Waenhuiskrans nature reserve

The Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve has fascinating archaeological significance. Middens and stone tools have been found which are estimated to be late Stone Age or Holocene period artifacts. The reserve must preserve these sites sensitively. Therefore access is limited. pedestrians have free access to the Reserve at any time of the day or night. Pedestrians can visit any part of the reserve. No 2×4 vehicles, Motorbikes or Quadbikes are allowed. Off-road vehicles will however be allowed past the gatehouse. Cars that drive here are likely to get stuck in the sand.

Roman Beach

If you are walking to the Waenhuiskrans cave from the main beach, you will reach Roman beach. It is within the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. This is a traditional “family beach, great for building sand castles, swimming, body boarding, surfing, and taking long walks. The warm Mozambique current makes the water temperatures comfortable.

The reserve has some wonderful hiking opportunities. Check the sea temperature here

Struispunt beacon

Walking further past the cave will take you to Otter Beach. A bit further still, you will see the Struispunt beacon which locals call Baken. This was built to warn sailors of Die rif which is an undersea reef ( Saxon reef) just 5 km out to sea. It is known to have claimed at least 14 ships.

Fish traps

Look out also for the fish traps. These are walls built from stone that trap fish when the tide comes in. Fish are left behind at low tide. These prehistoric traps were built by Khoisan strandlopers,

The Arniston Dunes

The dunes are the highest point in the area. From here you will get a panoramic view of the village vehicles are not allowed on the dunes due to their natural and archaeological sensitivity, however, you can walk and sand surf.