Velddrif – Colour Dots

Berg River

carynkaleido — Tue, 10 May 2022 18:22:20 +0000

The first Europeans to see the Berg River were on an expedition with bailiff Abraham Gabbema in 1657, having been sent by Jan Van Riebeek to trade with the local Khoi Khoi. He called it the Groot Berg River. The catchment was only developed during the time of Governor Simon van der Stel, who established the first European settlements at Paarl and in the Drakenstein Valley in 1687. Wellington, Franschhoek and Tulbagh were established later as the farmlands expanded. The river rises in the Drakenstein and the Franschhoek mountains. The Berg River was one of many habitats for Hippos. However, in the 1600s, hunters killed them for meat and leather. By the mid-1700s, Governor RykTulbagh introduced a fine for killing a hippo. Despite this, the numbers continued to decline. In 1829, only six Hippos were remaining. The last Hippo was shot in 1869 by Martin Melck when it attacked and killed one of his employees. During summer, water temperatures reach 30°C/86°F, while in the winter, they are at a lower 20°C/68°F. The river is popular with watersport enthusiasts. Waterskiing and canoeing are just two of these sports. Fish commonly caught in the river are : rainbow trout above Franschhoek. Above Paarl the river contains smallmouth bass and carp. The remainder of the river contains carp. Berg River Estuary The Berg River Estuary at the lower stretch of the River is one of four perennial estuaries on the west coast it is the third-largest salt marsh on the Cape Coast. The unique vegetation includes species such as waterblommetjie (Aponogeton distachyos), soutbos (Bassia diffusa), sareegras (Bolboschoenus maritimus), Fish found here include white steenbras (Lithognathus lithognathus) and white stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps). The Berg River Estuary starts 69 km upstream of the river mouth in Velddrif. The estuary and floodplain extend 40 km inland, incorporating many habitats such as mudflats, reedbeds, sandy beaches, Strandveld, and Riverine channels. Bird spotting is particularly good in the mudflats and saltpans. The Western Cape is home to hundreds of bird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide. Berg River Marathon Annually in the first week of of July, The Berg River Canoe Marathon covers 240km from Paarl to the small harbour of Velddrif over four stages info@berg.org.za Berg River Canooze This 2-day, 24km trail is a relaxing river kayak along the Berg River suitable for the entire family. River kayaking opens up a whole world of exploration, and it’s an exciting way to enjoy the scenic beauty and incredible birdlife of the West Coast. Fish found in the river include rainbow trout above Franschhoek, and smallmouth bass and carp above Paarl. Other parts of the river contain carp, Mozambique tilapia, sharptooth catfish and smallmouth bass. See our guide to freshwater fish in the Western Cape. Fishing code of practice The Berg River Dam The Berg River Dam or Autshumato Dam is an embankment dam which was inaugurated in 2009 on the Berg River. The wall is 223 ft high and 929 metres long with a total surface area of 4.88 square kilometres. It has a total capacity of 130,000 megalitres (130 hm3). The dam is the centre of the Berg Water Project. It captures the winter rainfall to store for the use of Capetonians during the dry summer months. The project is a very important part of the Western Cape Water Supply System. This supplies water to over 3 million people. The dam was the first in South Africa to be operated with the guidelines of the World Commission on Dams. It was completed on time and within budget. Planning began in 1989. It was subjected to a rigorous public participation process and debate. Construction began in July 2004. The dam started storing water in July 2007. Towns along the river and in the Berg River municipality include Redelinghuys, Aurora, Porterville, Eendekuil, Goedverwacht, Veldrif and Porterville 33.90240°S 19.057000°E info@berg.org.za

The post Berg River appeared first on Colour Dots.

Bergrivier Golf Course

carynkaleido — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 13:13:08 +0000

The Bergrivier Golf Course is situated in the small West Coast fishing town of Velddrif the Bergriver Golf Club hosts a neat 9 hole golf course and clubhouse with reasonably priced drinks and food. Visitors are welcome every day. Vygie Street, Velddrif, info@berggolf.co.za Best golf courses in the Western Cape article

The post Bergrivier Golf Course appeared first on Colour Dots.

