This time of year, many of you are planning your Easter holidays and frantically searching for somewhere to stay along the Garden Route, in the Drakensberg or at the coast.

But how many of you have even considered the Cape West Coast?

If you're like most South Africans, you are probably even struggling to picture where the West Coast is. In fact, I have lived in Cape Town for nearly 25 years and can count on one hand the number of times I have travelled the R27 - that's the road that goes up the entire coast, in case you were wondering.

But each of those visits (let's be optimistic and say I've been about four times) have been truly memorable and well-worth the trip.

The crowds, busy roads and the speed traps that involve a trip up the Garden Route could be replaced by a single lane highway flanked by sand dunes and sparkling ocean glimpses on one side and the rolling Cape Fold mountain chain to the other.

As Table Mountain gets smaller and smaller in your rearview mirror and the fynbos and flowers get denser in your side mirrors, it is not long before you are captivated by the rugged and natural beauty of the West Coast.

There are very few curio shops, fancy restaurants or malls (*cough, Knysna), but the West Coast isn't trying to match its eastern counterpart.

Instead, it offers a completely different experience of rustic landscapes, natural surroundings, peace and quiet, simple MacDonald's-free living and, of course, welcoming hospitality.

Up this ‘other' Cape coast you can go surfing, on a mini safari, bird watching, farm stall shopping, caving, hiking, eating and crayfishing among many, many other activities.

You can even lie on the beach and stretch out your legs, without kicking the next beach lounger in the process (*cough, Plett).

Swimming is usually reserved for the brave along the West Coast, and to call it a tad icy would be lying - it's freezing. But with so many other activities in this area, sea bathing is not a must.

Things to do along the Cape West Coast

Elandsfontein

This is a privately owned game reserve that offers five star service, game drives, guided bush walks and quad bike trips to some of Africa's oldest fossil deposits. Situated only an hour out of Cape Town, Elandsfontein still manages to feel like it is in the middle of the bush transporting you to a state of relaxation whether you like it or not.

Where: Off the R27, 9km before the Langebaan turn off.
Tel: (022) 772 0783
Email: info@elandsfontein.co.za

Elands Bay

Elands Bay is a little further up the West Coast and is world-renowned for being one of the best surfing spots in the world.

So don't be surprised when your early morning walk on the beach leads you face to face with a disheveled surfer emerging from the bush - the camp site next to the beach is a popular and cost-effective place to stay.

The incredible waves, seafood eateries, hiking trails, birdlife and rustic feel all make Elands Bay a haven away from the city - and if that is still not enough for you, there are always loads of gorgeous surfers to look at too.

Where: 220kms from Cape Town
Elands Bay Tourism Bureau tel: (022) 972-1640

Paternoster

This is one of the smallest and oldest towns along the West Coast and has a charming fishermen architectural feel that is a real novelty these days.

The endless, deserted beach is a real haven and a crayfish braai is an absolute must. The fishermen sell this seafood delicacy on the side of the road and watching them haul in their catch is more fascinating than you would think - their traditional fishing methods are something that you probably will never see again.

If you aren't up to a kreefbraai on the beach, head to the Voorstrand Restaurant in a century-old tin shack right on the beach - it may sound dodgy, but you will never have a better seafood meal anywhere else. Guaranteed.

Where: Off the R27, 15km from Vredenburg
For more info: http://paternosterinfo.co.za/index.php

Langebaan

This is perhaps one of the better known towns along the West Coast and is a favourite amongst water sport enthusiasts. The lagoon is ideal for sail boarding and windsurfing as well as power boating, water skiing and anything else you think to do on the water.

You could also try your hand at land kites or kite surfing or head out on a guided kayak trip across the lagoon.

While this all sounds incredible, it does hint at one drawback of the town - the wind. While ideal for many of these sports, the wind in Langebaan can seriously pump, meaning excellent sporting opportunities, but also the need for a rather unfashionable tie-on, chin strap hat.

Where: 120kms from Cape Town
For more info: http://www.langebaaninfo.co.za/
Langebaan info tel: (022) 772 1515

West Coast National Park

You don't have to travel all the way to the Kruger Park to have a wonderful wildlife experience. The West Coast National Park offers accommodation within its borders as well as water sporting activities including both power and sail boats.

Beautiful hiking trails take you far into the park and you should always be on the lookout for passing wildlife in the bush, a whale or dolphin swimming in the ocean below you or even an ancient piece of Khoisan rock art.

In spring, the flowers are truly breathtaking leaving you with that sing-and-dance-on-a-hilltop invigorated feeling - Sound of Music style.

Where: 100 km from Cape Town, off the R27
West Coast National Park tel: (022) 772-2144
For more info: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/default.php

Just the beginning

This list only scratches the surface of what the Cape West Coast has to offer - obviously in four days you can't see everything!

If you have spent some more time in this area, please let us know and add your favourite spots to this list in the comments section below and help some more people avoid the crowds this Easter by going west.

Convinced? Of course you are! Escape Cape Town and try one of our packages to the West Coast - flights, car hire and accommodation are all included.