TOURISM INFORMATION
Cape West Coast
Swartland Tourism Association
No. 1 Church Street
c/o Church & Voortrekker Rd
7299 Malmesbury, 7299
Private Bag X52
South Africa
Tel +27 22 487 2989
Fax +27 22 4872989
E-Mail: tourism@wcdm.co.za
Website: www.tourismcapewestcoast.co.za
The West Coast is a region of contrast and beauty. Stretching over 400km from south to north, the region and its people offer the visitor a surprising variety of travel experiences and destinations. These include the beautiful, and at times desolate, coastal region with its magnificent lagoon and numerous small fishing villages; the grain and wine farms of the Swartland and Sandveld; the citrus, Rooibos and wines of the Olifantsrivier Valley; the spectacular magnificence of the scenic Cederberg and Groot Winterhoek Mountains and the arid beauty of Namaqualand and the Knersvlakte.
To the west the region borders on the Atlantic Ocean and where the ocean washes the shores, a kaleidoscope unfolds to satisfy the whims of nature's children. In early spring a paradise of white arum lilies sweep the natural folds of hills and gentle breezes move softly through fields of daisies, as "Bokbaai vygies" from a sea of colour contrasting with the blue of the ocean. The scenic beauty of this solitary coast is complemented by its plentiful sea life, with dishes like mussels, crayfish or line fish pulled from the cold water of the Benguela Current, offering the visitor a rich and unique culinary experience. Migrating whales visit the coastal waters from July to December and heavyside dolphins are often sighted. The region is also a bird watcher's paradise as bird life abounds and travelling waders, seabirds and birds of prey are just part of the variety offered by this beautiful region of the Cape.
