The Nature Lover’s Guide to Dwarskersbos and the Cape West Coast

Dwarskersbos and its surrounding area is a magnet for nature and birding enthusiasts. Because much of the West Coast has been left untouched by development, its flower-carpeted plains, estuaries, mudflats, and indigenous coastal scrub and fynbos are in a pristine state. They also support a myriad of animals and birdlife, many species of which are endemic to this region and found nowhere else in South Africa, or indeed the world.

Here are a few must-go places and attractions for visitors to Dwarskersbos who love to get out into nature!

The Berg River and Estuary

The Berg River is a 294 kilometre-long waterway that drains a mountain catchment area of 7,715 km². Dwarskersbos is located a stone’s throw to the north of the Berg River mouth, where it feed into the Atlantic Ocean at Velddrif, forming an estuary that is an important ecosystem for a diverse number of aquatic bird, animal, and plant species. Not surprisingly, this area attracts hoards of birdwatchers but for those who just like to experience the beauty of the Berg River – and perhaps catch a sunset in the process - there are boat cruise operators to call upon.
Tollie’s Boat & River Cruises depart morning and late afternoon from the Port Owen Slipway at the Riviera Hotel in Velddrif for a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise. The boat, captained by the amusing and informative Captain Tollie, accommodates 32 guests, and is child friendly. Find them on Facebook or contact +27 (0) 79 763 6966.

Diverse Birdlife

Speaking of bird life, located on the West Coast near the mouth of the Berg River and the Langebaan bird sanctuary, Dwarskersbos is a prime location for birds and birding. The area’s mudflats, estuaries, coastal scrub, and fynbos offer a wide variety of habitats, where 127 different species of water birds and 93 terrestrial birds have been identified. These include 25 species that are considered to be of national importance and at least five ‘Red Data’ listed species. For more information about birdwatching in the lower Berg River wetlands, please click here.

Beach lover’s paradise

Dwarskersbos is bordered along its western periphery by the Atlantic Ocean and a lovely white sand beach called Dolfynstrand. Every morning, evening, and, of course, throughout the day, this quiet beach offers a picturesque setting for long walks, romantic picnics, or, if you can brave the cold, a revitalising ocean dip.

Whale watching

Being an important upwelling zone, the Benguela current nurtures a thriving ecosystem, which means rich marine life and the potential to spot big ocean mammals like dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Species such as southern right whales can be spotted from the beaches, while humpbacked whales can be seen further out to sea. And don’t worry: the water here is typically too cold for great white sharks!

Flower season

The West Coast practically has an international reputation for the annual blooming of its wildflower. Every August – towards the end of the month – millions upon millions of bulbs and seeds that have lain dormant in the soil erupt into a celebration of colour, carpeting the West Coast in swaths of orange, purple, red, and white. Visitors are encouraged to get out of their cars and walk through this wonderland, to take pictures with the flowers, and smell the Hesperantha (aandblom) and Babiana (Bobbejaantjie). For more information on the area’s incredible flora, check out the Velddrif Tourism Website.

West Coast National Park

Located less than an hour’s drive south from Dwarskersbos is the West Coast National Park, undoubtedly one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful nature reserves, where the indigenous coastal biome, fauna, and flora have been pristinely preserved. Within this 36,260-hectare park, which runs the length of the cool Atlantic Ocean from the town of Yzerfontein to the Langebaan Lagoon in the north, there is a cacophony of indigenous birdlife, several large antelope species, and a spectrum smaller mammals and reptiles. The park is best known for its many hiking trails, spectacular flowers in spring, swimming spots, and many endemic bird species that you won’t see anywhere else. Visit the South African National Parks website or contact +27 (0) 22 772 2144.

Salt pans at Cerebos

Cerebos, the market leader in the retail salt market in South Africa, has many salt pans near the mouth of the Berg River, which attracts beautiful birds such as greater and lesser flamingo, great white pelicans, and chestnut banded plovers. In October, birdwatchers visit the pans in the hopes of spotting the rare and elusive red-necked phalarope.

Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Rocherpan is a coastal nature reserve (part of the Cape Nature Group) teeming with birds and colourful wildflowers, particularly in the spring. The 930-hectare reserve, which lies 10 km north of Dwarskersbos, consists largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June but, over winter, receives the water it needs to host a vibrant array of fauna and flora. Rocherpan was established as a nature reserve in 1966, and the adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988. Visit the Cape Nature website or contact +27 (0) 79 203 1092.