Nature prevailing

If you want to explore a rich variety of indigenous coastal vegetation in the far west of the Western Cape, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, also known as Tietiesbaai, is the place to go.

The latter name, never translated, has a less interesting origin than sometimes imagined (and possibly luring visitors under false pretences). A Khoi leader of long ago called Titus is said to have drowned here.

The other name also has an undertone of drowning. It was given in memory of a ship, the Columbine that was wrecked on this coast on 31 March 1829.

Tietiesbaai is rustic, a close to nature recreational experience offering an unspoilt beach, many secluded rocky coves and camping facilities. Hiking trails near the beach ensure encountering many interesting succulents, bulbs in season and a fynbos range on unspoilt land. The place has been protected as a reserve since 1973.

Not far from the Paternoster fishing village, Cape Columbine boasts a still manually controlled lighthouse. It was built in 1936, 80 m above sea level, on what is known as Castle Rock (www.caravansa.co.za; https://sbm.gov.za).