Redelinhuys lies 190 km in a North Westerly direction from Cape Town and is better known as the heart of the potato producing kingdom of the Western Cape.  Ask anyone in the know and you'll be told "Sandveld potatoes are best!".

The lifeblood running through Redelinghuys is the famous Verlorenvlei which is one of the largest wetlands on the Cape West Coast and home to more than 190 bird species.  Verlorenvlei runs its course all the way down to Elands Bay which is situated 32 km from Redelinghuys.

An abundance of fynbos is evident along Verlorenvlei and during flower season (July to September) the entire area is ablaze with colour as the earth comes to life with a multitude of wild flowers.

The Sandveld falls within the northwestern section of South Africa’s unique Cape Floral Kingdom, a World Heritage Site, a biodiversity hotspot and one of the six Floral Kingdoms of the world.

Framed by the cold Atlantic Ocean to the west, the foothills of the Olifants River Mountains to the east, and between the Berg River in the south to Lambert’s Bay further north, the Sandveld area comprises a unique mosaic of vegetation types and a rich diversity of plants and animals. The area also has a rich cultural history.

The 1500 ha coastal lake of Verlorenvlei stands out like an oasis in this seemingly barren landscape of the Sandveld. It received RAMSAR status in 1991 due to its international significance for birdlife. Verlorenvlei is host to various species such as the Cape Clawless otter, Fish Eagle, Purple Gallinule and the Redfin- a species endemic to Verlorenvlei and found nowhere else. It’s also part of the West Coast Flamingo Birding route.

Download the West Coast list of birds HERE (pdf)

The West Coast is famous for its annual display of wild spring flowers when nature puts on her most spectacular show of floral splendour for all to enjoy (Aug-Sept).  The area is also famous for its Rooibos tea and plants of medical value.

The Sandveld has at least 12 vegetation types representing three major biomes: Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and Southern Afromontane Forest. Nine of these are threatened by habitat loss

Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos grows widely in the acidic sands of the central plains. Typical plants here are Cape Reeds, such as Sonkwas Riet and shrubs like Blombos, Skilpadbessie and Harpuisbos.

The word Aurora means daybreak and it is known as a very small & relaxing village situated in the middle of the Sandveld. This area can look very dry is the summer but when winter rain washes over this magnificent place it is turned into an abundant flower area. In 1751 a French Astronomer named Abbe De la Caille, erected the McClear Beacon on the outskirts of Aurora. To this day this beacon is the northernmost survey beacon on which the arc of meridian is measured. Aurora was established as a church centre for people who broke from the congregation in 1906. In 1866 restoration had started on this church. The present church was completed in 1906 and the first minister was reverend CR Ferreira. When his daughter was baptised he called her Ceylonia Aurora. This area is popular for its spring flowers & abundant bird life.

Activities in Aurora

• Birding

It is a paradise for rare bird species. October month is when the migratory birds arrive. It includes species like Kleinstrandloper, the Krombekstrandloper, European Bee-eater and the Yellow-billed Kite in.

Citrusdal is situated between the magnificent Kouebokkeveld and Swartberg Mountains, and is most certainly one of the most beautiful sights that a trip to the West Coast has to offer.  Essentially a farming area, this town is one of the most viable agricultural areas in South Africa with it's enormous production of export citrus fruit.

Enjoy various activities in the area i.e. hiking, mountain biking, 4x4 trips, bird watching and horse riding amongst others. Although the towns' main source of income is derived from its legendary top-quality citrus production and citrus by-products, Citrusdal is fast becoming renowned for its wines, rooibos tea, buchu, honey, vegetables as well as such diverse farming activities as cattle and sheep.

In addition to the proclaimed Cederberg Wilderness area, the the serious nature-lover will not be disappointed with its rich compliment of fynbos and natural sandstone rock formations, such as the legendary Wolfberg Arch, well known to serious hikers throughout the world. See what is thought to be the oldest orange tree in the country (± 250 years), situated on the farm Hexrivier in the Citrusdal Valley.  Astonishingly, the tree still bears fruit to this very day!

