Melkbosstrand

Description

Melkbosstrand is a fishing village personified. Situated 35km north of Cape Town, this unpretentious coastal village is known for its stretch of white sandy beach, seafood restaurants, nature hikes, undulating dunes, and exceptional mountain views. If you’re looking to get away from it all, Melkbosstrand is the ideal destination for you.

Melkbosstrand, previously known as Losperd’s Bay, is often referred to as the “rich man’s town”, because a host of South African celebrities have made the village their home, from rugby players and actors, to writers and visiting members of the House of Lords.

Named after the species of Euphorbiacae bushes that grow in the dunes, Melkbosstrand (Milkwood Beach) offers spectacular views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. Its main claim to fame is the 7km stretch of beach, known for being one of the landing points for the South Africa Far East and South Atlantic/West African submarine cable systems. The beach is a favourite destination for water sports like swimming, surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, boating, and crayfishing, as well as beach strolls and sunset picnics. The famous surfing site of Big Bay is just 8km away.

Much of Melkbosstrand’s charm lies in its rural setting. Its nearest neighbouring towns are Bloubergstrand to the south and the municipality of Atlantis to the north east. While you may only have driven a few kilometres outside of Cape Town, you will be forgiven for thinking you’re on the other side of the world as the tranquillity of this laidback town is so beguiling.

Melkbosstrand is the site of the famous Battle of Blaauwberg (1806) where the Cape ceased to be occupied by the French-Batavian troops and became a colony of the British Crown. A cannon set on the foreshore commemorates this battle. Other interesting sites include the Melkbosch farmhouse and numerous shipwrecks scattered along the coast.

Melkbosstrand is a foodie’s paradise. Grab a bite to eat at historic Café Orca – believed to be one of the oldest fish and chips restaurants and raw bars on the Atlantic Seaboard. Alternatively, enjoy food with a view at Die Damhuis Beach Restaurant, or join the locals for a fish braai. Wine is always an option with the Durbanville Winelands in such close proximity.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Dikkop Trail, a 13km circular walk through the dunes and fynbos and a 2km walk along the beach, as well as horse riding with Thandeka Stables, and paintball at the Melkbosstrand Country Club. Other attractions include Atlantic Beach Golf Resort, the West Coast National Park, Koeberg Nature Reserve and Mountain Bike Route, and more.

Melkbosstrand is the ideal base from which to begin various cross-country road trips, as both the Cape to Namibia scenic highway (N7) and the West Coast route (R27) begin here. If you travel during the springtime, you’ll be welcome by hundreds of wildflowers that bloom in the far fields of Melkbosstrand and stretch all the way to Namaqualand.

Whether you take advantage of the activities and attractions on offer, or prefer a more leisurely holiday, Melkbosstrand has something just for you.