East of the city of Cape Town, lying at the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, lies a fertile region surrounded by mountains and sea called the Overberg. Visitors to this area can explore the pristine coastline, watch the giants of the sea at play or bravely meet with the Great White Shark. Alternatively, the different meandering inland routes whilst enjoying the colourful, unique fynbos of the Overberg.

Picturesque Arniston is best known for its 200-year old restored fisherman's village, Kassiebaai. This picturesque village, with a national monument in its entirety, with its whitewashed, thatched cottages, has stolen the hearts of many an artist and photographer.

Did you know that the town was named after a shipwreck, the HMS Arniston in 1815, this is a place where time has stood still. The impressively rustic and white-washed thatched cottages of Kassiesbaai have made it one of the most photographed and painted National Monuments in the country. Enjoy a swim at your choice of Arniston’s white sandy beaches, or watch the whales breaching in the turquoise bay. Then take a walk at low tide to the enormous limestone cave in a cliff, which is where the village gets its second name, Waenhuiskrans. While you are negotiating the slippery rocks, you may see the purple and pink sea anemones in the rock pools. Boulder-hop back to the beach and take a gentle walk to the Arniston Hotel and Spa for delectable refreshments on their patio. Laze back and soak in the unparalleled sea view.

Explore Arniston

Outdoor

Outdoor

The sea around Arniston is relatively warm and safe for swimming. Collect your own oysters and other shellfish at the rock-pools along the beach.The dunes around the village are fun to explore and a big favourite for the kids. Swimming in the turquoise sea and relaxing on sandy beaches is an outdoor experience for the entire family to enjoy. Roman and Bikini beaches are popular amongst locals and visitors alike. 

Cultural Activities

Cultural Activities

Replica of Monument, erected after the death of the four sons of a colonel and his wife in the Arniston sea disaster, can be seen at the shipwreck museum. Kassiesbaai, the 200-year old restored fishing village with picturesque whitewashed, thatched cottages, declared a national monument. Many cottages are notable for their huge baking ovens. 

Explore

Explore

Walk around the village and explore the many interesting features of Arniston. Also of interest are the prehistoric stone-fish traps, which were built by the 'Strandloper' people of pre-colonial days. The sand dunes around the village are fun to explore and a big favourite amongst children. 

Food

Food

Die Waenhuis Restaurant; enjoy fresh fish daily from the local boats.

Living in Arniston

Areas near to Arniston

Arabella Country Estate, Bettys Bay, Bredasdorp, Caledon, Cape Agulhas, Elgin, Gansbaai, Greyton, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Napier, Onrus, Pringle Bay, Rooi Els, Stanford, Struisbaai, Swellendam, Villiersdorp,

Shopping

Kassiesbaai Craft Centre, where local handworks and products are for sale.

Sightsee

De Hoop Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area near Bredasdorp, hosts 34 000 ha of unspoilt Cape fynbos. De Hoop's rich diversity of wildlife, plants and culture makes it a unique experience to visitors. Explore De Mond Nature Reserve situated between Arniston / Waenhuiskrans and Struisbaai. Walk around historical Elim, a Moravian Mission Station established in 1824. 

Education

Arniston peaceful country life makes it a great place for a child to grow up.

Travel

Arniston is approximately 100km drive from the N2. The turn-off to Arniston is located between Caledon and Swellendam.

For example Camps Bay or Mauritius