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As far as sleepy, tranquil Cape West Coast villages go, Dwarskersbos is a rather undiscovered gem.
Popular as a holiday hub and seasonal whale watching destination, this enigmatic fishing village, found some two hours’ drive from Cape Town, offers the perfect blend of white sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets, outdoor adventures and beautifully preserved Cape charm and history.
In this post, we look at some of the best things to do and savour in dear Dwarskersbos, a true Cape West Coast beauty for locals and travellers to discover:
Stroll Along Pristine Beaches
Dwarskersbos is a famously beautiful seaside village, blessed with a wonderful array of sandy, white beaches, gorgeous views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and of course, popular seasonal whale watching.
It’s not just the whales who can be sighted here though - as Dwarskersbos is one of only a few destinations where you can sight the exceptionally rare Heaviside’s dolphin, a species native to Africa’s southwest coast.
So it’s a given that beach strolls (especially around sunset) are a must when visiting or staying in Dwarskersbos.
Savour the Special Coastline
In the humble fishing village of Dwarskersbos, there are also plenty of ocean-based activities, like kayaking and bodyboarding, to enjoy with your friends and family.
This peaceful village also offers some excellent fishing opportunities, so if you’re a keen fisherman, don’t forget to bring your fishing gear and rods along for the journey!
Explore the Scenic Rocherpan Nature Reserve
If you prefer land-based adventures, why not lose yourself in the immense natural beauty of Dwarskersbos and its surrounds when you visit nearby Rocherpan Nature Reserve?
This coastal nature reserve is famous for its abundant, seasonal wildflowers and rich bird life. Situated some 25 kilometres north of Velddrif and some 10 kilometres from Dwarskersbos itself, Rocherpan is primarily a seasonal vlei (which is usually dried out from March to June) that offers a host of fun outdoor activities, including:
- mountain biking on the adventurous jeep track;
- picnicking (choose from the new braai area behind the bird hides or the lookout point near the beach);
- shore angling (this is only allowed within the Rocherpan marine protected area; permits must be purchased at the closest post office and shown at reception when entering the reserve);
- bird watching, of some 183 species, from one of three bird hides (note: bird spotting, especially of the 70 water bird species, is dependent on the water in the pans and is thus not guaranteed)
- hiking (thanks to the reserve’s two short hiking trails; please book your hiking permits at reception)
- dolphin and whale-spotting (usually seen here between June to November)
- swimming in the eco-pool (reserved for overnight guests only)
For more information on permits, reserve entry fees and the overall experiences, please visit the Cape Nature website at: www.capenature.co.za
Photo credit: Cape Nature via Facebook
Book a Soothing Accommodation Stay
Dwarskersbos is too good to experience in a single day, so why not extend your holiday by checking into DK Villa’s own idyllic beach apartment, found within Skilliepark?
Our bright, airy and wonderfully beach chic, self-catering cottage (formerly reserved for DK
Villas owners, Johann and Petra’s personal family use) is the perfect accommodation offering for Dwarskersbos-bound travellers and fun-loving families.
The apartment comes equipped with two bedrooms (each with queen-sized beds), an open plan, en-suite bathroom, luxury bedding, flatscreen TV, DStv and free WiFi, a separate laundry facility (with a washing machine and tumble dryer), enclosed, sea-facing balcony, built-in braai area, communal swimming pool (within the Skilliepark complex) and more.
Best of all, this gorgeous beach apartment sleeps a maximum of four guests, including children, making it a great family-friendly option.
It is the perfect refuge after a day’s exploring, as well as a cosy, beautiful hideout no matter the weather.
And with such pristine nature and ocean paradise on your doorstep, how could you possibly say no to any chance to linger longer in Dwarskersbos?
For more information or to book our Dwarskersbos beach apartment, please see here on our website.
These are just some of the best things to enjoy in and around Dwarskersbos; we hope that you’ll visit soon and experience them first-hand for yourself!
