Eat, Explore, and Experience
Only the best make the list
Our Recommendations
Below are our recommendations of fun things to do and see, and amazing food to taste. Make the most of your trip here.
Sandpiper yacht charters
Spoil yourself! Come sail in leisurely style!
Meet at the Port Owen Marina in Velddrif and go to places where the ocean is majestic and the skies are blue.
The yacht, the Sandpiper 2, a sleek, spacious, high-performance 39ft catamaran, features comfort and safety one can all too easily get used to.
The skipper, Alan Biesheuvel, is a highly experienced seaman and well respected in the area. If dolphins are frolicking nearby he’ll find them for you and should a brisk Southeaster set in on the way back port you might even experience the exhilaration of flying across the water at 40km per hour!
Whether you’re in the mood for fish and chips, snacks and a sundowner, a braai aboard the yacht or swim and suntan on the beach, you can have it all!
Call Laetitia: +27 79 613 4615
Email: laetitia@protechpr.co.za
Mountain Biking in Saldanha Bay
The spectacular SAS Nature Reserve in the military base has marked walking routes that are all bike-friendly, offering views, bird and game spotting with access onto the northern peninsula of Saldanha Bay. For more information and loads of other exciting activities on the West Coast.
A brand new West Coast tourism initiative called the West Coast Way has created four spectacular routes you can follow to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Best done at a leisurely pace, the Culture Route can be completed in a day although a stop-over is advised, while the Foodie Route is best completed over 3 or more days. Their newest routes to explore are the Scenic and Berg Routes.
West Cost Fossil Park
Offer a variety of intellectual, physical and gastronomic activities! You can take one of the fossil tours and enjoy a fascinating journey back into the past to some 5 million years ago, enjoy a tasty meal/tea at the coffee shop, or have a picnic in the lovely garden area while your children play in the play park.
For the more active visitor, there are invigorating mountain bike trails available (you may bring your own bike or hire one), for hikers there is a lovely nature trail.
R45
Langebaanweg
Vredenburg, West Coast
32°57’19.4″S | 18°6’49.9″E
Tel: +27 (0)22 766 1606
Fax: +27 (0)22 766 1765
info@fossilpark.org.za
!Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
At !Khwas ttu share authentic interactions, inspiring San guided tours, good food, compelling art, photography exhibitions, and professional friendly hospitality.
We offer our San students a safe learning environment and share with them appropriately designed training in sustainable tourism, culture, heritage, nature, and general life skills. In order to support them becoming San ambassadors and following their chosen career path.
Tel: +2 22 492 2998
Email: info@khwattu.org
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, which includes Tietiesbaai, covers an area of 263ha along a rocky stretch of coastline with numerous inlets and coves. It was declared a nature reserve in December 1973. The entrance is about 5km from the fishing hamlet of Paternoster and the vegetation is typical of West Coast veld, ranging from the well-known West Coast fynbos to Karoo succulents. During spring, from August to September, the area is covered in a bright tapestry of wild flowers.
The name, Cape Columbine, originates from the name of the last manually controlled lighthouse to be built in South Africa. This lighthouse, in turn, got its name from the British wooden ship ‘Columbine’, which was wrecked 1,5km north of the lighthouse in 1829. Built in 1936 on Castle Rock, it is usually the first South African lighthouse to be seen by ships sailing from Europe. Its light stands 80m above sea level and casts a beam, which is visible for about 50km.
The reserve offers hiking, angling, bird-watching, diving, kayaking and a beach campsite.
Resort Tel: 022 752 2718
Lighthouse Tel: 022 752 2705
Kayak in Paternoster
Morning is the best time to experience our bay and the birds that have made their nests on the huge rocks out to sea. The kayaks launch from the main beach where the fisherman’s boats pull up on the sand.
Dolphins, seals, and whales are frequent visitors to the calm bay and the Penguins have established a fine colony on the outer rocks, only accessible by boat. The trips are fine weather guided trips, ideal for beginners and keen kayakers alike. It is R200 per person, age restrictions are 9 – 79 years old.
Booking is essential and preferably no later than the day before.
Tel: 082 584 1904
Drikus Horse Trails
Offer Beach rides for beginners to experienced riders.
If you want to stop on the beach for a sundowner, arrange when booking. Picnic basket and drinks are available on request at an extra cost.
All rides are weather-permitting.
