Velddrif
Velddrif is a hidden treasure, a small quiet village where the pace of life is leisurely. The West Coast galleries display artwork from over 100 artists of the surrounding area, including pieces from local fishermen. Rich in birdlife and fynbos, the village acquired its name in years gone by when a local farmer used a drift to allow his stock to cross the river to find new grazing.
Just 90 minutes from Cape Town North along the R27 at the mouth of the Berg River lays the tranquil village Velddrif, the gateway to the “Bokkom Republic”. The town is situated 2 km upstream from where the Berg River flows into the Atlantic Ocean at St Helena Bay. It came into existence as a fishing village during the 1800s and early 1900s. Today Velddrif is a hotspot for the tourist with a taste for the simple pleasures of life, the town’s appeal being its old-world charm and heritage, the sincerity of its inhabitants, birdlife, wildflowers and beautiful waterways.
Berg River Bridge, salt, Flamingos, bokkoms, fishermen and beautiful beaches … yes, that is Velddrif! It is an almost forgotten spot on the West Coast but you will be surprised how much life is out there.
Peace, silence and West Coast tranquility will greet you along with lots of space to explore. The Berg River Estuary is home to a huge variety of water birds including the little Blue Heron. Otters and water mongoose are a common sight. Flocks of flamingos and pelicans use this area as a base.
The fairly gentle climate is Mediterranean and from the end of January through to May, the Velddrif area is the nicest place to be. Velddrif has the least wind of any West Coast towns from Cape Point to the Orange River. Even in winter: although there are a few really rousing Northerly storms, there are week-longs gaps of summer weather.
Weather in Velddrif:
Summers on the West Coast is all about beaches. Bleached white, soft sandy shores and aquamarine waves line the entire coastline of the region.
In the West Coast region along the Atlantic Ocean coastline, the cold Benguela current is responsible for perfect temperatures during summertime. The West Coast, just 90 minutes North of Cape Town, enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate. Warm, dry summers with little rainfall alternate with relatively mild, wet winters.
Cape spring is a great time to visit the world-famous wildflower display that adorns the West Coast, attracting a lot of visitors every year.
Restaurants
The taste-buds don’t come off badly at all as part of the Crayfish Route, Velddrif is well-known for its seafood delicacies – particularly Bokkoms (dried fish on the banks of the Berg River).
Admiral’s Bar
Light meals, big screen TV
Voortrekker Rd, Velddrif, 083 968 6203
Die Koffiepot
Light meals and take aways
Kerklaan 7, Velddrif, 082 359 4951
Die Pont Restaurant / Rivera Hotel
Voortrekker Rd, Velddrif, 022 783 1137
Die Kafhok
Different menu options
Melkplaas, Velddrif, 082 467 8717
Draaihoek Lodge
A la Carte menu
Elandsbaai, 022 952 1170
Die Eigebraai / Laaiplek Hotel
A la Carte menu
Jameson Street, Laaiplek, 022 783 1116
Oupa se Koffiestoor
Coffee, Espresso’s, cake and light meals
Protea Laan, Velddrif, 022 783 1653
Die Vaatjie Restaurant
A West Coast Tavern with homecooking and seafood
Port Owen, 022 783 0613
The Snack Shack
Light meals, tea, coffee, cake
De Villiers Rd, Laaplek, 072 323 6054
Leon Terblanche
Roving Chef
Cell 072 415 7997
Sonnebloem en Salie
Light meals, tea, coffee, cake
Cell 079 515 8532
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