About Stilbaai
Jongensfontein / Melkhoutfontein / Vermaaklikheid / Goukou Meander
Stilbaai & Surrounding Area
Stilbaai is a beautiful, very popular and fast growing seaside town at the western gateway to the Cape Garden Route. It lies along the banks of the scenic Goukou River estuary, where it meets the warm Indian Ocean on the south coast of South Africa. Close-by are the towns of Jongensfontein and Melkhoutfontein.
The popularity of Stilbaai, as one of the finest tourist destinations along the Garden Route, continues to grow, and a diverse assortment of quality accommodation establishments is available.
Stilbaai
Stilbaai is in the Hessequa area, 26 kilometres from the N2 national road, running between Mossel Bay and Riversdale. It can also be reached by air and sea. The local airstrip (gravel) can accommodate small aircraft. George Airport, which handles normal passenger aircraft, is situated 140 km away. Stilbaai also boasts a small harbour where fishing boats and other small vessels are launched. In addition the harbour wall is a popular place where anglers hang out.
The shallow bay and the clean sandy beaches make Stilbaai the perfect holiday destination (there are 4 beaches with Blue Flag status during the December/January holiday season (as per 2023). The Goukou River estuary is always open to the sea, and is navigable upstream for 15 kilometres by small vessels.
Â
Jongensfontein
10 km west of Stilbaai, this peaceful hamlet has become a very popular holiday destination along the Garden Route. Jongensfontein offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and ocean, as well as all the facilities needed for a short-term stay.
Following a visit to the village, town planner WB Hart provided recommendations for its development, and in 1968, permission was granted. Subsequently, the town evolved into the upscale holiday resort retreat it is today.
Melkhoutfontein
Situated about 7 km inland from Stilbaai, this settlement has grown from a poverty-stricken community into a vibrant town with a very proud heritage.
The original farm, Melkhoute Fonteyn was surveyed and subdivided in 1853, and again in 1872 when the Anglican Church acquired a portion of 50 hectare to build houses. This plot formed the original basis of the Melkhoutfontein settlement known today.
Melkhoutfontein was a fishing community, at first fishing for subsistence, but over time it turned into commercial hand line fishery. Against all political and economic odds against them, this community courageously kept up their struggle for survival, building a future for their children.
Vermaaklikheid
Vermaaklikheid (entertainment) is some 42 km from Stilbaai. Follow the Jongensfontein road, take the turnoff to Blombos and follow the gravel road to Vermaaklikheid.
Do not expect a town per se – what used to be a 15 000 ha farm in the 1800s was gradually subdivided as the family expanded. Some of those plots were again subdivided to accommodate further generations. As a result, some homesteads got sprinkled over the original farm, while in some areas others are clustered more closely together, almost resembling a village-like structure.
