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Day Trips Deon van Schalkwyk is a THETA (Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority) accredited Tour Guide and has a good knowledge of the area. Above all he has a deep-rooted love for the Beach Buggy and is an enthusiastic 4X4 driver. This he prides himself on and would love to share his experiences and passion with you. He offers tailor made tours as well as shuttle services. All prices on request. |
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LandcruiserTrip Approx. 4 hours, max 4 person Enjoy a comfortable drive from Paternoster to Vasco da Gama Monument in St Helena Bay. Discover the salt pans and Bokkom Lane in Velddrif. Next stop via Dwarskersbos is Rocherpan, a bird lovers must to see (bird sanctuary). St Helena Bay is one of only three natural bays on the world's mainland coastlines where one can view both a sunrise and a sunset over the sea. It is also recognised as one of the calmest bays in the world. "A calm and tranquil bay" Vasco Da Gama said. A curious phenomenon is the virtual absence of the rust problem plaguing surrounding villages - it is thought that the row of small hills to the West of the town shields it from salt spray. The beach at St Helena Bay was the first place in southern Africa where the Pater Noster (Our Father) was said, and the village of Paternoster was named in honour of this event. "Bokkom" is the Afrikaans name for a traditional West Coast dried fish delicacy. "Bokkoms" or wind dried "Harders" are found only in Velddrif. "Bokkomlaan" (Bokkom Avenue) is a small "bokkom" industry situated next to the Berg River. Although some of these little factories are national monuments, they still provide local fishermen with their livelihood. Approx. 25 km North of Velddrif lies the breathtaking Rocher Pan Nature Reserve. The 914 ha reserve consists mostly of wetlands (part of it is a seasonal vlei), and is habitat to a wide variety of bird species. In addition to the array of bird species to be seen, there are also a number of smaller mammals such as Springbok, Duiker, Steenbok, Water Mongoose and the African Wild Cat. There are two bird hides and various picnic sites to choose from, and during August and September, nature's colourful spring flower display is a phenomenal sight. |
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Landcruiser Trip Approx. 5 hours, max 4 person Go for a coastal trip and visit the little towns of Saldanha and Langebaan. The West Coast National Park offers a stunning view onto the unique Langebaan Lagoon as well as the famous 16 miles beach. Inside the park is Geelbek Restaurant with its adjacent museum which offers an insight of 'Eve's footprint'. Saldanha Bay is the largest natural bay and has the deepest anchorage in South Africa. It is also home to the richest mussel farms and oyster beds. Saldanha Bay and Langebaan Lagoon form together one of the few sheltered habitats with the Benguela Marine Province. The West Coast National Park was established to protect this unique ecosystem. Malgas Island in Saldanha Bay supports several species of seabird, but its main inhabitant is the Cape Gannet (Morus Capensis). Annually, at least 40 000 of these magnificent birds congregate there to breed, forming an almost impenetrable wall of feathers and sharp beaks. During August and September, the West Coast sheds its dowdy winter disguise to display its gorgeous bright and colourful spring attire. |
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