Booking is essential and should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Call Ronel: 082 748 5596
Beach buggy trips in paternoster
Deon van Schalkwyk is an accredited Tour Guide with a passionate love for the West Coast.
He likes to share his experiences with you in a different and very unique way: Join Deon for a tailor made Beach Buggy tour in and around Paternoster.
Deon van Schalkwyk (Afrikaans and English):
Tel: +27 (0)22 752 2222
Cell: +27 (0)72 402 1829
Fax: +27 (0)86 560 2275
Email: deon@farrout.co.za
17 Seemeeusingel,
Paternoster
7381
Stone Fish Studio and Gallery
Stone Fish Studio and Gallery showcases original Fine Art by professional Western Cape Artists. The working studio of Dianne Heesom-Green, sculpture and pottery can be seen in the making.
St. Augustine Rd, Paternoster.
Next to the Paternoster Hotel.
dheesomgreen@gmail.com
Lighthouse
Built only in 1936, it was the last manned lighthouse constructed, and it rests on a windswept coastline within the Columbine Nature Reserve, just five kilometres outside of the fishing village of Paternoster.
Cape Columbine stands on a massive outcrop of rock known as Castle Rock.
The lighthouse that is named after the barque Columbine, wrecked just north of here in 1829, is interestingly the first sighted by ships sailing the seas from South America and Europe. It is also the first to have light, fog signal and a radio beacon all installed as one unit. Even though other lighthouses have all three, they will have received theirs as individual units.
Daily from 10h00 to 15h00.
Call +27 (0)21 449-2400
Mamre Moravian Mission Station
Tori Oso ‘geselshuisie’ is one of a kind in South Africa situated in Mamre on the ‘Werf’ in the historical Ou Winkel. Established for young and old to just relax or enjoy in your own unique way.
Originally founded in the 16th century as a military and cattle post, the quaint restored mission complex is set under old shady oak trees – complete with church, parsonage, school, water mill, bakery, barns and stables.
Where: Off R27, via the R307 between Atlantis and Darling
Coordinates: 23.5292400 S and 30.0866400 E
Open Fri – Sun 10:00 to 19:00 and on Tues – Sun 10:00 – 18:00
Where: Church Street, Mamre.
Contact: + 27 72 972 3539 | +27 73 378 8801
West Coast Biosphere Trails
Experience what it’s like to be governed by the sun, stars and tides of the sea on these awe-inspiring wilderness slack-packer hikes through the unique vegetation, deserted beaches and tranquil lagoon of the West Coast National Park. A choice of five exhilarating trails will transport you to a world of unchartered territory and adventure.
Email: trails@capebiosphere.co.za
Tel: 0861 TRAILS (872 457)
Email: info@capebiosphere.co.za
Tel: 083 708 4007
Birding in the West Coast National park
The Park, which includes the beach and dune land between the towns of Yzerfontein and Langebaan, the beautiful lagoon and the Saldanha Bay Islands, is an Important Bird Area and a RAMSAR site which is home to more than 300 bird species.
For enquiries email West Coast National Park or phone us on the following numbers:
Tel: +27 22 772-2144/5
Fax: +27 22 772-2607
Ouma se kombuis
Traditional West Coast Fare – lovingly prepared by local Paternoster cooks.
Address: Stone Fish Studio, St Augustine Road, Paternoster
Phone: +27 84 800 1991
Email: van.9abrahams@gmail.com
Paternoster hotel
Traditional Snoek, Meat, and Crayfish BBQ’s are available to groups of 10+ people on request and must be booked in advance.
The panty bar is a local hangout, worth the visit.
Address: St Augustine Road
Phone: +27 22 752 2703
+27 22 752 2773
Email: paternosterhotel@wol.co.za
Website: www.paternosterhotel.co.za
Skatkis
Beautiful view of Paternoster and the ocean while having a meal and a cocktail.
Address: 64 St Augustine Road, Paternoster
Phone: +27 22 752 2023
Email: info@paternosterlodge.co.za
Web: www.paternosterlodge.co.za
Mondvol
Coffee, cakes, fresh bakes, scaffold tables & benches, fresh flowers. With a perfect kiddies area on the stoep. Beautiful children’s clothing for sale at the venue by an upcoming designer.
Address: 15 Seemeeu Crescent, Pelgrimsrust, Paternoster
Phone: +27 73 939 0186
Facebook: @mondvolkoffiewinkel
Natalie’s authentic west coast meals
West Coast cooking from the heart by one of the local home cooks. Experience West Coast cooking at its very best and indulge in snoek, crayfish, sweet potato, fish cakes and mussels – to name but a few.
