As you approach Paternoster on the Cape West Coast, the sight of crashing Atlantic Ocean waves greets you first. Then you meet the informal crayfish sellers: the area is famous for West Coast rock lobster. Next, you see the whitewashed cottages with blue shutters and thatched roofs, all built or maintained in the tradition of a Western Cape fishing village.
Don’t let the uniform architecture dissuade you from visiting. Building restrictions were put in place to preserve the community’s way of life, and the minimalism enhances the beauty of this wild, spectacular part of South Africa.
The lack of ostentation is a welcome relief from other tourist spots along this route, which are often overrun by chain stores, mansions and nightclubs. Instead, fish markets and farm stalls serve up treats, and there’s not a shopping centre in sight.
Drive slowly along the few streets of Paternoster; once you’re here, you can stroll wherever you want to go.
The landscape is harsh but beautiful. Vegetation grows low on the ground, while sand dunes contrast with the occasional green field where sheep and other livestock graze. Close by you'll find Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and the popular camping spot called 'Tietiesbaai'.
Take advantage of the isolation by going for walks along the beach. Keep to yourself in a nook at any of the eateries, or get rowdy at establishments like the Panty Bar at the Paternoster Hotel. Or go for a swim in the Atlantic, if only for the bragging rights – it’s cold but invigorating. You could spend a day, a weekend, a month contemplating the meaning of life, reading a book or even writing one.
Seals, dolphins and whales are regularly spotted here. Bird watchers will love the coastal birds that occur and, around springtime, the West Coast’s famous wildflowers bloom.
Without the distractions of urban over-development, Paternoster’s possibilities are as endless as the beach itself.
Best time to visit
Any time of year is wonderful. Winters are cold and stormy but exquisite, especially if you can gather around a fireplace. Springtime from August onwards is the perfect time for the spectacular West Coast wild flowers as well as whale watching.
Restaurants
- Blikkie Pizzeria
- De See Kat
- Gaatjie
- Natalie's Authentic West Coast Meals
- Noisy Oyster
- Oep ve Koep Bistro
- Ouma se Kombuis
- Paternoster Hotel
- Seekombuis
- Skatkis restaurant
- The Square Room
- Timeless Coffee
- Voorstrandt Restaurant
Things to do and see
- At Botha Art Gallery
- Far out on Tour
- Flower watching
- Kayaking
- Mindfulness retreats
- Pilates and yoga
- Long walks on beaches
- Magical sunsets
- Visit the pottery studio of Gerhard van den Heever
- Traditional Boat Fishing or deep sea ski boat fishing can be done on prior arrangement. Crayfish trips can be arranged as well as diving trips and dive training.
- Horse Riding : You can go horse riding at Windstone with the professionals! Out rides can be arranged.
- West Coast Fossil Park: You can visit the Fossil Park and see the remains of mega tooth sharks, sabre-tooth cats the size of lions, giant ostrich, extinct elephants and much more.
- Columbine Nature Reserve: The reserve has spectacular flowers from July to October. Tietiesbay is within the nature reserve and offers one of the best beaches along the West Coast.
- Sea kayaking & other Water Sports: Paternoster on the West Coast must rank as one of the finest sea kayaking spots in South Africa. Dramatic scenic panoramas are complemented by a rich variety of animal life, seals, dolphins, whales and birds. No experience of kayaking is necessary because all trips are guided by a competent guide and kayaks are very stable.
- Adventure Activities by tour operators such as the National, Provincial and Local Guides.
- Bird Routes with various bird hides for birdwatching.
- Kite surfing and kite flying.
- A variety of trails with spectacular rock formations, Khoi-San caves and art.
- Boat based Whale watching.
- West Coast Adventures offers a 3 hour cruise from Port Owen Marina to the Berg River. See where the Southern Right Whales play in the surf.
- Springtime (from August onwards) offers spectacular Wild Coast flowers as well as whale watching
- Visit the impressive Columbine Nature Reserve and West Coast Nature Reserve
- Visit the West Coast Fossil Park
- Hiking, deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking and diving are available through a handful of companies
- A restaurant making a name for itself is Oep ve Koep where the inventive chef Kobus van der Merwe combines edible plants indigenous to the region with the seafood the area is famous for. Another popular spot Blikkie Pizzeria.
This picturesque fishing town, 15km north-west of Vredenburg, is one of the oldest coastal towns along the West Coast and is famous for its crayfish. There are many white-washed fishermen's cottages dotted along a long, white beach. In the town some of the atmosphere of a fishing community of a bygone era is preserved.
In spring many flower lovers stay here to visit the impressive Columbine nature Reserve just 3 km away. Tietiesbaai (made famous by Pieter Pieterse) forms part of the Columbine Nature Reserve and is frequented by campers and caravaners, especially in December.
Columbine Nature Reserve is about 16km from Vredenburg and 3km from Paternoster. The bay, which is part of the reserve, has many picnic spots and braai facilities. There are basic overnight facilities and ablution blocks.
Visit Cape Columbine, The last manned lighthouse built on the South African coast for more information about this fascinating light house and Paternoster.
The Lisboa wrecked on Soldiers Reef – Paternoster: On 23 October 1910, the Lisboa ran aground on Soldiers Reef near Paternoster. The wreck of the Lisboa is particularly interesting because it was the first occasion on the South African coast on which radio telegraphy was used to summon help by a ship in distress.
www.paternoster.co.za
