Verlorenvlei is a long estuary stretching between the village of Elands Bay and Redelinghuys, some 25 kilometres south of Lambert’s Bay on the Cape West Coast. Verlorenvlei is not only one of the largest lakes but one of the few coastal freshwater lakes that is at once one of the most important estuarine systems in the Western Cape, and one of the largest natural wetlands on the Cape west coast. The name is derived from the San name for the river that feeds it, 'Quaecoma' (a 'verlore' or lonely marsh). A small estuary connects the lake to the sea and marshlands are present along the main river which enters the lake. The entire channel is very shallow, tending to inhibit free water circulation. A natural obstruction at the mouth is a rocky sill, topped by a sand bar, above the normal reach of high tides. The vlei is an important feeding area for a large variety of birds. Eight nationally threatened species including the rare white pelican (Peleanus onocrotalus), have made this wetland their home. It is a significant coastal lake, in other words, supporting over a thousand wading birds, and providing a nest and a rest of over 75 species of water birds. It supports over 5 000 birds most of the time, and occasionally as many as 20 000. For bird watchers, Verlorenvlei is a delight. It connects to the sea via a narrow channel, although the system is virtually closed because of the sand-covered bar at its mouth and other artificial man made obstacles that disturb the natural flow and sensitive ecology of the area, particularly the illegal causeway near the mouth of Verlorenvlei. Elands Bay is a popular seaside village that, despite having managed to retain its laid back atmosphere, has felt the added squeeze for development from weekend and holiday visitors that adds a level of menace to Verlorenvlei. The pretty town, known locally as Elandsbaai, offers a delightful combination of surfing, swimming and seafood; it is regarded as the ‘lobster larder’ of the West Coast. Elands Bay is only two and a half hours drive from Cape Town, and the Bobbejaan Mountains above the town offer walks and a wealth of San paintings in various accessible caves.

Rocherpan is a coastal nature reserve teeming with birds and colourful wildflowers. The reserve, which lies 25 km north of Velddrif on the Cape West Coast, consists largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June. Rocherpan was established as a nature reserve in 1966, and the adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988. Rocherpan had a fortuitous start, when farmer Pierre Rocher arrived in this area in 1839 looking for improved summer grazing for his livestock. Rocher and his workers closed off the mouth of Papkuils River, forcing it to flow behind the dunes that separate the sandveld from the sea. This inadvertently created a perfect habitat for water birds, and the local species have thrived ever since. Along the coast you’ll see the rare and endangered black oystercatcher, the kelp gull and the Cape shoveller. Rocherpan currently has eight eco-cabins available to be booked for accommodation, with the four newest cabins having just opened.

Velddrif is situated some 2 km upstream from where the Berg River flows into the sea at the Bay of St Helena on the Cape West Coast. Velddrif is a coastal fishing town in the Bergrivier Local Municipality, Western Cape. The name Velddrif came into existence when a farmer, Theunis Smit, took his stock through a drift in the veld, to find grazing across the river. The animals often had to swim across the river. Later on, in 1899, a pont was built, which was the only means of crossing the Berg River. About a hundred years ago, the wheat harvest from the Sandveld was brought down the Berg River to a storing place near the river mouth. There it was then loaded onto smaller boats to take the wheat across the sand banks to bigger ships waiting further out, on their way to Cape Town. The "loading place" eventually became Laaiplek- adjacent to Velddrif. In 1968 engineers blasted a channel, linking the river with St Helena Bay, and the fishing harbour of Laaiplek was completed. Velddrif Accommodation offers visitors a choice of hotels, caravan parks and guest houses in and around Velddrif. Some are situated on the riverbanks and offer spectacular views of both the rivermouth and the sea. Velddrif and its environs have an ambience that, once experienced, will bring one back time and time again. The mild Mediterranean climate offers year round vacation possibilities. Here, life drifts on in a peaceful atmosphere, giving one time to unwind, to relax without crowds, noise and traffic, and to surround oneself with undisturbed nature. Activities offered: * Regular boat trips are taken up the river to view birds, e.g. flamingoes and pelicans. This is one of the best birding experiences on the West Coast. * The annual Berg River Canoe Marathon ends at Velddrif, and ocean going yachts have found this a safe basin to moor in. The area also offers good fishing, for both boat and rock or surf anglers. * Culturally, the West Coast Gallery in the heart of Velddrif represents over 100 artists and craftsmen in the region, including the work of local fishermen. Here too, we find the only reed maze in South Africa. * Velddrif and Laaiplek restaurants, which are on the Crayfish Route, have a choice of seafood delicacies and traditional country fare, served with characteristic West Coast hospitality. And, of course, the centre of the Bokkom industry! In the area: * On the duny, windswept seashore lies the lovely seaside resort of Dwarskersbos - little West Coast houses are neighboured by fancy double storey residences. A lovely holiday resort, offering family pleasure on warm West Coast days, drenched in blue. * Not too far away, lies the Rocher Pan Nature Reserve, which has a freshwater lake and is home to many species of bird, animals and plants, an absolute pleasure after the first heavy winter rains. * Developers have discovered the potential of this beautiful part of the West Coast. The luxurious Port Owen Marina is a popular holiday and weekend resort for the discerning.