Choose between 3 menus to be served in the comfort of your holiday home or order a picnic basket to enjoy whilst exploring Paternoster and the surrounds.
Remember to place your order early during the flower season.
Orders for home-cooked meals to be placed at least 72 hours in advance. Orders for picnic lunches to be placed at least 24 hours in advance.
Place orders directly with Natalie on 083 988 1380 or e-mail info@paternoster.info to request a copy of the menus.
Noisy Oyster
Offer great food and wine in an amazing outdoor setting, surrounded at night by romantic fairy lights and blazing fires.
By day the restaurant offers a wonderfully shaded garden sheltered from the wind…a true oasis!
Oep ve Koep Bistro
A low-key garden bistro.
Address: Cnr Vredenburg Road (R45) and St Augustine Road, Paternoster
Phone: +27 22 752 2105 / +27 22 752 2033
Email: oepvekoep@gmail.com
Web: https://www.facebook.com/oepvekoep
Wolfgat
Chef Kobus van der Merwe serves a signature Strandveld food tasting menu starring a seasonal veldkos and seafood of the West Coast.
Address: 10 Sampson Street, Paternoster
Email: diewolfgat@gmail.com
Web: www.wolfgat.co.za
Voorstrandt Restaurant
Enjoy a leisurely day or night time meal in our quaint beachfront restaurant, overlooking the ocean.
Address: 23 Strandloper Road, Paternoster
Phone: +27 22 752 2038
Email: voorstrandt@gmail.com
Timeless Coffee
Lazy breakfasts, great coffee, and light meals whilst watching the world go by.
Address: 54 St Augustine Road, Paternoster
Phone: +27 60 977 3550
Email: timeless.paternoster@gmail.com
Square spoon
Offer fused Mozambican and West Coast dishes. The “hot” Mozambican (East Coast) way of things is blended into the West Coast way.
Somethings on the West coast are just too special to change and have been incorporated to leave a soul print on every plate and spoon.
Fresh fish, mussels, oysters, prawns, and crayfish are all on offer.
Salads and vegan/vegetarian dishes add to the variety. Carb-clever options ensure that even while on holiday you can enjoy an exquisite plate of food!
Experience a Mozambican Steak on the West Coast in the company of friends and family.
Address: St Augustine Road, Paternoster
Phone: +27 72 208 2047
Email: thesquarespoon@gmail.com
Web: www.thesquarespoon.co.za
Blikkie Pizzeria
Blikkie Pizzeria has breath taking views of Paternoster Bay. Authentic Sicilian based pizzas layered with generous toppings and oh the soft serve ice cream, mmmm
Address: 60 St Augustine Road, Paternoster
Phone: +27 82 779 6431 or +27 79 598 8616
Email: enquiries@blikkie.co.za
De See Kat
Offer great food, wine, relaxed music and warm ambience while you can admire the view. Nice fireplace on the patio for colder evenings! They also host music performances on a regular basis!
Address: 32 St Augustine Road, Paternoster
Phone: +27 82 445 5540
Email: deseekat@gmail.com
Gaaitjie
Nestled amongst the rocks is a simple whitewashed fisherman’s cottage. This 70-year-old building, known as ‘Gaaitjie’ has a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, true to its heritage. This unique atmosphere of tradition and comfort has inspired an eclectic menu featuring local produce, fused with contemporary and Asian influences, using sustainable fresh local produce as far as possible. Our decor is modest and comfortable and our unique location promises spectacular views.
Address: Off Sampson Street, Paternoster
Phone: +27 22 752 2242
Email: eat@gaaitjie.co.za
Web: www.gaaitjie.co.za
Seekombuis
Restaurant with breath taking views and unforgettable sunset experiences. They offer dinner, buffet lunch, or join the daily seafood pub lunches at “KNERTSIE MET EISH” our fully licensed bar (bookings essential).
You can either sit in the roofed area or enjoy the sea breeze in old crayfish boats, converted into tables, right on the beach.
They bake their own bread in wood-fired outside ovens. Buffets are cooked on open fires. Duration of the buffet is about two and a half hours.
The motto is “We cook from the heart and not from a recipe book”.
Address: At Tieties Bay Gate, Paternoster
Phone: +27 72 258 9041 | +27 82 094 1848
Email: seekombuis@gmail.com