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Towns:
Doring Bay, Ebenhaeser, Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay, Papendorp, Vanrhynsdorp

Other Routes:
Diamond Coast Route
Richtersveld Route
Kamieskroon Mountain Route
Hardeveld Route
Nama Route


Guest House:

Papendorp Guest House
Charmaine: 0835324497

Cultural Historical:

Dutch Reformed Mission Church Ebenhaeser
Tel 027 217 1608
Tel 027 217 1616

Salt processing:

Tel 027 215 1685

Fauna & Flora:

Whale watching, wild flowers (in season), bird watching
Tel 027 217 1822

Tourism Bureau:

Matzikama Tourism Information
PO Box 98
Vredendal
8160
tel: 027 215 1045
fax: 027 213 3238
e-mail: tourism@matzikamamun.co.za

ATTRACTIONS

The small settlement of Papendorp, locally also known as Viswater, offers visitors a quiet, peaceful setting overlooking the wetland and mouth of the Olifants River. With future recognition as a RAMSAR site, the wetlands of the estuary are an important habitat for migratory birds and an Important Bird Area (IBA). A recent visitor recorded 78 species in the area – including the much sought Little Blue Heron.

The people here derive their living from fishing in the estuary and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to buy a dish full of fresh water “harders” from the locals. These are also dried to make fish biltong, locally known as “bokkoms”. One can arrange to go fishing from the local "bakkies", a small type of boat

There are also salt pans nearby. Visits are allowed – a great outing for kids to see where salt comes from. Bath salts can also be bought here.

From Papendorp a hiking trial follows the Olifants River inland to the peaceful farming and fishing community of Ebenhaeser, originally founded as a mission station in 1608.

GETTING THERE

Just downstream from Papendorp, Ebenhaeser is situated about 55km from Vredendal on the banks of the Olifants River. Take the R362 or R363 from the N7 at Klawer (50kms past Clanwilliam) to Vredendal and then keep following river to sea.

accomodation

The Papendorp Guesthouse offers a relaxed environment overlooking the lovely Olifants River mouth and wetland.

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