Churchhaven, Cape West Coast

Ask the average person and they will not have heard of Churchhaven, or Church Haven as it is often written. Some will tell you that it is somewhere on the West Coast, and they would be right. But few know that it is hidden away in the West Coast National Park, just outside Postberg Flower Reserve. It doesn't even make it onto the average map, despite lying just outside Kraalbaai.

And yet, Churchhaven is a beautiful little fishing village. Small but with enviable examples of restored white-washed fishermen's houses, with more recent and modern renditions having adopted a similar style. The little fishing village of Churchhaven also lies in an enviable position. Postberg is a section of the Western Cape Nature Reserve that only opens at a certain time of the year (August and September) and is one of the best places in the country to catch a glimpse of Namaqualand spring flowers. Through the reserve you can do the Postberg two-day hiking trail that explores an incredible coastline of beaches.

Postberg and Churchhaven can be found up the R27, roughly an hour's drive from Cape Town. The West Coast National Park lies about half way between Yzerfontein and Langebaan. Kraalbaai, just south of Postberg, is where those who agree that Langebaan and Club Mykonos have become overdeveloped flee. Both it and Churchhaven are sanctuaries in a sense, and provide a wonderful space away, despite the proximity to Cape Town.

Kraal Baai or Kraalbaai, is part of the greater Langebaan Lagoon. This corner remains stark and beautiful and is home to sea birds and ostriches. But it can be very popular during peak season and over weekends, particularly as one is allowed to braai, picnic and fish here. But come here during the week, or at dusk, and you are more likely to find it desolate and beautiful. Look out for the landmark rock known as the Preekstoel.