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U n s p o i l e d B e a c h
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Situated
on the west coast of Namaqualand, this peaceful little hamlet is one of
only two accessible seaside villages along the Northern Cape province's
313 km coastline. Hondeklip Bay has retained a unique and unpretentious
rural charm. Although not affluent and used to living meagerly, the
community have a pleasant and carefree nature. Here all visitors are
welcome and free to meander, without restraint or apprehension, along a
picturesque 14 km shoreline.
A beautiful section of the Namaqualand coast
lies in this area known as the proposed Groen-Spoeg National Park that
stretches from just south of the mouth of the Groen River Estuary at the
mouth of the Groen River to the mouth of the Spoeg River just south of
Hondeklip Bay. Much of this section of coast is unspoiled and visitors
can easily observe the rich and fascinating inter-tidal life that
frequents the nutrient-rich Benguela Current. Near the mouth of the
Spoeg River are caves with more archaeological treasures. |
The Dog Stone
A big gneiss rock resembling a dog inspired Thomas Grace to name
Hondeklipbaai, which translated, would mean "Dog Stone Bay". During 1853
the "dog" was defaced when its ear was chopped of and taken to Cape Town
in order to start the fictitious "Dog's Ear Copper Company". During a
severe lightning storm in the 1970's, it lost its nose as well. |
The Gunpowder Magazine
Unfortunately, no buildings of the copper era exist today, as all the
shops and houses were built out of wood and tar. The only remnants still
evident are the ruins of a gunpowder magazine erected in 1863 by the
Cape Copper Mining Company on the northern side of the Bay.
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The Old Graveyard
Some very old gravestones of long forgotten sailors and visitors who
found their last resting place in Hondeklip Bay |
Spitfire Rock
Spectacular "spits" and spray as the sea blast against this rock. An
excellent location to take stunning photographs. |
The Wreck of the Aristea
The Aristea, an I.J. fishing trawler, survived WWII but not the
onslaught of her tipsy captain and the shores of Hondeklip Bay. She ran
aground on the 4th July 1945. |
Tourist Information
Die Honnehok Chalets and Restaurant
Tel: +27 (0) 27 692 3041
Fax: +27 (0) 27 692 3022
e-mail:
enhough@intekom.co.za
http://home.intekom.com/honnehok/
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accommodation in hondeklip bay...
Acknowledgement to Elize Hough for the Hondeklip Bay information |
