A tour of DWARSKERSBOS, South Africa - Blooming Streets and Rich History!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Hi everyone! In this video, I explore the beautiful, tranquil town of Dwarskersbos, situated in the Western Cape of South Africa. Dwarskersbos is a holiday destination and fishing village approximately 11 kilometres north of Laaiplek and less than two hours drive from Cape Town. It also forms part of the iconic West Coast, in my view one of the best areas of South Africa - but then again, I would be biased as someone who grew up in Lambert's Bay!
The vlog starts off with me driving towards the town, before spotting the welcome sign. I immediately notice a trend with the side streets that are named after flowers. I decide to walk down some of the streets (which are also all cul-de-saqs) as well as the various entrances to the beach.
I admire the distinct flora and beautiful nature in the area. Rumour has it that Dwarskersbos forms part of the longest uninterrupted sandy beach in South Africa - a sight to behold!
Dwarskersbos is also situated in the area where the famous Portuguese sailor and navigator, Vasco da Gama, first set foot on South African soil in search of water in November 1497. Nearby Paternoster is also the site where the first "Pater Noster" (Latin for the prayer "Our Father") was prayed. So lots of history in the area!
Throughout the vlog, I mention the book written by Johnnie Eigelaar, namely "As die Skipper op die voorstewe staan!" (first edition & print 1999). The first chapter contains details of Eigelaar's experience in Dwarskersbos, where he grew up, as well as noteworthy details about the history of the town. This book gives us a flavour of what life was like in the 1920s and 1930s around the area, in contrast to modern times. The book also tells wonderful stories about the individuals involved at the time in various aspects of life, and helps to bring that period to life.
After visiting a few streets and beaches, I visit the area near Soverby Lapa, where I talk about transport limitations in the area during the 1920s and 1930s, as well as the natural disasters of 1969 in the Western Cape. It has never been confirmed, but some people claim there may be a connection between the storm surge in Dwarskersbos and the earthquake near Tulbach and Ceres.
I decide it is time for lunch and a coffee at Soverby Lapa, which is also situated in a prominent fishing area that attracts thousands of visitors to Dwarskersbos every year. The menu also contains more about the local history as well as the meaning behind the town's name! Currency converter: 1 British Pound = c. R23.85
I return to Dwarskersbos town and explore more streets, as well as the area around the private school, business center and mini mart (or mini mark). I also stumble upon a beer garden, a residential complex and an area that is seemingly part of a farm, before walking to the caravan park and more nearby beaches. Though there are pockets of activity, most of the businesses and shops are closed, as this vlog was filmed on a Sunday. Not that I am complaining - in a way, the silence makes the Sunday stroll in the town even more tranquil!
I hope you enjoy this tour of Dwarskersbos on the West Coast of South Africa. If you haven't done it yet, please hit the LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE to the channel and leave a COMMENT for me in the comments section. This really helps to promote and build the channel and it is free to do so - you would really help me out big time with these small acts of kindness and will continue to help me create content for you, to watch for free!
I also mention my vlog I did in nearby Aurora, which you can view here: • AURORA, South Africa: ...
And this is the collab I did with another content creator (No Soy Ribio) that I mention in the mini mark: • Brit and South African...
Disclaimer - Please note that I have not been sponsored by anyone in the production of this video.
Happy exploring!
Willie
Thanks Willie, I'm leaving the Free State moving to dwarskersbos in one day time. I'm 51 years of age starting a new journey 🤭. I was nervous but you just gave me peace of mind ❤
Hi Olga, thanks for watching and leaving a comment! I sincerely hope your move goes well and that you'll enjoy the beautiful West Coast, your new home! Never too late for a fresh start :)
I spent my whole childhood in Dwarskersbos. My father was the headmaster of the primary school in the 80's. 40 kids from grade 1 to 7. Only 3 teachers. 😂 They still live there and I visit whenever I can get out of cape town. I appreciate the place so much more now. Thanks for the video🙏
Thanks for sharing your memories of this beautiful town, Stef! Glad you enjoyed the video!
My uncle lives there and also teaches at that school
Hy was my onnie op skool
@@offroadcampers4302 my uncle?
