Elands Bay, Cape West Coast

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Elands Bay, Cape West Coast

Elands Bay
Elands Bay, Cape West Coast

The quaint fishing village of Eland’s Bay (Elandsbaai) might be only two hours from the city of Cape Town, but it is about as far off the beaten track as you can get, with so little travelling time.

Eland’s Bay is one of those gems that have managed to elude the rush of development and city dwellers to stake their claim on a piece of the coast - this is sand and sea with little else to lure the average holiday maker. The modest seaside town is worth the rather arduous journey (roads tend to be quite dilapidated as you head closer to Eland’s Bay with a dirt road detour to contend with), particularly as Verlorenvlei (lost natural wetland) - one of the biggest estuaries on the Cape West Coast with thousands of birds including flamingos and pelicans - lies on the approach to Eland’s Bay. Verlorenvlei is the site of no fewer than 232 types of birds.

Elandsbaai on the Cape West Coast
Eland’s Bay really is a wonderful spot for dolphin and whale watching, and freshwater and salt fishing is touted as one of the best pastimes, although townsfolk will not stop short of telling you about how the fish have left this part of the coast - putting paid to the locals’ livelihood. But it is close to heaven to stroll on a beach where there is little commercialisation and where the term ‘relaxation’ isn’t a euphemism for flashy entertainment.

It’s also a surfer’s paradise - known as e-bay to the surf fraternity, the sought after left-breaking waves mean it’s much like Jeffreys Bay only without the crowds - and in season one can dive for crayfish, provided you have a licence. The Baboon Point cliffs are a firm attraction, including the Bobbejaanberg Cave decorated with rock art and a shell midden (a deposit of shell). There is much debate about whether or not Baboon Point will be named a heritage site.

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Elands Bay Reviews

average visitor rating: 5/5"spent two days in elands bay, highly recommended, the locals are friendly and hospitable, the accommodation comfortable and food spectacular. Quiet, ..." - Gillian Davis, Benoni

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Elands Bay

Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve

Stretching all the way from Diep River in Milnerton, to the Berg River close to Velddrif on the West Coast, the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR) was designated as such by UNESCO in 2000. The beautiful area of the Cape Floristic Region is deemed worthy of protecting internationally, particularly as ... more information

Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails

Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails – slackpacker trails on the West Coast! The Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR) is a recognised UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only 6 in South Africa and just over 600 world-wide. It extends from Diep River in Milnerton in the south, to ... more information

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area, with its extraordinary rock formations and popular hiking routes, lies about 120 km north of Cape Town in the Western Cape. The Reserve is situated in the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, north of Tulbagh and east of Porterville. The greater Groot Winterhoek ... more information

Swartland Wine Route

Meaning ‘black country’ and named after the indigenous Renosterbos, which turns a dark colour at a certain time of the year, the wine route extends from Darling on the west coast down to the Oliphants Mountain at Porterville in the east and includes Malmesbury, Riebeek Valley and Piketberg in the north ... more information

Verlorenvlei

Verlorenvlei is a long estuary stretching between the villages of Elands Bay and Redelinghuys, some 25 kilometres south of Lambert’s Bay. It is not only one of the largest lakes but one of the few coastal freshwater lakes that is at once one of the most important estuarine systems in the Western Cape ... more information

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Things To Do in Elands Bay

The Tin Kitchen

Where: Elands Bay
How much (per person): On Request

The Tin Kitchen country restaurant serves delicious local organic meat and fish dishes in and around a 300 year old barn. Shaded seating are ... more information

Visit Verlorenvlei

Where: Elands Bay
How much (per person): Free

Verlorenvlei is a long estuary stretching between the villages of Elands Bay and Redelinghuys, some 25 kilometres south of Lambert’s Bay. Ve ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Elands Bay

event starts: 18 September 2012
September
TBC

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Accommodation in Elands Bay
Elands Bay - A Visitors Perspective
Things to Do in Elands Bay
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South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. To start planning your holiday click here to find accommodation in South Africa. Enjoy your stay in Elands Bay!
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