The Sandveld falls within the northwestern section of South Africa’s unique Cape Floral Kingdom, a World Heritage Site, a biodiversity hotspot and one of the six Floral Kingdoms of the world.

Framed by the cold Atlantic Ocean to the west, the foothills of the Olifants River Mountains to the east, and between the Berg River in the south to Lambert’s Bay further north, the Sandveld area comprises a unique mosaic of vegetation types and a rich diversity of plants and animals. The area also has a rich cultural history.

The 1500 ha coastal lake of Verlorenvlei stands out like an oasis in this seemingly barren landscape of the Sandveld. It received RAMSAR status in 1991 due to its international significance for birdlife. Verlorenvlei is host to various species such as the Cape Clawless otter, Fish Eagle, Purple Gallinule and the Redfin- a species endemic to Verlorenvlei and found nowhere else. It’s also part of the West Coast Flamingo Birding route.

Download the West Coast list of birds HERE (pdf)

The West Coast is famous for its annual display of wild spring flowers when nature puts on her most spectacular show of floral splendour for all to enjoy (Aug-Sept).  The area is also famous for its Rooibos tea and plants of medical value.

The Sandveld has at least 12 vegetation types representing three major biomes: Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and Southern Afromontane Forest. Nine of these are threatened by habitat loss

Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos grows widely in the acidic sands of the central plains. Typical plants here are Cape Reeds, such as Sonkwas Riet and shrubs like Blombos, Skilpadbessie and Harpuisbos.

Spoil yourself and your loved ones and take off to the Sandveld Dorpshuys in Redelinghuys for an experience which will bring you closer to nature than ever before.  Experience the hospitality of the Sandveld, the wonderful fireside chats, beautiful sunsets, birds and small game. There truly is something for everyone including absolute peace and tranquillity which you will find nowhere else.  Explore towns close by and return to Sandveld Dorpshuys for a delicious hearty meal around a blazing fire and share your day amongst friends.  Life doesn't get better than this ... does it?

Aurora | Citrusdal | Elandsbaai | Lambert's Bay | Paternoster | Redelinghuys | Saldanha | St Helena | Veldrif

The word Aurora means daybreak and it is known as a very small & relaxing village situated in the middle of the Sandveld. This area can look very dry is the summer but when winter rain washes over this magnificent place it is turned into an abundant flower area. In 1751 a French Astronomer named Abbe De la Caille, erected the McClear Beacon on the outskirts of Aurora. To this day this beacon is the northernmost survey beacon on which the arc of meridian is measured. Aurora was established as a church centre for people who broke from the congregation in 1906. In 1866 restoration had started on this church. The present church was completed in 1906 and the first minister was reverend CR Ferreira. When his daughter was baptised he called her Ceylonia Aurora. This area is popular for its spring flowers & abundant bird life.

Activities in Aurora

• Birding

It is a paradise for rare bird species. October month is when the migratory birds arrive. It includes species like Kleinstrandloper, the Krombekstrandloper, European Bee-eater and the Yellow-billed Kite in.

Saldanha Bay is situated approximately 140Km from Cape Town on the picturesque West Coast Road (R27). The town of Saldanha Bay was built on one of the largest natural bays on our African coast, but development only truly got underway once a pipeline providing fresh water from the Berg River was laid to the town.

Saldanha Bay Harbour is renowned for its ability to handle amongst other commodities, the shipping of iron ore for which a dedicated railway line was built to transport iron ore from Sishen to Saldanha Bay for this very purpose.

Several industries have emerged and provide much needed employment for the local population as a result of the Saldanha Bay harbour including companies such as Namakwa Sands, Duferco and Sea Harvest.
The beautiful bay is home to the Saldanha Yacht Club which hosts several regattas annually and is also widely known for its Naval Training Base and the South African Military Academy.

This picturesque fishing village is where the mighty Berg River finds its way into the ocean. Birders and fishing hotspot, Veldrif offers ideal family fun for a day trip. Renowned for Bokkoms (salted and sundried harders), enjoy boating, sailing fabulous little art and antique shops as well as studios, restaurants and interesting eateries along the banks of the river.

Attractions:

• Mission Church (1942)
• Old Church (1908)
• Pelican Harbour
• Bird watching on the Berg River
• Fynbos
• Flamingo Birding Route
• Laaiplek Harbour Bird Watching
• Rocherpan Nature Reserve
• Arts and Crafts
• Boat trips
• Fishing
• Sailing
• Hiking
• Cycling

A bustling fishing harbour, in a tranquil country village. This beautiful bay is a birdwatchers' paradise and home to whales and dolphins all year round, with magnificent flowers in late winter and spring.

Attractions

• flowers in season
• whale watching
• dolphins
• traditional West Coast food