We visited the town of Lamberts Bay on the West Coast to experience some typical warm Weskus hospitality. A small wine farm 5km outside of town would be our base, and from here, we would explore our surroundings to uncover the secrets of this quaint fishing town.
Bird Island, Muisbosskerm and the large Estuary of the Jackels River would be on our list of locations to explore and naturally tick off some birds. It was the Easter long weekend, so some rest and relaxation were also on the agenda. For me, finding a small family group of adorable Meerkats or Suricate was undoubtedly the highlight of our getaway. This discovery also focused much of our attention on this group, as we wanted the whole family to enjoy this remarkable find.
Having travelled to the Kgalagadi and the Rigtersvelt in 2010, we, unfortunately, didn’t get to see these delightful critters, so after 13 years of waiting, you can imagine what excitement it was to finally see them in their natural environment and, more importantly, sit quietly amongst the family group observing them as they slowly gained confidence in our presence. This has to rank as a memorable moment in our travels searching for our unique wildlife in South Africa.
Lamberts Bay is a small town situated on the west coast of South Africa in the Western Cape province. The town is located on the R27 route between Cape Town and Alexander Bay. It is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The town is most well-known for its fishing industry and is a popular spot for anglers worldwide. The nearby coastline is rich in fishing spots, and several boats can be hired to take visitors out to sea. In addition, several restaurants serve delicious seafood dishes. The town is also a popular destination for nature lovers, as it offers several hiking and biking trails and the opportunity to explore the nearby nature reserves. Birdwatchers can enjoy the variety of bird species that can be seen in the area, and the nearby beaches offer the opportunity to relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding environment. The town also has some of South Africa’s most famous landmarks, such as the famous Lamberts Bay lighthouse and the old-fashioned Cape Dutch houses. The town is also home to the Diamond Coast Winery, which produces some of the country’s finest wines.
Lambert’s Bay is in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The town was founded in 1829 by Dutch settler Jan Lambert. Lambert, an emigrant from the Netherlands, was the first white settler to arrive in the area, and he named the area Lambert’s Bay after himself. He built a trading post and a jetty and became a successful trader. In the early 19th century, the area was also used as a whaling station. Whaling was a primary industry in the area during this time, with ships from around the world coming to hunt whales. In 1845, the British annexed the area and established a fort at the mouth of the Olifants River. The fort was used to protect the area from Dutch settlers who were trying to reclaim the area. Lambert’s Bay was officially proclaimed a town in 1961. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, with visitors worldwide exploring its pristine beaches, rich culture, and abundant wildlife.
The Jackal’s River in lamberts bay is a short Estuary. It runs through the Lamberts Bay area and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The Jackal River is a small but essential river that provides water to the local community and is home to many fish species and other wildlife. The river is known for its abundance of fish and its ideal location for fishing. The fish found in the river include mullet, carp, and other freshwater species.
The Jackal River also provides an excellent habitat for many species of wildlife. Home to various birds, mammals, and reptiles, such as kingfishers, otters, and crocodiles. It provides an excellent place for birdwatchers and photographers to connect with nature and appreciate the area’s beauty.
If ever you find yourself in the Lamberts Bay area, make an effort to book and enjoy the Muisbosskerm, this venue comes highly recommended, and we can attest to this personally. Unbelievable variety of food in abundance and a stunning setting on the beach with a fresh sea breeze to remind you of the Weskus Hospitality. Visiting along with 300 other hungry visitors, we were up and down enjoying calamari strips, freshly braaied fish, steaks, you name it, and yes, it was on the menu. The only cutlery to be seen is the odd black mussel shells, typically used by the Strandloopers for thousands of years. Right down to the Kooksisters and moercoffee, all we can say is come hungry. The food on offer is abundant, and we were unable to eat for a whole day thereafter.
Muisbosskerm on the lamberts bay coast is a famous beach restaurant on the west coast of South Africa, located just a few kilometres from the town of Lamberts Bay. It is a stunningly beautiful stretch of coastline with pristine white sand and crystal clear waters. The beach is popular with locals and tourists, who enjoy the stunning vistas, excellent fishing, and peaceful atmosphere.
No visit to Lamberts Bay is complete unless you have visited Bird Island, a noisy, guano-smelling hive of activity. 20 000 Cape Gannets breed on this small rocky outcrop that has been joined to the mainland by virtue of a manufactured Pier, effectively joining Bird Island to the Main Harbour. This is another treasure trove and unique opportunity to witness a typical island breeding colony managed by Cape Nature. Most offshore islands are unavailable for land-based visits to observe these Sea Birds. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get close, observe, and enjoy these Cape Gannets in their natural state.
