THINGS TO DO
Introduction
Struisbaai, L’ Agulhas and Suider Strand
fall under the Overberg Area. The area is one of South Africa’s pristine
holiday destinations. Visitors from all over the world are flocking to the
southernmost of Africa with its 14 km unspoiled white sand beach flanked by a rugged
coastline.
To view some spectacular photos of the area please browse through our listings.
Swimming:
For lovers of the sea there are safe swimming beaches and
opportunities for a wide range of water sports, surfing, windsurfing, angling,
deep-sea diving and snorkelling. Deep sea angling expeditions can be taken from
Struisbaai.
Spookdraai
Hiking Trail:
The "Spookdraai"
(literally Ghost's Corner) hiking trail at L'Agulhas,
which can be completed in less than two hours, has been created to add an extra
dimension to the value of the visitor's stay in this region. It
takes the hiker on a short journey during which he⁄she
will become acquainted with the fynbos, the bird life
and historical points of interest. Upon entering this website you would have
notice some pictures of fynbos on the top of the main
page.
Two Oceans Hiking Trail:
The trail starts at the L'Agulhas
Private Nature Reserve and leads through natural fynbos
vegetation. Extremely rare and endangered fynbos
species can be seen.
The reserve also teems with bird-life. Magnificent views of the
two oceans as well as the Karsriviervlei and Soetendalsvlei further enhance the hiking experience.
Beach Trail:
And a must is a walk along the 14 km unspoiled coastline of
Struisbaai. Beach benches near the harbour provide one with the opportunity to
rest and watch the peaceful activities in the Struisbaai harbour.
Nature Reserve:
De Hoop Nature and Marine reserve, De Mond
Nature Reserve and Heuningberg Nature Reserve are
beautiful places to spend a day with the family.
Bird watching is also an attraction, with rare species including
the endangered Blue Crane, Cape Vulture, Flamingo and African Black
Oystercatcher.
Museums:
A must is the maritime museum at Bredasdorp
and the Lighthouse museum at L’Agulhas
Cavers:
The world famous low tide caves at Waenhuiskrans is also an experience you will never
forget!
Pond:
And yes, the river pond at Malgas is the
only hand pulled pond in South Africa. It is nested in beautiful surroundings
The Flora (Fynbos):
Fynbos is the natural
vegetation of a relatively narrow strip along the South-western Cape coastal
area. This small region is the home of more than 8 500 fynbos
varieties. More than 6 000 of these are found nowhere else in the world. A
large number are very rare and are in danger of becoming extinct. This region, although the smallest in area, is the richest of the
six floristic kingdoms. As 8 500 plant species grow here, it is an
important area for ecological conservation on an international level.
Well-known fynbos species are the Proteas and the Ericas.
Best time of the year to view this fynbos
is from Autumn to Spring.
Whale Watching:
Southern Right Whales visit the Overberg coast from July to
December to calve. The best vantage point is at Koppie
Alleen in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Coastal resorts
also offer excellent whale spotting opportunities.
Where Two Oceans Meet:
As determined by the International Hydrographical
Organization, the two mighty oceans, Indian and Atlantic, meet at the
southernmost tip of the Africa continent - Cape Agulhas.
However, the meeting point of the two ocean currents, the warm
Agulhas Current and the cold Benguela Current, is a
totally different issue, and must not be confused with the meeting of the
Oceans.
The point where these currents meet, fluctuates considerably, and
is constantly on the move along the southern and south-western Cape coast, most
often occurring somewhere between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point.
Contrary to what one may think, this meeting produces no
fireworks, clashing of cymbals or dramatic crashing of waves!
Shipwrecks:
The stretch of coast around the southernmost tip of Africa is
known as the "Graveyard of Ships" for various reasons: gale-force
winds, ever-changing weather conditions, high swells and the treacherous rocky
coast line, have caused numerous wrecks.
More than 125 of the approximately 2 130 ships that have been
wrecked along the South African coast since 1552 are found along the Overberg
coast, which covers a distance of approximately 100km.
Certain items from these wrecked ships such as figureheads,
cannons, anchors, porcelain and rare coins can be viewed at the Shipwreck
Museum in Bredasdorp. The museum is the only one of
its kind in the country.
Southernmost Tip:
Make your mark by taking a picture at Cape Agulhas showing that
you, of all the teeming millions in Africa, were the southernmost person for
that instant in history!
Summary: Swimming [beach and tide pools], Hiking Trails, Nature Reserve, Museums, Caves, Pond, Fynbos, Proteas, Whale Watching, Where The Two Oceans Meet, Shipwrecks, Southernmost of Africa, Bird Watching, Fishing - Deep Sea, Fishing – Land, Horse Riding, Waterskiing, Windsurfing, 4 X 4 Trails, Ocean Safaris, Quad Bikes, Curios Shops, Coffee Shops, Fresh Fish and Produce Shops, DVD Shops, Restaurants and Takeaways, Pubs, Live Music and Dancing, Churches, Beach Services, New Year Fireworks Display, Geelstert Festival, Seasonal Touch Ruby and Marathons, and many more.
And do not forget the many inviting curios shops
and coffee shops.
Everybody, Start Surfing!
Team: Southern Staying