Along the Western shores of South Africa there are many myriad fishing Villages which lie sleepily on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. While Paternoster (pronounced /ˌpɑːtɜːrˈnɒstɜːr/) is one of the oldest fishing Villages, on the West Coast of South Africa.
Dwarskersbos Beach Resort is a quant little quite spot, on the West Coast of South Africa. Where there is camping and self catering chalets right on the beach. Whether you enjoy a long stroll on the beach or reading a book, bird watching or fishing , you are sure to have a great family holiday! This small fishing hub is just 11 Kilometres North of Laaiplek and about two hours outside of Cape Town. The name is said to be derived from the name of the plant: 'Euclea polyandra of the genus Euclea' Dwarskers or Kersbos( the Afrikaans name), grow abundantly in the Region.
The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama first set foot on South African soil on 7 November 1497. This was near here, when he explored the present day St Helena Bay. The Town was established on the Farm- “Dwarskersbos”, that belonged to the Smit family in 1920.
A 6m high storm surge struck Dwarskersbos on 27 August 1969. This part of the Coast, is made even more exquisite for the Kilometres of white sandy Beaches that lace the Coast. Fishermen can be seen casting and reeling in for hours in the hopes of bringing home an admirable catch. Keen anglers can look forward to adding: 'Galjoen, Snoek, Bronze Bream (hottentot), Elf (shad), Cob, Eagle Ray, Steenbras, Gurnard, Grey Mullet, and White Stumpnose to their 'Catch'.
The West Coast has a number of guest houses and B&B’s available to its South African and International Visitors. In addition, Dwarskersbos is home to a popular caravan park, which is occupied all year round by regulars and first-timers, to this part of South Africa. The shaded caravan stands, good ablutions, bungalows and flats, and stunning views of the ocean make this an excellent choice for families looking for a scenic spot to enjoy their time off. Thanks to the breath-taking Beaches, Dwarskersbos is a hotspot for Water Sports of all kinds. Those who have a passion for the water can go fishing, surfing, stand-up paddling (SUP), kite surfing, hydro-foiling, kayaking, body boarding, and swimming. The local Dolphins often swim past and entertain the onlookers as they surf the waves and leap out of the water playfully. Then, between July and December, Whales frolic past too. This only adds to there outrageous behaviour for the benifit of the onlookers, as they breach and lobtail.
The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is the first South African Biosphere Reserve, and is situated in the Western Cape Province, about 40 km from Cape Town. It covers 103,629 hectares, more than 80% of which consists of Mountainous Landscape ranging from high Mountain Peaks and deep Valleys to gentle Hills and lower Mountain Slopes. The remaining Area comprises a gently rolling Coastal Plain and a Marine Area, which covers about 245 Square Kilometers. The Coastline is mostly rocky with sandy Beaches and Estuaries. The main economic activities in the Area are apple farming and commercial Pine Plantations. Tourism, specifically Eco-Tourism. (This has the potential to become a major economic activity with some 60,000 people visiting the area during the holiday season!)
Dwarskersbos and its surrounding Areas are also stunning spots for keen bird-watchers. There are more than 180 species, in the Rocherpan Nature Reserve alone! This is only 10 kilometres from the centre of this Town. Some of the most exciting of these species include: the African Hoopoe; Black-Winged Stilt; African Purple Swamp Hen; Black-Headed Heron; Black-Crowned Night Heron; Sandwich Tern; Greater Flamingo and Cape Shoveler.