Learn about the origins of a Cape West Coast staple known as bokkoms (dried fish), explore Velddrif, Laaiplek’s harbour and cruise the canals of Port Owen.

Located on the West Coast Way Foodie Route and Berg Route.

West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature

West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.

Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way: Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve. For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777.  Follow us on  on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.

Velddrif, Laaiplek and Port Owen is located on the West Coast Way Foodie Route and Berg Route.

Velddrif

An interesting Cape West Coast mix of bokkoms (dried fish), canoeing and salt

Situated next to the Berg River, Velddrif is a traditional fishing town where the Cape West Coast delicacy known as “bokkoms” has its origins.

“Bokkom Laan” is where the bokkoms, or Velddrif’s biltong, are made. All along the road, you’ll find locals eager to share their knowledge and rows of “bokkoms” waiting to be tasted. Velddrif is the heart of the fishing industry on the West Coast. Many visitors go there and miss this undiscovered gem. Until now. Cross the Carinus Bridge and take a right along Voortrekker Road between St Helena Bay and Aurora. Stop at the view site beneath tall palm trees and watch ample waders in the waterway. Continue a little further and take a right into Bokkomlaan. Time seems to stands still as fishing boats bob in the wake next to numerous jetties. Fishermen can be seen preparing fish for sale as they did in the fishing heyday. Bokkomlaan is the first road to have been built in Velddrif. It was granted heritage status one year ago.

Velddrif’s dry summers make it ideal for the extraction of salt from seawater – the main reason why South Africa’s main salt brand, Cerebos, decided to open a factory here.

Famous for more than fish and salt, Velddrif also boasts pristine beaches and a host of restaurants and coffee shops.

Marina Clunie’s River Studio on Bokkomlaan

Located on the picturesque Bokkomlaan, River Studio is home to local artist Marina Clunie. Visitors to River Studio are welcomed to browse the beautiful paintings, chat to Marina about the area and her inspiration and maybe purchase a unique piece of art to take home with them.

Marina Clunie‘s favourite place to paint is still the Berg River as it changes all the time. Autumn and winter colours, dark clouds and stormy seas are her soul food paintings.

Travel tip: 

Laaiplek

Laaiplek is situated right at the mouth of the Berg River. The South African Sea Fisheries Museum is well worth a visit and since the Berg River is tidal, the area is also well-known for birding.

Upstream from its mouth the Berg River curls inland to form Port Owen – a series of canals that form a marina with the stunning Port Owen Yacht Club and a variety of guest houses within.

The region boasts abundant birdlife. Look out for pelicans, lesser and greater flamingos, blue cranes, herons, the endangered oystercatcher and the European bee-eater. Drive from Velddrif to Rocherpan and Redelinghuys. Find Verlorenvlei at Redelinghuys – a recognized RAMSAR site.

Birdlife species list found in the Berg River Estuary are:

Bokkomlaan: Lesser and Greater Flamingo’s, White Pelicans, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Grey-headed Gulls, Common Greenshank

De Plaat: At times more than 30 000 Cape Cormorants can be seen going to the salt pans to roost in the late afternoon. It is estimated that between 70 000 and 80 000 birds use this area at night.

Berg River Bird Hide: Goliath, Purple, Grey and Black-headed Herons, African Spoonbill, African Darter and Pied Avocet (Collect the key to the hide from Riviera Hotel, positioned next to the bird hide along Voortrekker Road)

Flaminkvlei A: Little Terns in summer. Marsh Owls and African Marsh Harrier

Swartjiesbaai: Red-necked Phalarope, Goliath Heron, Osprey, Common Redshank, African Purple Swamphen, White-Winged Tern

Find Velddrif, Laaiplek and Port Owen on the West Coast Way Foodie Route and Berg Route.

Russells on the Port:

Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 156.1km
Where: Brownwen Avenue , Port Owen
Tel: +27 (0)22 783 0158
Email: [email protected]

Charlie’s Brewhouse:
Distance from Cape Town: 156.1km
Where: Marina Centre , Port Owen
Tel: +27(0)22 783 0448
Email: [email protected]

West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature

West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.

Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way: Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve. For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777.  Follow us on  on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.