13-Days on Camino: Coastal West Coast
The 13-day West Coast stretch of the Camino over 208km follows long sections of beach walking and passes through small coastal villages. The route is exposed and remote in places, with limited infrastructure, so planning around tides is essential. From late July to September, parts of this itinerary pass through areas known for spectacular wildflower displays, making it a prime time to walk.
🗓️ Select Your Camino Plan
Camino Options:
🔘 Camino Plus Only – R 22,000 pp sharing
• Itinerary with pre-booked rest house accommodation (13 nights)
• Route development fee
• Daily breakfast & supper
• Daily luggage transfers
• Chaperone (local companion)
• Pre-Camino preparation kit: 5 day Mindfulness Program
• Option to keep your travel dates private
• Complimentary Camino gear: buff, bag-tag, solitude badges
📍 Camino Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival at Aurora
Meet fellow pilgrims and settle into the rest house. Arrive anytime after 4pm and before dark.
Day 1: Aurora ➝ RoesRus Williekamp Farm Stay (18km)
Gravel roads lead you through rooibos plantations to Gezie's Farm, another small Camino rest house that provides accommodation to pilgrims in their homes.
Day 2: RoesRus Williekamp Farm Stay ➝ Redelinghuys (9km)
Redelinghuys is famous for the art murals and artists who live in the town. The natural setting is unique and special.
Day 3: Redelinghuys ➝ Elands Bay (10km)
A vehicle drop takes you up the beach, where you begin your walk south to Elands Bay. The route follows the shoreline, ending near a Indigenous Rock Shelter and views over the ocean.
Day 4: Elands Bay ➝ Fork West Backpackers (27km)
Today’s route is physically demanding, with little shade or shelter, and requires careful planning around tides. The landscape is open and raw. Fork West Backpacker is a rustic, family-owned rest house. Facilities are shared and very basic. There is a glamping upgrade available for your own arrangements and not on weekends.
Day 5: Fork West Backpackers ➝ Arend Louw (9km)
Another beach walk, planning around tides. This section is shorter but climbs steadily through soft sand and low coastal dunes. Arend, your host, is a well-known artist in the area.
Day 6: Arend Louw ➝ Dwarskersbos (23km)
Today's walk is mostly flat along the beach. Dwarskersbos is a small village with one cafe'.
Day 7: Dwarskersbos ➝ Laaiplek (12km)
Today you'll walk to Debbie and Ammie, your hosts in Laaiplek. This is a homestay. Laaiplek is a small fishing village with cafe's and shops.
Day 8: Laaiplek ➝ Bokkom Laan (11km)
Your end spot is famous for bokkoms – a traditional West Coast delicacy made from salted, air-dried mullet. It is also well known for its historic fishing culture – Bokkom Laan is one of the oldest streets in Velddrif and has long been central to the local fishing and bokkom-drying trade. Transport takes you over the Berg River Mouth to Stukkie Plaas.
Day 9: Stukkie Plaas ➝ Lampiesbaai (14km)
This coastal route follows footpaths and sandy tracks along the quiet St Helena Bay coastline, an area historically linked to St James by early settlers. Madoda, a local chaperone, will help you experience the land through local eyes.
Day 10: Lampiesbaai ➝ Paternoster (24km)
Seaside eco-cabins surrounded by nature—simple and off-grid. In wildflower season this area is popular. The labyrinth is a sacred site for those looking to reflect or connect with something deeper.
Day 11: Paternoster ➝ Afsaal (17km)
Some sections are tough, with loose stones and uneven paths—sturdy shoes are essential. Chaperones from Pelgrims Place Rehabilitation Centre walk with you. Tides and terrain shift often, so stay alert and open to the unexpected.
Day 12: Afsaal ➝ Jacobs Bay (20km)
The route follows quiet gravel roads and mostly flat ground, making for an easygoing walk through wide open landscapes. In wildflower season, the area bursts into colour—fields and road edges alive with blooming daisies, succulents, and fynbos. End in the town of Jacobs Bay.
Day 13: Jacobs Bay ➝ Saldanha Bay (14km)
The route heads inland through a local community before reaching Saldanha Bay. The town is rough around the edges, shaped by industry and fishing, but it’s a real part of the coastline’s working life. End your Camino here after the day's walk.
What's Next?
Ready to begin your Camino?
Choose your preferred dates at checkout. Or check the Join Others page to join other dates.
We'll send you a confirmation email with everything you need to prepare for your journey.
Prefer to pay a deposit?
A 50% deposit payment is available when you choose the EFT (bank transfer) option at checkout. This will secure your dates. The balance is due 30 days before your Camino begins.
Need transport?
Transport options can be found on the Preparation Page