• Province: Western Cape
• Overberg
• Coordinates; 34°35′20″S 19°34′15″E
• Area;1.10 km²
• Municipality: Overstrand

Baardskeerdersbos is a small village in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, located inland between Stanford; and Gansbaai. It lies in a rural farming area surrounded by fynbos-covered hills and agricultural land, about 170 km southeast of Cape Town. The village is reached via regional gravel and tar roads linking it to nearby towns such as Elim, Bredasdorp, Stanford, and Gansbaai, and serves as a quiet inland stop near the Cape Agulhas and Walker Bay areas

History of Baardskeerdersbos

Where does the name come from?

In about 1660, Jan van Riebeek sent some men to explore the Overberg. These men came across a small arachnid that cuts and collects hair for nest building, hence the name literally ‘beard shavers forest.”

The village of Baardskeerdersbos

The farm Baardskeerdersbos, on plot 213 in the Bredasdorp district, was surveyed in 1831 and subsequently divided into smaller plots. The village that grew up in the area has remained small and rural for many years; however, it has recently been discovered as a rural getaway tourist destination and gateway to other inland areas. Some of the buildings are being renovated. The church, which was built in 1921, is a national monument.

Fynbos habitats and the local economy

Baardscheerdersbos is well-known not only for its  Fynbos habitats and flower farms but also for traditional cattle farming. However, there is a more recent trend towards winemaking and olive cultivation.

Dead end “not” Sign in the village

Today

Baardskeerdersbos is a quiet residential and farming village with a small permanent population. It has a rural character, with local cottages, smallholdings, and agricultural properties. Many residents travel to Gansbaai or Stanford for services and employment.

The village is known for its peaceful setting and access to nature, with nearby coastal areas and nature reserves within a short driving distance.

The postal code for Baardskeerdersbos is 7271 (boxes only)

local WEATHER TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Baardskeerdersbos

Things to see and do in Baardskeerdersbos

• The B’bos art route     contact@baardskeerdersbosartroute.co.za Baardskeerdersbos has become home to many artists who open their homes three times a year. There are painters, photographers, sculptors, printmakers, and potters
• Take part in a chilled two-day class where you learn all about bread at Die Bakhuis, 11 Granaatlaan 082 651-7414
• B’Bos Plaas Mark (last Saturday of the month) 12 Strandveld Street

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around Baardskeerdersbos

• Emergency Services

• Police:  Gansbaai- 028 384 0201
• Ambulance: 10177

• Medical

• Closest hospital: Bredasdorp Mobile Clinic 028 425 1193
• Municipal clinic Gaansbaai 028 384 1917
• Pharmacy; Gansbaai Arrie Nel  028 384 0637

• Municipal & Utilities

• Municipality: Overberg district Bredasdorp 028 425 1157
• Transport & Roads

• Community & Safety

• NSRI 087 094 9774
• SPCA: BARC animal welfare Gaansbaai 083 742 3903

• Local Contacts and Community Resources 

• Community hall: 028 384 8300
• Post office; Gansbaai  028 384 1242
• Library: Gansbaai 028 384 8300

• Schools:

• The closest schools are in Gansbaai