Die Vishoekkie

carynkaleido — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 14:38:59 +0000

Die Vishoekkie is a small coffee shop with a beautiful view where you can enjoy breakfast or order a TakeAway for the road. Beautiful paintings available at Die vishoekie Bokkomlaan Veldrif

The post Die Vishoekkie appeared first on Colour Dots.

Durakleen

carynkaleido — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:30:58 +0000

Durakleen is a Family-Owned-Business business with 35 years of experience owner on site. Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning & Mattress Cleaning. We also offer Scotchgard – Fabric protector Veldrif

The post Durakleen appeared first on Colour Dots.

Kalahari nooi Padstal

carynkaleido — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:37:15 +0000

Kalahari nooi Padstal will welcome you as you enter this shop filled with delicious treats: freshly baked cakes, sweets, biscuits and much more. Try our delicious porridge and kaiings with a station coffee breakfast. 270 Voortrekker , Velddrif

The post Kalahari nooi Padstal appeared first on Colour Dots.

Kersbosstrand beach

carynkaleido — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:30:29 +0000

Kersbosstrand beach on the West coast has unspoiled stretches of white sand which extend for some 40 kilometres all the way to Elands Bay. The stretch is known for its quaint fishing villages, excellent fresh seafood, magnificent wildflowers, and fynbos on the Atlantic Ocean. The calm waters are excellent for swimming and boating, as well as stand-up paddling on a SUP board. When it gets windy Kite surfers will enjoy this beach. Dolphins are often seen at this beach all year round. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article 32.71221,18.20379

The post Kersbosstrand beach appeared first on Colour Dots.

Khoisan Sea Salt Factory

carynkaleido — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:30:48 +0000

Khoisan Sea Salt Factory/Khoisan Trading Company (Pty) Ltd is situated in the heart of the West Coast between the Berg River and St. Helena Bay in the village of Velddrif. Established in 1994, The Khoisan Seasalt Factory is owned and managed by the Schrauwen family. Khoisan produces a mineral-rich, pure natural unrefined sea salt that is hand-harvested traditionally. Factory tours are available. 5 Reservoir Street, Veldrif elfie@khoisansalt.co.za

The post Khoisan Sea Salt Factory appeared first on Colour Dots.

Kingfisher Heads 17

carynkaleido — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:58:25 +0000

2 Bedroom Self-Catering Apartment with the option of a 2 hour scenic Boat Cruises on the Bergriver! With en-suite bathrooms Sleeps 4 people A/C and heater Electric blankets Bedding & Towels provided Fully equipped kitchen Dishwasher Fridge/Freezer Ice machine Wifi & DSTV Private enclosed stoep Outside braai facilities Kingfisher heads 17, Velddrif

The post Kingfisher Heads 17 appeared first on Colour Dots.

Poetic licence distillery

carynkaleido — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:27:09 +0000

Poetic Licence Distillery uses pot distilling, the traditional method and how gin has always been made, where all botanicals are macerated in the pot and then boiled. Column stills are a relatively new invention; the Amelia column has six plates that purify the alcohol, allowing us to produce pure, smooth gins. This double-storey distillery has a covered veranda and is situated in the beautiful waterside Marina Centre of Port Owen 1 Marina Centre, Port Owen Drive, Port Owen, Velddrif,

The post Poetic licence distillery appeared first on Colour Dots.

Rocherpan Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 17:07:06 +0000

Rocherpan Nature Reserve is dominated by the large central vlei and a 4.7km stretch of sandy Atlantic coastline, of which the southern 3km and the area 500m seaward is a marine protected area. It offers protection to diverse marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. The reserve consists largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June. This marine reserve offers a quieter alternative to the national park. Its lagoon fills during the wet season, drawing in flamingos, pelicans and numerous waterfowl. Three bird hides are placed along the lagoon’s shore, great for viewing and photography. Dwarskersbos Road, Velddrif,

The post Rocherpan Nature Reserve appeared first on Colour Dots.