The West Coast includes Blaubergstrand, Darling, West Coast

Travelling up the West Coast from Cape Town on the R27, through Milnerton, and Bloubergstrand, the first recommended stop would be Yzerfontein, a small holiday and fishing village. There is a deserted beach ideal for suntanning and surfing.

The West Coast town of Darling is best known for its Wild Flower and Orchid Show in September. The Darling Flora Reserve and the Darling Tienie Versveld Flora Reserve are both worth visiting.

Hopefield is a quiet little West Coast town in the centre of the fynbos area.

The Postberg section of the West Coast National Park is recommended for visitors (open during the flower season).

Take the road around the lagoon, to Langebaan. The lagoon is the focal point of this magnificent wilderness and wet-land area and of the growing West Coast tourist industry - the bird life here is a delight.

On the northern side of the lagoon is one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Saldanha Bay.

Vredenburg is the business centre of the area. The small fishing village of Paternoster (Cape Columbine) has a beautiful, long, deserted beach to offer. Around the corner is St Helena Bay which was discovered by Vasco da Gama in 1497.

Further north, Velddrif is situated at the mouth of the Berg River, and the estuary attracts large numbers of flamingos, spoonbills, avocets and glossy ibis. The Rocher Pan Nature Reserve near Dwarskersbos is a must for bird watchers.

Accommodation in and around Cape Agalhus