Route 27

The Route 27, also known as the West Coast Road, is the gateway to one of the most scenic and peaceful road trips in South Africa. Starting in Cape Town, it stretches north along the coastline, passing through interesting historical towns, nature reserves, and fishing villages, all the way to Lamberts Bay, Vredendal and beyond.

Unlike the more congested coastal routes, the R27 remains relatively traffic-free, even during the busy December holidays. It’s ideal for a Cape Town to Namibia road trip or a weekend getaway, with highlights in every season: wildflowers in spring, whale watching in winter, and beach escapes in summer.,

Seasonal Highlights on Route 27

• Spring (August–September): Wildflowers across Darling, Yzerfontein, and West Coast Park
• Summer (December–February): Coastal activities, swimming, seafood
• Whale Watching (June–November): Especially around Saldanha and Langebaan

.From Cape Town, take the N1 north, then the R27 off-ramp toward the coast. You’ll pass Woodbridge Island and the Milnerton Lighthouse. Continue past Blouberg, known for its long beaches, restaurants, and iconic views of Table Mountain. Route 27

Melkbosstrand  is a relaxed beach town with excellent surfing, sunbathing and family-friendly rock pools. Lifeguards are on duty.

Drive through the Blouberg Nature Reserve and Atlantic Beach Golf Estate.

You will pass the Koeberg Nature Reserve, then the peaceful seaside village of Grotto Bay. Travel through the Grotto Bay Nature Reserve and into the Rondeberg Private Nature Reserve.

When you get to the turnoff for the R315, you can take a right and a detour to visit the small town of Darling, known for its flowers, wine, beer, and art.

Return to the R27 and pass through the Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve.

Yzerfontein is a small fishing village known for the 16 Mile Beach and lagoon. Birdwatching and hiking are popular in the surrounding biosphere. Stop at the Weskus Farm Stall just before the turnoff. It has a café, aviary, preserves, and the Yzerfontein tourism office.

Turn left onto West Coast Gate Road to enter the West Coast National Park. This park is famous for: Wildflowers (best viewed in August/September), Birdwatching at the lagoon and Stunning long coastal walks

Continue to Langebaan, known for a beautiful turquoise lagoon, sailing, fishing, kitesurfing, and watersports, family-friendly beaches and great seafood.

The next town is Saldanha Bay. This is a working harbour town built around the lagoon. It is also home to the Sishen-Saldanha iron ore terminal and a South African naval base. Things the town is famous for include great fresh fish restaurants, whale watching, bird watching and great water sports opportunities.

Paternoster is next, it is one of the oldest fishing villages in South Africa, featuring whitewashed cottages and unspoiled beaches. Paternoster has some interesting restaurants, and plenty of holiday accommodation is available, including the well-known Tietiesbaai, which offers camping and beach access. Sea kayaking is a popular activity, and the beaches are great for watching the sunset. Look out for the Cape Columbine Lighthouse.

A bit further north is Velddrif and the Berg River. The R27’s first section officially ends here. Veldrif is well known for being the endpoint of the Berg River Canoe Marathon, which boosts local tourism. The town is also known for the salt pans. Look out for flamingos.

The Velddrif –Vredendal connection isn’t tarred but is drivable on gravel roads. However, the rest of the route is mostly tarred and suitable for all vehicles.

Follow the coastal road 110 km further up the coast, and you will reach Lamberts Bay. The drive takes about one and a half hours. Lamberts Bay is known for its fishing industry and its Cape gannet colony on Bird Island Nature Reserve.

You will pass Elands Bay and Leipoldsville. From Lambert’s Bay, you can continue North to Vredendal, which is an important agricultural town in the Olifants River Valley. It is known as the gateway to Namaqualand. Visit nearby vineyards and wine farms, explore local farm stalls, and enjoy fresh produce.

Then you can continue all the way to Namibia. The R27 continues beyond Vredendal as a second segment leading to Keimoes via Vanrhynsdorp, Calvinia, Brandvlei, and Kenhardt in the Northern Cape.

Or turn inland, driving about 60 km on the R364 to visit Clanwilliam and do a circular route returning to Cape Town via Citrusdal, Piketberg and MalmesburyRoute

See Tips for road tripsSee 7

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