or visit a local tourism office and decide where to stop as you go along. Enjoy a leisurely lunch with a great view at one of the wine estate restaurants such as Dornier or Lourensford or stop-off in Stellenbosch for a selection of quaint cafes and bistros - Schoon de Companje or M. Patisserie are our favourites in the centre of Stellenbosch town. The scenery all around Stellenbosch and Somerset West is spectacular. In the late afternoon we love Waterford for sundowners (you may see the Lekker Camper crew there!) followed by a tasty braai back at the campsite.
Day 3 - Paternoster and Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
Time to leave the posh vineyards and shops behind to start getting off the beaten track and explore some fab African coastline and rocky scenery. If you are lucky enough to be here in August and September then consider a detour via the Postberg section of the West Coast National Park. It is only open during this amazing flower season and it also contains zebra, wildebeest and gemsbok. Rather than travelling on the main N7, one can also take a small detour via Darling and the marine lagoon of Langebaan. Pack a picnic and head for one of the picture-perfect coves near Preekstoel and Kraalbaai, where the strikingly azure waters gently lap white sands and brilliant green succulents.
Your next stop is Paternoster which is a remote and quiet old picturesque fishing village located approximately 2 hours from Stellenbosch or 1.5 hours from Cape Town on the West Coast of South Africa with some great little restaurants and a chilled old world vibe. Famous for its crayfish (November - April) and whitewashed fisherman cottages, a stay in Paternoster is perfect for any traveller looking to get off the beaten tourist path and experience a taste of the real South Africa. To reach here stay on the R27 past the West Coast National Park and Langebaan, then take the R45 west to Vredenberg. Pick up any supplies in Vredenberg before continuing on the 16km road to Paternoster. In Paternoster you will find a few gift shops, a small shop selling all the basics, a liquor shop, a pub and some fabulous restaurants.
Just a few kms west up the road from Paternoster you will find Tities Bay within the 263 hectare Cape Columbine Nature Reserve - this is a Lekker Camper favourite campsite. The area is aptly named for some interesting rock formations above the dunes. It is basic, barren, rocky and wild but if you want to get away from people and be right against the sea to relax then this is the place to come. The water is often freezing, but with views like this who cares! There is no electricity here but if you have taken a solar package then you can easily stay at Tities Bay for 2 nights or more if the weather is on your side. There are heaps of places to park up your campervan here and there is no need to book in advance, but if you want to go over a weekend or holiday then arrive early as it can get very busy.
Day 4 - Elands Bay and the West Coast
Elands Bay is a small town on the West Coast of South Africa that has managed to maintain the laid-back and chilled lifestyle for which the West Coast is so well known. Only 200kms from Cape Town, Elands Bay is the perfect place to unwind with peaceful surroundings and an endless long beach. It is also a great place to enjoy activities like rowing, sailing, surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, bird watching, whale watching and fishing to name a few.
Whilst staying here one may wish to take a day trip a little further north to Lamberts Bay to visit the bird colony on Bird Island. This island houses a colony of Cape Gennets, jackass penguins and cormorants. This is the only Cape Gennet breeding site in the world where the public have access. Just be prepared for an assault of the nasal passages! Cape fur seals may also be seen sunning themselves on the island’s rocks.
Surfers absolutely love Elands Bay and often flock here when the wind and swell are right - it is a really super place to relax, catch the perfect wave and come back to the campsite for a braai afterwards.
Day 5 & 6 - Clanwilliam and the Cederberg - Citrusdal
If you are keen on some mountain hiking or rock climbing then this is most definitely the place for you. The Cederberg is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and weathered sandstone rock formations, most notably the Wolfberg Arch and Maltese Cross. The Cederberg received its name from the rare Clanwilliam cedar tree, Widdringtonia cedarbergensis, which you will find in the Welbedacht and Krakadouw areas. Geologically, the Cederberg is part of the Cape Fold Belt and consists mainly of Table Mountain sandstone.
To the hardy hiker the Cederberg Wilderness offers a true wilderness experience with 300 kilometres of well maintained hiking trails. Take a hike up into the Wolfberg Cracks for an awesome experience or enjoy one of the many other walks in this area. Alternatively just grab a cold glass of wine or beer and wile away the day reading and relaxing in this stunning and natural beauty spot.
If you rather wish to wile away a day lazing in some natural hot baths then drive onto nearby Citrusdal for day 6. The Citrusdal Natural hot water springs of 43 degrees Celsius are situated on a citrus farm here in the Olifants River Valley. Established in 1739 this self catering resort has an old world charm in a scenic rural setting. There are 15+ well shaded campsites of which some have electrical points and all have braai facilities. The hot and cold water pools are great to bask in all day long and one can easily spend a few nights here just relaxing. For a little exercise with a view one can take a short hike up the hill to enjoy a great view of the surrounding orange groves and countryside.
Day 7 - Riebeek Kasteel and the Swartland
The magnificent Riebeek Valley, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and bursting with lush olive groves and rolling vineyards. This is a place of peace and tranquility and one of Cape Town's best kept secrets! (sshhhh!)
The small town of Riebeek Kasteel is named after Jan van Riebeeck, the first commander of the Cape of Good Hope. The friendly locals will warmly welcome you to experience the excellent restaurants, pub and quaint shops with unique products produced in the Valley. Olives produced in the valley come highly recommended. This is a great little town to explore and have a last lunch whilst discussing your next trip to South Africa, then stretch your legs for a wander around the shops and buildings before you fly home.
- Return your VW Campervan at Cape Town International airportor - ask Lekker Camper to collect from the address of your choice.
