On the wild West Coast of South Africa, about 220 km north of Cape Town lies a historic site of outstanding natural and raw beauty. Breathtaking San rock art have been found in the Elands Bay Cave in the hills above the Elands Bay harbour, about 5 km from the centre of the village of Elands Bay.
Numerous San rock paintings in the vicinity of the town have produced valuable archaeological findings. Elands Bay Cave was declared a provincial heritage site in 2009.
Elands Bay Cave was first occupied during the Middle Stone Age, dating back more than 80 000 years, and intermittently during the Later Stone Age until possibly 500 years ago. Rock paintings on the wall at the back of the cave include large images of eland, regarded by the San as spiritual creatures, as well as smaller antelope and other animals; portrayal of elongated human forms can be seen, too.
Most striking are the many small handprints on the cave walls, some of which are believed to be those of young children and young teenagers. Ancient San folk, who were hunter-gatherers, lived in tribes and created these paintings. The San had an intricate understanding of the land, its plants and animals. They developed unique ways of hunting, preparing meat, making clothing, and using plants as medicine.
Access to the Elands Bay Cave is by uneven and rugged steps above the derelict WW2 barracks and radar station on the Baboon Point headland. In summer, snakes may be sunning themselves in the area, so always wear closed-toe shoes and be mindful of where you step.
But, more than rock paintings, the views from the cave over the Atlantic Ocean are exquisite.
Elands Bay Cave is situated near the Verlorenvlei estuary’s mouth and is nestled above Baboon Point, which in turn, is above the harbour and beach. The village of Elands Bay is known for its seafood as well as the Verlorenvlei estuary that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Verlorenvlei estuary is a RAMSAR site and renowned for its diversity and abundance of bird species, around 240 species. In summer the number of birds increases even more when the waders, bee-eaters, martins, swallows and swifts arrive. Keen birders can make a whole weekend of it and continue south towards Rocherpan Nature Reserve to observe large flocks of flamingoes, waders, martins, warblers and coastal birds.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Baviaans Mountains lies the seaside village of Elands Bay, or E-Bay as it is fondly nicknamed by the surfing community. It is a small hamlet founded on the once booming wheat and fishing industry; today it is a sleepy village that welcomes you with painted trees and quirky finds and offers lots of opportunities to practice social distancing.
Staying in Elands Bay is like buying a ticket to the ultimate "chill zone". The bay is a prime whale and dolphin viewing location between July and October when migrating Southern Right whales and Heavyside Dolphins can be seen in numbers. The mild weather ensures year-round outdoor activities, walks and hikes, mountain-biking, mountaineering and 4x4 trails.
Baboon Point, just south of the town, is the preferred fishing spot in Elands Bay, because the surf zone along the coast is often very rough and the Atlantic tempartures are icy year-round.
From the rocks you can catch galjoen during the winter months and hottentot all year round. The best baits to use for the fish are white and black mussels, redbait and mussel worms.
This is a perfect spot for bird watching, horse riding, kayaking, fishing, surfing and wild flower watching after good winter rains. Elands Bay is a cult surf spot famed for its left-hand point break. Surfers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this ruggedly beautiful place; also to enjoy the famed West Coast sunsets and West Coast rock lobsters. Although the reef and river mouth combination lead to great year-round surfing, winter is the optimal time to visit on a surf trip. It’s a favourite of many South African surfers, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.
Elands Bay Cave is located in the Sandveld, which falls within the north-western section of South Africa’s unique Cape Floral Kingdom, a World Heritage Site, a biodiversity hotspot and on of the six Floral Kingdoms of the world. As part of the West Coast floral phenomenon, the area is transformed into a multi-coloured tapestry between August and September when the wildflowers burst into bloom.
*** The Elands Bay cave site is open to the public free of charge, but visitors are requested to stay on the demarcated path and not touch the rock art since this may cause irreversible damage to the paintings.
Our custom designed Itineraries are always arranged and planned around the unique preference and interests of our clients.
We would love to have you join us on a bespoke private tour that may include a visit to Elands Bay for a visit to the cave.
A great time to do this and also catch the annual wildflower spectacle is August to early October.
Let us know when you would like to visit and how we can assist!
Tours and itineraries are available as private, fully guided with driver/guide and transport included, or self-drive options.