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Lambert's Bay

Welcome to the seafood hotspot of the West Coast! Lambert’s Bay is known as the Diamond of the West Coast and the crayfish mecca of South Africa. Called this because of the colour of the sand on the beach. Snoek is also available during a snoek run which takes place during the Winter months of April to July. Lambert's Bay is also famous for its long stretches of uninterrupted white beaches and abundant marine life which gathers in the cool blue waters. Take a relaxing daybreak and soak up the sun, surf the sparkling waves or enjoy a boat ride over the big blue bay.

Lambert's Bay is also jam-packed with plentiful birdlife. Some of the more popular species on the list include gannets and cormorants. Dolphins, whales and the ever-entertaining gannets at the internationally acclaimed; 'Bird Island', attract tourists from all over. Heavy-side Dolphins are frequently spotted from the beach. Lambert's Bay is also a great place to view the lush stretches of wild field flowers that are most beautiful during Spring. (This gives a rather exquisite relaxing aroma, very different from the fishy smell at the Harbour!)

Lambert's Bay is named after Admiral Lambert of the British Navy who did a marine survey of the Bay between 1826 and 1840. In 1887 Mr. Stephan bought the commercial buildings and built the Hotel in 1888. Lamberts Bay was used as a lay-up for British warships during the war of 1900-1902 and in 1901 the “HMS Sybille” was wrecked opposite Steenbokfontein. The first crayfish factory was started by Mr. Lindström in 1918; the price was 1/6 and 2/6 per hundred crayfish. For many years the fishing industry formed the core of the Lambert’s Bay economy and the picturesque Harbour is a testimony to this. Nowadays it has become a tourist and vacation destination. On the farm- Wadrift, approximately 17km south of Lambert’s Bay, a quaint wooden lock, dating back more than 200 years can be seen. The lock is still used to lock a storeroom. You can also see a house built of whale bones on this farm, (but please note that the bones are not visible!)

Sandveld Museum

The museum houses 15 different exhibits, e.g. “Old” Lambert’s Bay, HMS Sybille Gunboat which ran aground in 1901. (This British gunboat HMS Sybille was a 3400-ton twin-screw second-class cruiser. The ship was sent to Lambert’s Bay as a patrol boat during the Anglo-Boer war (1899 - 1902)), Photograph collection, Fish industry and fishing community, Book & Bible collection, Archaeological display, Horse mill and Farm implements and Clothes and embroidery from bygone days.

This gem of a seaside Village owes its origin to humble beginnings as a fishing Village, like most of the surrounding South African coast Villages, but it has become one of the major tourist attractions on the West Coast due to its moderate all year climate. The Sandveld Museum and nearby local farms like; 'Wadrift', will open your mind to the cultural History of this unique place.

Geolocation
-32° 6' 7.2", 18° 18' 10.8"
References
http://www.lambertsbay.co.za/about.html

Bats Cave Trail, East London

The trail is 3 km long with a moderate/difficult status. It is suitable for children, from 6 years old. The Bat’s Cave Trail is the most popular walk in the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve and follows in the spirit of the early beachcombers. It passes an excavation site, where human fossil footprints (dated at 124000 years old) were found in 1964. The trail starts at the Coastal Education and Visitor Centre boardwalk and leads down to a sandy beach. After a short distance along the beach, you encounter the first of a number of quiet sandstone coves - the home of rock hyraxes and the nesting sites of giant kingfishers. Walkways and stairways made from recycled plastic snake over and around the fascinating sandstone formations, which makes entering and exiting the coves easier. The trail has one steep climb as you leave the third cove, gaining height over a large wave-cut platform. From here, the route contours above steep sandstone cliffs before descending to Bats Cave itself (about 1,1 kilometres from the start). There are a number of look-out points which are great spots to watch dolphins playing in the waves and to observe the gannets, sharks and whales that frequent this coast during the annual sardine run in June and July. Bats Cave is accessible only when the tide is low so plan the walk accordingly if you want to explore the cave and look out for the large Egyptian fruit bats living in the weathered ceiling above. From Bats Cave, the route cuts up through a dune forest (or you can backtrack along the coast for a different perspective of the trail), where a great variety of bird species may be seen and blue duiker are often spotted feeding during the early mornings and late afternoons. Follow the pointers back to the Coastal Education and Visitor Centre. Entrance to Nahoon Point Nature Reserve is via James Pearce Park and the trail is accessible at no cost all year round during daylight hours.
Geolocation
27° 33' 34.2509", -32° 35' 23.2409"
References
https://www.nightjartravel.com/hiking/bat%E2%80%99s-cave-trail
Further Reading
https://hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/hiking-for-beginners-11-essential-tips/ www.wildcaves.co.za

Thrift Dam, Tarkastad

Superb Trout fishing, but extreme weather! Stunning views of the Winterberg Mountains, One of the best Stillwaters to throw fly, in the country. Are just some examples of the comments given on Facebook. It has the Swartkierivier running through, the dam is found in a loop formation.
Geolocation
26° 31' 30", -32° 17' 60"
References
https://web.facebook.com/pg/thriftfishing/community/?ref=page_internal
Further Reading
https://www.sa-venues.com/activities/fly-fishing.php

Goegap Nature Reserve, Springbok

This 7 000 hectare nature reserve, supports 600 different indigenous plant species, 45 mammal species and 94 bird species. This reserve is located 15 km from Springbok and is a great destination for 4 x 4 enthusiasts as it offers a variety of routes. This area supports over 600 different plant species and is home to 45 mammal species and 94 bird species. Wildlife that can be spotted here includes springbok, gemsbok and Hantam Zebra. Bird lovers may see the Cape Eagle, Black Eagle, Booted Eagle, Karoo Eremomela, Dusky Sunbird and many more. This area is particularly beautiful during the flower season. The characteristic granite domes and peaks of the region contrast with the sandy plains, where springbuck, gemsbok and Hantam’s Zebra forage. The Hester Malan Wildflower Garden within the reserve showcases many Namaqua succulents and features a rock garden. This succulent garden is also the starting point to a 17-km tourist loop, which one can drive to explore a cross section of the reserve’s habitats. There are also 4×4 routes for exploring further afield. Between August and September the region bursts into a display of floral grandeur. Facilities within the reserve include braai areas, ablution facilities and camping and caravan facilities. There is no electricity within the reserve. The reserve is open from 08:00 to 16:30 all year round. An entrance fee is payable at the gate.
Geolocation
17° 57' 57.6", -29° 40' 51.6"
References
https://www.experiencenortherncape.com/visitor/experiences/goegap-nature-reserve https://www.roomsforafrica.com/attraction.do?id=496
Further Reading
https://www.roomsforafrica.com/attraction.do?id=496