The Solace Beauty of Gouritsmond

Gouritsmond

I spent a weekend in the little village of Gouritsmond as part of the relaunch of Hessequa Tourism – The Explorer’s Garden Route. For those unfamiliar with the Hessequa district, it’s the most western part of the Garden Route district, nestled between the beautiful Langeberg mountain range and the Indian Ocean.

The western border lies near Heidelberg and includes towns like Witsand, Riversdale, Stilbaai, Albertina, and Gouritsmond which marks the eastern border.
My brief was to explore the Gouritsmond area and seek out some of the Hessequa Marvels, and even though the weather wasn’t the most ideal, I had an absolute blast in this natural environment.

Gouritsmond earned its name from the mighty Gouritz River, the origins of the 416km Gouritz River flows from the confluence of the Gamka River and Olifants River and is joined by the Groot River before flowing through the Langeberg Mountains and out onto the coastal plain where it eventually drains into the Indian Ocean through the Gourits Estuary.

The present-day village was a fishing ground known as the “Fisheries” and a popular beach spot for the people of Albertina’s surrounding area. Town status was only granted to Gouritsmond in 1915 as the little village became home to more people.
Gouritsmond is generally known as a fabulous fishing spot this includes rock and surf fishing, boat-based fishing, and fishing from the edge of the river, and isn’t hard to see why.

Gouritsmond with its coastal plains and overgrown sand dunes is a paradise for most visitors, especially families, and soft adventure seekers, like hikers, birders, and water babies, the “good old-fashioned” fun mindset thrives here. For families with younglings, the surroundings are a natural educational spot where kids can explore the beach, rock pools, river and fynbos dunes or spend time swimming in the tidal pool, fishing, and playing their hearts out. A lovely, safe environment. I could not imagine a boring weekend would be had if a group of friends spent time here. Braai, fish, walk, canoe, chill at the ocean, visit the local diner and have a real conversation.

Fauna and flora in Gouritsmond.
There is an abundance of birdlife and small wildlife in this area and I spent most of my time along a bush path surrounded by a cacophony of bird sounds and stumbled across hunting harrier hawks, flitting sunbirds, jumbling scrub robins, prinias, shrikes and happy larks in the fynbos. On the water’s edge the terns, gulls and cormorants found solace from the wind and shared space with the ever-feeding sandpipers and oystercatchers. Now and then, I would spot a shy duiker or slow tortoise. I’m certain, with more time spent here, the discovery of its abundance would be endless.

Dining in Gouritsmond

Gouritsmond has a few local stores where you can get most of the goods you need, and my favourite was the general dealer in town. The shop reminded me of my childhood holidays at Sodwana Bay in the KwaZulu Natal region. An “everything” got to shop.

Attached to the general dealer is Koffie Stories, where you can delight yourself with a cuppa coffee, a slice of homemade cake, breakfast, or a light lunch.

Koffie Stories is the local spot to linger, chat, and catch up with friends and family. It’s a warm-hearted local coffee shop that serves anything from breakfast, light lunches, or cake. You’ll be delighted to see chicken livers and Pap on the menu among other unexpected meals. Hanlie, the owner, also boasts home-cooked dishes on Sundays. A great initiative supported by the local community and orders pile up to be collected early.

“Bite Me” diner is rigged for those important rugby games and has a pool table, a sushi bar, a pizza oven, and other lekka goodies. What a vibe…

Gourikwa Nature Reserve – Hiking

The coastal reserve of Gourikwa is a few kilometres from Gouritsmond and idyllic for coastal hiking. This area falls under the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its globally significant biodiversity value. Blown away by a fynbos veld splashed with the oranges, pinks, whites, yellows, and reds from the abundant pincushion proteas, Erica’s, Bitou’s, to the fluffy Heather’s, it’s simply a visual treat as you spend time in this floral utopia. The trail took me to the lookout point where you can chill and take in the seascape of this rugged coastline, vegetated dunes, and the candystriped Yestervarkpunt lighthouse. This lighthouse is a 51m tall structure, one of the youngest lighthouses in the country, built in 2006 and makes quite a statement along this coastline.

Kuierbos Farmstay – Accommodation

Lastly, I have to share my stay for the weekend, Kuierbos Farmstay. I am a complete sucker for glamping, and I think this might be my favourite kind of stay. I like the unusual, with a rustic touch and a little glam. It’s simply more interesting than the median. This coastal property is 3 kms out of town with a private entrance to a small farm with an ocean view. It’s most certainly peaceful, with only the sound of the birds and the wind to keep you company. Take a good book, a pair of binoculars or good company, the choice is yours. There is excellent Wi-Fi, but who needs it, if you wish to connect to nature. Kuierbos has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay and I loved it.