Hi everyone! In this video, I explore the beautiful, tranquil town of Dwarskersbos, situated in the Western Cape of South Africa. Dwarskersbos is a holiday destination and fishing village approximately 11 kilometres north of Laaiplek and less than two hours drive from Cape Town. It also forms part of the iconic West Coast, in my view one of the best areas of South Africa - but then again, I would be biased as someone who grew up in Lambert's Bay!
The vlog starts off with me driving towards the town, before spotting the welcome sign. I immediately notice a trend with the side streets that are named after flowers. I decide to walk down some of the streets (which are also all cul-de-saqs) as well as the various entrances to the beach.
I admire the distinct flora and beautiful nature in the area. Rumour has it that Dwarskersbos forms part of the longest uninterrupted sandy beach in South Africa - a sight to behold!
Dwarskersbos is also situated in the area where the famous Portuguese sailor and navigator, Vasco da Gama, first set foot on South African soil in search of water in November 1497. Nearby Paternoster is also the site where the first "Pater Noster" (Latin for the prayer "Our Father") was prayed. So lots of history in the area!
Throughout the vlog, I mention the book written by Johnnie Eigelaar, namely "As die Skipper op die voorstewe staan!" (first edition & print 1999). The first chapter contains details of Eigelaar's experience in Dwarskersbos, where he grew up, as well as noteworthy details about the history of the town. This book gives us a flavour of what life was like in the 1920s and 1930s around the area, in contrast to modern times. The book also tells wonderful stories about the individuals involved at the time in various aspects of life, and helps to bring that period to life.
After visiting a few streets and beaches, I visit the area near Soverby Lapa, where I talk about transport limitations in the area during the 1920s and 1930s, as well as the natural disasters of 1969 in the Western Cape. It has never been confirmed, but some people claim there may be a connection between the storm surge in Dwarskersbos and the earthquake near Tulbach and Ceres.
I decide it is time for lunch and a coffee at Soverby Lapa, which is also situated in a prominent fishing area that attracts thousands of visitors to Dwarskersbos every year. The menu also contains more about the local history as well as the meaning behind the town's name! Currency converter: 1 British Pound = c. R23.85
I return to Dwarskersbos town and explore more streets, as well as the area around the private school, business center and mini mart (or mini mark). I also stumble upon a beer garden, a residential complex and an area that is seemingly part of a farm, before walking to the caravan park and more nearby beaches. Though there are pockets of activity, most of the businesses and shops are closed, as this vlog was filmed on a Sunday. Not that I am complaining - in a way, the silence makes the Sunday stroll in the town even more tranquil!
I hope you enjoy this tour of Dwarskersbos on the West Coast of South Africa. If you haven't done it yet, please hit the LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE to the channel and leave a COMMENT for me in the comments section. This really helps to promote and build the channel and it is free to do so - you would really help me out big time with these small acts of kindness and will continue to help me create content for you, to watch for free!
I also mention my vlog I did in nearby Aurora, which you can view here: • AURORA, South Africa: ...
And this is the collab I did with another content creator (No Soy Ribio) that I mention in the mini mark: • Brit and South African...
Disclaimer - Please note that I have not been sponsored by anyone in the production of this video.
Happy exploring!
Willie
3 июн 2024
