LOCAL TRAVEL
A RIVERSIDE AFFAIR in Velddrif
BY BYRON LUKAS
IF THERE’ S A PLACE WHERE WATER SETS THE RHYTHM, IT’ S VELDDRIF. ALONG THE BERG RIVER, THIS WEST COAST VILLAGE OFFERS PADDLING, FISHING, BEACH MOMENTS, SUNSETS, AND RIVERSIDE DINING.
Located just a few kilometres from where the river meets the ocean at St Helena Bay, this enchanting destination beckons visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty, rich history, and the unhurried rhythm of life by the water.
A SIMPLE, YET CHARMED LIFESTYLE
Velddrif doesn’ t boast of grand entrances or polished façades; instead, it reveals itself in intimate fragments. A fisherman mends his nets by the jetty, while pelicans hover with an almost comical seriousness above the water.
Life here is not performed; it simply exists, encouraging visitors to take a step back and savour the moment.
Mornings in Velddrif? They belong to the river, no contest. The early light hits the water, first making it look like silver, then gold, as if the Berg’ s showing off. Calm, glassy, and suspiciously smug.
Here, locals stroll along the banks with their dogs, greeting each other with unguarded familiarity. The air is filled with the aroma of steaming coffee from nearby cafés, and in the distance, the
64 INBOUND SA / MARCH 2026