Stilbaai
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.
Touching on the History of the Town
Archaeologists excavated evidence of people living in this area in the Middle Stone Age some 70 000 years ago. Remarkable ancient rock pool fish traps and shell middens are left behind by Khoisan people inhabiting the area up to 1 000 years ago.
As far back as the 1700s this area became home to European farmers and hunters who began “taming” the land. By the late 1800s and into the early 1900s local farmers from as far as Riversdale started coming all the way by means of ox wagons to enjoy a pleasant holiday by the sea.
Although the first farm house was built in 1814, the town was only officially established in 1894. From old documents can be derived that the name Stilbaai originated somewhere between 1883 and 1895. Throughout the following century Stilbaai has gained popularity as a holiday destination and many people made this town their place of retirement.
During the last two decades, though, the town started developing exponentially and is still growing fast. Many people are flocking to Stilbaai since technology makes it possible to work from home – translating into an exodus from the cities to a quieter life in smaller towns.
Present Day 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.
The permanent population of Stilbaai and the two adjacent villages, Jongensfontein and Melkhoutfontein, amounts to approximately 7500.
The Goukou River Estuary – Ecological Importance
Located about 300 km east of Cape Town on the Indian Ocean coastline, the Goukou estuary is 19 km long (of which 15 km is navigable by small boats). Lodged in a deep valley, the estuary covers an area of about 250 ha and is part of the Stilbaai Marine Protected Area.
In 2011 a biodiversity evaluation recognized the estuary as a crucial breeding ground for endangered species and targeted fish populations. Additionally, this estuary serves as a vital pathway for eels, which are classified as a protected species.
Ensuring the maintenance of water salinity levels and their proper distribution is crucial for sustaining the plant and aquatic life communities within the estuary. This balance relies on both tidal exchange and the presence of seeps and fountains along the estuary.
Impact of human activities
Various human activities are impacting the well-being of the estuary and disrupting the balance of aquatic life. These include recreational fishing, unauthorized fishing, bait collection, disturbances to water birds during roosting and feeding, and the generation of waves from power-boating and water-skiing (wake waves).
To address the harm caused by human activities, certain measures need to be implemented. Some of these may affect holidaymakers, such as enhancing compliance monitoring of fishing activities and prohibiting night fishing to control and reduce fishing efforts. Likewise regulating boating activities on the estuary to mitigate bank erosion, such as implementing proper zonation and establishing/enforcing limits on boating carrying capacity.
Anglers are kindly advised to take note of the following:
The zoning framework of the MPA includes Controlled Zones where fishing and bait collecting are permitted, alongside Restricted Zones where no extraction of marine organisms is allowed. In the Goukou Estuary, the zoning configuration encompasses a Controlled Zone extending from the mouth to a point 4.2 kilometres upstream.
Variety of Exciting Activities
Almost every water-related activity is available. This includes swimming, surfing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, boating, water-skiing, kite surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and angling. And of course plain old sunbathing and tidal floating (if you are not familiar with the latter, you must visit Stilbaai!)
Many sporting activities are available. These include golf, tennis, bowls, jukskei, squash, cycling and mountain biking.
For the nature lovers, there are kilometres of walking trails in the nature reserves around Stilbaai. Coastal walks are also very popular.
Since the area is home to a large variety of bird species, bird watching is an extremely exciting and rewarding activity. Thus it comes as no surprise that Stilbaai boasts an established Bird Club for advanced and novice birders.
Stilbaai is also famous for its historical fish traps and fascinating cultural heritage – visitors can observe relics and rock art from our ancient past at the famous Blombos Archaeology museum located inside the Stilbaai Tourism Bureau.
There is no shortage of artists in Stilbaai. It comes as no surprise then, that Stilbaai is one of the towns on the Hessequa Art Route. A treat for the eye in Stilbaai is the collection of striking lifelike murals adorning the side and back walls of a shop in Stilbaai East.
Stilbaai is kind of the commercial hub of the area.
The town comprises two franchised grocery stores, a handful of smaller grocery shops, various restaurants and many coffee shops. In addition it offers several take-away food outlets, delis, clothing shops, gift shops, bookshops, fishing and diving equipment shops and sports shops.
