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.
This self-drive journey crosses three countries and combines camping with fixed accommodation. Walking, game drives, diving and snorkelling are all part of the possibilities along the way. You travel from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, continue into Mozambique, then return to Johannesburg via eSwatini.
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South Africa
West Cape and Namaqualand hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
This 14-day route starts and finishes in Cape Town, combining rugged landscapes, the Atlantic coast, active days and 4x4 tracks. The first days are based in Stellenbosch, close to Cape Town. From here, hike in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The route then runs north to the Cederberg, where Wolfberg Cracks, Wolfberg Arch, Maalgat and Maltese Cross are all listed as walking options. Tankwa Karoo National Park changes the setting completely.
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South Africa
Garden Route and Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Addo gives the journey a safari opening. Then the road changes. Baviaanskloof calls for a 4x4, and the pace drops to match the tracks and the terrain. On the other side lies the coast. Storms River Mouth, Harkerville and Wilderness bring together ocean, forest and river. George and Swellendam then lead into Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
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