- Province: Western Cape
- Coordinates: 33°44′S “18°26′E
- Area: 35.64 km2
- Municipality: City of Cape Town
Melkbosstrand is a seaside town located about 30 km north of Cape Town along the Atlantic Ocean on the West Coast. The town lies along the coastal route connecting Cape Town with Yzerfontein and Langebaan. Its beachfront offers clear views across Table Bay toward Table Mountain.
Melkbosstrand developed from a small fishing village and today serves as both a residential area and a gateway to the West Coast region.
History of Melkbosstrand
Melkbosstrand has a rich history dating back to the earliest inhabitants, the Kaapenaars (Strandlopers). Milkwood (Melkbos) is a species of Euphorbiaceae which grows on the white sands. Melkbosstrand, previously known as Losperd’s Bay (Bay of Lost Horses), means “Milkwood beach” in Afrikaans. Melkbosstrand is where the Battle of Blaauwberg took place in 1806. In this battle, the Cape, which was occupied by French-Batavian troops, was taken over and became a British colony. There is a cannon on the Melbosstrand foreshore which commemorates this battle.
Several shipwrecks occurred along the coast here.
Ghosts of Melkbos
Some people claim to have experienced paranormal activity in the area. This could be linked to the Battle of Blaauwberg. However, archaeologists also discovered 3,000-year-old skeletal remains in 2014, suggesting that more unmarked graves might lie beneath the modern suburb.
Die Damhuis is one of the oldest buildings in Melkbosstrand. Built in the 1780s by Christiaan Brand, the structure originally served as a fish shed. Its construction included materials like sand, hay, stone, and even whale bones. Today, Die Damhuis operates as a restaurant, but visitors and staff have reported hearing unexplained noises and seeing the apparition of an older woman, adding to its reputation as a haunted site.
Fishing village
Melkbosstrand’s roots as a fishing village date back to the 1880s, with a longstanding community of Coloured fishermen living in simple dwellings called “pondokkies or “bangaloes.” By the 1930s, tensions rose as the Cape Divisional Council began efforts to remove these residents, citing poor housing conditions. In 1939, eviction notices sparked public debate, with some white residents defending the fishermen’s role in sustaining the local economy. Despite plans for rehousing, delays, overcrowding concerns, and shifting political priorities hindered progress. By 1948, under apartheid’s Group Areas Act, Melkbosstrand was declared a whites-only area, and the remaining Coloured residents were forcibly removed, marking the end of its historic fishing community.
Melkbosstrand is one of the landing sites for the South Atlantic/West Africa and South Africa-Far East submarine cable system.
It is protected from urban sprawl due to the large nature conservation zone to the south of the suburb.
The postal codes for Melkbosstrand are 7441 (streets) and 7437 (boxes)
Transport
Melkbosstrand is served by MyCiTi Bus, Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.
Things to do and see in Melkbosstrand:
- Koeberg nuclear power station was constructed with the help of the British and French and is about 6 km north of the suburb.
- A cannon from the Battle of Blaauwberg is set on the foreshore
- There is a large nature conservation zone South of Melkbosstrand
- Eerste Steen is located in the Blaauwberg Conservation Area and is a fantastic spot for a daytime braai, with views of Table Mountain. Alcohol is prohibited. The braai area is open from 08h00 – 19h00 (November – April) and 08h00 – 17h00 (May
- Several ships wrecked off the coast near this area. Read about them here
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
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Emergency Services
- Police: 021 553 8220
- Fire: 021 444 7308
- Ambulance: 10177
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Medical
- Closest hospital;Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital-021 554 9000
- Clinic-021 553 2499
- Pharmacy;Atlantic View Pharmacy-021 553 1917
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Municipal & Utilities
- Water:0860 103 089
- Electricity:0860 103 089
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Transport & Roads
- Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204
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Community & Safety
- Childline-116
- SPCA: Uitsig Animal Rescue Centre-083 375 3606
- 24 hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777.
- NSRI 087 094 9774
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Local Contacts and Community Resources
- Ratepayers Association:078 364 1146
- Library: Koeberg Library-021 553 2514
- Melkbos Oppiesee: 021 553 0022
- Melkbos Cultural Centre: 021 553 2581
- Post office; 021 553 3601
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Schools in Melkbosstrand
- Melkbosstrand High School-021 553 0086
- Melkbos Pre-Primary School-021 553 2869
- Van Riebeeckstrand Primary School-021 553 3409
- Atlantic Beach College-082 492 8646
- Generation Schools Melkbos-087 285 5837
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
