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Arniston is a small coastal town in South Africa about 200 kilometres from Cape Town. It is known for its rugged beauty, quaint fisherman’s village and its magnificent cave you can only enter at low tide.
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A Weekend Camping in ARNISTON – Exploring South Africa’s Hidden Coastal Gem
I was settling in for a weekend of editing when a white bakkie stopped in front of my studio/gallery in Buffeljags River. It was a man named Petrus. I have only spoken to him a few times before, mostly about sailing. He seemed like a solid and down to earth person. He also has a similar penchant for adventure as I do. Without much hesitation, he asked, "Do you want to go camping in Arniston?" I thought about it briefly before deciding to jump in—after all, I’m always
PETRUS
looking for new content for my YouTube channel, FREE WILD WORLD, and what better way to capture new material than by spontaneously heading to the coast?
I hastily gathered some gear together with my tent and sleeping bag and threw it on the bakkie. The drive from Buffeljags River to Arniston takes you through the scenic beauty of local farmlands expanding into the endless horizon. The feeling of adventure and freedom is exhilarating. We stopped in Bredasdorp briefly to get groceries. Bredasdorp is the economic hub of the Cape Agulhas region. It is famous for its SHIPWRECK MUSEUM, which tells the stories of the many vessels that met their fate along the treacherous southern coast of Africa.
Not long after leaving Bredasdorp, we approached our destination—Arniston. This small coastal town is known for its unspoiled beaches, rich fishing culture, and, of course, the famous Waenhuiskrans Cave.
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We arrived at the Waenhuiskrans Resort in the afternoon. The resort offers well-maintained campsites close to the ocean, making it an ideal base for anyone wanting to experience the natural beauty of Arniston up close. As soon as we set up camp, Petrus wasted no time preparing his canoe for some fishing, eager to see what the waters had to offer.
While Petrus fished, I decided to explore the stunning coastline. The beach at Arniston is a dream—soft white sand stretching out against the deep blue of the Atlantic. The dunes and limestone cliffs give it an almost surreal beauty. As the sun began to set, we lit a fire and prepared a proper South African braai (barbeque) under the stars.
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The next morning, I set out to explore the town. I soaked up the relaxing atmosphere next to the turquoise sea. The place has a Mediterranean feel to it. It reminds me of the Greek villages I have seen on travel shows. There is a walkway along the ocean with benches if you want to sit and check out all the action the beach and ocean has to offer. The bobbing bathers looking fragile in the wide bay. Dogs are seemingly allowed to enjoy the space alongside their owners. It makes for a pleasant scene.​​​
THE HARBOUR
I visited the Harbour. A boat with fresh catch just pulled in. This small but busy harbour is central to the local fishing community. Fishermen can often be seen preparing their boats, repairing nets, or bringing in the catch of the day. It’s a great place to take photos and get a sense of the traditional fishing lifestyle that has been sustained here for generations.
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No trip to Arniston is complete without visiting the Waenhuiskrans Cave. The cave gets its name from the Afrikaans words for "wagon house" because it is said to be large enough to fit a wagon inside. To reach the cave, you need to visit at low tide, as the entrance becomes inaccessible when the tide rises.
Walking through the cave is an awe-inspiring experience. The rock formations, created by years of erosion, are breathtaking. The way the light filters in from the sea creates an almost mystical atmosphere. It’s a must-visit location for photographers and nature lovers alike.
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While I was exploring, Petrus was back on his canoe, trying his luck with the fish again. However, this time, he wasn’t alone. As he paddled further out, a shadowy figure emerged beneath the water—a shark had decided to follow him! This must be a nightmare scenario for a guy sitting on a thin canoe with no place to run. How fragile life is. How fragile we are. We had a talk about it afterwards and it apparently made quite an impact, but of course, he was back in the water the next day.
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The Arniston Spa Hotel is a luxurious four-star establishment. The hotel offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and is nestled between pristine beaches and nature reserves. The hotel features 60 spacious rooms, each equipped with modern amenities such as satellite TV, minibars, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms offer private balconies with ocean or pool views, and some include fireplaces for added comfort.
Guests can indulge in traditional South African cuisine with a modern twist at the hotel's two restaurants. The menu emphasizes fresh, locally sourced seafood, including oysters from nearby fishing boats. The establishments also boast extensive wine lists featuring excellent local selections.
The Ginkgo Spa offers a range of treatments and facilities designed for relaxation, including a Turkish steam room, two saunas, and multiple treatment and massage rooms. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and various recreational activities such as beach walks, swimming, cycling, and whale watching.
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I explored the Fisherman's Village in the late afternoon on Saturday. I try to make a point of visiting al communities in order to present a rounded perspective of a town. The village is also known as Kassiesbaai, and it is a charming and culturally rich coastal village in the Western Cape of South Africa. It's one of the few surviving examples of a traditional fishing village, and it’s known for its whitewashed, thatch-roofed cottages, heritage status, and the warm, welcoming nature of its residents. The village of Kassiesbaai is adjacent to Arniston and has been inhabited for over 200 years by generations of fishermen and their families. The name “Kassiesbaai” comes from “kassies,” which means boxes — reportedly from the wooden shipping crates once used as building materials.
WILLEEN'S ART AND CRAFT is a small restaurant. Overlooking the beach, it offers traditional South African dishes like bobotie, pickled fish, lamb shank and chicken pie.
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By Sunday morning, Petrus was determined to make up for the previous days' unsuccessful fishing attempts. He was still a bit spooked by the shark encounter so he invited a friend to join him, (whom I never got to meet). This time, his patience paid off—he managed to catch four Bonito before we packed up to leave. Being a generous mans, he gave me one to take home.
That evening, I cooked the Bonito for supper, savouring the fresh taste of the ocean. It was the perfect way to end an incredible weekend—one filled with adventure, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Arniston is one of South Africa’s best-kept coastal secrets. With its picturesque beaches, historic fisherman’s village, and natural wonders like the Waenhuiskrans Cave, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re fishing, exploring the town, or simply enjoying a sunset over the dunes, this place has a way of leaving a lasting impression.
For those looking for an authentic coastal escape, I can’t recommend Arniston enough. And if you ever get the chance to go camping there, take it—you never know what stories you’ll come back with!
Until the next adventure—stay wild and free!
Follow my journey on my YouTube channel, Free Wild World, for more travel adventures!