Awesome, bought a house there on the northern end of DKB in 2021, at the end of this month we are moving there permanently, my happy place 😀
Nice one Gareth, I'm sure you will make a lot of memories in Dwarskersbos! A wonderful part of the world. Cheers for the support!
Pass there on our way to Lamberts bay from Cape Town,what a lovely journey,driving along the coast 🎉❤❤❤
A wonderful drive for sure! Thanks for watching :)
We were up in Dwarskersbos in 2022. The most quiet little town I have ever come across on the West Coast. We were at Slakkepas for the weekend. This peaceful little town stole my heart and I would give anything to settle there. There comes a time in one's life (I'm 55 years old), where all you want is peace and quiet and this is is where you will find it for sure. 💙💚
Sounds like the town made quite an impression on you! I really hope you get a chance to settle there. Thanks for watching my content and engaging, it means a lot!
wow so calm...endless beaches with no people..stunning beauty..id love to live there
Indeed Ellie! Time stands still there! Thanks for watching :)
Willie, dankie vir die puik stukkie werk oor Dwarslersbos. Jy verwys na Slaai Thiart uit Johnny Eigelaar se boek. Slaai Thiart was my Oupa. Dwarskersbos het n pragtige geskiedenis.
Hallo Karen, dankie vir jou boodskap en dat jy my video gekyk het! Jou oupa het 'n noemenswaardige bydrae gelewer tot Dwarskersbos, daaroor is daar geen twyfel nie. Groete!
A week ago was really therapeutic
It is a special part of the world!
I moved to Dwarsies a year or so ago - absolute bliss!! Peace and quiet!
I bet it is a great place to live, Colin! Thanks for watching and supporting my channel
@@willieexplore Did you see the streets in the old part of the Metro are also alphabetically named. It took me a while to work that out...
Totally love arm chair travelling with you. 👍👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Brilliant! Thank you so much for the support!
Love your raw and very real content! Always so informative and interesting without the need for music or fancy editing.
Glad you enjoy it and thank you for the kind words! Yes, I like to keep it as raw as possible to showcase the places in an authentic way. I guess some people would prefer fancy editing, music and a different presentation style, but there are plenty of other videos for them to watch. Appreciate your support!
Dankie Willie vir die awesome videos. Eks n groot fan. I'm from the most boring town in the West Coast, Vredenburg. There's literally no content about the history of this town. 😅
Baie dankie! Ek is bly jy geniet my videos. I have family who lived in Vredenburg and Saldanha for a long time, so I know the area relatively well. Hopefully I can one day make a video about those places too!
Our Municipality works for the community, no crime. We take care of the poor and needy.
That is great to hear! Keep up the good work!
Oh my word I love this ek trek somer nou Baie dankie ne ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦my great grandmother was from st Helena Bay 🙏🏼
Lekker om van jou te hoor, Sherry! A beautiful part of the world for sure!
Dankie Willie. Dwarskersbos is 'n wonderlike plek met 'n baie interessante geskiedenis. Daar bly nou nog familie van my en ons het vir meer as 40 jaar elke Desember vakansie daar gekamp. Die beste weer in die Weskus.
Jy is baie welkom, Oden! Waardeer die saamkyk en ondersteuning. Dit was my eerste keer in Dwarskersbos maar ek kan sien hoekom mense die plek wil besoek of hulself daar wil vestig. Groete
Again a winner, Willie! Thanks for taking us along on your travels. Dwarskersbos is a special place indeed.
Appreciate the kind words and your unwavering support, Jasper! Always a pleasure taking you on some virtual travels. Keep safe!
Good morning Willie,I am old residente of s.Africa and my heart belongs to Africa for good,I enjoy your videos and I hope you the best and Thank you
Hi Manuel! What a nice message to receive, thank you very much! Africa will always be special to us, wherever we find ourselves in this world. Appreciate your support. Obrigado!
@willieexplore I hope you have great NEW YEAR and new videos I am leaving in Netherlands but born in Portand young move to Mozambique with my Family and in 1975 I leave in Pretoria until 2001,do to situation of crimilateit my family move to England and me to the Netherlands, but I miss S. AFRICA.
@@manueldossantos6426 I also live abroad, and miss SA. Luckily we can connect with our beautiful country again through these and other videos! Appreciate the support!
