Winter Wonderland Program It’s time to get ready! West Coast community and visitors: get your anything-that-floats, cover it in a wintery frosting of lights, and join this fun community event! Spectators welcome! Grab some goodies from the Night Market at the POYC Clubhouse and return for a bite to eat after the floating event. Everyone welcome!
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Winter Wonderland It’s time to get ready! West Coast community and visitors: get your anything-that-floats, cover it in a wintery frosting of lights, and join this fun community event! Spectators welcome! Grab some goodies from the Night Market at the POYC Clubhouse and return for a bite to eat after the floating event. Everyone welcome!
Taste Velddrif: Unforgettable Culinary Adventures Rooted in Land, River and Tradition There’s something about Velddrif that gets under your skin – and it usually starts with the food. Maybe it’s the salt in the air. Maybe it’s the rhythm of life on the riverbanks. Or maybe it’s the simple fact that here, food isn’t just something you eat – it’s something you experience. Set along the gentle curves of the Berg River, this small West Coast village clings quietly to the water’s edge, just over 150km from Cape Town. It feels worlds away – where the pace slows, seabirds drift overhead, and life unfolds in easy, unhurried moments. This is a place where culinary adventure meets deep-rooted tradition – where farm, river and sea come together on a plate, and every stop adds another layer to the story. If Velddrif has a heartbeat, it’s Bokkomlaan Running alongside the Berg River, this historic stretch is where one of the West Coast’s most iconic traditions continues to unfold. Rows of bokkoms – salted, sun-dried mullet – hang in the open air, prepared much as they have been for generations. Here, you can learn how bokkoms are made from the fishermen themselves, then taste the result – something that hasn’t been reinvented, just preserved. At Ek en Jy Vissery, this heritage becomes something you can sit down and savour. A simple table set close to the water, bokkoms served with fresh bread and moskonfyt, and a glass of chilled white wine in hand – it’s an experience shaped as much by its surroundings as by the food itself. Craft Beer, Small-Batch Gin and Harbour Views At the Port Owen marina, Velddrif’s more contemporary flavour comes into focus. With boats moored gently in the harbour, it’s a setting that invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Spots like Charlie’s Brewhouse offer a range of artisanal beers – from crisp lagers and easy-drinking ales to fuller-bodied brews with deeper, more complex notes – often best explored through a tasting flight. Alongside this, small-batch gin experiences introduce locally inspired botanicals and clean, aromatic profiles that reflect the surrounding landscape. Paired with relaxed menus – from seafood to casual sharing plates – it’s the kind of place where a quick stop easily turns into a long, unhurried afternoon. Fresh from the Water: Seafood and Simple Pleasures Seafood is woven into daily life in Velddrif, appearing in many forms across the village. Whether it’s freshly prepared takeaways enjoyed overlooking the water, or a more refined meal at a riverside or marina restaurant, the emphasis is always on freshness. Snoek, mussels and calamari are prepared simply, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves. At the Laaiplek harbour, even an ice cream from the Lighthouse Giftshop & Deli becomes part of the experience – something to savour while watching fishing boats come and go. From Farm to Table: Where Flavour Begins Velddrif’s story doesn’t stop at the water’s edge – it stretches inland to farms where flavour begins long before it reaches your plate. At Kokkerkom Kaas, cheese tasting offers a window into this slower way of producing food. Made from rich Guernsey milk, the cheeses range from gently spiced goudas to softer, creamier styles and more mature varieties with depth and character. Visitors can enjoy a tasting or take a selection home to pair with fresh bread and local preserves – a simple pleasure that reflects the region. This experience offers a rare chance to chat to the cheesemaker, learn about her craft and taste how the land and process come together in every bite. Along the Road: Farm Stalls and Familiar Flavours Some of the best flavours in Velddrif can be discovered at unassuming farm stalls, where shelves are lined with homemade goods and traditional West Coast favourites. Stop in at Skooltjie Padstal or Tolbossie