Veldrif

History of Veldrif

• Province: Western Cape
• West Coast
• Coordinates:32°47′S 18°10′E
• Area:8.87 km2
• Municipality: Bergrivier

The first European arrived here in 1497

Veldrif, a bit inland from the mouth of the Berg River, was named when a local farmer, Theunis Smit, drove stock through a drift in the field to find grazing across the river. The first European to arrive was Vasco Da Gama in 1497, sometime after he entered St Helena Bay when looking for fresh water.

Shipwreck

In 1693, a Dutch ship, the Gouden Buys, ran aground about eight miles south of the river mouth after most of the 200 crew had died of scurvy and other diseases. Seven of them came ashore, and only two men survived. They were rescued by a Hottentot clan that lived on the riverbank. Authorities in Holland sent ships on a rescue mission to fetch them and salvage the cargo.
In 1899, a pontoon was built to cross the Berg River. People started visiting the area as it was a fisherman’s haven. Europeans arrived and settled at Laaiplek at the mouth of the Berg River.

• The postcode for Veldrif is 7365 (Boxes and Streets), and the license plate prefix is CFP

local WEATHER TODAY

Browse businesses and things to visit in Veldrif

Things to see and do in Veldrif

• Fishing: The cold Benguela Current brings rich marine life, making the area popular for angling, especially surf fishing for species like galjoen between Veldrif and Dwarskersbos.

• Bokkomlaan: A historic road lined with traditional fish-drying sheds where bokkoms (salted, dried mullet) are still produced. It has heritage status and small local shops.

• Salt Works: The Cerebos salt works near Veldrif produce large quantities of salt each year.

• Art Gallery in Waterkant Street: A former church now used as an art space.

• South African Fisheries Museum

• Berg River Marathon Finish: The well-known canoe race finishes at Port Owen Marina, just downstream from Veldrif.

• Monthly Events: On the last Friday of each month, local venues host live music, food specials, and art openings.