Dit het ek nou baie enjoy, Thanx Willie
Baie dankie, Mari! Ek waardeer jou aanmoediging en ondersteuning vir my kanaal!
I love the blommiejie straate 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭
Oh yes! Same here!
Loved it Willie - thank you very much. What a special little coastal town.
Glad you enjoyed it Hannelie! And thank you for your kind words - it certainly is a great place to visit.
Dankie weereens, Willie. Ek het die stap saam met jou geniet. Ons sal beslis 'n draai daar moet maak.❤
Hallo Errol, dankie vir die saamkyk! Karoo en Weskus altwee baie spesiaal. Groete!
Willie Jy het n nuwe SA program dis baie exciting! Groete Lima!
Hallo Tosca! Altyd lekker om van jou te hoor. Suid-Afrika het mooi plekke. Hoop dit gaan goed daar in Suid-Amerika!
Willie, great to see you back and walking and sharing your knowledge!! Didn't have time tonight to view all, but I'll be back! Got to that neat first restaurant. What nice views, nice menu, good prices! Just the kind of experience that makes you famous, Mr WE!! [Again, greetings from Tucson]
Always a pleasure, Jim! Hope all is good on your side. I'm having a great time visiting family and friends, albeit on a brief trip. Really enjoyed the restaurant. All the best!
Hi Willie! Enjoyed seeing and learning about another beautiful town in SA😊. This one seemed very different with the wide cul de sacs and all the beach paths. Always like to see the artwork people have made😊 Loved the memorial to the cat❤. Hope you are enjoying the time with your family!
Hi Sheila! Always great to hear from you. I'm having a great (albeit short) time in SA and it is great to see family and friends. The weather in SA is almost on par to that of the UK this time of the year :) Nonetheless, I really enjoyed my visit to Dwarskersbos and I'm glad you found it interesting. This is a really special part of the world for me as I grew up not too far from here. The cat memorial was very special. Hope your week is going well!
hey willie very informative . i.ve travelled that road through dwarskerbos many times from lamberts to cape town and never stopped, next time we will, great work
Hi Martyn, hope all is well on your side! Yep, same here. I think we might have stopped once for a soft drink many years ago, but certainly no "explore". Worth a visit next time you're in the area. Send regards!
@@willieexplore will do willie , rene sends regards
@@martynarmitage2928 Weskus groete!
Thank you Willie, so interesting and inciteful. SA has so many interesting and historical places and such a pleasure to get to know some of them through your travels
Really appreciate your kind words! There are definitely some wonderful places to visit in South Africa. Thanks for tagging along!
Welcome back Willie! What a shame about the weather, I'm sure this is a completely different place on a bustling, sunny summer's day. Thanks for showing us a part of the world that many of us are probably unfamiliar with. 😊
Nice to hear from you, Andy! A former work colleague of mine used to say that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. Many people visit the West Coast during summer but it does have a tranquil appeal during winter months too. I'm glad the rain stayed away for most part. Appreciate your continued support and encouragement!
It's lekker to see you back in the Cape, opening my eyes to places I've never heard of, Willie. I do hope you do the Gordon's Bay - Rooi Els - Betty's Bay - Kleinmond - Hermanus route. Would love to hear your commentary on that. Daars hy...
Cheers Thomas, thanks for the kind words and encouragement! The plan is to do a massive SA trip in 2025, when I will take a sabbatical from work. So watch this space! I know that suggested coastal route very well as I went to school in Hermanus and university in Stellenbosch. So I've driven it a fair few times but not in a long time. So, it would be very interesting to do it again after several years! Really appreciate your support!
Looks like a super chilled place back in your native SA mate! Although the weather is looking decidedly English! 😂
Cheers mate! Haha yes an English weather day, for sure :) Keep on rocking in North America mate!
Thank you.
Beautiful parts of our country we have seen or been to.
Love this program. 😊
Your comment brought a smile to my face, Lydia! Thank you so much for your support!
Servus Willie, dit is baie lekker om jy terug in Suid Afrika te sien! Besten Dank für die schönen Eindrücke und viele Grüße!
