Side Trips in Paternoster

Lambert's Bay

This fishing port, the last bastion of "civilization" on the coast, lies 100km (62 miles) north of Velddrif and 62km (38 miles) west of Clanwilliam. There are two main reasons to visit: to view the colony of birds on Bird Island and to feast at one of the coast's best outdoor restaurants. Accommodations options are better in Paternoster or Clanwilliam, so see this very much as a side trip.

Bird Island is accessed via a stone breakwater in the Lambert's Bay Harbour. This island houses a colony of Cape gannets and cormorants -- to be amid the cacophony of a 25,000-strong community, all jostling for position on the island, is a rare privilege. Alternatively, book a sunset cruise that takes you out to see the marine life of the bay from Eco Boat Trips (tel. 082/922-4334).