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FFor over 200 years the tiny town of Arniston on the Western Cape's Indian Ocean seaboard was a fully-functioning fishing village. Today, depleted fish stocks have changed its emphasis toward tourism. Arniston is now a national monument but still home to a small yet lively community.
The village is named after one of many shipwrecks off the coast - the British ship Arniston, which ran into rocks offshore in 1815.
Be sure to stroll among the whitewashed thatch cottages that line the shore in Kassiesbaai, have a chat to the cheerful locals and dine out on freshly caught seafood.
The local people, however, still call Arniston by its original Afrikaans name Waenhuiskrans and you can find this name on some maps. Waenhuiskrans means 'wagon-house cliff', so-called after a massive cave some 1 500m south of the town. Apparently it was considered big enough to house a wagon and span of oxen, the most popular form of transport during the 1800s.
The walk past fynbos-covered dunes to the cave at low tide is stunning, but you'll probably get quite wet. Be sure to wear rugged sandals because of the jagged rocks. Choose a warm sunny day when one of the frequent southeasters isn't blowing, otherwise you'll end up cold and even wetter.
On good days you can swim in the Mediterranean-blue sea, laze on the white beaches and immerse yourself in a quintessential Cape beach experience. But be warned, if the weather isn't good, there's not much else to do except in whale-watching season (June to November) when you'll get a grandstand view of the southern right whales that come here to mate and calve.
In the December holiday season Arniston is packed, so book your accommodation well in advance.
Did You Know?
Travel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Arniston Spa Hotel
Tel: +27 (0) 28 445 9000
Fax. +27 (0) 28 445 9633
Email: info@arnistonhotel.com
How to get here
Arniston is situated 220km from Cape Town and 25km southeast of Bredasdorp on the R316.
Best time to visit
Summer months are best but try to avoid the December school holiday period when the village is jam-packed.
Things to do
Visit the nearby De Mond Nature Reserve, or take a drive to Bredasdorp and visit the Shipwreck Museum.
Whale watching takes place between June and November.
Ariston is a top fishing spot and has a harbour.
Treat yourself to a massage or a manicure at the Ginkgo Spa at Arniston Spa Hotel.
What to pack
Beach gear, sunscreen and camera. If you are planning to walk to the cave, pack some shoes that will protect you from the barnacles on the rocks. Your fishing rod.
What to eat
Try the traditional Cape Malay meals at Willeen’s Meals Arts and Crafts House.
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