Vielen dank, Franz! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope all is well on your side :)
Good one once again, Willie. I've never been there before, so it was interesting.
Thank you Pieter, a serene part of the world. Cheers!
Pizzaz are delicious, great and informative. Thanks!
Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
Willie Derek hier...was saam met jou op Varsity!
My jinne Derek, ek onthou jou goed! Dis nou 'n lekker verrassing! Wat maak jy deesdae?
Werk maar...kids hou ons besig, bly op die golfbaan en verder geniet ons die rustige lewe hier. Is die channel jou voltydse ding? Baie nice...
@@DerekRoos-fq5sp dis wonderlik! Ek werk voltyds en bly in die UK, die vlogging is net 'n stokpertjie. Maar ek vat in Oktober 'n jaar af by die werk om meer videos te maak, ook in Suid-Afrika. Ek sal waarskynlik daar in Mbaai ook 'n draai maak dan, sal jou op hoogte hou!
Klink soos n plan...sterkte!
Hi Willie👋Thank you for your interesting video of our little town Dwarskersbos . 👌But you did not show the caravanpark,library and the new white houses of kersbosstrand a km away to Elandsbay. Please make another video showing our beautiful white houses with high A-frame roofs. Your video is great.
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement, Anette! Much appreciated. I'm sure I missed a number of things, but with limited time that was always going to be the case. Is there a different caravan park to the one I tried to enter, but with no one present at the entrance? Hopefully one day I can return to the beautiful town and show more.
Pragtige deel van ons land! Mooi mooi mense.
Dis verseker! Dankie vir die saamkyk!
There is a caravan park as well.
Yes indeed, it is a pity that I could not go in that day
Very interesting video, thank you Willie.
My pleasure, thanks for watching!
He's back! Very excited awesome video once again thank you for your wonderful time regarding efforts to put these videos together and show others what to view and what happened to Willie travelling?
Nice to hear from you Simon! I am visiting family in South Africa on a short trip, but planning a big trip on my sabbatical from work. So lots of travelling coming shortly. Hope all is well with you!
@@willieexplore sad video at the especially moment about the cat very peaceful but relaxing but Willie you still travelling?
So much beauty on this side of the country...thanks for sharing 😊😅😮
Definitely Valerie! The West Coast is incredible :)
Great show , nice to know something i dont know. Places we dont go to.
You are most welcome! And thank you for engaging and supporting my channel!
WOWWW Nice to see you back travelling Willie! Specially in SA , what a nice part of the world! How different from the areas I saw when I was in SA. I can imagine how nice it must be there on a sunny day! What’s the load shedding like there?
Do you prefer the west coast to the east coast? Please make many more of these videos from SA, these are not places ordinarily people will get to see! Cheers 🍺🍺
Hi Bip! Lovely to hear from you, as always! Hope all is well. Yes, I am in South Africa but only for a brief time. I am visiting family in the area so I thought I'd make a vlog about this beautiful town. As for loadshedding, I haven't experienced any on this particular trip, so fingers crossed for the future! I've not been to many places on the East Coast, and I will always have a soft spot for the West Coast, but I'm planning a huge trip in SA in 2025 when I'm taking some time off work. So I'll definitely be in a position to show more places off the beaten track. Have a good one! Willie
Copies of the Eigelaar’s book is available at Ahter’s Studio in Laaiplek (next to Laaiplek Hotel in Jameson street)
Thank you, Hanlie! I really enjoyed reading his story
Pragtig. ❤❤❤
Baie dankie, ek waardeer dit!
More , ek het die meeste van jou videos gekyk oor die weskus , baie smart ,hou so aan ,altyd positief
Hallo, baie dankie vir die positiewe terugvoering. Bly jy het my videos geniet. Groete!
😂I worked for the eigelaars in veldrift for some time 😮you really bring back memories ❤😅
I'm pleased to hear that Verona! This area does have a lot of interesting history and stories! Appreciate you watching my videos :)
Mooi man!
Daarsy Petra! Dankie vir die saamkyk en kommentaar!
Great to see a lack off electric fences
Absolutely. Hopefully insightful for some overseas viewers too, to show them we don't all live in gated communities!
