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Arniston / Waenhuiskrans
Overberg Coast
A few kilometres south-east of Bredasdorp lies the pretty fishing and holiday village of Arniston or Waenhuiskrans. In 1815, the British three-masted vessel "Arniston" was wrecked at this spot. It was transporting wounded soldiers from Ceylon via Cape Town back to England. Heavy winds had destroyed all the sails and it was decided to cut away the three anchors and run the ship ashore. The Arniston broke up on the needle-sharp rocks of the Arniston Reef. Of the 378 passengers only 6 survived, rendering this disaster one of the most serious in the history of South Africa.
An unique part of Arniston is Kassiesbaai, an authentically preserved fishing village with thatched fishing houses, a National Monument.Arniston also boasts stunning white beaches and turquoise waters as well as spectacular limestone cliffs with caves.
The Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve is an extended area of dunes with beautiful views of the coast and huge caves. One can have wonderful walks here. 4 x 4 vehicles are not permitted in the dunes any more.
More information and accommodation to be found on the blue INFO page.
Photo left: Fishermen bringing their boat on land.
Top: the pretty old fisher houses in Kassiesbaai.
Middle: Young fisherman.
Bottom right: Cave in the Waenhuiskrans Reserve.
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