Still Bay and Environs

Still Bay or Stilbaai as it is locally called, is known as the destination of dreams in modern South Africa. This place captivates visitors, who fall in love with its unspoiled majestic nature complemented by the harmonious, safe and tranquil community.

Whales are regular guests in Stillbay famous for the large numbers of southern right whale and humpback whales who visit this tranquil bay brief nursery visits between mid June and October.



Things to do in this paradise by the sea, include golf, bowls, hiking, angling, fishing - boating - canoeing - windsurfing - swimming - collecting sea shells - visiting Palinggat eel hatchery - ancient fish traps - and in springtime enjoy the wild flower extravaganza or visit nature reserves Pauline Bohnen, Rein's and Geelkrans.


          

Stilbaai offers an unsurpassed natural experience on the Garden Route. In spring the town and the dunes are transformed into a spectacle of colour with thousands of wild flowers bursting into bloom. Tame eels are fed at 11h00 daily at the historic homestead, Palinggat.
The small village of Jongensfontein is an ideal resort for simply relaxing or for visiting the museum the Fonteinhuisie, with its rich history of the area, while 10 km to the east, on a river mouth, Stilbaai offers activities like boating on the estuary and deep sea fishing.

The rolling waves of Jongensfontein offer the keen surfer exciting opportunities to enjoy his favourite water sport.
Close by is the previously disadvantaged settlement of Melkhoutfontein, where there are the first botanical gardens,

"Soete Inval", to be run by such a community.The Strandvelders offer a warm welcome into their world and conduct guided tours around the village and walks down “Memory Lane” The town has local cooking that’s part of the “Cook-up with Kamamma” project. There is a dune safari with a field guide or hike the Strandloper Trail,where you can follow in the steps of prehistoric Nab and marvel at the ancient Khoi fish traps which are visible at low tide or the shell middens overlooking the harbour. Get your timing right and you could enjoy a fish braai on the beach right next to them.

The Garden Route from Stilbaai through Mossel Bay and on to George, Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma is a magnificent stretch of coastline hosting southern right whales in their season, humpbacks between May and December and Bryde's whales all year round. Even killer whales are occasionally spotted.
Albertinia lies in this area of South Africa that has more aloes than any other. and is a friendly, small country village at the foot of the Langeberg mountains in the Western Cape. The region is a major wheat and sheep farming area with one of the lowest crime rates in South Africa.

Visitors are attracted by the unpolluted, fresh air and moderate climate. The peaceful, rural surroundings are known for their country hospitality and large variety of unique flora.

Albertinia is well situated with easy access to popular beaches and excellent angling spots.


The aloe factory at Albertinia is the largest single source of Aloe ferox juice and gel extracted from the Aloe Ferox plant for pharmaceutical purposes and for the skincare industry.

At the mouth of the Gourits River is Gouritsmond where golden beaches, the Indian Ocean and the river mouth create a playground for water sports lovers. Farmers from the Albertinia district, who came here to get away from their everyday routine and to relax and enjoy the sea, sun and sand, built the original stone houses in the early 1920s.

There are many activities to be enjoyed such as fishing, water-skiing, canoeing and boating. A visit to the Garden Route Game Lodge, home to giraffe, white rhino, lion, elephant, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, and many other species of game, is a must. Their game drives are led by experienced game rangers who share their knowledge of big game as well as the many other antelope species, birdlife and local African folklore.

They also have a Cheetah Breeding Center
offering visitors an insight into the plight of this endangered species, and a Reptile Center where the resident Herpetologist (snake man) will share his knowledge of snakes, crocodiles and other cold-blooded creatures.

Take a relaxing guided Horseback rides in the main reserve (for the experienced rider only). Ride in harmony with nature and enjoy close up wildlife encounters in this exquisite setting, or take the energy challenge offered by mountain biking trails on the various farm roads

You could even enjoy a guided adventure trail on a 4x4 quad bike in the Gouritz River Valley, winding through scenic mountain passes and valleys, over streams and finishing up in the Gouritz River bed.