Desolate, dry and absolutely divine – the West Coast is one of those places that will make you miss the stench of rotting seaweed on the shore.
Not the biggest selling point, I know, but how do you capture the raw beauty of an inhospitable sandy coastline with arctic waters, and then convince people to go there?
Well, if you know, you know. If you don’t know, go find out. From diving out crayfish to cooking up a mean mussel potjie and a snoek on the braai – there are endless reasons to pitch a tent on the West Coast. Here are some campsites to get you acquainted.
If you’re thinking about what else the West Coast offers, why not check out the top things to do in Paternoster?
1. Silwerstroomstrand Resort
Picture: Jolene Thompson/Flickr Commons
Silwerstroomstrand Resort is a great place for a family getaway. Day visitors are welcome to join in too and relax at one of the various picnic sites or braai areas. For longer stays, there are comfortable chalets and a caravan park.
If you’re feeling more adventurous then set up a tent for the family or friends.
- Location: Silwerstroom Road, off the West Coast Road (R27)
- Contact number: 021 444 3605 or 021 571 7080/1
- Email: [email protected]
2. Ganzekraal Coastal Resort
The Ganzekraal Coastal Resort is ideal for weekend getaways or relaxing holidays with family and friends. It hugs the fresh Atlantic Ocean, boasting 28 sea-facing, fully equipped, 4-6 sleeper, self-catering chalets.
If you prefer your tent or caravan then grab a camp spot close to the beachfront and wake up to breaking waves. It also has a tidal pool, slipway, conference facility/wedding venue, lapa, bar, and restaurant.
- Location: R27, Grotto Bay
- Contact number: 022 433 8547
3. Yzerfontein Caravan Park
Yzerfontein’s 16-Mile Beach is the longest stretch of beach in South Africa. The campsite is located just on the other side of the beach’s sand dunes. Picture: Alan Watt/ Flickr Commons
The caravan park is very popular during the holiday season with 120 camping spots with water, electricity, and braai area facilities.
It’s conveniently located between the Main and 16 Mile Beaches of Yzerfontein, behind a dune for less windy camping, and walking distance from the shops.
- Location: Yzerfontein Caravan Park, Park Street, Yzerfontein
- Contact number: 022 451 2211
- Email: [email protected]
4. Tietiesbaai
Picture: Travel Snippets
A popular campsite, but come prepared – there are no power outlets and the wind can blow in the afternoon. This campsite in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve doesn’t get too crowded so if you are lucky, you can pitch your tent among towering boulders on the beach, sheltered from the brutal West Coast winds.
Just outside of Paternoster, you can escape your rudimentary abode for an evening of fine dining at one of the fabulous restaurants in town. At Tietiesbaai, you can really get the best of both worlds on the West Coast.
- Location: Cape Colombine Nature Reserve, Paternoster
- Contact number: (022) 7522 718
5. Groenrivier
Coastal campsites, Namaqua National Park. Picture: Getaway Gallery
A bucket-list destination during the wildflower season between August and September, Groenriver Coastal Rest Camp in the Namaqua National Park is located among the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world.
Come prepared however, as you will need to be self-sufficient. The nearest town of Garies is 74 km away, so make sure your petrol tank is full, you have firewood and a spade – toilets are limited!
Roughing it will be worthwhile, with people far and few between, carpets of wildflowers during the day and a canvas of constellations in the night sky during the night.
- Location: Namaqua National Park
- Contact Number: 027 5311 015
ALSO READ: Getting intimate with Velddrif, the capital of the West Coast
