Seek out authentic experiences that bring you close to our extraordinary country. We’re talking magnificent wilderness areas with breathtaking rock formations and opportunities for hiking on the West Coast and Cederberg Widerness areas.
Escape with Justin Bonello, a renowned South African Chef, on his property which is about as deep as you can get in the Cederberg without a 4×4. There’s no mobile signal. No interruptions. No light or noise pollution. The dining space in Justin’s Waenhuis Kombuis (barn-style kitchen) is intimate and warm.The bread’s baked daily in a wood burning oven. The food is humble and primarily comes from the properties extensive food garden.
Bonello’s property gives one easy access to some of the Cederbergs iconic hikes and serious hikers may want to extend beyond the 2 nights which we recommend as a minimum stay. Adventure seekers may choose to scramble through the Wolfberg Cracks, those that are fit and up for a solid day hike, the magnificent Wolfberg Arch is a must. Those looking for something a little more gentle can use a jeep track to take some distance off the otherwise, long, but beautiful hike to the Maltese Cross.
Next we highly recommend 2 nights at a luxury wilderness reserve. Here one can indulge in some spa pampering before setting off to explore the Rock Art sites which have given this property Natural Heritage status.
The property offeres many activities including cycling, hiking, nature drives and star gazing.
It’s difficult to credit that a short 2.5 hour drive from this vast wilderness area brings you to the Altantic Ocean and the picturesque fishing village of Paternoster.
One may be forgiven for just flopping down with your feet up and a good book when you get to this beautiul, ocean side boutique hotel. However, there’s still loads to explore. Using this as a base perhaps undertake the Postberg Trail in the nearby West Coast National Park. Or simply enjoy long strolls along the beach and perhaps a browse through the art galleries near the harbour. Of course, a seafood meal or two is just too good to miss!
Your 3 nights at Paternoster may feel way too short, but it’s important to leave early on the last day to allow time to visit some of the Cape’s hidden gems. We highly recommend a visit to !khwa Ttu, a museum – but different – the only Heritage Centre in the world dedicated to the San. Here visitors will learn about human origins as well as the contemporary life of this ancient people.
Think you’ve seen it all! Another surprise awaits at the West Coast Fossil Park where one can visit an archeological dig and see the fossils of bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes and the many other exotic animals which inhabited the west coast area some 5 million years ago.
