Die Dam Holiday Resort – Gansbaai, Western Cape

The campsite at Die Dam leads into the Quoin Point Nature Reserve and to some good fishing grounds along the undulating coastline. To get there, you need to negotiate very soft conditions underfoot which can be done only in a 4X4, so don’t forget to take along your sand recovery tracks and a shovel. Sharp inclines and declines are common to the sandy roads in the area, which are essentially dunes populated with dune grasses and some fynbos. There are certain patches that require extra ground-clearance.

Die Dam is a camping and caravan site owned by the municipality and also offers chalets for rent. The ablutions are old-school but neat, and the showers are hot and have ample hangers for clothing, which is always a plus. When I visited this campsite there was a sign on the wall indicating the dire need to conserve water, which was incongruous, as two of the taps at the wash basins were running freely because of worn washers, and I had to switch off one of the toilets at its tap on the wall as that, too, was running freely between the cistern and the bowl. I hope this water wastage was sorted out after the initial article.

The caravan and campsite lawns were neatly trimmed, and each site has power and a tap for drinking water. The water has a slight brackish taste to it − which is understandable, as it is so close to the sea, and I encountered no ill effects from drinking it throughout the weekend. On the Saturday, after presenting our fishing permit at the gate of the Uilenkraalsmond Nature Reserve, which encompasses the vast expanses of coastline leading up to the Uilenkraalsmond lagoon, we made our way towards the beach to get a line into the water.

I had a few nibbles at my bait, which were probably nothing more than a lonely hermit crab that had wandered off course. I am always amazed at the remoteness of locations, such as those found along the Uilenkraalsmond, Gansbaai and Kleinbaai coastline, that are within easy driving distance from Cape Town. South Africa is really blessed with some of the most scenic coastlines and natural habitats in the world. In quiet places such as these, where the roar of the ocean and the chatter of the birdlife is your musical accompaniment, little else matters. The outdoors does that to you – it’s a master at grounding and balancing the human spirit.

“Morning, guys and girls!” There is something delicious about good strong coffee in the early morning when you are enjoying the seclusion of nature while camping and caravanning. Simple things, good things, such as coffee with condensed milk, eggs, bacon, fried tomato, braai broodjies and a host of other delicacies, form part of the glue that makes the outdoors so enjoyable. Is it my imagination, or do your taste buds seem to revive themselves as the sound of the ocean washes away the remaining stresses and strains of city life?

Beach walks, photography, shell-collecting and swimming in the natural bays in the area make this the ideal spot for the whole family. If you’re into shark-cage diving, take the 10 minute drive from Die Dam to Kleinbaai, they’ll get you up close and personal with our toothy friends. Whale watching is also prominent in the bays along this coastline, and the abundant birdlife is a birder’s dream. If none of these activities sparks any interest in you, then collapse into your comfortable camping chair in the shade and take in the wonderful views. You’re not expected to do anything except relax and unwind.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Electricity: Yes
• Water: Yes
• Ablutions: Yes
• Pets: Not allowed
• Braai: Yes (bring own grid)

CONTACT:

• Tel: 028 482 1710
• Cell: 082 819 4664

For more information on Die Dam campsite and to make a booking, simply fill in the enquiry form below and the necessary person will get hold of you with availability and pricing.