Location: South Africa » Western Cape » West Coast

This bay, the largest on the west coast and the centre of the South African commercial fishing industry, was given its name by Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, who ancorhed his four ships here on 7 November 1497, the day of St Helena.

This was his pioneer voyage from Europe to the East and he and his men had been at sea for four months.  Plenty of fresh water was available from a number of fountains between the sea and the first row of hills.  It was here that the first clash between Europeans and the indigenous people of southern Africa took place when a crew member was involved in a brawl with a group of Khoikhoi.  Da Gama himself is reputed to have been wounded by an assegai in this encounter.

The main marine products are lobster, snoek, anchovies and pilchards.  About a dozen processing factories are strewn all along the south western coastline, from Stompneus Bay to the mouth of the Berg River, including settlements such as West Point, Shady Point and Steenbergs Cove.

* Because of the configuration of the bay and the location of St Helena, it is the only town along the west coast for which the sun rises over the sea.

* The Vasco da Gama monument is located more or less where the Portuguese explorer landed in 1497.

Accommodation in and around West Coast

Van Eeden Accommodation    accommodation in West Coast
 AccommodationVAN EEDEN ACCOMMODATION is well known for its clean, comfortable, well maintained units at affordable tariffs. We are situated approx 400m from the beach and tidalpool. Safe off-street parking. We are a non smoking establishment. W... More

Beefwood Corner    accommodation in West Coast
              Beefwood Corner is a comfortable, fully equipped and centrally... More

Draaihoek Lodge & Restaurant    accommodation in West Coast
Draaihoek Lodge is a luxurious 4 star resort situated on the West Coast close to Elands Bay -  a unique ecological setting.   Extending a warm welcome to visitors seeking West Coast spring flowers, endless beachwalks in the c... More

Harrison's House    accommodation in West Coast
Just one hour north of Cape Town you will find Harrison's House, a 5 star guesthouse which affords magnificent panoramic views of sunrise and sunset, from where you can experience all the attractions the West Coast has to offer. Situated on a hil... More

Sandra s Guest House    accommodation in West Coast
Just off the beach – Situated in the idyllic West Coast holiday town of Langebaan,  Sandra’s Guest House is the perfect retreat for your getaway. Come to stay, relax, kick your shoes off and just enjoy the tranquility of Langeba... More

Puza Moya Guest House    accommodation in West Coast
Langebaan was once home to the largest whaling station in the Southern Hemisphere, which fortunately is now no longer in operation! Situated on South Africa s beautiful West Coast, Langebaan offers the unique waters of the Lagoon and Saldahna Bay as ... More

Drop Anchor Beach Lodge    accommodation in West Coast
Situated right on the beach of Saldanha Bay, offering Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering accommodation all en suite with Satelite TV, Pub and Entertainment area, fully licenced Sports Bar and private heated Swimming Pool.Secure on site parking. Our... More

Blommenberg Guest House    accommodation in West Coast
Clanwilliam is situated in the Golden Valley of the Olifants River with the Atlantic Ocean 60 km to the West and the Cederberg directly to the East. Clanwilliam is one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa. A small, attractive and quiet town, fea... More

Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve    accommodation in West Coast
Under watchful African skies, rugged and yet graceful, a land once the very cradle of humankind has been rediscovered and brought to life . . . Bushmans Kloof, the heartbeat of an African wilderness . . . the rebirth of a long forgotten land. Immense... More

Club Mykonos Self Catering    accommodation in West Coast
 Welcome to Greece on the West Coast! Club Mykonos is located on the shores of the magical Langebaan Lagoon. This Greek themed resort has everything that you need to turn an ordinary vacation into a holiday experience that will keep you coming b... More




Directory of accommodation in West Coast