Five Bay Trail
28 kilometres in 2 and a half days:
One of five trails recently developed in the West Coast Biosphere Reserve, the Five Bay Trail explores the coast between the fishing villages of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai. The theme for this trail is tracing human harvesting of the sea, and tracks several shell middens as well as contemporary life in fishing villages. You stay in a choice of guest houses in Paternoster.
The trail starts with a late afternoon stroll along the beaches of Paternoster as far as 'Tweede Mosselbank' (named such by local fishermen) and on to dinner at a local restaurant. Day two takes one through the fishing village of Paternoster along the beach to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and Tietiesbaai. During winter this stretch is quiet and wild, whilst in the summer months crayfish season brings a riot of festivity and an influx of campers, none of which interferes with your passage over the rocks and sand.
For most of both days you follow the rocky shoreline, swim in beautiful tidal pools and, during spring, take in the wealth of wild flowers that can still be evident even in November. Lunch is on the rocks overlooking the sea just beyond Tietiesbaai on day two. Make your way round Noordwesbaai to the Trekoskraal headland. Your day ends at Trekoskraal, whilst day three begins here.
Day three follows the tracks around the headland of Trekoskraal and on to the dunes and wave scoured beaches of Wesbaai. The cliff-faced sand dunes are used as nests for swales. The final bay before Jacobsbaai is the little Hospitaalbaai, where ships used to drop the sick before reaching quarantined Cape Town. Jacobsbaai is where you lunch at the end of the trail.
The Five Bay Trail is a wonderful beach-filled hike where you might spot whales, dolphins and seals.
Additional Reading:
For a first hand review and photos of the Five Bay Trail read our article at "I did it 5 Bays!".
Contact Details:
To book or enquire about trails:+27 (0)86 187-2457
Cape West Coast Biosphere Central Office:+27 (0)22 492-2750
Where to Stay?
For accommodation before or after your adventure on the Five Bay Trail, see Paternoster Accommodation (with preview images and description) or consider Paternoster Hotels (ranging from 3-5 star). If you prefer to do it the self catering way, you will find our list of Paternoster Self Catering options useful. If you prefer to stay in Jacobsbaai then see Jacobsbaai accommodation for options. Also see Cape West Coast Accommodation and Cape West Coast Hotels for overnight options in surrounding towns.
Cape West Coast Trails
Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails
The Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR) is a recognised UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only 6 in South Africa and just over 600 world-wide. It extends from Diep River in Milnerton in the south, to the Berg River of Velddrif in the north, Malmesbury/Moreesberg in the east, and the Atlantic Ocean in the ... more information
Berg River Canooze
The Berg River Canooze, one of five trails that take place within the Cape West Coast Biosphere, is a relatively easy downstream kayak from Hopefield to Velddrif, with farm stays en route. The emphasis of this trail is on relaxation. There are no rapids and all of it is downstream ... more information
Darling Stagger
One of five slackpacking trails in the Cape West Coast Biosphere, the Darling Stagger emphasises food and wine, together with a walk and a cycle that allow one to experience the surrounds of the gorgeous town of Darling. The trail follows a route once walked by both the short-necked giraffe ... more information
Eve's Trail
The theme of this trail, as the name suggests, is walking in the footsteps of Eve, who is regarded as the mother of all human life. The spectacular scenery and lack of human activity gives one an idea of what it must have been like to be governed only by the sun, the stars and the tides. The idea is that ... more information
Wheels of Time Trail
Aimed more at recreational cyclists than Absa Cape Epic trainees, the mountain bike ride traces the secondary roads of the West Coast, with varying destinations and overnight stops. You can be assured of incredible scenery and fun, but at times challenging, cycling. The trail can be divided up ... more information
Doing the Five Bay Trail?
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