The Cape Agulhas Region in the Western Cape is made up of two distinct areas, the coastal stretch between Cape Agulhas and Witsand and the inland towns of Bredasdorp, Elim and Napier. The coastal towns are Arniston, Cape Infanta, De Hoop, De Mond, L’Agulhas, Struisbaai and Witsand. The main attractions are the rural laid back atmosphere, fishing, beautiful beaches, whale watching and water sports.
Malgas has the only hand operated pont in South Africa and is the gateway to many of the Cape Agulhas towns. Elim, a missionary village, is a complete national monument while Bredasdorp and Napier are typical historic villages that have been “discovered” by South Africans and foreigners for their charms and friendly folk, away from the city rush.
L’Agulhas
L’Agulhas is the geographic southern tip of Africa and the official dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian oceans as is well known for the shipwrecks that happened in historic times. The country’s second oldest working lighthouse was built here in 1848 and you can browse the fascinating lighthouse museum or stop for a cup of tea. This area has recently been proclaimed as the Agulhas National Park with 8500 species of flowering plants and a bounty of birds in the wetlands. The water here is very shallow and L’Agulhas is known to be one of the best fishing grounds in SA.
Struisbaai
Struisbaai is a coastal village boasting the longest continuous stretch (14km) of white sand coastline in the Southern Hemisphere. Collect shells, sunbathe or swim in the safe azure ocean in this unspoiled corner of South Africa. Boat based whale watching from the Struisbaai harbour is a popular attraction. Fishing trips are also available on charters from the harbour.
De Hoop and De Mond National Parks
De Hoop is famous for the white,white sandy shores, running up to fynbos covered dunes – the ideal spot for calving whales, and judging by the number of whales that can be seen from June to November, it seems the whales themselves have spread the message. The reserves both protect endemic bird and wildlife, are malaria free and offer great hiking and biking.
De Mond, the mouth of the Heuningsnes River, lies between the villages of Arniston and Struisbaai. The fishing is renowned both in the estuary and the sea. Grunter, steenbras, galjoen, leervis, elf, cob, springer and striped harder all occur in this estuary and along the coast.
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans)
Arniston is a seaside fishing village on the Cape Agulhas coast that is still centered around the local fishing traditions of the 1800′s. The Kassiesbaai fishing village, a national heritage site, is a photographer’s dream. Fishermen still consider Arniston a top fishing spot. Arniston is a peaceful, relaxing holiday destination away from the busy city life where the natural assets of azure sea, pristine beaches, walks, birding snorkelling, diving among the many ocean wrecks or body boarding completes the water activities. Arniston Bay offers some of the world’s best whale watching.
Witsand and Cape Infanta
Witsand is situated at the eastern side of the mouth of one of the largest, most navigable rivers in South Africa and is rich in diverse species of fish and bird life. The Breede River is recognised as one of the best fishing estuaries in the country with tidal action that reaches far upstream. In addition, the unspoiled, quiet area of the St Sebastian Bay houses the single largest winter migration population of Southern Right Whales and is affectionately known as the “whale nursery”. Whale-watching season starts in June and lasts until November each year. Witsand offers unspoiled beaches, swimming and all watersports. Cape Infanta lies at the western mouth of the Breede River opposite Witsand. This area is virtually undeveloped and offers those who love nature fishing, beaches and fynbos the perfect unspoiled spot to get away from it all.
Elim Historic Village
Elim is an almost forgotten village that developed around a Moravian Mission in the mid 1800’s. Its sense of separation from the city buzz is a rare find. On entering Elim, the historical charm of the town will be immediately evident with the lime washed cottages, Moravian Church and friendly people to welcome you. Ask around and you are sure to find a guide! The Black Oystercatcher Winery is close to Elim.
Bredasdorp
Napier, founded in 1838, is a typical Overberg farming village, with a beautiful Dutch Reformed Church as the centrepiece, century-old cottages and a charming rural atmosphere. It is surrounded by rolling fields of wheat, oats, barley and canola – dotted with sheep and dairy cattle, as well as the endangered blue crane.
Napier is rated by the Tourism Board as the fourth most attractive village of the Western Cape. It is not just the beauty and central location of Napier that has encouraged a flock of city dwellers and foreigners to move in, but the village itself, with its friendly locals.
Towns of the Cape Agulhas Region
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