About Strandfontein

Strandfontein is a small seaside village on the West Coast of South Africa.Strandfontein budget travel boasts a stunning white-sand beach, imposing cliffs and a tranquil holiday environment,within easy reach of Cape Town, mountains and wildflowers.

Strandfontein Budget Travel

Strandfontein budget travel is very easy with great value for money backpacking tours and fantastic highlights. Below is useful information on Strandfontein to help you plan your budget holiday in Strandfontein. We offer a variety of budget tours and backpacking advice in Strandfontein.

Airports

Strandfontein airports include the following:
• Cape Town International Airport

Birdlife

Strandfontein birds are abundant, with over 160 species recorded. On the open plains, ostriches, secretary birds and kori bustards may be seen, while close to the buildings species such as the Cape robin, Cape bulbul, Cape sparrow and house sparrow may occur. Water birds such as the Egyptian goose red billed teat, black duck and South African shelduck are common, as are gulls and other seabirds. Pelicans, cormorants and flamingos may also be seen in the region. Bird Island Coastal Reserve and the West Coast National Park are nearby, and both offer amazing bird watching opportunities.

Conservation

Strandfontein conservation is vital, as many species of wildflowers, fynbos, succulents, birds and animals are found only in this region. There are protected National Park areas, and also many local private reserves and game farms which strive to maintain the sustainability of indigenous species. Smuggling of animals such as the tortoise and snake species is not uncommon, and the region is patrolled by National Park staff, who may do spot checks on vehicles.

Culture

Strandfontein culture includes the following:
• Fishing and rock-angling
• Local music and art
• Local cuisine including delicious traditional food
• Wine-tasting in nearby vineyards
• Nature activities such as birdwatching and whalewatching
• Sporting events and activities

Health

Strandfontein health facilities are rudimentary: a pharmacy and doctor are available, however, with safe drinking water, no malaria and very few major health risks, Strandfontein visits are generally fuss-free.

AIDS

Strandfontein HIV/AIDS basic precautions include the following:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing from suspect or unsterile operators

Languages

Strandfontein languages include the following:
• Afrikaans
• English
• Xhosa

Money

Strandfontein money and banking information includes:
• Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9h00 ' 15h00, and Saturdays from 8h30-11h30
• ATMs can be found in the village
• Foreign exchange should be done in one of the larger local towns or cities
• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at almost all shops, hotels and restaurants

People

Strandfontein people include the following groups:
• Coloured
• Black Africans
• Whites

Phrase

Strandfontein local phrases include the following:
• Molo - Hello (Xhosa)
• Enkosi - Please (Xhosa)
• Kunjanj - How are you (Xhosa)
• Gooie dag - Good day (Afrikaans)
• Please - Asseblief (Afrikaans)

Plants

Strandfontein plants are stunning: The region boasts an annual display of Namaqualand daisies, which attracts international interest, as well as hundreds of species of indigenous plants and fynbos which add to the reputation of this region as being part of the Floral Kingdom of the Cape. There are few large trees, owing to the sandy soils, and farmers locally produce wheat, grapes and other crops.

Religion

Strandfontein religions include:
• Christian (predominantly)
• Islam
• Judaism

Safety Tips

Strandfontein is very safe to visit with very little crime:
• Petty crime can occur just like any place however, so be cautious
• Keep valuables out of sight in a moneybag, and don't leave valuables in your car when parked
• Summer months can get very hot, so drink lots of water and don't forget to put on sunscreen

Transport

Strandfontein local transport options include:
• Car
• Bus
• Minibus taxi

Travel Books

Strandfontein recommended travel books include:
• Frommer's South Africa by Pippa de Bruyn
• The Rough Guide to South Africa 5th Edition by Tony Pinchuck, Barbara McCrea and Donald Reid
• South Africa Eyewitness Travel Guide by DK Publishing
• Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland by Mary Fitzpatrick
• AAA Essential South Africa 6th Edition by Richard Whitaker

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in South Africa

What To Buy

What to buy for Strandfontein:
• Batteries and film for cameras
• Sea activity equipment, such as fishing gear
• Sunscreen and sunhat
• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Raingear, especially in the rainy season
• Guidebooks

What To Pack

The following are some items you should remember to pack for your holiday in Strandfontein:
• Sunscreen and sunhat
• Towel and hat for the beach
• Fishing or other water sport gear
• Loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes
• Warm clothes for cool evenings and mild weather
• Guidebooks to the area and the wildlife
• A basic first-aid kit
• Batteries, chargers, film and/or memory sticks for cameras

When To Go

When to go to Strandfontein? The following are seasonal activities:
• Summer is very hot
• Winter can be chilly, and is the rainy season
• The best time to visit Strandfontein is in Spring, when the temperature is milder, and the wildflowers and whales may be seen
• During Spring, many activities take place around the wildflowers.

Wildlife

Strandfontein wildlife is abundant in the area surrounding the town; large animals including Burchell's zebra and the antelope species. Other smaller animals include the dassie (rock hyrax), yellow mongoose, rock rabbit, Cape hare, striped polecat, aardwolf, lynx, antbear, black-backed jackal, caracal and Cape porcupine. Tortoises are frequently seen crossing the roads, and local drivers will attempt to avoid killing them. Whales may be seen off the coast during Spring.