“Peace, silence, tranquillity and lots of space to explore are only some of the terms to describe the beautiful West Coast. And if you throw in the Carinus Bridge, bokkoms, flamingos, fisherfolk and stunning long pristine beaches, then you know you’re in Velddrif!”
Geographical Description of Ward 7
Ward 7 is predominantly urban coastal settlement and comprises Velddrif which includes Port Owen and Laaiplek.
Velddrif is a coastal town which functions as a focal point for the fishing industry. The meandering Berg River reflects the tranquillity of this fishing village. A birder’s mecca, wader hotspot and fishermen, bokkoms and beaches, this is what life is all about. Before the Carinus Bridge was built over the Bergrivier a ‘pont’ operated at this spot which was an ideal place for crossing the “drif in die veld’ hence Velddrif. Cerebos has many salt pans here which attract wide a variety of birdlife such as Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Great White Pelicans, Chestnut Banded Plovers, to name but a few and in October one may have a rare opportunity to see a Red Necked Phalarope. Swartjiesbaai offers an ardent birder larks, maybe a Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfishers, Avocets, along with Black Winged Stilts. If you find yourself at the Carinus Bridge in the middle of July you will see the end of the Bergrivier Canoe Marathon. This event takes place over 4 days starting in Paarl and ending at the Carinus Bridge. The first Berg River Canoe Marathon was held in 1962 and has gained a reputation for being one of the toughest courses in the world, also being the longest in South Africa. As we carry on upstream we pass the bird hide and arrive at ‘Bokkom Laan’ where bokkoms (dried fish) are made in the same traditional way which dates back more than 300 years. The local fishers are only too happy to share the process with the visitor if asked. A meal at one of the eateries along here is a must.
Port Owen, situated on the banks of the marina and its striking canals, gives opportunity for sailing, due to its sheltered nature and orientation to the prevailing summer wind as it gives access to both the river and the sea.
The harbour at Laaiplek is home to one of two dry docks in South Africa where wooden hulled fishing boats are maintained and refurbished. The harbour is also a buzz with light industries, eateries and curio shops.
The following is a demarcation map of Ward 7:
