Still Bay & Surrounding Areas
“Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty” – John Ruskin
Where in the World is Still Bay?
Those unfortunate souls who have never been to, or even heard about Stilbaai, might wonder where this exceptional remnant of heaven is. This popular coastal town is huddled around the Goukou River mouth where it spills into the Indian ocean. Stilbaai, Melkhoutfontein and Jongensfontein, two close by villages, are in the Hessequa municipal area of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. This area forms part of the scenic Garden Route with its unique fynbos and wildlife. Of these three towns, Still Bay is the largest and most developed regarding businesses and services.
Still Bay Area Has a Rich History
According to artefacts found during excavations, the Still Bay area’s history goes back as far a 75 000 years. The artefacts come from the Blombos Cave and dates back to the Middle Stone Age.
Hessequa is an indigenous Khoikhoi name which means ‘People of the trees’. There is ample evidence the Khoikhoi people left behind which dates to at least 3 000 years ago. Among the ancient heritage sites in the area, are the fish traps and the shell middens.
One of the oldest buildings in Stilbaai, the old Palinggat Homestead dates from 1811. This 200+ year old house was built with slanting walls at the corners to prevent elephants from scratching their bodies against the house. Skeletal remains of such elephants were dug up in the area around the house. These are on display at the Stilbaai Information Bureau Building which is housed in said old homestead. The slanting walls can still be observed at the back of the building.
There are various other historical buildings in and around Stilbaai, all worth visiting. Find out where they are located at the Information Bureau.
Stilbaai Residents Care About Nature
“To damage the earth is to damage your children” – Wendell Berry
Still Bay is also rich in natural heritage which present day residents passionately preserve such as the indigenous fynbos and trees like the coral and milk wood trees. Scattered around town are green areas where nature lives unhindered and lots of wildlife keep. Tortoises, owls, scrub hares, cape hares, mole snakes, bush buck, steenbok, duiker and much more come out at night. Residents are used to them grazing in gardens around town without fear.
What a privilege to witness a bush buck family quietly feeding in your garden. Priceless! Visitors to the town are requested to show the same respect to Still Bay’s natural heritage
Stilbaai also boasts four clean safe beaches with Blue Flag status. These are the western beach, Son en See, and eastern beaches Lappiesbaai, Ellensrust and Preekstoel. Here families enjoy the sun, sand and water swimming, sunbathing and building sandcastles. The long stretches of sand also provides for relaxing strolls or fitness runs.
Sensational Things to Do
Water-sports – engage in any water sport of your choice such as scuba diving, windsurfing and kite surfing. The waves at Morris Point in Still Bay as well as Jongensfontein are widely known as popular surfing spots along the Western Cape coast.
Hike along various hiking trails such as Geelkrans, Noorkapper Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve, Pauline Bohnen, etc. and enjoy the indigenous flora and fauna.
- Deep-sea fishing charters are available for those serious fishermen and anglers, an experience you will never forget.
- Play a game of golf, bowls, tennis, etc. at the different clubs in Stilbaai and Jongensfontein.
- Excellent Mountain Bike, scenic routes to enjoy.
Taste local products such as locally distilled gin at Inverroche, locally produced cheese at Kasselshoop as well as locally produced olive products at various olive farms.
During the summer holidays (December) live entertainment is arranged for the enjoyment of holiday visitors as well as permanent residents such as performances by popular singers.
Remarkable Things to See
Feeding of the eels – Freshwater eels living in a rock fountain since more than 125 years ago. Watch how they feed them daily at 11:00 and learn their interesting story.
Ancient fish traps – Cleverly engineered ancient rock pools to trap fish with the help of the sea tides built by the Khoisan about 3 000 years ago.
Blombos Museum of Archaeology – Located in the Stilbaai Tourism Bureau and displaying artefacts excavated in the Blombos cave dating back 75 000 years to the Middle Stone Age.
Fonteinhuisie Museum in Jongensfontein depicting the history of the town.
Tuin-op-die-Brak – Botanical garden containing indigenous plants of the Hessequa area. Wheelchair friendly as well as catering for blind visitors with the ‘Smell-and-Touch’ route.
“In our leisure we reveal what kind of people we are.” Ovid – Roman Poet, born 43 BC
Still Bay Boasts Numerous Businesses and Services
As a well developed town, Stilbaai provides business opportunities for the whole area. There are many restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, grocery, clothing and furniture stores as well as butcheries, fishing shops, etc.
Furthermore there are three bank branches, a Post Office as well as ATMs. (ABSA, Nedbank and FNB) Also no scarcity to real estate agents or property practitioners. One petrol station in town as well as one en route to Riversdale some 10-12 km from Stilbaai.
A large number of tradesmen offering various essential services are available such as plumbers, electricians and builders.
Stilbaai also caters for all necessary emergency services such as doctors, dentists, vets as well as pharmacies. Also as a very competent NSRI Station (National Sea Rescue Institute) and vigilant as well as effective SA Police Office.
Make your own special memories
2Palms’ 3rd law: Relax, take it easy, have fun, enjoy life!
In and around Stilbaai is a large number of possible activities and attractions to accommodate every taste, age as well as energy level. The following are only a few suggestions.
Various Essential Services
Among the residents of Still are a large number of professional people and tradesmen to meet just about any need you might experience such as lawyers, beauticians and hair dressers. Also plumbers, electricians, builders, as well as painters, carpenters, auto mechanics, transporters, shuttle services, panel beaters, etc.
All emergency services are also covered such as medical doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacies, vets and even an undertaker.
There is a highly functional and on the ball SA Police Station in town, quick to respond and very effective in their investigations. Likewise there is the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) station at the harbour with its extremely efficient and skilled team of volunteers.
Various churches are spread over Stilbaai, Jongensfontein and Melkhoutfontein offering church services on Sundays as well as religious days.