Approaching Velddrif from Cape Town on the R27, a glorious panoramic view greets you. On the left before crossing the Berg River, flamingos feeding in the wetlands, together with a host of other birds.
After crossing the river,if you turn right this eventually takes you to Piketberg some 80km away, which then leads you to the R7, the main road North to Namibia.
However if you turn left, after the bridge, this will take you to Port Owen & Admiral Island, and further on to Laaiplek.This is the heart of a very thriving fishing industry, where there are 8 sea going ships that regularly haul in large catches. It is one of the largest employers in the area. You can buy fresh fish caught daily. It also has a splendid hotel overlooking the river where you can enjoy good food.
Velddrif, population 11,600, has a range of shops in the main road. These include a very good hardware store, Engen garage, OK Supermarket, small furniture shop, a good fish and chip shop, small butcher , Mr Video and a garden centre. Also opposite the municipal offices, there is the post office, chemist and Absa bank. Near the river there is a hotel, which also has a bottle store where you can obtain wines at bargain prices.
View of the Berg River at Velddrif
From Laaiplek the road takes you to Dwartkersbos, a delightfull village by the sea, and Elands Bay, which If you are a keen surfer is a must. Here you will find a large Super Spa, together with a appliance store, Shell garage, Standard Bank, bakery and smaller food and clothing stores.
Velddrif is great not only for fishing, but also for viewing the birdlife, which can be done from a hide which is easily accessed from a walkway.
Vredenburg some 20klms away is the main shopping centre for the area which now has a modern shopping cente which opened in mid 2009.
From here you can reach Paternoster a charming fishing village that has been popularised.
Travelling towards Saldanha just about 20 klms from Vredenburg towards the coast, you reach Jacobsbaai,a charming small resort.
Paternoster. Jacobsbaai.
