strandfontein

Situated very close to the Olifants River mouth Strandfontein is the ideal stop for the flower enthusiast who wants to spend a peaceful evening at the beach. 60KM north of Lambertsbay, close to Lutzville, Vredendal and Koekenaap, the town has a variety of accommodation facilities such as the famous Perdeskoen (Horseshoe) caravan park, chalets, as well as a variety of furnished guest houses.

A beautiful tide pool and playground will keep kids of all ages busy. There is a slipway for rubber boats and people enjoy walking for long distances along the pearly white beach.

Two groups, the San and Khoisan, were the earliest residents of this area and got their drinking water from a fountain on the beach which is where the name Strandfontein originated. Strandfontein literally translates to 'fountain on the beach'.

Photo by Hannes Steyn

The first brick house was owned by Richard Fryer and later became the hotel in Strandfontein. The hotel was recently demolished to make way for a new development in Strandfontein. Just outside Strandfontein is the grave of Fryer's wife. It was declared as National Monument. An estate winery was recently established nearby and to commemorate history, the owner named the estate Fryer's Cove. This wine estate is also in the developing stages of building its own cellar.

Strandfontein, a small sea side village situated at the mouth of the Olifants River has evolved from a small rural beach resort to becoming a bustling tourist hub, especially during the wild flower season (late July to September) and during the South African summer when the town is a favourite with locals as a weekend or holiday destination.

Here are excellent opportunities for the observation of Southern Right whales which come close into the protective bay during their calving season. Chances of spotting the Southern Rights frolicking in the bay with their babies close by at this time are excellent.

The long white sandy beach at Strandfontein stretches for kilometres and the clear blue sea is a draw-card for anglers due to the abundance of crayfish and mussels found in these waters. (please note that a license is required!)

Besides the excellent fishing at Strandfontein there are a wide variety of watersports activities available. A safe tidal pool and playground will keep children entertained for hours and there is a slipway for rubber boats. Other activities available include quad biking, 4x4 trails, hiking, microlight and gyrocopter trips.

The earliest residents of this area were the Khoisan, who got their drinking water from a fountain on the beach. This is where the name Strandfontein comes from, which literally translates to "beach fountain".