The Still Bay Region - in a league of its own
"A holiday isn't a holiday without plenty of freedom and fun" – Louisa May Alcott
Stilbaai & Jongensfontein Area
Yes, this gorgeous place does indeed exist! The area includes three towns varying in size, namely Stilbaai, Jongensfontein and Melkhoutfontein. Each of these towns have their own interesting history, but they all share one thing – the stunning natural beauty of this area. Not far apart, these towns are located in the Hessequa municipal area of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The area forms part of the well-known Garden Route with its unique fynbos flora and fauna indigenous to this part of the country. Being developed around the Goukou River estuary, Stilbaai is the largest of the three towns offering various businesses and services to the region.
Still Bay Area Has a Rich History
Archaeological finds shows that this region has a rich history. Artefacts dating from as far back as 75 000 years in the Middle Stone Age were found in the Blombos Cave near Jongensfontein. Hessequa is a Khoikhoi name which means ‘people of the trees’. Early ancestors of the Khoi people left behind a number of ancient heritage sites dating as far back as 1000 BC (BCE) such as the ancient fish traps.
The Palinggat Homestead in Stilbaai was built in 1814 when the area was untamed with elephants, lots of wildlife and snakes. This house has been restored beautifully and is one of a number of historical buildings in Still Bay.
Melkhoutfontein was a large farm that was sold off in pieces, one of which the Anglican Church bought in 1872. Various families lived there in these small traditional thatch roof houses and in 1876 the Melkhoutfontein Mission School was established.
Jongensfontein was also originally a farm which was divided among servitude holders. Since 1920 these people started building small reed and mud houses which they started renting to holiday makers as accommodation. That was the start of Jongensfontein as town.
Residents Passionately Protects Nature
“The greatest threat to the planet is the belief someone else will take care of it” - Robert Swan
This area is rich in natural heritage as well, and residents of the area are serious about protecting the indigenous fauna and flora. Aged milk-wood trees and various types of fynbos grow unhindered offering the large variety of bird species a safe place to nest.
Wildlife in the area come and go unobstructed from the surrounding veld as well as the patches of green areas in the towns. Observing tortoises, scrub hares, mole snakes as well as families of bush buck, steenbok, and duiker is a quite common experience in Stilbaai. At night time you can often see a pair of large owls sitting in a tree or on a roof calling each other seemingly planning the night’s hunt.
What a privilege! This is why residents become extremely upset if anyone does anything to scare or hurt the fauna or flora. Or mess up the beautiful beaches or the lovely river.
Four Pristine Beaches
Nothing soothes the soul like a walk on the beach
Another treasured natural feature of Stilbaai and Jongensfontein is the four clean safe beaches where people can swim, suntan as well as build sand castles with the kids. Or do fitness runs or simply take a leisurely stroll along the long stretches of sand. Early morning beach walkers might just be lucky enough to find a delicate Pansy shell which is still intact. Bone-white, rare, fragile, exquisite, precious…
One of these beaches (where Die Blou Huis is located) is on the western side of the Goukou River from where you can walk to the Stilbaai Harbour. Two of the other beaches are on the eastern side of the river. These are, Lappiesbaai (main beach) and Preekstoel (municipal caravan park area). The fourth beach is the Jongensfontein Beach at the municipal caravan park.
Hessequa municipality is proud of the fact that all four of these beaches (not for the first time!) boasted blue flag status during the December 2019 holidays. The most blue flag beaches in one place in the country!
Boys and girls just wanna have fun in the sun!
Good weather, bad weather, no matter which, there is always something special to do or see to suit every taste, level of energy, interest and age. The following are only a few of the many activities and attractions available to help you undo the stress and restock the memory bank.
Captivating Things to See
Stilbaai Tourism Bureau – visit them for complete information as well as locations of historical as well as current attractions in the area.
Blombos Museum of Archaeology – housed in the same building and containing various interesting artefacts from the Middle Stone Age (75 000 years old).
Blombos Cave – these artefacts were excavated at the archaeological site in the Blombos Cave. The cave is unfortunately not open for the public, therefore the exhibition in the Museum.
Feeding of the Eels – the building housing the Tourism Bureau and the Museum was originally built in 1814 and later restored because of its historical value. This house sits next to a natural freshwater fountain were eels live. These eels have a very interesting history and are fed every day at 11:00. Visit them, watch how they feed them and hear their amazing story from the specialists.
Ancient Fish Traps – some 1 000 BC the ancestors of the Khoi people lived in the region and very cleverly built fish traps using the tides to trap fish in their dams. Visit these ancient fish traps for a truly worthwhile experience and marvellous pictures to share with friends.
Shell Middens – these same people to a great extent lived off shell fish which they collected from the rocks. This can be derived from the shell middens left all over the region, one of which can be seen at the Stilbaai harbour.
Fonteinhuisie – visit the Fonteinhuisie in Jongensfontein which was built in 1940 and today is a museum depicting the history of Jongensfontein.
‘Tuin-op-die-Brak’ – botanists and nature lovers will love a visit to the wheelchair as well as blind friendly ‘Tuin-op-die-Brak’. This is a unique, botanically accurate fynbos park containing plants indigenous to the Hessequa area.