Farm Stall, where freshly baked breads, preserves and comforting local dishes reflect everyday life in the region. Think flaky fish pies, bokkom bread, and those nostalgic, no-frills flavours that hit just right. For something truly traditional, look out for dishes like pap and fried fat (kaiings) – rich, comforting and deeply rooted in local food culture. These are meals that aren’t styled or staged; they’re part of daily life – generous and familiar. Markets, Makers and a Sense of Place If you want to experience Velddrif in one place, head to the Velddrif Village Market. This is where the community shows up – and shows off. Stalls brim with artisanal foods, organic produce, wood-fired pizzas, fresh coffee and homemade cakes, alongside handcrafted goods and locally made products. There’s a relaxed, social energy where visitors browse, taste and linger. Regular themed markets and nearby offerings in Port Owen add to the experience, bringing together fresh produce and handmade wares in a beautiful coastal setting. A Place Where Food Tells a Story What makes Velddrif special isn’t just what’s on the plate – it’s everything around it. It’s learning how bokkoms are made from the fishermen themselves, chatting to a cheesemaker about her craft, and tasting produce that comes directly from the surrounding land. In some cases, it’s even taking part in cooking lessons with locals, where recipes and techniques are shared in the moment. It’s discovering that the best meals aren’t rushed – they’re shared. This is agritourism in its most authentic form – immersive, personal and full of flavour. Velddrif isn’t polished. It’s real. It’s wind in your hair, salt on your skin, and flavour that stays with you long after you’ve left. Every bite forms part of the journey – and every journey tastes better here.
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Velddrif Water Escapes – Unforgettable Boats, Beaches & Beyond If there’s one place where water sets the pace of daily life, it’s Velddrif. Perched along the lower Berg River as it winds toward the ocean, this West Coast village invites you into a world of paddling, cruising, angling, beach time and great food with a view. Here, you can drift along the river with a sundowner, relax with a fishing rod in hand, or enjoy something delicious right on the water’s edge. Velddrif blends adventure and tranquillity in that wonderfully effortless West Coast way. Whether you arrive seeking action or a slow exhale, here’s why Velddrif’s water-based escapes deserve a spot on your travel list this year. Where the River Tells Its Story: Slow Cruises & Champagne Moments One of the must-do activities is a river cruise — a fun, scenic and relaxing way to experience the Berg River from a completely different perspective. Once the boat pulls away from the jetty, you get a front-row view of the river’s natural beauty as reeds, birdlife and long peaceful stretches drift by. Cruises operate throughout the day, and local operators such as Cracklin’ Rosie River Tours, Knot Xtreme Bergrivier Boat Cruise and Step Lightly River Cruises offer everything from daytime outings to sunset trips with sundowners. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to appreciate Velddrif’s calm, wide-open landscapes. Paddle Power: Kayaking, Canoeing & SUP on the Berg River If you prefer setting your own pace, paddling is one of Velddrif’s best-loved activities. The Berg River’s broad, calm stretches make it ideal for canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddling. Early mornings are especially rewarding, with smooth water, gentle light and plenty of birdlife along the reeds. Visitors can bring their own craft or hire equipment from Canoe & Kayak World, making it easy for both beginners and confident paddlers to get onto the water. Bokkom Laan: Old West Coast Traditions on the River’s Edge Along the riverbank lies Bokkom Laan, Velddrif’s oldest road and a recognised Heritage site. This rustic strip is the historic heart of the bokkoms industry, where mullet have been salted and dried for generations. Today, it’s a charming blend of working heritage and laid-back riverside leisure. Visitors wander past old vishuise and drying racks, browse small shops, enjoy a drink on wooden jetties and watch the tide shift just metres away. Ek & Djy, the lane’s most-loved eatery, captures its unpolished, authentic West Coast character. Laaiplek Harbour: A Front-Row Seat to Fishing Life Further downstream, the Berg River meets the sea at Laaiplek — a working harbour rich in traditional West Coast character. Fishing boats move