Vermaaklikheid is a picturesque little hamlet, situated close to the Duiwenhoks River, about 42 km to the west of Stilbaai. It is reached via the gravel road, running from Jongensfontein. The hamlet consist of a number of smallholdings, some with orchards, and a few dirt roads meandering into the surrounding knolls and dales and towards the river. Most of the original houses, simple in building style, dates back to the late 1800’s. Some of the smallholdings are on the banks of the Duiwenhoks River, which is navigable all the way to its’ mouth at Puntjie (some 10 km). There is a public slipway at Vermaaklikheid, giving access to the river.
The original owners of the 15 000ha farm gradually subdivided the land into smaller and smaller plots, as their offspring multiplied. Ample spring water and a rocky soil used to feed acres upon acres of hanepoot vineyards, and some fruit orchards and vegetable fields. It was from these sweet grapes that witblits was distilled – illegally.
During the depression years of the 1930’s the young people left Vermaaklikheid, finding work in the towns and cities, and the place lost its lustre. Eventually some city folk discovered this quaint place and started buying properties. The inhabitants reluctantly welcomed the “inkommers”. But with time, Vermaaklikheid became a special and sought-after place again.
Today, a number of cottages and old hartbeeshuisies, some of them renovated, others worn bare by many years of erosion, are sprinkled onto a landscape of pastures, newly planted olive groves, poplar woods and dune veld. Some new houses were also built, and there are a number of accommodation cottages available for rent. Visit www.lekkeslaap.co.za to find details.
There is only one shop in Vermaaklikheid, Josie’s General Store, where nice coffee and croissants (in season), can also be enjoyed. The shop sells gifts, all sorts of thingies, preserves, various snacks and softdrinks. From the end of December 2023, the local Oasis Restaurant will be operational again. Contact Renier at 083 227 3631 (Whatsapp) for more information.
A day trip to Vermaaklikheid is surely worth the effort. The condition of the gravel road from Jongensfontein is usually not too bad. From Vermaaklikheid, there is also a gravel road of 33 km taking you to Riversdale, as well as a road leading further west and then south to Witsand.