subject: Sleeping Beauty Wakes Up And Dances: Things To Do In Stilbaai [print this page] Stilbaai is well known among residents of Capetown as a serene seaside settlement on the Garden Route that is absolutely perfect for a weekend getaway.
Book yourself into a Stilbaai accommodation to experience it firsthand. This bay town has managed to retain its environment in conditions untouched and unspoiled which is stunningly evident during spring. But the idyllic beach village suddenly transforms itself in the festive winter season, and you wonder if the denizens have been a little too quick to name the place StillBay. The place becomes a magnet for people from all over, especially around Christmas, and the party begins. Youd be lucky to find Stilbaai accommodation thats free at this time.
First glimpse
The approach to Stilbaai is along a winding road straight out of an oil painting. The road runs parallel to the flowing Goukou River and if you happen to be driving along it just before sundown, the view is simply gorgeous. The Goukou River is navigable along this road for a good 17 kilometres of unbridled scenery. As you near the town, you can see pretty homes on both banks, and a picturesque bridge that spans the two.
The beach
The biggest attraction, of course, is the pristine beach stretching as far as your eye can see. You also notice Stone Age remnants of fish traps an ancient people that lived off an abundant diet of fish used. Lappiesbaai, Stilbaais most important beach, has been awarded the blue flag, a standard of beach excellence, for four years running. It is one of the best and most safe beaches for swimming and general water frolicking. The beach area is replete with nature trails, opportunities for bird watching and spotting whales and is one of the best places to surf. So book your Stilbaai accommodation so you can experience the best of this seaside paradise.
Stilbaai town
The Goukou River divides the bay area into two parts, the east and west. While the west side is predominantly residential comprising of Stilbaai accommodation, shops, police station, the municipality, the tourism bureau and the harbour, the east is home to most major tourist attractions. There are two large caravan parks, the beach and side entertainments and a cluster of beachside cottages a stones throw from the shoreline. On the east, the beach is the theme of life.
Natural reserves
Not far from the village is the famous Geelkrans (meaning yellow cliffs of sand rising above water) Nature Reserve. A sprawling 165 hectare home to fauna like the coastal fynbos and rhenosterveld, the reserve is a must see on any visit to Stilbaai. Even more untamed and feral is the nearby Palingkloof nature reserve a nature garden stitched together by the beautiful Paling stream. Paling is Afrikaans for eel and the stream lives up to its name entirely. The Paling is rich in blue eyed eels that have made the Paling their home for the last 125 years. Its not too far from regular Stilbaai accommodation sites.
Around Stilbaai
A short drive from the town takes you to quite a few farms that escape urban madness yet are within quick reach of the beach and other attractions. You can drop in for some farm fresh breakfast at the Wild Olive Farm which not only makes tasty home-grown meals but also produces enough for local food supply.
