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 ATTRACTIONS
Elandsbaai is one of the few places on the
West Coast with mountains, rivers and wetlands; long beaches
and snow white dunes. It is also the mecca of Western Cape
surfing - nearby Baboon Point hosts what is internationally
recognised as one of the best surfing waves in the world.
Overlooking the surf, the caves at Bobbejaanberg
have produced valuable archeological finds. Excavations found
evidence of human habitation as much as 15000 years ago. There
are numerous rock paintings here - apart from the remains
of a large painting of an eland and a fat-tailed sheep, the
rock surface is covered with many red hand prints
At the foot of the mountain, Verlorenvlei
joins the sea. Verlorenvlei is regarded as one of the most
rewarding birding destinations in the Western Cape, especially
during summer when waders from the northern hemisphere emigrate
to the warmer climate of this region. Besides the many exotic
species that migrate here, the reserve is also home to numerous
indigenous bird species. No  less
than 232 kinds of bird have been recorded. The vlei itself
is narrow, but stretches almost 30km - all the way from the
sea to Redelinghuys. A road runs alongside the vlei for most
of its length. Local rarities recently recorded here include
Black Egret, Goliath Heron and Palmnut Vulture.
Elandsbay is also a good place to see one
of the longest trains in the southern hemisphere. The Saldanha-Sishen
railway runs through a tunnel under Bobbejaanberg and if one
were to stand at the mouth of the tunnel on a clear day, the
front of the train will have disappeared in distant haze before
the rear emerges.
GETTING THERE
Follow R27 north from Milnerton, past Ysterfontein
and Langebaan, to Velddrif. From here follow signs to the
newly tarred coastal road to Elandsbaai. The last 2km is dirt.
Otherwise, from the N7, turn onto the R366
at Piketberg and follow the road down to the sea (95kms of
dirt road). A 27km gravel toll road (R20/day) connects Elandsbay
to Lambertsbay. |
A
community enterprise runs the Vleihuisie Guesthouse, a beautiful
old clay farmhouse that has been renovated. Nearby, the Hotel
Eland directly overlooks the ocean. The hotel operates a small
annex (informally referred to as a backpackers) for budget
accommodation. Next door, practically on the beach, is the
municipal caravan park. Other popular options include Emmas,
Bottergat fisherman's cottage and E’bay apartments.