Explore Vanrhynsdorp and Go back in time. Visit the world-famous nurseries,         

Van Rhyn museum, Old Jail & War graves. Take an easy stroll around town and discover buildings dating back as far as the 1700s.

Head out on the 4×4, 80km circle route that takes you over the Gifberg mountain. Experience magical views, interesting rock formations, farm life, hiking trails, San Rock Art, seasonal Waterfalls, and winding gravel roads. 

Please contact 082 608 7554, our 24h line for directions and more information. 

Surrounding our area, we have a wealth of experiences and hospitality to enjoy. The splendor of the Cederberg mountains – the desolate yet enthralling Boesmanland and the vast stretches of the Great Karoo are but a few of these gems.

The Fryer’s Cove Challenge takes place each year in December. The fun run is 9km and the MTB ride is 40km starting in Strandfontein and ending at Fryer’s Cove winery in Doringbaai. Enjoy the prize-giving ceremony afterward with a glass of local wine and a platter at the Jetty Restaurant. Fundraising for a small local school, Hansie en Grietjie Kleuterskool, Lutzville.

Strandfontein Fun Enduro is a family event for young and old, beginners and pros, quads, bikes & side x sides.

Contact: Oubaas Kersop – 083 230 4801
okersop@gmail.com

Website
Facebook 
Instagram

Contact: erikvanzyl@nama-qua.co.za

Address: Nama-Qua Game Reserve, R363, Vredendal, Western Cape

GPS Coordinates: -31.69475277894298, 18.45876178071921

Google Maps

Description:

Escape to the Nama-Qua Game Reserve

Looking for a peaceful escape that’s close to home yet feels worlds away? The Nama-Qua Game Reserve in Vredendal is your perfect local getaway and a must-see for travellers from across South Africa!

Just minutes from town, this hidden gem on the Namaqua West Coast offers a blend of tranquillity, adventure, and family-friendly fun.

What’s waiting for you?

𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅-𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒌𝒂𝒕 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 — get up close with these curious creatures!

𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 — unwind in cosy, scenic surroundings

𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 — sleep under the stars

𝑮𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 — explore the reserve with local experts

𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚-𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 — fun for all ages

𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔— reconnect with the land on foot

Our Story

“The reserve is a bold new initiative to protect wildlife, restore natural habitats, and create a space for eco-tourism and conservation. Starting on a family farm and with only 500 ha, our ambition is as big as our hearts.” – Erik van Zyl

Take a short hike on the boardwalk, find yourself at the Labyrinth of Memories or be more adventurous and take your Stand-up paddle or canoe and explore the canals of the Olifants River mouth. If you are lucky you can experience a true Weskus catch of the day by local fishermen!

A bird watchers paradise! The Olifants Estuary has been classified as the fourth most important South African Estuary in terms of Estuarine Conservation. The estuary is permanently open, thereby creating a unique ecosystem for birds, fish, and botanical importance. It is 36km long to the low water bridge of Lutzville.

The greatest concentration of birds can be found within the Olifants River estuary, an important habitat for thousands of migratory birds. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here, and in summer the estuary’s bird population can swell to over 15 000 individuals.

Lesser and greater flamingos, African marsh harriers, African black oystercatchers, Caspian and swift terns, Hartlaub’s gull, and Curlew sandpipers can all be seen in significant numbers. Rare migratory waders such as common redshank, pectoral and broad-billed sandpipers, red-necked phalarope, and dunlin also frequent the estuary.

Download the Papendorp Estuary Brochure HERE.

We love our Roosterkoek-tannies! Have you tried one?

You will find that every town in the region does have its own tannie, making roosterkoek for many years. For many families, it is a Saturday morning tradition to buy warm and fresh roosterkoek with smoor and wors.

Roosterkoek = (bread dough that is cooked on a grid on an open fire)

Take a selfie at the Sishen-Saldanha Railway Bridge. 

This impressive bridge over the Olifants River is worth a brief stop on your journey. Completed in 1975, the bridge is 1035m in length, supported by 22 pillars that each extend 45m into the riverbed.

Stock up at local farmstalls with farm-style preserves and nuggets of sweet “skuinskoek” to complete your Weskus picnic basket.

Take a short hike from Strandfontein to the Wandering Whale Labyrinth.  Built on a clifftop at the edge of the ocean, from here you will find trails to explore with dramatic sea views up and down the coast. Come wintertime these cliffs serves as an excellent lookout point for whales.

Where the Hardeveld meets the ocean is an expansive, wild and desolate coastline. The raw beauty of the landscapes attracts a particular kind of traveler who enjoys camping in the rough and the solitude of going off-road. It’s here that you’ll find soul-replenishing hideaways like Brand-se-Baai and Skaapvlei among the many remote bays and inlets.

Some points to ponder:

• Please note that there are no official camping spots and they cannot be booked. First come first serve. 
• There are no facilities, so you must be 100% self-efficient. 
• What you take with you, you must take back with you (that includes all your garbage!) 
• 4×4 recommended. (sandy dirt roads)
• Once you reach the northern border of the west coast you will need a permit to enter Groenriver – Namaqua National Park – contact them beforehand for details: 027 672 1948