Velddrif, Cape West Coast
Velddrif brings to mind the Berg River, fishermen, bokkoms and beautiful beaches. Velddrif is one of the small fishing villages that dot this part of the 'forgotten' West Coast; villages where a visitor is greeted with silence, the space to explore, and where time slows inexplicably. This part of South Africa is one of the few places where one can, almost immediately, feel the pull of an era when time hastened no-one, and only the sea, the wind and the landscape had any effect upon you.
It's not surprising to discover that the West Coast Gallery in Velddrif displays art collected from over 100 artists in the region, including work submitted by local fishermen. The town and the surrounds beg to be captured, whether in word or on canvas. Velddrif lies just a few kilometres from where the Berg River meets the sea at St Helena Bay. The next town north of here is Elands Bay and one would need to turn off the N7 at Morreesburg or Piketberg to get here.
The origin of the name of the town comes from a time when a local farmer brought his stock to find an area to graze across the river and they needed to pass through a drift in the veld. And Laaiplek is where the wheat harvest from the Sandveld was loaded (laai means load in Afrikaans) onto smaller boats, after making its way down the Berg River, when it then crossed the sand banks to larger ships en route to Cape Town.
Right on the shoreline, a little further north of Laaiplek, lies Dwarskersbos, a pretty little seaside hamlet of typical West Coast houses, although the odd double storey has made its way here already. What appears to be a barren, windswept landscape is simply an illusion that disappears when the richness of bird life, plant life and the sea reveal their true natures, and the fynbos works its charm on all who come here.
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Velddrif Reviews
"I had a lovely relaxing weekend away with some friends. The town is small but has a lovely warmth to it. A definite opportunity to escape city ..." - Tania, Cape Town
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Velddrif
Berg River Canooze
146 kilometres in 2 and a half days: The Berg River Canooze, one of five trails that take place within the Cape West Coast Biosphere, is a relatively easy downstream kayak from Hopefield to Velddrif, with farm stays en route. The emphasis of this trail is on relaxation. There are no rapids and all of it is downstream ... more information
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
Although often referred to as lying in Paternoster, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, more often referred to by locals as Tietiesbaai, lies just south west of the popular weekend town, its manual lighthouse - the last of its kind - a draw card to many who then discover that the wildness and beauty ... more information
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
Postberg Flower Reserve
The Postberg Flower Reserve is not always available for you to visit. Even though it forms part of the West Coast National Park, this part of it is disturbed as little as possible so that, when spring comes, great swathes of flowers can erupt in virtually every nook and cranny of the reserve and reward everyone for their patience ... more information
Rocherpan Nature Reserve
Rocherpan enthusiasts who head off along the West Coast to visit this nature reserve near Velddrif will possibly mention to you that the bird life is incredible, but what they will not reveal is that it is also a wonderful setting in which to spot whales. The Rocherpan Nature Reserve is set a mere 25 kilometres ... more information
West Coast 3 Day Itinerary
Our suggestions for a self-drive, three day trip up the Cape West Coast with ideas on what to do and where to stay! Note that this is a Three-day itinerary for the West Coast – OUT of flower season! Leave Cape Town via the R27 – there is a lot to do en route and day one is jam-packed. Look out for the Darling Wind ... more information
West Coast Fossil Park
For the visitor, the highlight of the West Coast Fossil Park is the ‘live’ exhibit of an ongoing excavation of early Pliocene fossils (fossils from 5 million years ago). There are daily guided tours that give a background to the fossils and the climatic changes that happened in the region. But the park is not just about fossils ... more information
West Coast National Park
Just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West Coast National Park. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt ... more information
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Things To Do in Velddrif
The Snack Shack
Where: Velddrif
How much (per person): On Request
The Snack Shack is a quaint cafe and eatery with a charming verandah hung in clobber, the odd scarecrow and a garden filled with pot plan ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Velddrif
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On Holiday in Velddrif
• Velddrif - A Visitors Perspective
• Velddrif Accommodation
• Velddrif Bed & Breakfast
• Velddrif Self Catering
• Cape West Coast Accommodation
• Western Cape Accommodation
• South Africa Accommodation
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