PLAN YOuR TRIP

GETTING THERE

Velddrif is 145km from Cape Town on the R27.

WHERE TO STAY

russells on the Port is a four-star (and well priced for what you get) guest house with lovely staff and an upmarket restaurant at Port Owen. From R875 pp sharing , B&B. russellsontheport.co.za

The riviera Hotel in town has rooms from R465 pp sharing as well as riverfront chalets, from R1 045. 084-445-8806

Heron’s rest is a peaceful farmhouse and cottage on a smallholding back from the river. From R375 pp. 071-1417313. heronsrest-veldrif.com

Kuifkopvisvanger offers characterful self-catering cottages as well as camping, overlooking the estuary, on a working farm. Cottages from R400 pp. 083-759-7075

river Cottage, with two en-suite rooms and stoep braai plek is perfect for birders, right on the estuary. From R1 980 (sleeps four). 082-803-3739, wishiwerethere.co.za

THINGS TO DO

Pop in at the Visitors’ Centre

on Voortrekker Street. velddriftourism.co.za

Do a cheese tasting by appointment at Kokerboom Kaas – bring your own wine. R55 pp. 082-572-1822

Buy hand-packed Weskus salt (from nearby pans) at the Khoisan Natural Unrefined Sea Salt factory; to do a tour, phone 022-783-1520.

Make a pilchard money tin at the SA fisheries Museum. R15 adult/R5 child. 022-783-2531

A 90-minute trip with Tollie’s river & Boat Cruises is R150 pp adults/R70 pp children; take snacks. 079-763-6966

Spot some of Velddrif’s 220 bird species on an extreme Bird Watching & Boat Tour.

From R100 pp. 073-832-2923