Hondeklip Bay, Northern Cape

Untouched Peace & Tranquillity

Hondeklip Bay, a secluded coastal town, lies about 110 km from Springbok in the Northern Cape. Various circular routes make for beautiful scenic drives in the flower season.

Hondeklip is not really considered a tourist destination, but it does have a few attractions starting with the Dog Stone, after which the town was named, which still remains despite having lost a “nose” and “ear” over the years and the Arista wreckage of 1945 lies still, nothing except an old memory of a long forgotten tragedy.

The real attraction of the town though is its 14 kilometre shoreline which boasts many tidal and rock pools as well as stunning views. The fresh air and clear sunshine makes for almost perfect conditions for a holiday or weekend getaway. The breath-taking surroundings, warm smiles and hospitality of the locals are what make this sleepy town a real escape from city life.

Hondeklip Bay is not for those looking for tourist highlights, but rather for individualists looking for the exact opposite, nothing but calm and quiet.

Visitors can expect a few self-catering beach cottages up for rent or a few small B&B’s or Guesthouses scattered here and there. The town also has caravan and camping facilities.

Things to do and see

• Hondeklip Bay Lighthouse
• Spitfire Rock
• Aristea Shipwreck
• Dog Stone
• The Old Cemetery
• Rondeklip
• Namaqua National Park
• Burke’s Pass
• Akkedis Pass

Climate

Hondeklip Bay receives approximately 125 mm of rain per year with most of its annual rainfall during winter.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 13˚C and 25˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 18˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport. Cape Town to Hondeklip Bay is approximately 540 km along the N7 and is a popular route with tourists exploring the Cape West Coast.

History

The village of Hondeklip Bay was first used as a harbour to export copper from the mines around Springbok.

It was back in 1846 when, Thomas Grace, a ship’s captain discovered a small natural harbour where he immediately established a trading station. A big gneiss rock resembling a dog inspired him to name the place “Hondeklip Bay”. The first Copper Mines commenced production between 1850 and 1852 and on the 31st August 1852, the Bosphorus shipped the first eleven tons of copper ore from Hondeklip Bay directly to Wales.

The town now serves the fishing and diamond mining community, as diamond dredges use Hondeklip Bay as a base.