Discovering the heart of the Weskus, its people!
Now more than ever it is very important to discover your own Country, what better way than to explore Weskus (Cape West Coast) with a different set of eyes. The Weskus is a region of wild beauty and natural finery. It is unspoiled and authentic, renowned for its soulful people and unpretentious way of life. The great tales told by the locals transport you on many a historical journey, unlocking the history and background of each town in the area. Here is how you can spend your time exploring the one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa.
Start your Weskus Journey in the spectacular Swartland, has you travel to Riebeek the olive capital of Weskus, here you will find never ending vineyards, wide open spaces and the most amazing views that anyone can imagine. When in Riebeek Kasteel, visit the home of award winning wines and olives at Het Vlock Casteel and take part in wine tasting, olive oil tasting and fruit tours. Other produce available are award winning olives, olive oil, chutneys, delicious fruity jams, preserves, Shiraz wine vinegar. Peaches, grapes and citrus fruits are for sale during the season. You can also visit Darling, it’s part of the Cape Floral Region and home to hundreds of species of flowering plants. There you can visit Groote Post is a historic 18th century farm near Darling where winemaking traditions have been revived by the Pentz family. Learn about the history of wine making while sipping on award winning wines, the perfect combination. Make a pit stop at Darling Sweets for a sweet tooth tasting, all of us have fond childhood memories of toffees. By visiting this factory you can witness firsthand how toffees are made and support a local business in return. The San Culture at !Khwa ttu. Experience the life of the San by tractor ride, mountain bike or hiking and enjoy a sunset drink.
Travel to West Coast Peninsula where you will find long sandy beaches and never ending fun. Have breakfast at Crayfish Wharf Paternoster & experience Wow eBikes at WOW eBikes they offer the best quality eBikes at the best value for price and suitable to a wide range of diverse applications, ranging from commuter use to recreational and commercial use. Using only top quality, tried and tested electric and mechanical components not only assure durable and reliable eBikes, but also a hassle free and enjoyable rider experience. Take a long walk at Langebaan Lagoon, the lagoon is a magnet for migratory wading birds with up to 70 000 birds flocking to the waters each summer to feed and breed. The wetland areas are rich in plankton and sustain massive bird populations, so it is not surprising the Langebaan Lagoon is a something that should not be missed.
In St Helena Bay you can visit the local fisherman and buy a snoek freshly caught, there is nothing better than a snoekbraai on the beach, just relaxing with friends and family or you can have a lovely dinner at Oppiekaai Restaurant, with seafood’s to die for – Young local owner setting the standard with personal recipes. Quality & quantity is worth your experience.
Visit Velddrif in Bergrivier and have lunch at Die Vishoekie Bokkomlaan, here you can experience a bokkom demonstration (old age fishing tradition of a mullet hang on a string to dry) and tasting. Go for boat cruises with Tollie`s River & Boat Cruises that offers fun and exciting cruises for all. Enjoy splendid sunset treated to an unforgettable experience. In Piketberg you can experience organic wines at Org De Rac Wine Estate paired with fresh Weskus oysters.
Overnight at The Views Guest House in Piketberg and admire the view of the mountains and pure nature that it offers. Have a swim in their magical pool that overlooks everything that is beautiful. In Porterville adventure is big, you can go for paragliding and view the town from another perspective. Visit Die Lighuis to experience local artists work in their gallery while sipping on the most amazing coffee.
Travel to Cederberg is magical, you will see the wide open spaces and unique rocks that it has to offer. Stop at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort for zip line, archery and lunch. They offer a variety of adventure activities and have the most amazing food. You will find the Stadsaal Caves in the Cederberg Wilderness Area it is a series of ancient inter-leading caves that hold excellent examples of Khoi San rock art, in particular paintings of elephant.
The Cederberg is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and the sense of solitude they inspire. Vast unspoiled open area with magnificent mountain back drops. In Clanwilliam you can go for a Rooibos Skincare demonstration at Marice Skincare. Marice expanded her product range to not just a full handmade range but also an all-natural face and haircare range with rooibos as the key ingredient. Every single item produced by Marice is carefully and meticulously made by hand, in her private studio at home. She is firmly committed to using only the best quality ingredients in all of her products and to steer clear of any harmful chemicals and preservatives. Rooibos, the magical beverage: The Cederberg mountain region is the only place in the world where Rooibos grows endemic. The Rooibos Route in Clanwilliam offers a wide variety of experiences like Rooibos farm tours and tastings.
Silent Steps initiative, you will start your journey at Steenbokfontein on a tractor ride to one of the caves in the Elands Bay area, visit rock art sites and visit a historical site on the same farm literary around the corner from the rock art and handprints. The tractor ride is followed by a visit to a private beach close to Steenbokfontein Farm where one of the biggest middens in South Africa is found. Learn about these shell heaps/ancient domestic waste sites which consist of animal bone, human excrement, botanical material, mollusc shells, and other artefacts associated with past human occupation.
In Doringbaai in Namaqua West Coast is definitely a very unique destination to visit. Fryer’s Cove is the only vineyard within the Bamboes Bay ward, which is also the smallest ward in South Africa. The vines of Fryer’s Cove dot the hillside 500 meters from where the cold ocean throws its breakers against a rocky shore. Have a wine tasting and enjoy the sun while you admire overlooking the vineyards. Have lunch at The Jetty restaurant it is part of Fryer’s Cove Community Development Project and it is here that their wines truly shine. In their natural habitat paired with home-cooked west coast favourites such as Snoekkoekies (fish cakes), Kerrievis (pickled fish) and Roosterkoek, Freshly caught line fish and more.
Visit Doring Bay Abalone and experience the world of abalone farming, Doring Bay Abalone is an equity project that belongs to the emerging farmers who are the community representatives. The community shareholding owns 65% of the business. You can witness the Rieldans with your kids. The riel is the oldest entertainment form, used as a social, cultural and educational tool by the Khoisan people. The Griekwa dancers are well known in the area. The riel tradition is kept alive by people from Namaqua West Coast and Cederberg.
Come have a life-changing experience in the Weskus!
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