Dwarskersbos is a seaside holiday town or village along the Atlantic Ocean.

This very small but popular local holiday destination is situated in the West Coast District, Western Cape in South Africa. Although it is more a diamond in the rough, and a hidden gem to the ‘outside world’, Dwarskersbos can get quite busy during summer holidays. It has a beautiful beach and a lot to offer in natural beauty.

If you love beautiful sunsets and long uninterrupted stretches of soft white sandy beaches, Dwarskersbos is the place to visit.

Famous with holiday makers and located next to the fishing village of Laaiplek, you will definitely want to have your own vehicle when visiting. Especially if there are a few places you would like to explore like the towns of Saldanha or Vredenburg. Also if you are a keen fisherman you would definitely want to bring your own fishing gear along.

The name Dwarskersbos comes from a plant growing in the area called “Kersbos” in Afrikaans. Being the perfect place to switch of those cell phones and just enjoy a beach weekend with sandy feet and fresh ocean breezes.

This is the place to go on long walks on the beach early in the morning, or in the evening, coffee shop visits during the day, or sightseeing in the nearby villages. It is all part of the West Coast experience, as is the opportunity to “braai” your own freshly caught fish. (Braai is after all the “national sport in South Africa” 🙂 and locals will be more than willing to share their favorite fish braai recipe.)

Map, location(s) & directions

International airport

Your nearest airport will be Cape Town International (CPT). Rent a car and take the scenic route to the West Coast. Stop along the way at places like Langebaan with its beautiful lagoon. (A family friendly place where kids can enjoy a few hours of fun, building sand castles.)

Accommodation in Dwarskersbos for the whole family

Something that will definitely catch your eye as you drive through the village is the “spiral–snail–shaped” houses of Slakkepas (now an iconic sight along the way). If you wish to book accommodation for the December holidays, you should book early: Search and Book now.

Where to stay

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If you ask the locals, the most preferred accommodation option would be to get a self-catering home with a braai facility.

During our stay in Dwarskersbos we rented a house in typical style of the village. Therefore giving us the opportunity to buy fresh fish locally for our braai that evening. You may also be lucky enough to get crayfish, when in season. With this in mind, the sound of crashing waves only a few meters away from our house, certainly made it one of the most peaceful experiences ever.

West Coast Luxury Tents

Between Elands Bay and Dwarskersbos

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Self Catering Accommodation

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Definitely add a visit to the West Coast National Park and the Rocherpan Nature reserve to your itinerary. Also allow enough time for surfing, swimming and some hiking.

Self-drive sightseeing road trips, are an awesome way to experience the culture and enjoy the West Coast. Be sure to stop at Bokkomlaan in Velddrif, and if you see some place selling Bokkoms, you must try this local delicacy.

What is a “Bokkom” you ask? Well here is Wikipedia’s explanation:

“Bokkoms (or Bokkems) is whole, salted and dried mullet (more specifically the Southern mullet, Chelon richardsonii, a type of fish commonly known in the Western Cape of South Africa as “harders”), and is a well-known delicacy from the West Coast region of South Africa. This salted fish is dried in the sun and wind and is eaten after peeling off the skin. In some cases it is also smoked. It is sometimes referred to as “fish biltong”.”

You have to try it at least once in your life.

While you're there...

Visit Velddrif / Veldrif : A pretty coastal fishing town situated right where the Berg River flows into St. Helena Bay. This is also where you will find Port Owen – a beautiful marina in the town of Velddrif with 3.5 km of waterways.

Things to do: