A few kilometres from where the Berg River meets the sea at St Helena Bay, lies a small West Coast fishing village where time, it seems, has stood still. Or at least is in no hurry. Here, only the landscape, the sea and the wind hold sway. This place is one of South Africa’s undiscovered gems. Its name is Velddrif.

The beautiful beaches, the Berg River, typical West Coast houses, white sand banks, the estuary, and the fynbos weave a magic for Velddrif that turns the seemingly barren, windswept landscape into a wealth of beauty and richness overflowing with birdlife, plant life and the inspiring sea.

It’s so inspiring that even the fishermen feel called to capture the stark beauty of the landscape in both word and on canvas. The West Coast Gallery displays art from over 100 local artists. Some of their subjects are among the massive array of wildlife which can be seen strolling the wide-open spaces of the neighbouring Rocher Pan Nature Reserve.

The estuary is an important bird habitat. Home to around 30,000 birds, over 350 different species of birds can be seen here as it is a natural habitat for sea, river and land birds, like exotic-pink flocks of flamingoes and bossy pelicans. More importantly, it is a sanctuary for up to 80 species endemic to the Western Cape coast. The nearby 24,000 hectare wetland is famous as a rare bird hotspot with over 200 species. Boat trips up the river take visitors into the heart of this thriving, floral-filled, avian wonderland, known as one of the best birding experiences on the West Coast. 

The Berg River has always been important to Velddrif. Boats would be laden with the wheat harvest from Sandveld and make their way down the Berg River, across the sand banks to larger ships en route to Cape Town 145kms south. A common scene in the area is the rickety wooden jetties with bokkoms or harders, the local fish “biltong” delicacy made of salted and dried mullet, hanging up to dry. Speaking of creatures from the deep, Velddrif is part of the Crayfish Route.

Berg River Canooze is an easy, downstream canoe route - a delightful family activity. Or catch the annual Berg River Canoe Marathon, one of the toughest in the world and the longest in South Africa. The adventure, the wildlife, fishing, tourism, yachting, and the art galleries, all make Velddrif a West Coast town with a flavour of its own. Fresh fish and seafood are obviously specialties in the town’s restaurants. A whole Velddif experience is a delight not to be missed.