Chas Everitt International - Property in Velddrif

General
The Best kept secret of the Western Cape…

The ostensibly remote town Velddrif, which includes Laaiplek, Noordhoek, Port Owen and Dwarskersbos, looks fairly peaceful and relaxed, but the sincerity of its people with their distinctive West Coast hospitality delights visitors who enjoy the natural beauty of this exceptional area.

First time tourists often have the impression of a vast, dreary and dry landscape. This illusion remains only until they have experienced the wonders of the sea, rich bird life, white sand, flowers and beautiful river and waterways and then savoured their first seafoods such as harders, bokkoms, snoek or a fish "potjie".

Velddrif and Laaiplek are situated on the banks of the Berg River estuary. Velddrif owes it´s name to a farming family, Smit, who drove their sheep through the "drift in the veld" across the Berg River in search of better grazing. Laaiplek, originally known as Rooibaai, owes its name to the large amount of fish and agricultural products which were loaded there.

Relax in Aurora, a tranquil, unspoilt Sandveld village with brilliant clear light and clean air.

The area is a birdlover´s paradise and prominent for the variety and number of inland, sea and marsh birds. Black eagles circle the peaks behind the village, sunbirds flit among the garden flowers and the European bee-eater is a regular guest.

Ecologically, the area is extremely rich with a unique variation of fynbos. Most of the winter it is green and attractive, in summer very arid, but in early spring, when it rains, the countryside becomes a vast flower garden, a mutiny of yellow and white, lavender and orange.

Also a number of artists, architects, potters, graphic designers, and makers of children´s toys live and work in Aurora.

Where the Berg River meets the Atlantic Ocean
The fishing waters are the heartbeat of the environment. Fishing boats and yachts use the safe harbor entrance to sail into St. Helena Bay. At sunset, the boats return weighed down with their catch. Fishing is the chief industry of the area and is canned or made into fishmeal. On the banks of the Berg River bokkoms are still worked and hung up to dry as in the old days.

Experience the tranquility of this area.
Velddrif and Aurora have an ambience that once experienced, will bring one back time and time again. Here life drifts on in a peaceful atmosphere giving one time to unwind, to relax without crowds, noise and traffic and surround oneself with undisturbed nature.

Springflower spectacular!
In spring the surrounding veld is alive with the flowering treasures of the Sandveld…

Birdwatchers paradise
The Lower Berg River Wetlands have been designated as an Important Bird Area SA 104 and therefore the birding at both Velddrif and Rocherpan is outstanding with over 250 bird species having been recorded here, of these at least 70 are water birds. Great White Pelicans, Greater and Lesser Flamingos - all of which are listed in the Red Data book for endangered species, are common and can be seen regularly. These birds, as well as many thousands of waders and ducks rely on the wetlands, vleis, and estuary as their major source of food, particularly when the water levels drop.

Accommodation
Accommodation aplenty

The tourist has a choice of two hotels, holiday resorts, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments as well as self catering accommodation. Aurora boasts with bed and breakfast establishments as well as self catering options.

Family run hotels with true West Coast hospitality, up market guesthouses with a "shabby chic" ambience, affordable, value for many bed and breakfast establishments as well as wonderful self catering accommodation - from the bare basic rustic accommodation to mountain top or beachfront accommodation.

Conference venues
Also Conference facilities to suit all needs…

Velddrif can handle conferences with ease - the different venues can handle different sizes and configurations. Riverview venues as well as stylish venues on a farm form part of the options to choose from.

Attractions
The marshes of the Berg River estuary are alive with the most exciting variety of water birds in South Africa

From the rare little Blue Heron and Redshank to thousands of Curlew Sandpipers and Plovers. Flocks of feeding birds can be seen on the tidal river. Small buck are found on the local farms in the Aurora area and plans are in the works to state a nature conservancy in the district.

The fishing boats, yachts and "bakkies" (fishing smacks) utilize the safe harbor mouth to reach the rich fishing grounds of St. Helena Bay. Originally a large sandbank blocked the river mouth but with the assistance of engineers, a canal was blasted out to link the river with the bay and thus the fishing harbor, Laaiplek developed. Fish is processed in local factories. To this day bokkoms are dried and bunched on the banks of the river in the old, traditional manner.

Adventure and Sports
Experience the ocean & river, hike on the beach or in the mountain and find peace tranquility…

A Deep-water marina provides all the facilities a yachtsman would want and sailing in St. Helena bay is only a pleasure. The Berg River waters are warm and safe, and swimming, rowing, sailing, angling and bird watching can be experienced, as also waterskiing in selected areas. Riverboats take people up the river on bird watching or sunset cruises. The beaches of Dwarskersbos provide ample opportunity for hiking or swimming. Hiking trails, mountain bike trails

Dinning and Entertainement
Velddrif restaurants have a choice of seafood delicacies and traditional country fare, served with characteristic West Coast hospitality. A European inspired restaurant serve wonderful food in Aurora.

Health and Wellness
Want to feel wonderfully relaxed and stress free??

Change your lifestyle and relax in the beautiful setting of Aurora

Visitor Services
Velddrif offers ...

Velddrif offers all that is needed: supermarkets, café´s, banks, post office, petrol & service stations, as well as two doctors and dentists that visit Velddrif weekly. Aurora provides the basic facilities: post office, small general dealer and petrol station.