ATTRACTIONS

Doringbaai once thrived as a fishing community, but today the small harbor is hardly used and the fishing factory is struggling along. Luckily Doringbaai has much to offer visitors, with spectacular ocean views from the cliff paths, unique coastal vegetation, sea birds and (in season) - wildflowers, whales and dolphins.

Before the town was formally established, the bay was used as an anchorage on a northwards trading route. Old stories tell that provisions would be off-loaded here and then transported to Vanrhynsdorp by camel. As if to confirm the bay's status as one time trading hub, a lighthouse still serves as beacon to local fishermen and passing shipping traffic.

Doringbay is well known for Heavyside dolphin and is a good place to spot migrating whales in early spring. There is a hiking trail along the deserted beach between Doringbaai and Strandfontein.

GETTING THERE

Take the R362 or R363 from the N7 at Klawer (50km past Clanwilliam) and travel along the Olifants River past Papendorp and Strandfontein. The last few kilometers of the road down to Doringbaai is un surfaced. In total about 70km from the N7.