Yzerfontein, or Ysterfontein, is a small harbour town with about 1200 inhabitants on the west coast of South Africa about 90 km north of Cape Town. The name in Afrikaans means "Iron Fountain". The town is an unspoilt fishing village which typifies the natural beauty and simplicity of the area. The town is laid out around a rocky cape and harbour.
Aerial view of Yzerfontein
Getting to Yzerfontein
Yzerfontein lies on the Atlantic coast, about 60 miles/97 km NW of Cape Town. From Cape Town take either the N7 highway and exit towards Darling or the more scenic R27 along the coast. Follow it until you find the turn-off to Yzerfontein.
Population density dropped off significantly once you were about 10 miles outside Cape Town. Surprisingly, the route did not follow the coastline. Instead, we were treated to wide open stretches of fynbos (fine bush) that seemed to go on forever. As it turns out, much of the area is protected. Fynbos is uniquely endemic to a narrow belt extending up both the eastern and western coasts.
Once outside of Cape Town, we saw long stretches of fynbos in protected areas Along the way, we passed several public and private nature reserves:
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- Blouberg Private Nature Reserve
- Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
- Koeberg Nature Reserve
- Grotto Bay Private Reserve
- Rondeberg Private Nature Reserve
- Rondeberg Nature Reserve
- Jakkalsfontein Private Nature Reserve
- Kwha ttu Nature Reserve
Driving into Yzerfontein at dusk gave us the perfect introduction to this magical place. The early evening lighting and expansive sky cast a most romantic aura over the village.
History and Culture
The town started out when the farm 'Yzerfontein' was bought by the Katz-family in the 1930s. Then they started dividing the farm into plots. Archaeological digs in Yzerfontein have found remains of food and tools left by ancient people, who inhabited Yzerfontein.
They hunted antelope such as reedbuck and the extinct Cape Zebra and Bloubok, and also dined on shellfish, penguins, cormorants, tortoises, dune mole rats, snakes and ostrich eggs.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is in the Spring (September to November), as not only do you have the opportunity to see the fields of flowers blooming, but the southern right whales are visiting at that time (yes, it's not just Hermanus that they go to!), and the temperature isn't too hot or too cold. Unless you've specifically timed your visit for the school holidays, it's also likely that it wont be too busy, allowing easy access to restaurants and having more of the beach to yourself.
Things to Do and See
A special trip to South Africa’s Yzerfontein and West Coast Region is less than a two- hour drive from Cape Town. The unique terrain of this region offers an unspoiled view of coastal South Africa.
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A roadtrip through the Yzerfontein-Langebaan-Mykonos Corridor gives visitors an opportunity to see the less touristy side of coastal South Africa.
Here are some of the things you can do and see in Yzerfontein:
- Sixteen Mile Beach: Yzerfontein is known for its Sixteen Mile Beach, stretching north from the main beach of the town, to the West Coast National Park, which borders the town. After our lovely breakfast, we had time for a leisurely visit to Yzerfontein's famous 16-mile beach, the longest continuous sandy beach in South Africa. The views and the natural setting were beautiful, as advertised!
- Whale Watching: Whale-watching is also popular here from September through November.
- Pearl Bay Heights: The climb to the top of Pearl Bay Heights on the southern end of Yzerfontein is well worth the effort.
- Dassen Island: If you drive to one of the high points of the village, on a clear day you should be able to see Table Mountain in the distance. And since you're so high up, you'll easily be able to see Dassen Island in the distance.
If you're tiring of Yzerfontein during you visit, then go explore nearby Darling, or Khwa Ttu San cultural centre.
Yzerfontein's Natural Beauty
South Africa's west coast is washed by the Benguela current which originates in the Antarctic, and thus the sea water is very chilly. So, you need to be able to withstand the cold to enjoy a swim. Most people opt for long walks on its very long beach, enjoying the feel of the water running over their feet. There are usually a few surfers (with wetsuits on) taking advantage of the waves.
Like Cape Town there is a bit of a south-easter blowing during summer, but being a bit further north than the Mother City, it is not quite as harsh.
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The Yzerfontein area has quite an eco-system! After our lovely breakfast, we had time for a leisurely visit to Yzerfontein's famous 16-mile beach, the longest continuous sandy beach in South Africa.
This amazing white sand beach extends north all the way to the edge of the West Coast National Park. Although we didn't partake, guided horseback rides along the beach are available at sunrise and sunset.
