STILBAAI AT A GLANCE

Stilbaai, which translates to 'Still Bay' in Afrikaans, perfectly lives up to its reputation as a serene and secure haven. Positioned at the western gateway of South Africa's Cape Garden Route, this charming coastal town cradles the scenic estuary where the Goukou River meets the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean.

With a population of about 7500 residents, Stilbaai encompasses two neighboring villages, Jongensfontein and Melkhoutfontein. Accessible via the N2 national road and supplemented by a local airstrip and nearby George Airport, Stilbaai warmly welcomes visitors arriving by land, air, or sea.

The local government's commitment to well-maintained roads, excellent services, and safety demonstrates that the residents are leaders in upholding high standards.

Stilbaai enjoys a moderate climate with evenly distributed rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the year, fostering a diverse array of flora and fauna in its numerous nature reserves such as Pauline Bohnen and Geelkrans. Known as the Bay of Sleeping Beauty, Stilbaai invites visitors to unwind and explore its timeless allure along South Africa's southern coast.

ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS

The wide waters of the Bay, the Goukou River estuary, and pristine sandy beaches, boasting four Blue Flag beaches offer boundless opportunities to enjoy yourself, inviting year-round aquatic activities such as fishing, swimming, wave surfing at Morris Point, windsurfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, sea kayaking and leisurely pastimes like sunbathing, whatever you can dream up.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Stilbaai offers an array of recreational opportunities including golf, tennis, cycling, birdwatching and hiking through nature reserves and along coastal trails.

Coffee lovers and foodies are spoilt for choice, and will be delighted by the numerous restaurants that cater for every taste and occasion. Moreover, local farms supply a variety of fresh products that visitors can sample and enjoy right on the farm.

Situated along the migratory whale route, Stilbaai is renowned for hosting one of the world's largest congregations of whales annually, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures from Lappiesbaai beach or the whale lookout point above the harbour.

HISTORY

The region's historical significance spans millennia, evident in archaeological sites dating back to the Middle Stone Age, with Blombos Cave prominently featured.

Artefacts dating from as far back as 75 000 years in the Middle Stone Age were found in the Blombos Cave near Jongensfontein. The discovery of Blombos Cave has offered insights into early human symbolic thinking and sophisticated tool-making, crucial for understanding the cognitive and cultural origins of early Homo sapiens in southern Africa during the Late Pleistocene era.

Among its treasures are the world's oldest painting, engraved ochre, and shell beads dating back 70,000 to 100,000 years.

Hessequa is a Khoikhoi name which means ‘people of the trees’. Early ancestors of the Khoi people also left behind a number of ancient heritage sites dating as far back as 1000 BC (BCE) such as the ancient fish traps and shell middens, one of which can be seen at the Stilbaai harbour.

The Palinggat Homestead in Stilbaai was built in 1814 and has been restored beautifully.