Dwarskersbos is situated on the stunning West Coast of the Western Cape Province of South Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean’s cool blue waters lap miles upon miles of undeveloped sand and shells. The fishing communities that dot the coastline and have been there for generations have built up a distinct culture that is now a vital component of South Africa’s national identity.
After leaving Cape Town, you will need to travel for around two hours along the picturesque R27, often known as the West Coast Road, to get to Dwarskersbos. The main draw for South African and foreign tourists to this small town is its stunning beaches, which are located in Dwarskersbos. Between the months of June and September, a large number of Southern Right whales travel along this coastline, captivating onlookers with their inquisitive behaviours and acrobatic antics.
The spectacular avian species, including aquatic and endangered species, may be found in the Rocherpan Nature Reserve, which is also located in Dwarskersbos. Outdoor aficionados will adore this.
There are other nearby cities that are popular with tourists, including Citrusdal, Piketberg, Velddrift, Lamberts Bay, Saldanha, and Langebaan. Additionally, Dwarskersbos is a short drive from Cape Town, the Western Cape’s capital city, which offers an almost limitless array of things to do and see.
These are just a few of the unique factors that, despite being remote and peaceful, Dwarskersbos continues to draw a large number of tourists throughout the year.
Dwarskersbos Map
Things To Do In Dwarskersbos
Berg River Canooze
The Berg River Canooze is one of five paths that go through the Cape West Coast Biosphere, and it’s a reasonably simple downstream kayak trip with farm stays from Hopefield to Velddrif. This trail places a strong emphasis on relaxation. Since there are no rapids and everything is downstream, it is suitable for the entire family.
The Berg River in particular is home to thousands of waterfowl every spring, while the veld is abundant with wildflowers in the late winter. Kayaking on the river is an exhilarating opportunity to experience the stunning splendour and great biodiversity of the West Coast.
In the area of Hopefield, the Berg River Canooze route begins with an overnight farm stay. Following breakfast, you go off along the Berg River, through reed beds, woods, and rural vistas. Find some time with your guide to relax on the grass by the river, row through tall blue gum trees as you listen for fish eagle calls, and search for small kingfishers sitting on branches near the water. Probably a fish barbecue for a late lunch.
Kersbosstrand Beach
For those in need of a long, leisurely walk, fresh air, and the cooling sea wind, Kersbosstrand beach is a lovely getaway. The pristine white sand beaches stretch for almost 40 kilometres, all the way to Elands Bay, and are lapped by the brisk Atlantic Ocean seas.
The tranquil waters are perfect for hydrofoiling, stand-up paddling on a SUP board, swimming, and boating. This beach is popular with kite surfers when the wind comes up. Whales come to these waters between July and December, splashing and blowing for the amusement of onlookers. Dolphins can be seen jumping out of the water or riding the waves all year long.
Kersbosstrand Beach is a great vacation spot since it offers a variety of activities, including lying on the beach and getting sunburned, strolling hand in hand with your special someone, participating in watersports adventures, and taking stunning holiday photos against distinctive backgrounds.
Piket-Bo-Berg Farmers Market
Both the lovely Piket-Bo-Berg Farmers’ Market, which is located immediately below the Piketberg Mountains, and many of the West Coast’s lodging alternatives are set against the truly breathtaking backgrounds that the Piketberg Mountains promise. This market is all about celebrating the mouthwatering flavours of the local fresh vegetables while engaging in conversation with the warm locals.
The farms in this region are well known for their mouthwatering citrus fruits, pears, peaches, apples, and plums. And the reason why so many customers at the market love these is because of their luscious sweetness. But there are also lots of other delectable delicacies available. These consist of baked treats like vetkoek and pancakes, quince jelly, farm butter, banana bread, biltong, quiches, and cakes that are created from scratch.
Books, olive products (including delicious olive oil), warm rooster brood (a South African bread that is dense, moist, and baked on the fire), green tea kombucha, and exquisitely created wooden games and home decor are all available from stalls there. Additionally, the neighbourhood animal welfare group has a booth here where donations of gently used clothing, toys, books, blankets, cat food, and other items are always accepted. They subsequently sell these products to generate money for stray animals.
Best Accommodation Options In Dwarskersbos
Hilltop house
At Doornbosch Game Lodge, a 5000ha working farm with horses, game, fynbos, and honey culture, Hilltop House provides lodging in Elim. Being able to truly “get away from it all” is achievable in this place where life is calm, unhurried, and unspoiled. Elim’s Hilltop House is a self-catering vacation rental with breathtaking views, a sizable private garden, and a mansion-like design reminiscent of a Cape Dutch estate. Hilltop features opulent furnishings, complete privacy, and lots of room for groups of people.
Offering breathtaking views and complete peace and quiet are three separate bedrooms and two exquisite baths. Additionally, a studio apartment with a queen-size bed can accommodate two extra visitors.
Queen-size beds are included in each of the three bedrooms. The second bathroom has a shower, toilet, and basin while the first bathroom has a bath, toilet, and basin. A separate guest restroom is available.
You are invited to relax in front of the fireplace in the spacious living room with its two sitting areas or to have a quiet meal in your home away from home. A TV with DStv channels is available. Beautiful cookware, a stove, oven, microwave, and a dishwasher are all included in the kitchen’s amenities.
Rocherpan Holiday House
Lovely beachside home in Dwarskersbos is called Rocherpan. It is perfect for visitors looking for cosy self-catering accommodations with views of the ocean. Rocherpan is 10 kilometres from a store, and a restaurant, and is convenient for both indoor and outdoor activities. The beach is also within walking distance of the community.
Three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms can be found in the attractively decorated home. The bedrooms come with a double bed or two single beds and open en-suite bathrooms with showers and bathtubs.
The kitchen is well-equipped with a stove an oven, a microwave, and a fridge/freezer. For your convenience, a washing machine, dishwasher, and tumble dryer are available. The lounge offers cosy furniture and a TV with premium DStv.
Maluti
For groups of friends and family travelling to Dwarskersbos to explore the Cape West Coast, Maluti provides cosy vacation lodging. The residence is located in Dwarskersbos only 120 meters from the shore. a calm vacation spot where you may take advantage of the sun, sand, and fishing.
Six people can sleep in these two bedrooms. A double bed is in the first bedroom, and there are two sets of bunk beds in the second one (perfect for four children). These rooms share a shower-equipped bathroom.
The apartment offers an open-concept kitchen with a dining space, a fridge, a microwave, a gas stove, and an oven. The lounge, which features a TV with DSTV and an indoor fireplace, is a great spot for guests to unwind. Off-street parking is accessible, as well as outdoor braai amenities.