Destination Reviews

Yzerfontein: Destination of the Month – February 2017

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FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

Yzerfontein is an idyllic little coastal town situated just up the west coast a mere 95 km from Cape Town. It offers all who venture there the opportunity for real relaxation and a chance to get back to nature. Whether you’re taking in the flora and fauna found along the west coast or taking long walks on the beautiful beaches in the area, you’ll certainly find what we all need – peace and tranquility.

The village of Yzerfontein is a holiday favourite for many and its 25 km of unbroken shoreline sweeps as far as the eye can see, as far as the West Coast National Park and the Postberg Nature Reserve. It’s a child-friendly place where a couple of cheap fishing rods will keep the youngsters entertained until the sun sets or hunger sets in. Yzerfontein might be slow and languish along at a slow pace, but a quick look just under the surface finds abundant birdlife, blast of wild flower colour serenaded by whales in the bay.

Yzerfontein slipway

The days can be taken up with long walks or reading a good book in the shade. Don’t forget to take your swimming gear and although the sea water can be cold up the west coast, it’s certainly invigorating enough to get the skin tingling. Birding is great in the Yzerfontein area as is surfing, horse riding and boating. A large proportion of linefish comes in through the Yzerfontein harbour.

Dassen Island is situated just 11 km off this coastline and is South Africa’s second largest continental island. This nature reserve is one of the most important breeding sites for a variety of seabirds, including the African Penguin and the White Pelican.

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, taking a meander along the easy three km walk to Skaapeiland should completely overwhelm your senses. You can even collect your own mussels while the kids have fun in the rock pool.

During flower season (over 240 species of flowers and plants) and during the Christmas holidays Yzerfontein is a bustle of holidaymakers and day visitors enjoying the campsite and the rented accommodation of the numerous guesthouses.

Other great opportunities within driving distance of Yzerfontein are the Darling wine route which offers excellent wine tasting options and the West Coast National Park. Yzerfontein always has something on the go to suit all tastes. Whether it’s the bingo competition, the craft market, the Snoek Classic fishing competition, carboot sales, touch rugby on the beach and much, much more, there is sure to be fun for the whole family.

How to get there:
From Cape Town travel northwards along the R27 West Coast Road, and about 85 km from Cape Town take the R315 turnoff to Yzerfontein. GPS co-ordinates: 33° 21’ 44.55”S 18° 16’ 14.12”E

Best time to visit:
The region enjoys fine weather throughout most of the year. The best time for whale viewing is from August to November when the Southern Right and Humpback Whales visit the bay.

Who to contact:
Contact Yzerfontein Tourism on (022) 451 2985 or visit their website at www.yzerfonteintourism.co.za

Yzerfontein

CaravanSA

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