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South Africa’s number one travel and outdoor lifestyle magazine. We pay our own way and tell it like it is. We drive back roads and speak to real people, giving you practical information about affordable destinations in southern Africa. Each issue is crammed with excellent photography, honest gear reviews and delicious recipes to make at home or in the bundu. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or a month, your journey starts here.

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

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West Coast Mardi Gras • When you live in Namaqualand, you spend your seaside holidays on the West Coast. Tour guide Rey Janse van Rensburg from Springbok remembers holidays in McDougall's Bay, Lambert's Bay and a remote place called Brazil.

River of life • Cascading through the mountains of the Groot Winterhoek and the Cederberg, widening as it feeds the orchards of Citrusdal and the vineyards of Klawer, the Olifants River eventually flows around the feet of flamingos at Papendorp on the West Coast. Here's your guide to one of the prettiest parts of South Africa.

Let everyone come home • For a town whose children are scattered across the globe, the Lambert's Bay Kuiernaweek is a call to come home. Toast Coetzer had a braai and a sokkie with the people of this West Coast town.

The last laugh • George Moyses was a legendary figure on the West Coast – a diamond diver, vagabond and Port Nolloth's storyteller extraordinaire. Willem van der Berg ran into him shortly before he passed away in September 2022.

Coast of colour • Much of the West Coast seems dull and muted, but if there's rainfall at the right time, those brown plains are transformed into one of the most colourful wildflower spectacles on earth. Here's your region-by-region guide.

Wrecked in Dog Stone Bay • Who can resist a seafaring story? Who can resist a three-day beach party? Come along for a historic dive into the rowdy and sometimes tragic past of Hondeklip Bay.

Find peace in Velddrif • Vredenburg-based landscape photographer Basson van Zyl doesn't have to travel far for inspiration. Nearby Velddrif – with its combination of harbour scenes at Laaiplek and Berg River scenes around Bokkomlaan – is one of his favourite places.

All roads lead to Paternoster • There are lots of picturesque towns on the West Coast, but few will steal your heart like Paternoster will. Meet some of the charismatic people who have answered the call and made a home here.

To the lighthouse! • A lighthouse is not just something from a storybook – they're vital beacons for ships along our unpredictable coastline. Visit one of these 10 lighthouses between Port Nolloth and Cape Town as you explore the West Coast.

The secret is out • For decades, large sections of the West Coast close to the Orange River have been mined – mostly for diamonds. In recent years, however, mining activities have been spreading south to the Olifants River estuary and beyond. Surfers Mike Schlebach and Miles Masterson are two of the driving forces behind Protect the West Coast, an organisation that aims to keep mining companies in check.

Welcome to Blow City! • One of South Africa's biggest – but least known – wildlife spectacles happens annually off the coast of Yzerfontein, when super-pods of humpback whales gather to feed and fly their flukes against the backdrop of Table Mountain.

The best of the west • The attractions along the West Coast are not always served on a platter. Sometimes you have to dig a bit deeper until you find that special place that's perfect for you. We asked our journalists and readers to share their favourite family outings, restaurants, birdwatching spots, hiking trails, places to stay, campsites, and routes to drive or ride. Use this guide to plan your next West Coast holiday – and let us know about your favourite...