Situated on the estuary of the Goukou River, Stilbaai fondly called the ‘Bay of Sleeping Beauty’, is an ideal destination in terms of eco-tourism. The unique limestone area with it’s abundance of natural springs, provided the ideal habitat for ancient man, whose footprints still linger here. The warm Indian Ocean washes onto miles of unspoilt brilliant white sandy beaches on both sides of the navigable river, providing ideal conditions for bathing, water sports of every conceivable kind and endless romantic walks. Extensive sporting facilities combined with the mild climatic conditions and low winter rainfall, provide keen sportsmen with ample opportunities. The well organized and established business sector provides for all shopping and service needs. A wide range of accommodation in the form of camping, caravanning, self catering apartments and homes, chalets as well as luxury guest houses are available. The marine life in this coastal town offers unsurpassed experiences. It is home to South Africa’s only tame eels viewed in their natural habitat, whilst scores of Southern Right whales frolic in the placid waters of the bay. Stilbaai is part of what is traditionally known as the Whalecoast, stretching from Witsand and Gouritz Mouth and boasts the highest annual gathering of whales in the world between July and October. The opportunity to view the whales, eels and spectacular floral displays simultaneously, is unique in South Africa.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Riversdale 38 km

Banks

Absa, Boland, FNB, Standard

HISTORICAL VIEW

Ancient Fish Traps

Morris Point and Stilbaai harbour. Constructed by Strandlopers and visible at low tide.

Fisherman’s Village of Melkhoutfontein

Historical and architectural heritage, including Strandveld architecture to be seen at this village as well as the two National Monuments Palinggat and Jagersbosch which adorn the centre to the town.

NATURE

Flower Routes

Swartklip, Hectorskraal, Rietvlei, Jongensfontein, Blombosch and Soete Inval Botanical Garden

All offer stunning floral displays during July to October.

Geelkrans Nature Reserve

This 156 ha reserve is located on the coast, 5 km east of Stilbaai. Coastal fynbos, Antelope species include bushbuck, Cape grysbok and common duiker. Birdlife typical of coastal fynbos, including Cape Bulbul, Cape and Rednecked Francolin, grass bird and Southern Tchagra. There are no accommodation facilities within the reserve. Other attractions include a hiking trail.

Jagersbosch Botanical Garden

Pauline Bohnen Nature Reserve

A 140 ha reserve located near Stilbaai. Vegetation consists primarily of coastal fynbos. Antelope species include bushbuck, Cape grysbok and common duiker

Soete Inval Botanical Garden

View the stunning floral displays in the unique, first of it’s kind botanical garden in a redeveloped township, cultivated by descendants of the Khoikhoi who are traditionally known to be outstanding gardeners. This garden boasts most of the fynbos species found in the entire province. Viewing is particularly rewarding between July and October, peaking between August and September.

ATTRACTIONS

Palingsgat

See South Africa’s only tame eels being fed in their natural habitat at the historical Palinggat Residence.

Soete Arbeid Craft Shop

Nationally acclaimed for it’s progressive and interesting artifacts, which are extremely well priced. Sit down in the ‘Boma’ and chat to the laid back locals, as they enthuse you with their animated anecdotes, whilst they prepare mouth watering local cuisine on the open hearth.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

Angling, Bathing, Bird Watching, Fishing, Scuba Diving, Watersports, Whale Watching during mid June to October.

Sport

Bowling, Golf 9 hole Course, Squash, Tennis.

River Ferry Trips

Arranged by appointment

Whale Watching

Whales can be seen off Whale Point and the harbour (June – October)

Hiking

Geelkranz Trail

Starting Point: Geelkranz Reserve. End: Circular routes. Distance / Duration: 5 – 12 km / 3 – 6 hours. Rating: Easy to difficult. Permit: Required. Features include rehabilitation of dune fynbos, unique limestone caves on coastline, birds, fauna and flora. Recommend: Guide necessary.

Lappiesbaai Beach Trail

Starting point: Lappiesbaai beach. End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 8 km / 2 – 4 hours. Rating: easy. Features include inspoilt soft sandy beach, unique rock formations, shell gathering (especially pansy shell). Recommend: low tide.

Melkhoutfontein Trail

7 km from Stilbaai and ideal for rock angling.

Noorkapper Trail

Starting point: Morris Point. End: Jongensfontein. Distance / Duration: 11 km / 4 hours. Rating: Easy. Permit: None. Features include coastline, fish traps, shell gathering, flowers, whales, caves, ancient strandloper middens. Recommend: low tide.

Pauline Bohnen Route

Starting point: in the reserve. End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 4 – 8 km / 2 – 4 hours. Rating: Easy average. Features include panoramic ocean views, limestone and dune fynbos, small and medium antelope, birds.

Strandloper Route

Starting point: Community Hall: End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 8 km / 2 hours. Rating: Easy. Features include birds, estuary, Strandloper fish traps, harbour, tame eels, nature garden, historical buildings, Jagersbosch.

West Bank Route

Starting Point: Tourism Office. End: Morris Point / Harbour. Distance / Duration: 3 – 6 km / 2 – 5 hours. Rating: Easy. Permit: None. Features include birdlife, river estuary, fish traps, harbour, tame eels and whales

Accommodation in and around Stilbaai