Arniston Seaside Cottages
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Self-Catering Cottages / Chalets / CabinsSpecial Categories:
Family Friendly, Pet Friendly Accommodation, and Wheelchair Friendly AccommodationGeo Co-ordinates:
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Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome.
These impressive luxury thatched cottages have quarry tile floors, reed ceilings and open log fireplaces and are situated on a headland close to the sea. The beaches are within easy walking distance.
The relaxed ambience is enhanced by cosy bedrooms and light and airy living areas. Some balconies have wonderful views of the sea and the surrounding dunes.
The cottages can accommodate groups from a honeymoon couple to a party of 80.
Located near Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, the village of Arniston offers a wealth of natural assets and unspoilt beauty. At Arniston, mother nature has ensured that you can ‘get away from it all’. Arniston has something to offer everyone.
Arniston
The jagged coastline with its countless wrecks is a chilling tribute to the sea seafarers of yesteryear. Arniston derives its name from one of these wrecks, namely the British ‘Arniston’ which sank here in 1815. The vessel was loaded with wounded soldiers to take them from Ceylon via Cape Town back to England.
Heavy winds had destroyed all the sails and it was eventually decided to cut away the three anchors and run the ship ashore. The Arniston broke up on the needle-sharp rocks of the Arniston Reef. Of the 378 passengers only 6 survived, rendering this disaster one of the most serious in the history of South Africa.
Waenhuiskrans
The area is also known as “Waenhuiskrans”. Literally translated it means ‘oxwagon cave’ and takes its name from the famous low-tide cave which resembles the structures used by settlers to house their oxen and wagons.
Kassiesbaai
Kassiesbaai is a unique working fishing village. The pretty thatched fishermen houses of Kassiesbaai, the oldest part of Arniston, were declared a South African National Monument. Its inhabitants are probably the most painted and photographed subjects in South Africa. Artists and photographers are welcomed.
The local community created the Kassiesbaai Craft Centre, with the objective to encourage and develop home industries, and assist in social upliftment. The purpose of the craft centre was to enable the women of the community to learn skills which would enable them to earn money to support their families as the seasonal fishing industry is erratic.
Overberg
Arniston lies at the coast of the Overberg region.
Historically, as the Cape became more densely populated, cattle farmers sought land in the Overberg and by the middle of the eighteenth century there were many well established farms in the region. When Sir Lowry’s Pass was opened in 1830, horse-drawn vehicles had easy access to the Overberg.
Grain and wool are the two sturdy main pillars of the Overberg’s economy.
Also contributing to the region’s prosperity is fishing, protea and onion and fruit farming, vineyards and dairy farming. Most of South Africa’s malting barley for beer is grown here.
From Cape Town, take a leisurely drive along the N2 over the magnificent Sir Lowry’s Pass, past the apple orchards of Grabouw and Elgin and through the patchwork of Bredasdorp’s wheatlands to Arniston, a fishing village over two centuries old.
From 1 September 2016
R360-00 per person sharing
R540-00 single
From 1 September 2017
R380-00 per person sharing
R570-00 single
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome.
Deposit Required:
A 50% bank deposit is required prior to arrival. Authorisation may be given for Arniston Seaside Cottages to deduct a deposit from recognised credit cards.
Cancellation Policy:
Deposits/prepayments are not refundable for cancellations within 7 days of arrival. If cancelled more than 7 days prior to arrival a 50% fee will be charged on deposits paid. All refunds are subject to R300.00 administration fee. The Arniston Seaside Cottages will issue confirmation of reservations on receipt of a deposit.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
- Facilities for Children
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- On-Site Facilities / Services
- Services / Facilities in Area
- Activities in Area
There is so much to do in and around Arniston. There are safe beaches for swimming and great surfing. There is world class fishing, diving and snorkelling. You can mountain bike, hike and go bird watching on the endless shoreline. The scenic beauty of Arniston makes it a favoured subject for artists and moviemakers. It is also here that the southern right whale can be spotted migrating to and from the Antarctic. Squash, tennis and horse riding are all within 15 minutes drive.
Beaches
Our main beach is along the road leading to the cave. Arniston is blessed with warm, shallow waters and safe bathing. Body boards are available. The surfing is excellent for beginners and advanced surfers.
Walks
The shortest walk is a ten minute stroll to the harbour where you can watch the fishing boats come in. Next to the harbour you will find the historical fishing village of Kassiesbaai, which welcomes strollers and photographers.
A must at low tide is the 1,5 km walk to the Waenhuiskrans caves. The cave is most spectacular. Longer walks will take you to Struis Point, Galjoengat and to the De Mond Nature Reserve. This is a most beautiful walk for the moderately fit.
Cape L’Agulhas, the Southernmost Tip of Africa
You can take an afternoon trip to Cape L’Agulhas. Stand at the lighthouse on the southern-most point of the African continent and gaze southwards, knowing that there is nothing but ocean between you and the South Pole.
Golf
An award winning 9 hole golf course is in Bredasdorp, 20 minutes from Arniston.
The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum
The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum is well worth a visit to read up on the rich local maritime history. Not far away is the historical town of Swellendam, which was the Capital of an independent Republic for a short while in it’s history.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
A very attractive stretch of the coast with huge sand dunes and secluded bays. Fynbos vegetation. Mountain zebras and many antelopes. Excellent whale watching. The largest nursery of the Southern Right whales on this coastline.
Fishing
There are many good fishing areas around Arniston. Should you require a “gilly” this can be arranged. If there is any tackle that you need please let us know.
Our management and staff are keen fishermen! Deep sea fishing trips can be arranged on the “Chuckies”. Tackle and bait are provided.
Whale Watching
The combination of shallow, clear, warm water and numerous fantastic vantage points makes Arniston one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations in the world. You may very well see a Southern Right Whale and her calf bask and frolic in the crystalline turquoise waters of the Mozambique current mere metres from the coastline.
Kassiesbaai Traditional Dinner
Guests are invited to take part in a traditional evening meal by candlelight in one of the fishermen’s houses. The meals are prepared by the fishermen’s wives.
Bontebok National Park
Game reserve for the conservation of the Bontebok antelope. Beautiful scenery at the Breede River.
