16 Dec Paternoster: A walk on the wild side
On the West Coast you will find a sleepy fisherman’s village called Paternoster. Can you visualise the presence of mermaids soaking up the sun on the jagged rocks that lay scattered along the ocean? Gaze upon white washed fisherman’s cottages that lay scattered in the gem found between Saldanha and St Helena Bay, as your feet leave behind footprints on the soft white sand that graces the seashore. Allow yourself to be swept away by the scenic landscape as take a walk along an idyllic coast. It is the ideal place to simply let your hair down and relax.
The seaside destination is endearingly referred to as Paternoster which means “Our father” in Latin, in memory of the prayers said by shipwrecked Catholic Portuguese seamen. It is a village reminiscent of yesteryear and steeped in history..
West Coast Cuisine
This little seaside town on the West Coast sports a number of top-notch restaurants, ranging from the outrageous setups like the Noisy Oyster; where the menu changes every day, Oysters are served with a presentation so tantalizing , you barely miss the pearl.
To the more elegant, couple owned, SkatKis (Treasure Chest), at the Paternoster lodge, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will find a menu consisting mostly of seafood dishes and West Coast traditional dishes and a very unique milk dessert. Be sure to add the milk dessert to your list of must-haves.
There is also the rather quaint Voorstrandt restaurant, an old fisherman’s house with terrace built from wood and corrugated roofing, right on the edge of the beach makes it ideal for those summertime al fresco lunches.
Marked as a West Coast’s gem; the Gaatjie Saltwater Restaurant, is a one of a kind fine dining experience. Hidden between the rocks the simple fisherman’s cottage stands out like a boulder to the eye of any culinary aficionado.
These are but a few of the many attractions in and around this picturesque coastal town.
Wonderfully Wild
Explore the unspoiled wilderness of Tieties Bay, found within the Columbine Nature Reserve. Tieties has its own picnic area and barbecue spots for the hungry traveller to sit and enjoy their lunch while drawing in the elements of nature. The Nature Reserve is located over the rocky coast. If you crave a scenic experience of the wild outdoors opt for something less conventional than commuting, Paternoster is a great place to ride a horse. The area is a perfect combination of sea and land activities Experience whale watching, observe dolphins and engage with penguins and seals as you enjoy a fresh take on flora and fauna. The area is also home to 225 bird species.
It’s the perfect place to view animals that existed well before our time. This tourist destination has its own fossil park with an array of fossils from various prehistoric animals. View fossils of mega tooth sharks, sabre tooth tigers, giant ostriches and woolly mammoths.
In spring the land is a floral paradise draped by a Namaqualand carpet of brightly coloured flowers. Visit between July and October, flower season sees the landscape transformed into a colourful canvas.
Action-packed adventure
Get out your GoPro and gear up for the action adventure of a lifetime. Take to the skies or sink to the depths of the ocean…Have a taste of the sea; undertake a magical deep sea adventure by snorkeling or scuba diving to uncover the mysteries of the deep blue. Paternoster has a range of watersports that you can chose from such as kayaking and deep sea diving. Brace yourself for a swim in the ice cold waters if you dare.
Try your hand at kitesurfing or fly a kite. The scenic outdoors and dramatic landscape has numerous biking trails and rock formations. While partaking in a treacherous hike, go back in time and engage with the history of the Khoi and the San by viewing caves and art work.
This area aims to give you the adrenalin rush you’ve been looking for.
Something Fishy
Paternoster epitomizes the SA commercial fishing industry. Commercial activities include oyster farming,. Get fresh herrings from local traders, or indulge in mussels drawn from Paternoster’s craggy rocks. The fishing village is home to the largest oyster farm in South Africa.
This trip to the West Coast is a wild ride that takes you to the sea and engages with wilderness in an adventure that traverses sea and land. Don’t spoil your holiday fun by stressing about accommodation and travel. Just formulate a schedule of things to do. Take2Tours takes care of all the little things so that you can have a holiday to remember. Drop us a line and tell us all about your experience.
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