Towns and suburbs

Betty’s Bay

Betty’s Bay is a long coastal village in the Western Cape, offering stunning views, unique wildlife, and access to the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can explore penguin colonies, botanical gardens, hiking trails, and sand dunes.

Betty’s Bay is a coastal village in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, situated about 110 km southeast of Cape Town along Clarence Drive (R44). The village stretches from the Kogelberg Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean over 13 km and is bordered by Kleinmond to the east and Pringle Bay to the west. The area is known for its coastal fynbos, marine wildlife, and scenic mountain and ocean views, making it a popular stop for travellers exploring the Whale Coast and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.

History of Betty’s Bay

Who was Betty?

Betty’s Bay is one of the longest villages in South Africa; it stretches from the Kogelberg Mountains to the ocean over 13 kilometres. It was named after Betty Youlden by Arthur Youlden, who was the first developer in the area. Allegedly. The area was a favourite place for runaway slaves to hide; in fact, for two centuries, the area was the stronghold of outlaws or “drosters” and the few Koisan people who had not succumbed to measles.

Visitors to Betty’s Bay can enjoy stunning views and unique wildlife experiences.

In 1912, a whaling station was built at Stony Point, which operated right up to the 1930s. It is now in ruins, but there is now a breeding colony of Jackass penguins at Stony Point, which is now a Marine Protected Area”

The vibrant community in Betty’s Bay offers an array of cultural activities.

Nature conservation

Close to the village are the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, which were bought in 1938 to preserve the land for future generations. Nearby is the Koggelberg Biosphere Reserve, which is often called the “Heart of the Fynbos Kingdom, where about 1600 species of indigenous plants can be found.

The postal code for Betty’s Bay is 7141 9 boxes only)

WEATHER IN BETTY’S BAY TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Betty’s Bay

Things to see and do in Betty’s Bay:

  • The Koggelberg biosphere is marked from Gordon’s Bay all the way to Kleinmond and inland right to the Elgin basin over an area of 100,000 hectares. Permits to hike in the area can be obtained at the Oudebosch office within the reserve. Enquiries: 028 271 5138
  • See penguins at Stony Point Marine Protected Area, see the birds up close, via the boardwalk through the colony 087 087 3001.
  • Whales can also be seen sometimes out to sea at Betty’s Bay. Read about whales and dolphins here
  • Go sandboarding on the dunes @ Silver Sands.
  •  The Harold Porter Botanical Gardens,
  • The Highlands trail
  • Rod’s trail
  • The large dunes are great for sandboarding,
  • Clarence Drive
  • Betty’s Bay Parkrun Every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Harold Porter National Botanical Garden,

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

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: Kleinmond-028 271 8200
  • Fire: 028 312 2400`
  • Ambulance: 10177 Grabouw – 028 212 9111

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital is a satellite clinic. 028 271 5807
  • Pharmacy;Kleinmond Kliniek Pharmacy-028 271 3320

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Municipality:028 271 8400 Emergency-028 313 8000/8111

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: Gordons Bay-021 856 8570
  • Community & Safety
  • 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • SPCA: Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society-028 271 5004
  • Childline-116
  • Local Contacts and Community Resources in
  • Mooiuitsig Community hall 028 271 8118
  • Bettys Bay Ratepayers Association: bettysbayratepayers@gmail.com
  • Post office; 028 272 9363
  • Library: 028 272 9263

  • Schools in Betty’s Bay

  • Penguinkidz Pre School – Betty’s Bay-073 572 8120
  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

 

Other towns and suburbs in the Overstrand area include: Birkenhead; De Kelders; Elim; Fisherhaven; Franskraalstrand; Gansbaai; Hawston; Hermanus; Kleinbaai; Kleinmond; Pringle Bay; Rooi Els;  and Struisbaai 

  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

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