West Coast National Park
That afternoon after lunch, we decided to take a drive to see the West Coast National Park.
WCNP is a designated part of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve--an UNESCO Biosphere program. The reserve extends all the way from Yzerfontein to the Langebaan Lagoon in the north. The area encompassing the park has been recently expanded to protect additional coastal habitats.
The present configuration of the park aims to protect the local Strandveld Vegetation, Langebaan Fynbos, and Hopefield Sand Plain Fynbos (Coastal Fynbos). These habitats are extremely important to the thousands of migrating birds that return to the park every year. Not surprisingly, the park is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
Migrating birds are said to travel all the way from Central Asia and Russia! Red Knot, Eurasian Whimbrel, and Eurasian Curlew are often seen in the area.
Scores of eco-tourists descend on the park every August and September for the spectacular wildflower season. Spring Visitors are treated to flowering fields of White Rain Daisies, Gousblom, Elandsvy, Magriet, Livingston Daisies, Sporrie, Suurvy, Bokbaai Vygie, and Wild Sorrel.
Stopping at the Geelbek Information Center, we learned of the Eve’s Footprint and Trail excursion-a big attraction for hikers. Ancient fossilized footprints were found in the nearby rock. The prints are thought to be about 117,000 years old. The original prints are now protected at the Iziko Museum in Cape Town. A replica can still be seen at the Geelbek Center.
The hiking excursion follows Eve’s trek through the WCNP for about 30 km, exploring both the history and the natural environment of the area.
A quarter of a million west coast birds live and breed offshore. That must be a sight!
West Coast National Park
Accommodation
Here are a few places where you can stay:
- The Gulls: Luxurious, light and airy. Magnificent sea view. Spacious en suite accommodation. Bedroom and sitting room in one. Sleeps 2 people. The sliding doors open onto your own balcony from which you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the sea. In season you may even spot whales in the bay and pelicans flying overhead. There is a small fridge and basic crockery and cutlery suitable for snack meals and take aways (no cooking facilities in the room). Bedding and bath towels are provided. Situated less than a kilometer from the famous Sixteen Mile Beach.
- Lewens-Essens On C75 LUTIE KATZ ROAD: Stay at this 3.5-star beach B&B in Yzerfontein. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.
- Kaijaiki Country Inn and Restaurant: Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Yzerfontein. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge).
- Sandbanks Villa: Stay at this 3-star beach vacation home in Yzerfontein. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden.
- Majestic hill-top 5-star awarded boutique Penthouse: Stay at this vacation home in Yzerfontein. Enjoy laundry facilities.
Food and Drink
During the day-time, "the Droograk Deli" in Villa Fontana is a small but very efficient place to eat breakfast or lunch and offers a never to beat Sunday lunch . The Whale Tale Cafe nearby is highly recommended for divine cakes.
My South-African Road Trip Part 2: Langebaan
Thali Thali Game Lodge Experience
The time had come for our long-awaited game reserve excursion! After a great breakfast, and a lot of excited conversation, we set off for the Thali Thali Game Lodge. Thali Thali is a private, family-owned game reserve, conveniently located near Langebaan. Our drive, once again, took us through the West Coast National Park. The drive north on the R27 took 25 minutes-about 32 miles/52 km.
Thali Thali has several small self-catering chalets around the property. In order to fully immerse in the game lodge experience, visitors often stay overnight in a farmhouse or in glamping tents!
The Game Lodge building had a very nice restaurant and bar. We had arrived extra early to take advantage of their farm-style breakfast-and brewed coffee, of course! The setting on the veranda was peaceful and serene.
The van Niekerks have built up a significant collection of wildlife on the reserve, with a well-balanced ecosystem capable of supporting the resident animals.
Thali Thali supports a wide array of birds and wildlife, including numerous zebra
The staff wholeheartedly buys into the van Niekerk hospitality mission of providing an experience that will keep visitors coming back year after year. It worked with us-we absolutely want to return!
The game drive was to be a 90-minute experience, but the ranger took his time and made sure we hit all the major viewing spots. Our drive actually took 3 hours to complete! What an amazing deal at $16 per person!
Beginning the drive, we were especially interested in seeing the Cape Buffalo and giraffe. Success! We had close encounters with both species-and so much more!
Along the way, we were privileged to see:
- Cape Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Kudu
- Bontebok
- Fallow Deer (Tak Bok)
- Springbuck
- Eland
- Oryx
- Blue Wildebeast
- Burchell’s Zebra
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