Route 5:
West Coast Village
ROUTE 5
West Coast Village
Fishing villages, creative artisans, natural harbours ideal for swimming, wildflowers in season, cafes and local shopping.
| Package | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camino Lite | 6 Days | R6,000 |
| Camino Plus | 6 Days | R12,000 |
Prices are Per Person Sharing
Click the “Book” button to view the Camino Package Options.
PHOTOS
Gallery
DAILY PLANNER
Itinerary
DAY 0: Sunset Lodge, St Helena Bay
We are still on the seaside, but the wild beach section has been replaced by a string of villages, perfect distances apart to host a Camino.
Nicky and Martin from Sunset Lodge welcome you. Together they make a perfect team of valuable information and thoughtfulness.
Arrive after 4pm and before dark.
DAY 1: Sunset Lodge ➝ Lampiesbaai (14km)
This coastal route follows footpaths and sandy tracks along the quiet St Helena Bay coastline, an area famous for fishing, both local and commercial. Madoda Duli, a quiet and handsome local chaperone, will help you experience the land through local eyes.
Maggie from Rimplewit Airbnb in Lampiesbaai likes to do it all herself and manages with ease: accommodating, cooking, entertaining, chaperoning and ensuring every i is dotted and every t is crossed. She is artistic, and paints maps and flags in Cape Camino colours and goes out of her way to be a super host.
DAY 2: Lampiesbaai ➝ Paternoster (20 - 27km)
Beach walking to Paternoster with Maggie as your chaperone. If you’d like to go ahead feel free, just keep the sea on your right. It’s always a good idea to chat to your host about this.
Paternoster is a collaboration of service providers. Carisma at the Paternoster Hotel, who lives up to her name. Sea Shack Eco-Cabins, a rustic experience, literally on the sea shore, but not always available. James, who provides charming young men from the rehab centre to chaperone you over a tricky stretch to the next host.
DAY 3: Paternoster ➝ Afsaal (17 - 21km)
Some sections are tough, with loose stones and uneven paths, sturdy shoes are essential. James’s chaperones walk with you. Tides and terrain shift often, so stay alert and open to the unexpected.
To stay with Alta at Afsaal we leave the shoreline and walk a few kilometres up the hill. Slow, long uphill stretch on a gravel road. But it’s worth it.
Alta expresses love with food. From the moment guests arrive, she treats you to her goodies starting with a homemade cheese platter.
The Nels have a cow, and every day, before her husband sets off to his medical practice in Vredenburg, he milks the cow and presents Alta with approximately 10 litres of milk in a bucket which she turns into a variety of cheeses; hard and soft. If you want to stay for a cheese course- ask us how, and we will organise that for you.
Camino accommodation is a converted loft, or cottage living, in the veld. It all depends on numbers and sleeping arrangements.
DAY 4: Afsaal ➝ Jacobs Bay (23km)
Armed with a big packed breakfast, back to the coast and walk along the beach into Jacob’s Bay. This is a private holiday resort and there is very little public accommodation apart from a friendly and rustic backpackers with a labyrinth and Pixieland to explore. Hester will organise everything you need. Her friend provides home cooked meals, and Hester fetches the chaperone in the morning and delivers the luggage to your final stop- Saldanha Bay.
In the wildflower season, the area bursts into colour- fields and road edges alive with blooming daisies, succulents, and fynbos.
DAY 5: Jacobs Bay ➝ Saldanha Bay (14km)
Today your chaperone is Leandre who is compulsory for the last day, walking through a village outside Saldanha Bay. He is a local and steers you clear of any mischief.
The final night is on the beach at Jane’s Guest house. Relaxed, comfortable and a perfect place to wake up and eat breakfast, in-house before getting your lift home.
DAY 6:
Leave after breakfast
ROUTE MAP
SEASONAL NOTES
When To Go
Open from late January – early December
Tidal times are essential
ask away
FAQ's
Why choose the West Coast Village route?
A village-to-village walk for those who value good food, local stories, open landscapes, and coastal paths, with wildflowers bringing the route to life in season.
What is the best transport from the airport or Cape Town?
We recommend arranging transport with Theresa or Shawn, who are familiar with the Cape Camino routes and hosts. Their contact details are available on the Preparation Page under the Transport section, ensuring a smooth and reliable start to your Camino.
Is the West Coast Village route safe?
Yes. The West Coast Village route follows established coastal paths and communities where the Camino is well known and supported by local hosts. As with all Cape Camino routes, it has been shaped in collaboration with the people who live along it, creating a considered and supported walking experience.
How physically demanding is this route?
This route is mostly flat with one day of gradual inclines and on this day there is a stretch where you walk along a small cliff. It is advised to walk single file along some sections.
If I purchase artisanal products along the way, how do I send them home?
If the items are small, they can be placed in your luggage if you’ve booked Camino Plus, which includes luggage transfers between hosts. For larger or fragile items, we recommend speaking directly with hosts or local shop owners, who can often advise on or assist with arranging courier services.