Arniston

Arniston is a small coastal village where time still seems to stand still – where the local fishing people continue in the footsteps of their ancestors, and where tourists come to enjoy this special hideaway.  This small town has no pumping nightlife or adrenalin-packed attractions – what you hear is the sound of the sea and the plaintive cries of the gulls, as the small fishing boats come in to Arniston Bay loaded with their daily catch.

The great tragedy in Arniston’s history was the British transport/hospital ship, the Arniston, that foundered near the coast in 1815, with a loss of 372 lives.  Only six passengers survived, and a monument was erected in 1817 to commemorate the tragic loss of life.  A replica of this beacon can be seen today above the beach in front of the hotel.

In spite of the peace and quiet of the town, there are many wonderful activities to delight the visitor.  Angling from rocks or beach, hiking along the coast or in the dunes, and whale watching are all popular.  The sea is safe for swimming, with the Agulhas Current bringing warmer water down from the tropics to Arniston’s beaches.

However, a visit to Kassiesbaai, a 200-year-old fishing village that has been declared a national heritage site in its entirety, is essential for every visitor to Arniston.  The small settlement is characterised by unassuming cottages with thatched roofs and lime-washed walls.  Here you can experience the customs of the local people, as many of the residents still make their living from the sea.  There are some lovely little coffee and craft shops to visit in the village.

Arniston’s other name is Waenhuiskrans, which means wagon-house-cliff in Afrikaans.  This name derives from the massive limestone cave, across the dunes to the west of Roman Beach.  This cave, according to local theory, is so big that a wagon with a full span of oxen would be able to turn around in it.  The cave can only be accessed at low tide.