Ons kyk na jou pragtige blog hier uit die Golan Hoogte in Israel - Veels geluk Shalom
Hallo Even en Miriam! Dankie dat julle my kanaal ondersteun en my videos kyk, ek waardeer dit!
My father they grew up in “poephoek”. Part of the town that had no electricity.
It was a tough existence. Thanks for watching and commenting!
😂nice thanks when I get the chance although now in st helena bay I go to the bungalows in the camping ground 😂verona tolken 😅
That is excellent, something to look forward to!
Baie oulike dorpie. Waar gaan jy volgende in die buiteland?
Hi Daniel, lekker om van jou te hoor. Ek het 'n paar opsies wat ek ondersoek, maar nog geen finale besluit nie. Is jou sak al gepak vir Georgia?
@@willieexplore Nee, ek spaar nog op vir hom!
@@WIGGER_AESTHETIC_031 jy sal nie spyt wees nie
That delapedated house is a typical fisherman's house. Original buildings of Velddrif ,Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos.
That is interesting - thanks for letting us know!
No potholes crumbs theres gotta be progress in that little dorp..😊😅😂.
Thanks for watching!
You should not have skipped Iris Str, from their Cul de sac you step right onto the beach.
Hi Lynette, I'm sure I missed a few gems in this beautiful town. Enough reason to visit again at some point. Thanks for watching and supporting my channel!
Hello Willie, wat ‘n kontras ivg met Indië. Ek was moeg vir jou part met al daai mense wat jy so beleefd gegroet het.
Daai “Jigsem…” medikasie wat jy gesien het ….Jig is “ Gout” in
Engels, maar dalk het iemand
dit reeds gesê. Hoop dit help vir jig soos die naam aandui😊
Hallo Mary, lekker om te gesels! Ja, Dwarskersbos is waarskynlik die mees teenoorgestelde plekkie as die groot stad van Delhi met sy 34 miljoen mense! Interessant van die medikasie, die eienaar van die winkel het dit uitgewys maar nie heeltemal verduidelik nie, so nou weet ek ook wat dit eintlik is! Baie groete
Ons het die boek! Daar is nog n boek met die geskiedenis van Velddrif met die die Naam van Velddrif se stories deur tannie Lokkie van Zyl. Sy lewe nog oor die 80 Jaar oud.
Ek het tannie Lokkie se boek ook onlangs gelees, Petra. Sy het uitstekende werk gedoen. Terloops, ek behoort more in Bokkomlaan rond te loop, laat weet per epos as jy wil koffie gaan drink! Groete
Ek Gaan more Bokkomlaan toe. Sal vir jou aan die bokkommanne bekendstel.
@@PetraMyburgh-vr1kj dit sal great wees! dankie!
In Mbaai...bky hier. Dat ons mekaar op TH-cam raakloop!!!
Ongelooflik!
Kalkoentje is ñ vetplant 🌵
Dankie Johan, my plante-kennis het die hoogte ingeskiet na hierdie besoek! Waardeer die saamkyk
Direct translation... Diagonal Candle Bush...
Nice one! Thanks for watching and supporting my channel :)
Tannie Bettie se mini Mark.
'n Lekker winkel!
А где все люди.?🤔
Good observation! They were probably taking a Sunday nap. Thanks for watching :)
Reservoirs and no electricity.
I've not had any loadshedding during my visit so far, let's hope it continues that way!
Ahem.. For R50 I maka my own Chutney 12 to 15 bottles at a time for less. Outta Mangoes... Haha hows that for size...😊😅😂.
Well done!
CAPTIONS INCORRECTLY DESCRIBED. NOT NICE AT ALL.
Please explain yourself
Its going to become overpopulated unfortunately 😢
Many people moving to the West Coast. Thanks for watching!
@@willieexplore too many people. My uncle bought his property and built his house for 900k about 9 years ago. 35 plots were being built on in December 2022. Crazy but its a beautiful place
@@andrewworrall4302 that is insane
Looks a bit depressing to be quite honest. Horses for courses I guess.
Thanks for watching and supporting my channel!
Eating a burger with a knife and fork? 🤦🏻
You don't have table manners?
Great video on Dwarskersbos 🥇🫶🥳
Thank you very much, I really appreciate it!