Beyond the charm of our fishing village and its famous white-washed cottages, there is a world of natural wonders waiting for your eyes, ears and cameras in the nearby surrounding nature reserves.
These reserves are home to wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unique ecosystems that are exciting year-round and make for an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. So join us on this ‘virtual’ tour of the stunning nature reserves surrounding our Gonana Collection.
Just a short drive from Paternoster, the West Coast National Park is a true gem of the region – you’ll pass it if you opt to drive the R27 from Cape Town to us. It encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from tidal flats and salt marshes to sand dunes and pristine beaches.
One of the park’s highlights is the Langebaan Lagoon (great for swimming in and beach picnics), a Ramsar-protected wetland of international importance. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park’s avian residents, including flamingos, pelicans, and countless other species. The park is also home to various antelope species and offers ample opportunities for hiking and picnicking.
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve is located directly next to our Guesthouse, making it a convenient spot to explore the region’s unique flora and fauna. The reserve is named after the iconic Cape Columbine Lighthouse, which stands proudly on the coastline and which you can see from our balconies.
The rocky shores and sandy beaches of the reserve provide an ideal habitat for a variety of coastal birds, making it a twitcher’s paradise. Nature lovers can also enjoy scenic hiking trails, picnic spots, and the opportunity to observe the rugged beauty of the South African coastline up close. Apparently the surfing is good too – although our team can’t say that we’ve tried it just yet!
Located a short drive from Gonana, Tietiesbaai Nature Reserve is a hidden coastal gem that promises a peaceful escape. The reserve boasts breathtaking sea views, rocky outcrops, and sandy coves – perfect “for the gram”. Hiking trails hug the cliffs, allowing you to take in the rugged coastline and (if you’re lucky) spot a few dassies (rock hyraxes) along the way.
Enjoyed this blog? We think you’ll like these ones too: