Stilbaai (Still Bay), also known as the Bay of the Sleeping Beauty, is located 26km off the N2 on the banks of the Goukou River and the unspoilt beaches of the warm Indian Ocean. It is a small (permanent population of 6,000), clean and safe town with a surprising amount to do and enjoy.
It's 340km from Cape Town, 463km from Port Elizabeth and 1300km from Johannesburg.
Accommodation
Routes
Stilbaai, Jongensfontein and melkhoutfontein have a number of special interest routes. There is a Gourmet Route which includes traditional foods, olive products, cheeses, a gin distillery (made with fynbos) and more. There is an extensive Arts & Crafts Route which includes fine artists in various media, leather and ostrich products, cane products, stoneware and precious wood furniture. And there is a Heritage Route. A brochure is available from the Stilbaai Info Office.
Fish Traps
The fish traps, that have been in existence for a few thousand years, are a valuable part of Stilbaai's historical heritage. Fish traps were the esiest and most logical way used by Stone Age people to catch fish. They were originally built by the Khoisan up to 3000 years ago and are still in use today.
Most of the traps are shaped in a half moon and vary in size. Early cave dwellers noticed that fish got caught in natural tidal pools as the tide receded. Enlarging these pools by packing stone in strategic areas was a logical extension of this idea.
On dark nights the fish do not notice when the tide starts going out. When the water has retreated from the traps, the fish are left stranded and they may be caught by hand.
Packing the walls of the fish traps is a precise job and today only a handful of men are capable of doing it. The seaward side slopes gently to make it easy for the fish to swim into the trap. The internal face is vertical and clear of debris and silt, so the "vywers" can be drained quickly and trap the fish as the tide recedes. Nets and other equipment have made it easier to catch the fish trapped inside than was the case in past centuries.
In the past, a "vywer" was handed down from father to son, who then became responisble for the upkeep. The owners later formed a corporation and the catch is now divided amongst them. More than 20 of these ponds are still maintained along the shore about a half hour's walk from Stilheuwels on the Stilbaai/Jongensfonetin walking trail.
Each pond has its own name, often reflecting its efficacy, for example: Alleroudste (oldest of all and still regarded as the best ever), Wonderwerk (miracle), Niksvanger (nothing catcher!), Krom Knie (crooked knee), and Sny Brood (slice of bread).
Record harvests in one harvest includes 26 Musselcracker in Roodt se vywer, 98 Elf in Vlei and 5,000 Harders in Groot Vywer. Other species regularly caught include Kabeljou, Beam, Blacktail, Blue Hottentot and Zebras. A number of active locals ensure that this fishing tradition continues and the best time to see the ponds in action is during the winter months, because winter time is prime harvest time!
Hiking Trails
West River Bank Hiking Trail
This trail follows the western shore of the Goukou River between the jetty/launching area and the harbour, including the stream from the information centre. The trail can be started from the info centre, the harbour or the jetty. The route is paved most of the way and is fairly level. Bird watching and nature can be enjoyed along this scenic route. Approximately 2km each way.
Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve
These hiking trails criss-cross the entire nature reserve and can be started from the whale watching point near the harbour as well as the parking areas at Morris Point and at the parking area near the fish traps. These paths follow the contours of the dunes and require a reasonable amount of fitness. One of the highlights of the walk is the amazing milkwood tree forests. Birds, and if you are lucky bushbuck, grysbok, otters and mongoose can be spotted along these routes. Take own water and snacks. Between 2 and 6km. Wear walking shoes and hats.
Southern Right Trail
This is a coastal trail between Stilbaai and Jongensfontein, starting from Morris Point and ending up at the caravan park at Jongensfontein. Care must be taken to walk this trail at low tide as it can become dangerous at high tides. Beautiful rock pools, fynbos, birds and small animals can be enjoyed. For the season swimmer, there are beautiful rock pools to swim in on the way. Take own water and snacks, sun block, camera and wear hiking shoes and hat. Approximately 11km. It is suggested that you leave a car at the finishing end for your return.
Pauline Bohnen Nature Reserve
This is a large reserve and has several trails on it. Birding, flowers, scenery and wild life can be enjoyed on these walks. Don't forget to take along your camera, water bottle and snacks. Most of the trails are on fairly level ground but those nearer the river are steeper; good walking shoes are required. There are beehives in the reserve and care must be taken to avoid annoying the bees. There are trails of various lengths, anything from 1 hour to the whole day. Hat and sun block recommended.
Geelkrans Nature Reserve
Self issue permits are available at the gate. The trail goes in a loop towards the east and returns via the coast. This trail can be fairly challenging and is not very well marked. Take along water, snacks, binoculars and camera and wear hiking shoes, hat and sun block. Approximately 3 hours.
Klipfontein Nature Reserve
This is a private nature reserve and is situated about 20km up the Goukou River. For further details contact Dr Janet Naude at 072 448 0604.