Stilbaai, or the Bay of Sleeping Beauty as it’s sometimes called, lies roughly 330 kilometres (4 hours) up the N2 from Cape Town. It is a peaceful spot with beautiful beaches giving one many things to do in Stilbaai. It is no wonder that Stilbaai is so popular.
Located on the Indian Ocean as it is, Stilbaai has a moderate climate with highs of 28°C in summer and lows of just 12°C in winter. The cherry on top is that the warm ocean current that passes that coastline means that swimming is a pleasant experience rather than a toe-curling one.
Naturally, the beaches are a major attraction in the town and there are many beach and water-related things to do in Stilbaai. There are a number of white sandy beaches in and around town, with the Lappiesbaai being awarded Blue Flag status. This beach and others are popular for kite surfing and wind surfing while nearby there are ‘normal’ surf spots as well as snorkelling and scuba diving sites.
Stilbaai is located on the Goukou River estuary which brings a different dimension to your enjoyment of water sports. You can water-ski and sail on the lagoon while the 15 kilometre river is also great for anglers and keen walkers.
Speaking of keen walkers, 3 nature reserves nearby - for one, the Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve - provide excellent hiking opportunities. Another natural heritage site in the area is the archaeological site at Blombos Cave, where the remains hint at one of the oldest known human settlements to date.
Back to the present, and Melkhoutfontein, 7 kilometres inland from Stilbaai is no longer a hopeless township, but an opportunity for inter-cultural exchange. Walking tours can be arranged and a traditional meal with the locals is a good way to experience life through their eyes. Camping is a popular activity with visitors to Stilbaai.
On a practical note, Stilbaai has a wide range of amenities despite its small size. There are many restaurants to choose from, a number of grocery stores a hospital and a variety of gift shops, salons and other outlets.
If you are looking for a convenient place to wind down over summer, consider one of the many self catering accommodation options in Stilbaai. The town is small, the beaches are beautiful and there are myriad things to do in Stilbaai to appeal to all ages and types of people.
