Papendorp, on the Cape West Coast is situated between Strandfontein and Lutzville at the mouth of the Olifants River. The locals, as they have always been from ages past, are dependent on fishing in the estuary, and their understanding of the fragility of the eco-system has helped preserve this natural environment.
The local fishermen use little wooden boats called “bakkies”, Afrikaans for little bowls. Just before sunset, the fishermen prepare their boats and gill nets, to go out and harvest mullet.
They do not use engines, and the estuary remains enveloped by natural sounds and the gentle movement of the oars over the water. The fishing continues throughout the night, using nets still made by hand.
It is laborious work that some days provides a good catch of mullet, which is salted and dried to create bokkoms, the fish biltong of the West Coast.
It seems that time has just stood still in this part of the world. Locals still process their salt in the nearby salt pans, making use of traditional salt gathering methods. Visitors are allowed, which is a great outing for kids to see how salt is made, and for moms to purchases natural salt and bath salts.
Papendorp is one of the few remaining places where you can see the simplicity of life in its purest form as it used to be along the entire West Coast. Things may change however, with the future recognition of the estuary wetlands as a RAMSAR site; an important habitat for migratory birds and an Important Breeding Area (IBA) with 183 species being recorded.
Don’t forget to have a look at the community needlework project where beautiful hand embroidered linen can be bought.
From Papendorp, a hiking trial follows the Olifants River inland to the peaceful farming and fishing community of Ebenhaeser, originally founded as a mission station in 1608.
Papendorp is 50km west of Vredendal and 21km from Lutzville on the coast.
Read our detailed information on the West Coast at ShowMe West Coast.
