South Africa

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

On South Africa’s west coast, fynbos, rocky shores, sandy beaches and tidal pools sit close together. Cape Columbine Nature Reserve lies near Paternoster, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

Here, fynbos meets the Atlantic.

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve lies on South Africa’s west coast, close to Paternoster. Fynbos, rocky shores, sandy beaches and tidal pools shape the protected landscape.

Cape Columbine Lighthouse stands within this coastal setting. Built in 1936, it is still operational. From here, the view runs across the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.

There is always movement along the coast.

The mix of coastal habitats supports plants, small mammals, reptiles and many bird species. Seabirds and other coastal birds are a strong part of what you can see here.

An island off the coast is home to seals. So the view from the reserve is not only about the land, but also about what is happening just offshore.

View trips from the region

Walk the coast. Sleep close to the sea.

Several walking trails run through the reserve. They vary in difficulty and open up views across both the coastline and inland landscape.

You can camp at several places along the coast inside Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. Sea Shack Camp is listed on the current page as accommodation in the area.

What you can do in and around Cape Columbine Nature Reserve:

  • Walk along the coast
  • Visit Cape Columbine Lighthouse
  • Look for seals
  • Camp along the coast
  • Stay at Sea Shack Camp
  • Visit Paternoster

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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