in and out with the tides, nets are repaired on the quayside, and the rhythm of harbour life is always on show. It’s a great place for a wander before stopping at the Lighthouse Giftshop & Deli for ice cream or a light snack with a view of the trawlers. Salt on Your Skin: Beaches, Surf & Ocean Energy Just north of Velddrif lies Dwarskersbos, a peaceful coastal village known for its long stretch of unspoilt beach. It’s ideal for long walks, beach days and photography. On calm days, the shallow water becomes a family-friendly swimming area; when the swell rises, surfers enjoy uncrowded waves. Consistent West Coast winds also make the area popular with kite surfers. Dwarskersbos is close enough for a quick seaside outing and offers a refreshing contrast to the quiet river scenes upriver. Casting Off: River Fishing, Beach Angling & Deep-Sea Adventures Fishing is woven into Velddrif’s identity. The Berg River estuary supports healthy fish stocks, making riverbank angling both accessible and rewarding. Knor Varkie is a favourite spot where fishing and relaxed riverside gatherings often blend into one. Surf anglers head to the beaches around Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos, targeting deeper channels beyond the shore break. For offshore enthusiasts, deep-sea charters leave from the harbour and marinas, offering outings into St Helena Bay in search of larger species. The mix of river, beach and open ocean makes Velddrif a standout fishing destination. Wildlife in Watercolour: Birding in a Ramsar Paradise Velddrif’s Berg River estuary is a Ramsar wetland and a magnet for birdlife, with more than 200 species recorded. Flamingos, spoonbills, pelicans, terns and migrant waders are regularly seen across the tidal flats and salt marshes. Birdwatching is rewarding almost anywhere — along Bokkom Laan, on a river cruise, at Rooibaai, from the harbour wall, or at nearby Rocherpan Nature Reserve. Even casual visitors often leave with memorable sightings thanks to the area’s rich bird diversity. Eat, Sleep and Stay by the Water Good food in Velddrif usually comes with a view. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed meal at De Brug or Teyana’s, or heading to Soverby Lapa for seafood on the beach, dining here is unfussy and full of West Coast flavour. River Shack at Knor Varkie offers a rustic riverside stop, while Suikerbekkie at Kuifkopvisvanger brings countryside calm beside the water. The Lighthouse Giftshop & Deli remains a go-to for harbour treats and ice creams. This waterside lifestyle extends to the accommodation. Throughout Velddrif, Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos, you’ll find everything from cosy riverside cottages to relaxed self-catering units and simple seaside stays. Wherever you choose, water is never far away — and neither is that unmistakable slow West Coast ease. A Place Where Water Writes the Itinerary Velddrif offers the kind of variety that turns a simple trip into a memorable one. You can spend a morning paddling on still water, an afternoon exploring Bokkom Laan or the working harbour at Laaiplek, and a sunset on the beach in Dwarskersbos. It’s an easy, welcoming destination where the water is always close and every day can look slightly different from the one before – a perfect must-do adventure for the fresh new year ahead. If this sounds like the kind of escape you’d love to experience, Bergrivier Tourism launched its Love on the Water Valentine — offering a chance to win a romantic two-night stay at Draaihoek Lodge, including a
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Klein Tafelberg Open Day Get ready for a day of adrenaline, adventure, and off-road excitement at the Klein Tafelberg Adventure Centre 4×4 Open Day! Join us for an action-packed experience set against the rugged beauty of the Klein Tafelberg landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned 4×4 enthusiast or simply curious to explore off-road driving, this open day offers something for everyone. Tackle challenging trails, test your vehicle’s capabilities, and enjoy the thrill of navigating diverse terrain under expert guidance. Bring along your family and friends, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a great day outdoors surrounded by fellow adventure lovers. Expect stunning views, exciting driving experiences, and a welcoming, relaxed vibe in true adventure-centre style. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Klein Tafelberg like never before – where adventure meets the great outdoors.
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