Marvelous Things to Do
Sea Water Sports – for sea water sport junkies Stilbaai is the personification of Eden. The wide waters of the Bay, the river estuary as well as all the beaches offer boundless opportunities to enjoy yourself. Swimming, wave surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, whatever you can dream up, you can perform in/on these waters. Morris Point in Still Bay is widely known as a popular surfing spot along the Western Cape coast. As is the waves along the Jongensfontein coast.
River Activities – the Goukou River runs through Still Bay into the Indian ocean offering a variety of activities to everyone. During the December holidays you can rent canoes, kayaks, rubber ducks, etc. and enjoy navigating on the river. Swimming, water skiing, paddling, stand-up paddling, charter cruises on the river – opportunities are endless.
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Bird Watching – for those energetic nature lovers, the Stilbaai area offers various hiking trails differing in length as well as complexity. While hiking along in the fynbos, bird watchers can practice their bird identification skills among the wide variety of species populating the area. One of these hiking trails is the Southern Right Whale hiking trail which is following the about 8 km of beautiful coastline between Stilbaai and Jongensfontein. Mountain bikers can enjoy various mountain biking trails in the area enjoying the beauty of the area from the seat of a bicycle. Smelling the unique scent of the fynbos and perhaps glimpsing some of the wildlife along the way.
Fishing/Angling – Stilbaai and Jongensfontein offer lots of fishing opportunities. Freshwater fishermen can enjoy fishing in the river, from land or from a boat. Sea anglers have a choice of fishing from the rocks of chartering a vessel for some deep sea fishing. Talk to the locals about the best fishing spots.
Sport Clubs – there is a Golf Club in Jongensfontein as well as Stilbaai where you are welcome to play a games or two while on holiday. Other clubs also invite visitors to join them, such as the Bowls Club, Jukskei Club, Tennis Club, Pistol Shooting Club, etc.
Local Products – Still Bay is surrounded by many working farms producing products which they offer for tasting and buying. Such tastings include interesting talks on how products are manufactured. Visit Inverroche to taste their gin, Kasselshoop to taste their cheese and any one of the olive farms to taste their olive products.
December Events
December means festive season and summer holiday during which time Stilbaai becomes a vibrant, lively and very busy town overnight. Locals and frequent visitors alike are familiar with certain annual events taking place during these high-octane weeks.
There are various ways to stay informed of all events planned during the holidays, including various services on Christmas day.
Keep an eye out for posters and banners as you drive around.
See the relevant information on all electronic platforms.
Visit the Stilbaai Tourism Bureau for a printed version of the holiday calendar.
Download the GR&KK App on your phone and have all the information right there in your pocket.
Exciting Highlights on the Calendar
Live Entertainment Events – during the summer holidays (December) the events committee of Stilbaai arranges live entertainment such as performances by popular singers.
Stilbaai Touch Rugby (Touchies) – a traditional event with a long history and not to be missed. Stilbaai Touch Rugby is South Africa’s largest and most prestigious touch rugby event. Every year on 26 December on the Ellensrust Beach.
Trans Agulhas Challenge – do not miss the arrival of the boats on the second day of the Trans Agulhas Challenge. The toughest inflatable powerboat race over 5 days in the world. From Plettenberg Bay to Gansbaai every year from 28 December to 1 January. The rubber ducks arrive in Still Bay on the 29th of December roughly between 9 and 10 depending on weather conditions.
Food & Wine Festival (Voedsel & Wynfees) – this is an annual event hosted by the Lions Club Still Bay in the Community Hall next to the Municipal offices. Wines from various wine estates are available at cellar prices as well as gourmet food stalls.
Jongensfontein Lantern Walk – annual event in honour of the late Diena Smit, in life a favourite radio presenter. Arranged by the Jongensfontein Residents Association and happening annually on 31 December after dark.
National Sea Rescue Institution (NSRI) Fundraising Event – annual 10km fun run/walk for the whole family. Everybody – runners, joggers, walkers, are welcome to run or walk through the most beautiful parts of Still Bay. The very valuable service the NSRI provide is voluntary, therefore they need all the financial help they can get. Come on, enter the whole family and encourage your friends to enter as well.
Beach Programmes for Children – every year lots of exiting activities are arranged to keep children busy on the beach such as competitions and games. See the programme on the various electronic platforms and encourage your kids to participate in the fun.
Markets, Markets, Markets – there are various markets in Stilbaai and Jongensfontein for those who love shopping. Flea markets and arts and crafts markets, such as the Bridge market in Still Bay East, the Arts & Crafts market in the Stilbaai Community Hall, a number of Christmas markets at various locations, etc.
“The earth is what we all have in common” – Wendell Berry
Businesses and Services
Stilbaai is the largest of the three towns in the area and is also the business hub. Residents of the whole area visit Stilbaai for most of their business as well as make use of the service providers in Still Bay.
Banking services – three bank branches (ABSA, FNB, Nedbank), various ATMs as well as a Post Office.
Food providers such as grocery stores, butcheries, restaurants, coffee shops and such.
Various shops such as clothing stores, bookshops, fishing shops, gift shops, furniture stores, sport shops, etc.
One petrol station in town as well as one some 12 km out of town.
Professional services like lawyers, real estate agencies, hairdressers, beauticians, etc.
Essential services e.g. motor mechanics, panel beaters, plumbers, electricians, builders, IT providers and many more.
Medical services such as doctors, dentists, vets, physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacies, etc.
Emergency services in the form of a highly functional and efficient Police Station as well as extremely efficient NSRI station. (National Sea Rescue Institute)