The various regions of the S.A. West Coast

THE WEST COAST

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Paternoster by Llewellyn Louwpaternoster

One of the last traditional fishing villages on the West Coast, Paternoster, meaning "Our Father" ostensibly, took its name from the heartfelt prayers of shipwrecked Portuguese sailors.

This is wothout doubt the most romantic and peaceful place on this scenic and wonderful coastline and a great deal of the atmosphere of a fishing community of bygone eras is preserved..

A wonderful region and village and a place not to miss paternoster is a haven of peace while offering activities such as sea kayaking, whale, dolphin, seal, bird and penguin watching, strolls along the sandy beach or among the boulders, artistic expression through pottery and painting.                  Picture by Llewellyn Louw

The Colombine Nature Reserve with the well known "Tietiesbaai" offers beautiful wildflowers during August and September. Whales and Dolphins frequent these waters for ten months of the year.

This picturesque fishing town, 15km north-west of Vredenburg, is one of the oldest coastal towns along the West Coast and is famous for its crayfish. There are many white-washed fishermen's cottages dotted along a long, white beach.

In spring many flower lovers stay here to visit the impressive Columbine nature Reserve just 3 km away. Tietiesbaai (made famous by Pieter Pieterse) forms part of the Columbine Nature Reserve and is frequented by campers and caravaners, especially in December.

Columbine Nature Reserve is about 16km from Vredenburg and 3km from Paternoster. The bay, which is part of the reserve, has many picnic spots and braai facilities. There are basic overnight facilities and ablution blocks.

Visit Cape Columbine, The last manned lighthouse built on the South African coast for more information about this fascinating light house and Paternoster.

The Lisboa wrecked on Soldiers Reef – Paternoster: On 23 October 1910, the Lisboa ran aground on Soldiers Reef near Paternoster. The wreck of the Lisboa is particularly interesting because it was the first occasion on the South African coast on which radio telegraphy was used to summon help by a ship in distress.



Although life in Paternoster is still closely associated with the sea and fishing industry, it is to this historic and peaceful little fishing village that the traveler comes to relax.

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In an effort to help put this glorious region more firmly on the map, we have pulled together as much information as we can, accrediting authors where necessary and providing links to websites or email addresses. If we have inadvertantly used your article or photograph without giving you full accreditation, we apologise and if you notify us we will rectify this immediately.