• Struisbaai
• L'Agulhas
• The Southernmost Tip of Africa
• The Overberg Region
• General information
• Route Planner
• Links to other sites
• Emergency services
• Weather and climate

STRUISBAAI   9CLICK TO GO TO TOP OF PAGE                                                                                               

Struisbaai, renowned for its 21 km stretch of pure white sandy beach, is a premier holiday destination. Each of the 21 pristine kilometres offers safe bathing. Legend has it that the town was named after vogelstruise (ostriches) found in the area.

The quaint little harbour, filled with busy fishing boats and quayside anglers is a must-see. Pleasure and angling cruises depart from here. The fishermen's cottages at Hotagterklip are National Monuments. From here, the road hugs the coastline, and leads you through the picturesque holiday village of L'Agulhas to the southernmost tip of the African continent.

L'AGULHAS    9

The picturesque holiday village of L'Agulhas, 5 kilometres away from Struisbaai, is the southernmost tip of Africa, and the residents enjoy the distinction of being the Africans living closest to the South Pole.

It was named after Cabo da Agulha by early Portuguese navigators. The dramatic windswept coastline is also known as the "Graveyard of Ships", as gale force winds, ever-changing weather conditions, high swells and the treacherous rocky coastline have caused innumerable wrecks.

The L'Agulhas lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in the country (1848), and is still in use. The light was lit for the first time on 1 March 1849. On a clear night the light can be seen for 30 sea miles. Today it houses Africa's only lighthouse museum. The lighthouse was 150 years old on 1 March 1999. Those energetic enough to climb to the top of the lighthouse tower, are rewarded with a close-up look at the giant Fresnel lantern and a panoramic view of the meeting place of the two oceans.

THE MOST SOUTHERN TIP OF AFRICA    9

The southernmost tip of the African continent is at Cape Agulhas and not at Cape Point, as many people believe. The official position of the tip is 34°49'58" south and 20°00'12" east and is found approximately 1km west of the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. The tip's exact location is marked by a simple yet dramatic cairn that was erected in 1986.

At the end of the 15th century the early Portuguese seafarers christened this tip "Cabo das Agulhas" which means "Cape of Needles" and refers to the needle of the compass, which at this point shows no real deviation between true north and magnetic north.

A truly magic and desolate place, where suddenly one begins to understand the difficulties the early seafarers faced.

THE OVERBERG REGION    9

The southernmost region of Africa is a sub region of the Overberg and stretches from Gansbaai in the west, through Buffeljag, Die Dam, L'Agulhas, Struisbaai and Waenhuiskrans/Arniston up to the mouth of the Breede River in the east.

It includes the De Hoop nature and marine reserve. This undulating landscape, with the Riviersonderend and Langeberg Mountain ranges as background, is known as the Ruens, whereas the southern coastal region beyond the Bredasdorp-Napier mountain range, is known as the Strandveld.

The area has now become the pay ground for the rich. Property is very scares and expensive. All indications are that the area will continue to develop as more tarred roads are now introduced to the area. The is also known for its beauty and cleanliness. There are no informal settlements close by.

GENERAL INFORMATION     9

Access routes
The main access route is the N2 national road from Cape Town in the west (via Sir Lowry's Pass) and from Swellendam in the east. The coastal road (R44) from Gordon's Bay at the foot of Sir Lowry's Pass, offers and alternative access route from the west. This precipitous, winding road takes one past Hangklip and rewards one with splendid views of False Bay and the impressive coastline between Rooiels and Kleinmond. Various roads provide access to the Overberg from the north.

GENERAL SHOPPING
Struisbaai has a well-stocked supermarket (Friendly Grocer) that will meet all your needs.

Petrol and diesel is available 24 hours a day.

There are no commercial banks in Struisbaai. Complete banking facilities are available at Bredasdorp. There is an auto bank available next to the supermarket in Struisbaai.

ROUTE PLANNER Ž    9

Distances or Route Planner

EMERGENCY SERVICES    i    9

LINKS TO OTHER INTERESTING SITES    9

š    š    OVERBERG INFO

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WEATHER / CLIMATE INFO ON STRUISBAAI    9            

The Overberg enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Winter, the rainy season, nonetheless has many sunny days and is generally mild, with high winds at times. Summer is dry and sunny, with the extreme heat tempered by sea breezes in the coastal areas. Early autumn (March-April) is idyllic, with balmy days and warm evenings.

The weather in Struisbaai is as robust as Africa. The winter months, June to August, are cold and wet. August to December is often windy. The summer months, January to March is hot with cloudless, windless and cool nights. This is how I experience the area, but hey see for yourself what the experts say.

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Johan G van Zyl

Cell: 0829201867

Email: justiceza@absamail.co.za