– see bird list
Handy links:
Birding Africa, Cape Town Pelagics, Cape Birding Route, Cape Bird Club (0219811275 – Jo Hobbs, Richard Grant), Cape Birdnet, SA Bird club forum.
– see fish list (surf fishing and salt-water flyfishing)
Swimming in the farm reservoirs, in the De Mond Nature Reserve river and in the sea (note : there are only lifesavers in Arniston during holiday season)
There is a wonderful walk (about 13kms) from De Mond Nature Reserve to Arniston Beach best done only at LOW TIDE (along the beach)
Off road trail ride.
The area is truly inspirational for artists.
Visit the local wine farms in the area (Strandveld / First Sighting, The Berrio, Black Oystercatcher – Elim area)
Visit Arniston beach & walk to the “well reknown Waenhuiskrans / cave”
The Waenhuiskrans cave is the best-known cave within the area and known world-wide. This cave is one of the focal points of the Waenhuiskrans/Arniston town as Waenhuiskrans is named after this natural phenomenon.
Visiting the local fishing village bordering Arniston. An opportunity to meet the local village people
The area is a wonderful space for the creative spirit.
Although there are only a few options to choose from, we would recommend sampling the local fare at Willeens Meals Arts & Crafts House in Kassiesbaai or the Arniston Hotel in Arniston.
In 1766 the Dutch Hoeker, Meermin went to Madagascar to buy slaves for the Cape. There was a revolt by the slaves and the sailors cut the anchor cable and the ship ran a shore. The location where it ran ashore is at the river month. Two wrecks were already found but after identification was found not to be the Meermin (J. Boshoff 2012, UZIKO Museum, pers comm). Another vessel the Maggie was also grounded in 1872 approximately 2 km from the current mouth 34°43’10”S and 20°06’29”E. After heavy storms the Maggie reveals herself.
Archaeological material of importance is present near Struispunt in the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. A number of stone features occur across the midden surface. These are clusters of mostly cobbles and some boulders. Some of the features, not having eroded and slumped, are distinct but most are dispersed to varying degrees. In a few instances, ashy and carbonised sediment is visible between and below the stones. Many flaked quartzite cobbles as well as quartz cores and flakes lie scattered on the surface. A small number of the un-flaked cobbles show use as hammer stones and grindstones. Ochre (pigment) is present but uncommon. Pottery fragments are also present but infrequent.
Many fish traps are found within the inter-tidal zone of the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. The local community has over the years maintained these traps, which periodically yield good catches of fish. These traps are a good provider of protein during the winter months, when bad weather dictates that boats cannot go out to sea. All of the Waenhuiskrans fish traps are older than 60 years and thus are protected by South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA).
The beacon, erected on 28 September 1871, was built due to the number of ships striking Saxon Reef just off Struis Point. This beacon used to have a large copper ball on top that reflected the rays of the sun to the ships at sea. It is of great historical importance as it is the only known one of its kind ever erected. During November 2003 Portnet installed a light on top of the existing beacon as a navigational tool for sea users.
Elephant skeletons of an adult and calf were recovered from shifting sand dunes in the late 1980’s.