Dwarskersbos

• Province: Western Cape
• District: West Coast
• Coordinates:32°42′S 18°14′E
• Area: 1.53 km2
• Municipality: Bergrivier

Dwarskersbos lies on the West Coast of the Western Cape, approximately 11 km north of Veldrif. The village is positioned along the Atlantic Ocean, forming part of the Bergrivier municipal area. It is characterised by flat coastal plains, sandy beaches, and fynbos vegetation typical of the region. Access is via the R399 from Velddrif, which connects to the broader West Coast road network.

History of Dwarskersbos

Dwarskersbos means Dwars (over)  the Kersbos (candle bush) or waxberry that grows abundantly in the region and is recognised by its dark berries and waxy leaves. This is a type of Euclea polyandra.

It is near the place where the Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama first landed in 1497. Rocher Pan is just 10km from Dwaskersbos. This shallow lake forms in the winter months. It becomes home to about 150 species of birds, including flamingoes. In summer, it dries up, leaving a thick crust of salt.

The Town was established in 1920 on the Farm  “Dwarskersbos”, which belonged to the Smit family.

The economy of Dwarskersbos is largely based on fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Snoek and other local fish species, such as Galjoen, Bronze Bream (hottentot), Elf (shad), Cob, Eagle Ray, Steenbras, Gurnard, Grey Mullet, and White Stumpnos,e are species of fish abundant in these waters. Fishing is a traditional occupation for many residents. The village has a small harbour, and fishing boats are a common sight along the coastline.

Rocherpan Nature Reserve is a coastal nature reserve with masses of birds and wildflowers. The reserve consists largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June.

Pierre Rocher arrived in this area in 1839, looking for improved summer grazing for his livestock. The reserve was established by him and his workers when they closed off the mouth of Papkuils River, forcing it to flow behind the dunes that separate the sandveld from the sea. This inadvertently created a perfect habitat for waterbirds, and many local species have thrived there ever since.

Fishing in the Western Cape (article)

The postcode for Dwaskersbos is 7365 (Boxes only)

Resources

For permits, fishing rules, shell collecting regulations and other practical outdoor information, see the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

WEATHER IN DWASKERSBOS TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Dwaskersbos

Useful Numbers

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

• Emergency Services

• Police: Vredenberg – 022 713 1310
• Fire: 022 7017061
• Ambulance:10177

• Medical

• Closest hospital: Vredenberg Provincial Hospital 022 709 7200
• Pharmacy; Vredendal 027 213 107

• Municipality & Utilities

• Municipality; Berg River Veldrif 022 783 1112

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic department: Veldrif – 022 783 1112
• Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

• Community & Safety

• NSRI 087 094 9774– 082 990 5966
• SPCA: West coast 022 289 0998
• 24 hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.

• Local Contacts and Community Resources 

• Post office; Veldrif022 783 0222
• Library: Noordhoek in Veldrif 022 783 1112

• Schools in Dwarskersbos

• Dwarskersbos Slimkoppies primary 082 291 1397