This topographically unassuming region is dominated by a coastal plain, covered in low, scrubby strandveld vegetation and studded in many areas with picturesque granite outcrops. Distinctly different in character from the Cape’s southern seaboard, the West Coast is decidedly more arid and exposed, with the scrublands offering little protection from the unrelenting sun and blustery onshore winds. Further inland, despite most of the fertile soils of the Swartland lying under intensive wheat cultivation, the birding is still remarkably productive. The rich waters of the Benguela Current not only make this region the heart of the country’s fishing industry, but the associated sealife supports massive seabird breeding colonies on the scattered offshore islands. The coastline consists largely of endless lonely beaches, punctuated by salty, whitewashed fishing villages and an ever-increasing number of holiday retreats.

The West Coast is best birded in spring and early summer (from about August to October), when most of the resident birds are breeding and the wildflowers are at their peak. This contrasts strongly with late summer, when the region is particularly dry and many of the temporary waterbodies have evaporated, leaving arid depressions populated only by dust-laden whirlwinds. The southern areas of the West Coast, extending northwards to the West Coast National Park and even the Berg River estuary, can be comfortably explored in a day-trip from Cape Town. However, a two to three day loop would allow for more relaxed exploration of the region, including the Lambert’s Bay area. The West Coast can also conveniently be visited en route to Bushmanland or Nam-aqualand. Birding is best in the mornings as it is usually persistently windy later in the day.