Get Away to Dwarskersbos

We have always loved Dwarskersbos for its blissful isolation from the congestion, chaos, and general hustle and bustle of the Cape. When we’ve needed an escape and a weekend filled with nothing more than long mornings lying in bed, long walks on white sand beaches, and long evenings of wine and braai on the patio, Dwarskersbos has been our favourite destination.

Now, with the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus and the panic that is sweeping not just the country but also the world, everyone seems to be cancelling their holidays, stocking up on supplies, and hunkering down at home. The beauty of Dwarskersbos, however, is that it is so isolated and so remote that you can spend a weekend, week, or even several weeks here are barely come in contact with other people. And so, for those who want to put the school holidays (and probable cancellation of school, meetings, work, etc.) to the excellent use of going on holiday, we wanted to sing the praises of Dwarskersbos as a destination.

Where is Dwarskersbos?

The charming Dwarskersbos is a quaint and remote West Coast seaside community consisting of a clutch of humble residential homes and holiday cottages bordered by the white sand Dolfynstrand (Dolphin Beach) and Atlantic Ocean, and embraced by vast tracts of low-lying marine scrub. The historic fishing community is located an approximate 10-15 minutes’ drive north from the larger (but only slightly so) West Coast town of Velddrif, where most of the area’s shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars are concentrated. From Cape Town, Dwarskersbos is just under two hours’ drive away, past the spectacularly beautiful West Coast National Park and the busier seaside resort of Langebaan.

What’s the big deal about Dwarskersbos?

That’s just it, really. Dwarskersbos is so under-appreciated as a holiday destination that even in the throes of summer there are relatively few tourists here. And yet, the area has it all: nature, tranquillity, pristine beaches for miles, rich birdlife, and access to shops, restaurants, bars, West Coast culture, and delicious, abundant, and affordable sea food.

At this present moment, however – at a time when South Africa is poised for the outbreak of a respiratory virus that is causing panic around the world - one of Dwarskersbos’ greatest draw cards is its remoteness and isolation from the crowds of the city and the more popular weekend/holiday destinations. You can spend several days in Dwarskersbos and never come within 10 metres of another living soul. That’s not to say that this seaside community is deserted or some kind of ghost town…rather, residents enjoy sheltered, tranquil lives, venturing out for walks, to enjoy nature, or pot about their gardens.

In other words: you won’t be rubbing shoulders with (or contracting coronavirus from) anyone!

Where to stay?

dk villas’ cosy and charming beach cottage at Skilliepark, of course! This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is positioned a stone’s throw from Dolfynstrand and from its second floor balcony, guests can enjoy gorgeous views of the western horizon and its blood-red sunsets. The balcony itself features an indoor braai, eight-seater table, and wrap-around windows so that, irrespective of the weather, the beauty of Dwarskersbos can be admired.

Inside, the cottage is decidedly beach-themed, the design and décor of which has been executed with an impeccable standard of chicness, attention to detail, and concern for function, comfort, space usage, and aesthetics. The entrance leads into an open plan double volume living room and fully kitted-out kitchen that includes high-end appliances, a coffee and tea-making station, as well as heaps of storage space.

dk villas’ beach cottage at Skilliepark has two bedrooms, both with queen-size beds and one with an open plan en-suite bathroom with a bath. The apartment is flush with everything one could possibly want and need to enjoy a luxurious stay in Dwarskersbos, including unlimited Wi-Fi, flat screen TV with DSTV, Egyptian cotton towels and sheets, bird and wildlife reference books, a garage, and washing machine and dryer.

Things to do in Dwarskersbos

As we’ve mentioned, Dwarskersbos’ greatest allure is its tranquillity and remoteness. You can spend day after day walking through nature and up and down the beach and seldom encounter another soul, which is absolutely perfect considering the possible dangers of being in close proximity with anyone these days. In fact, most of Dwarskersbos’ diversions hardly require you to come within several metres of anyone else so you, your partner, and/or your family can remain safe and protected during your holiday stay. Here are some suggestions….

Dolfynstrand

Dolfynstrand is a broad and mostly deserted white sand beach located a two-minute walk from dk villas’ Skilliepark beach cottage. Here, there are kilometres of pristine beach to stroll upon or, alternatively, you can take along umbrellas, towels, and a picnic for a family outing or a romantic date with a loved one.

Nature & wildlife

The West Coast carries a formidable reputation for its fauna and flora. Here, there are a multitude of nature reserves to explore, including the West Coast National Park, Rocherpan Nature Reserve, and Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lambert’s Bay. Once again, if you stay in your car and picnic away from any other visitors, a day spent at either of these reserves should be perfectly safe. Just to the south of Dwarskersbos, you’ll find the Berg River estuary, which is nationally held in high regard for it birdwatching.

For more detailed information, read our blog on things to do and see in Dwarskersbos. Please do just be careful to avoid large crowds and wash your hands regularly.

Eating out

The current climate isn’t exactly favourable for dining out – and we’re sorry to harp on about COVID-19 but safety is paramount. What we recommend is that you purchase enough groceries to cater for your stay and enjoy the comprehensive facilities on offer at dk villas’ beach cottage. As previously mentioned, the open-plan kitchen is fully kitted out with every appliance, utensil, pot, and tool you could possibly need to prepare full meals for the family. Additionally, the outdoor braai and veranda area are perfect for lengthy afternoons and evening entertainment.

If you do wish to venture out for a meal, the remoteness of Dwarskersbos probably makes it safer to seek out a meal than most places. For a hearty plate of food, try the See Kaia (+27 (0) 83 276 3115 or +27 (0) 71 742 8593), which serves unpretentious, rustic cuisine like pizzas, burgers, toasted sandwiches, and breakfasts. Slightly further afield, in Velddrif and Port Owen, you’ll find a much greater diversity of restaurants, pubs, and casual eateries, such as Russells on the Port (+27 (0) 22 783 0158), Charlie’s Brewhouse (+27 (0) 22 783 0448), Ek en Djy Vissery (+27 (0) 82 781 3878), Lavender & Lime Coffee Shop (+27 (0) 78 203 8374), and many more.

For more information on these places, check out our blog about places to eat in and around Dwarskersbos!

Staying safe

The novel COVID-19 coronavirus has only recently made its way to South African shores but if we are to avoid the scale of explosive outbreak that countries such as China, Iran, and Italy have witnessed, it is paramount that we protect ourselves. The best way to do that is to isolate yourself from other people. Considering the remoteness, tranquillity, and isolation that beautiful Dwarskersbos offers, there are few more appropriate and safe places to go on holiday, which you’re going to want to do after two weeks of bored kids.

We’d love to host you (safely) in our beach cottage.

For more information on our Skilliepark property or to make a booking, go to www.dkvillas.co.za, email info@dkvillas.co.za, or call Johann de Kock on +27 (0)82 922 0775.