For those interested in acquiring property there are many real estate agencies, as well as banks, ATMs, hardware stores, paint and tile stores and a fuel station. Not to mention enterprises renting out canoes and kayaks, diving suits and various adventure packages.
Provision is also made for those passionate about the adventure of deep-sea fishing. Fishing charter boats, together with a skipper holding a valid skipper’s licence, are available especially during the holiday season.
True to its reputation as a marvellous holiday destination, Stilbaai provides for various types of accommodation that will suit all tastes and pockets. Accommodation varies from mostly self-catering homes, apartments and rooms to camping sites and caravan parks.
That said, Stilbaai proudly offers scores of upmarket luxurious and elegantly decorated accommodation possibilities with stunning river and ocean views. The beauty of the environment is priceless, therefore, wherever you stay, you are always exposed to its natural charm.
Visitors to this town have a tendency to repeatedly return for more, and the residents affectionately welcomes them.
Find a Place to Stay
Not only is Stilbaai a popular holiday destination, but more and more people are moving to Stilbaai and acquiring property. Thus the need for various service providers, professionals as well as tradespeople, is equally escalating.
Stilbaai is blessed with a range of tradespeople providing services, such as builders, electricians, plumbers and solar installers. Likewise mechanics, panel beaters, glass fitters, carpenters, steelworkers, transporters, shuttle services, and more.
Equally important, Stilbaai is home to a variety of professional people providing services like lawyers, architects, accountants, finance managers, and IT providers. Also Internet Service providers (fibre internet has recently arrived in Stilbaai, Jongensfontein, as well as Melkhoutfontein), photographers, beauticians, hair stylists, etc.
Stilbaai has a fine Primary School, complemented by High Schools in Riversdale some 40 km away. Daily bus transport to and fro is available for learners, otherwise they can stay in their school’s hostel.
Stilbaai offers a range of emergency services.
Medical services, which include doctors, along with dentists, pharmacies, veterinary services, opticians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and more.
Highly responsive and alert SA Police officers protecting the area and its residents.
Exceptionally efficient NSRI Station with a team of skilled volunteers taking care of sea rescue incidents.
Various alert and vigilant Neighbourhood Watch, Farm Watch, CPF, Teams assisting the police in preventing crime against residents and property.
The Goukou River’s upstream area has become well-known for a number of olive farms, producing excellent award-winning olive oils and a variety of olive products. These farms are all situated along the scenic “Goukou Meander” which runs parallel to the Goukou River. On top of producing splendid olive products, some of these spectacular riverside farms also provide elegant and charming venues for wedding receptions and other events.
Inverroche Distillery, some 10 km from Stilbaai is surrounded by indigenous fynbos. This craft distillery produces small-batch fynbos flavoured gin, along with liqueurs, spiced rum and spirits.
A local craft beer and winemaker’s products are also distributed and available in the area.
Since 1980 Kasselshoop Cheese factory produces award winning traditional handcrafted Cheddar and Gouda cheese in a variety of delicious flavours. Just off the R305 about 17 km from Stilbaai.
Despite the rapid development in Stilbaai, Jongensfontein and Melkhoutfontein, well-balanced commercial interests are maintained, and our natural environment is fervently protected.
Bush buck, steenbok, hyraxes (dassies), tortoises, rabbits and hares, multiple bird species and other wild critters are frequently observed in gardens and dedicated green areas in town. Even the large, mean-looking, but completely harmless mole snake is spotted once in a while.
Imagine the instant chaos when all of a sudden an unsuspecting golfer, while utterly focusing on the game, encounters one of these on the lovely Golf course. Surely something worth beholding!
Along the eastern banks of the Goukou River a botanical garden is carefully and lovingly created containing fynbos and plants indigenous to the Hessequa area. This unique garden called “Tuin-op-die-Brak” is wheelchair friendly and also caters for sight-impaired visitors by means of a “Smell-and-Touch” route.
Stilbaai remains a pollution-free, safe and delightful place to spend your holiday.