Sea Shack

Sea Shack, Paternoster

During my latest solo pilgrimage to Paternoster, South Africa I discovered a remarkable gem – Sea shack. Paternoster has marked the beginning and the end of many life-chapters for me. I find that the seclusion, the peaceful return to basic living, allows me to focus thoughts and make big decisions in life. It is why any trip here is so worth it – even if only for one night. As usual I arrived without any prior bookings just to see what I could find – some may find it unnerving, but for me there is a certain appeal in not knowing what may lie ahead. Without expectations or knowing where I would end up, I was about to drive straight to one of Paternoster’s best kept secrets!

As always I took a left turn as I entered the picturesque little town of Paternoster. This road leads straight to Tietiesbaai, which is situated within the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. Just after entering the reserve I found a fork in the road where I usually always turn left up to the Cape Columbine Lighthouse, but something prompted me to take a right instead. Soon I found myself in a secluded bay alongside the cool Atlantic. Photographs just can’t justify the brilliant beauty of this setting.

“I arrived without any prior bookings just to see what I could find – some may find it unnerving, but for me there is a certain appeal in not knowing what may lie ahead”

Quick Rating

 4/5
Overall Experience
Crisp Linen Rating
Tranquillity Rating
Adventure Rating
Photography Opportunities
Family Friendly

Quick Notes

Accommodation
Adventure
Food
In The Area
Photography
Accommodation

I stayed in a unit in the second row from the front, and as I was shown to my room, my first impressions were somewhat surprising. This place was clean. Extremely clean. My ‘shack’ was impeccable with crisp white linen and good ventilation within a very confined space – perfect for a relaxing breakaway. I like this philosophy of living – there is literally just enough space to park a double bed and for one person to get changed. If you are a traveling couple, I bet you’d have to take turns. The focus here is clearly on outdoor living, with the beauty of your surroundings drawing you outside and away.

It can get extremely hot out here, but since Sea shack upholds their ethos of eco-friendly and sustainable living, there are no air-conditioning units installed. Then again, the Atlantic can cool down even the hottest under the hood. Ablutions are two steps away, very clean and well designed for maximum comfort. I have friends that despise camping and minimalist living, but I reckon even they will be surprised at how comfortable this place can get.

Adventure

Whether you are unwinding with your favourite person or sharing some well deserved family time away from home, you will find plenty to do. If you have access to surfboards, diving gear, hiking boots, bicycles or fishing gear – you have to bring it along – this coastline offers some of the best settings for outdoor activities. Visit Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. Hike the Cape Columbine Tietiesbaai to Lighthouse trail or the Five Bay hiking trail. Join the local Paternoster adventure and ride horses on the beach, go touring on dune buggies or explore the coastline in a kayak.

Food

The Sea shack is purely self-catering with a generously stocked kitchen. There is plenty of workspace in the communal kitchen with gas stoves, fridges and a dedicated bay for charging electronics. The kitchen is adjoined to an enclosed dining area, and opens up onto a lovely braai area. The closest supermarket is in town and is well stocked with most of life’s necessities. I bought a braai grid, firewood, garlic and butter on this occasion. I recommend stocking up on all the wonderful (and horribly underpriced) produce that can be found at the numerous farm stalls along the R27.

Of course, you do not have to cook and can enjoy the best that Paternoster has to offer. For the best light lunches and great wine visit Gaaitjie Restaurant. Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Wolfgat – pre-bookings are essential (usually months in advance). For more relaxed food, go to the iconic red roof on the beach called Voorstrandt or have a pizza at Blikkie Pizzeria. Click for contact details.

In The Area

If you have some time to explore the greater area, a drive to Velddrif, Langebaan Lagoon, The West Coast National Park, The West Coast Fossil Park or Jacobsbaai is well worth it. We also highly recommend Dwarskersbos, Rocherpan Nature Reserve, Elandsbay and Lambert’s Bay if you are heading further north.

Photography

If you are looking to take grand landscape pictures you will fall in love with this place. A quick trip to the Cape Columbine lighthouse makes for a spectacular subject in early morning light. Night-time photography is also very good since there are very few city lights in this part of the world. A stroll through Paternoster will quickly fill up your memory cards, so bring plenty! A word of warning if you are thinking about flying your drone out here – even though it is possible, make sure you respect others in your actions and be mindful when flying close to the resident Cape Gannet colonies – they feel threatened and will attack your drone.