papendorp

The people of Papendorp derive its livelihood from fishing in the estuary and from salt gathering at the nearby salt pans. Salt gathered here is still processed in the traditional way and visits to the salt pans are allowed and here bath salts can be bought. This is a great outing for kids who can see where salt really comes from.

The small settlement, 88km from the N7 and known locally as Viswater, Papendorp offers visitors a quiet, peaceful setting overlooking the wetland estuary of the Olifants River.

With recognition as a RAMSAR site pending, the wetlands of the estuary are an important habitat for migratory birds and an Important Bird Area (IBA). A recent visitor recorded 78 species in the area – including the much sought Little Blue Heron.

The Olifants River estuary is one of only four estuaries situated on the west coast of Southern Africa. Mining activities have caused a degradation of the general area and particularly the sensitive area around the river mouth. Despite this, a huge variety of land, sea and water birds are seen here. A huge diversity of plant life is also evident.

If your timing is right, you may be able to buy a dish full of fresh water “haarders” from the locals. These fish are also dried to make fish biltong, locally known as “bokkoms” - a staple food of the area. One can arrange to go fishing from the local "bakkies", a small type of boat

The salt pans lie nearby and visitors are allowed. This is a great outing for the kids to see where salt really comes from. Bath salts can also be bought here.

From Papendorp a hiking trial follows the Olifants River inland to the peaceful farming and fishing community of Ebenhaeser, originally founded as a mission station in 1608.

Another attraction is archaeological remains in the form of shell middens.

Papendorp is one of the few remaining places where you can see the simplicity of life in its purest form as it used to be along the entire West Coast.