This seaside resort is a paradise for surfers, seafood connoisseurs and birdwatchers. The variety of different soil types ensures prolific flora during spring when the flowers change the area into paradise. Caves in the vicinity of the town produced valuable archeological finds from the different inhabitants over time. The magnificent Verlorenvlei which flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Eland's Bay is a haven for about 240 bird species.

This picturesque seaside village offers a world in one and must be amongst the ultimate seaside villages to visit.

With more than 205 bird species to view on nearby Bird Island (accessible by boat) and the Southern Right whales which come close into shore during the calving season, this little jewel will keep you coming back for more and more.

Viewing of Southern Right whales, dolphins, Gannets, Cormorants and Penguins amongst many others, is the order of the day.  Many renowned bird and wildlife photographers visit this seaside village regularly to capture the rich marine and bird life in this magical seaside village.

Paternoster is possibly the most scenic and romantic fishing village on the Cape West Coast, reminiscent of a typical Mediterranean seaside village. Azure blue waters, lime washed seaside cottages, delicious seafood delicacies from the ocean and crisp ice cold white wine complete the perfect picture.

The laid back tempo at which this magical seaside resort ticks will bring any city slicker back for more of the same.

The town which lies approximately 150km from Cape Town is home to more or less 1000 inhabitants who still today earn their living from the azure blue waters of the West Coast Ocean catching their quotas of crayfish. On a good day you can bargain for fresh West Coast Kreef (crayfish) on the roadside.

Piketberg may seem an insignificant town to visit when planning your trip to the Sandveld but don't be misled by the fact that you may have heard that there's nothing to see and do in this picturesque little town in the platteland.  Besides offering the most spectacular views from the scenic mountain drive up Versveld mountain pass, Piketberg offers a host of activities for the outdoor enthusiasts.  The town is steeped in history which is evident in the building style of the old Dutch reformed church and several of the old homes in town and the surrounding farms.

The main source of income is naturally farming of export grape, wheat and canola.  The extensive farmlands surrounding the village give Piketberg its beautiful vistas at any time of the year.

Thing To Do:

• Horse riding
• Hiking trails
• Organised tours
• Mountain biking
• Picnics
• Mini golf
• Bird watching
• Bushman painting
• Crafts
• Farm tours
• Fresh water fishing
• Museums
• Wine tasting
• Golf
• Skydiving

Saldanha Bay is situated approximately 140Km from Cape Town on the picturesque West Coast Road (R27). The town of Saldanha Bay was built on one of the largest natural bays on our African coast, but development only truly got underway once a pipeline providing fresh water from the Berg River was laid to the town.

Saldanha Bay Harbour is renowned for its ability to handle amongst other commodities, the shipping of iron ore for which a dedicated railway line was built to transport iron ore from Sishen to Saldanha Bay for this very purpose.

Several industries have emerged and provide much needed employment for the local population as a result of the Saldanha Bay harbour including companies such as Namakwa Sands, Duferco and Sea Harvest.
The beautiful bay is home to the Saldanha Yacht Club which hosts several regattas annually and is also widely known for its Naval Training Base and the South African Military Academy.

A bustling fishing harbour, in a tranquil country village. This beautiful bay is a birdwatchers' paradise and home to whales and dolphins all year round, with magnificent flowers in late winter and spring.

Attractions

• flowers in season
• whale watching
• dolphins
• traditional West Coast food

This picturesque fishing village is where the mighty Berg River finds its way into the ocean. Birders and fishing hotspot, Veldrif offers ideal family fun for a day trip. Renowned for Bokkoms (salted and sundried harders), enjoy boating, sailing fabulous little art and antique shops as well as studios, restaurants and interesting eateries along the banks of the river.

Attractions:

• Mission Church (1942)
• Old Church (1908)
• Pelican Harbour
• Bird watching on the Berg River
• Fynbos
• Flamingo Birding Route
• Laaiplek Harbour Bird Watching
• Rocherpan Nature Reserve
• Arts and Crafts
• Boat trips
• Fishing
• Sailing
• Hiking
• Cycling