Bird Island is a small island situated off the coast of Lamberts Bay in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The island is home to a large variety of seabirds and is a popular destination for birdwatchers from around the world. The island is home to a large number of seabird species, including the African Penguin, the Cape Gannet, the Cape Cormorant, the Bank Cormorant and the White-breasted Cormorant. These birds are seen in large colonies on the island and can often be spotted from the shore. The island is also home to several different land-based bird species, including the African Yellow White-eye, the African Stonechat, the Orange-breasted Sunbird, the Southern Black Korhaan and the Karoo Korhaan. The island also has many seabird predators, such as the Kelp Gull and the Great Skua. The island also has several marine species, including various fish, dolphins and whales. The island is also a popular destination for scuba diving, and several different dive sites can be found around the island. The island also has several cultural attractions, including the old-fashioned Cape Dutch houses and the Lamberts Bay lighthouse. The island is also home to different eco-tourism activities, such as kayaking and bird-watching. The island is also a popular fishing spot and offers various boat trips.
Unfortunately, we had to witness some Cape Fur Seal predation on the Juvenile Cape Gannets as they finally fled from the island and headed to sea for the first time. Like most animals, you can see these Young, almost black birds lining up on the shore, almost afraid to leave this security that has been home for the past four months. Instinct and hunger drive them to enter the water, make their way out into the Bay, and ultimately lift off and fly out to sea looking for food. Waiting just offshore are the Cape Fur Seals, who instinctively know that the Juvenile birds are fledging, wait and pick them off with ease as they are still trying to master the art of flight. How unfortunate it was to spend a glorious hour marvelling over these birds and listening intently to the guides on site telling us all about the migratory habits of these birds. Walk outside and witness the Seals eating the same birds we were encouraging to take the wind and take to the skies. This was a very distressing moment as in the spate of 30 minutes; we witnessed the death of twelve young Gannets. Cape Nature was informed along with SANCCOB, and we were advised that they have a Seal Man. They would come around and destroy these Seals in an ongoing effort to help conserve this Cape Gannet colony. We have also been advised that this Bird Island colony was stable, which helped to balance the emotions that we experienced.
Another interesting lesson we learned is that the young fluffy chicks we had seen in the colony would not fumble in time. The fish move north as the season progresses, and the Cape Gannets move with the fish. These Fuffy chicks can’t move with the rest of the colony, and the parents will struggle to feed them as they would need to fly further away from the breeding site and may be unable to provide the necessary food to keep them alive. So SANCCOB would partner with Cape Nature, remove the birds for hand-rearing, and later release them at sea.
Homeward bound, we took the back gravel road less travelled to explore the Groot Rivier Estuary and salt pans. Unfortunately, the Estuary was relatively dry, but the experience was incredible, with stunning views of this great body of water and an abundance of birdlife.
The next stop would be our last, Bobbijaan Berg, in Elands Bay and finally, an opportunity to see the San Rock Art. It has been a lifelong goal to enter these caves and admire the setting, explore the extent of this cave complex, and marvel over the art creations painted on these cave walls more than 2000 years ago. But, of course, we do not forget to stare out to sea and enjoy the breathtaking views across Elands Bay.
The surfing town of Elands Bay is a small town situated on the West Coast of South Africa, in the Western Cape province. It is known as one of the premier surf towns in South Africa and is home to an abundance of world-class surf spots. With its remote location and stunning natural beauty, Elands Bay is a surfer’s paradise. The town itself is small, with a population of around 4,000 people. It has a laid-back vibe and is often referred to as the “surfing capital” of South Africa. The main attractions in Elands Bay are its beaches. The main beach is the most popular, with its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Here, you can find a variety of waves for all levels of surfers, from beginners to experts. Elands Bay is also home to some of the most stunning scenery in South Africa. The area is known for its rugged cliffs, pristine coastline, and the towering Table Mountain. The town also has several interesting historical sites, such as the ruins of a Dutch fort and the old whaling station. The locals in Elands Bay are amiable and welcoming. The town is also home to some festivals and events.
San rock art at Elands Bay is a small coastal town on the west coast of South Africa that is well known for its abundance of ancient San rock art. The rock art found in Elands Bay is between 600 and 2,000 years old and is believed to be among the world’s oldest examples of San rock art. The rock art can be found in several rock shelters and on isolated boulders in the area. The images are primarily of animals, people, and symbols and are thought to be used for spiritual purposes. The art has been well preserved due to the dry and arid climate of the area. The rock art of Elands Bay is a vital cultural and historical resource for the San people and the people of South Africa.
Heading homeward bound, content that we had experienced it all and a bit more, Weskus hospitality is authentic, and we received our fair share. So until the next time we visit these Diamonds in the rough, we walk away with full bellies and a bag full of remarkable memories and hopefully some images that will portray some of our experiences. We will surely be back to replenish our need for this sense of adventure we crave. Thanks, Lamberts Bay, for hosting us; it was an unforgettable experience.
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