• Gourits river mouth beach house view rtcnm1
    WELCOME TO
    Gouritsmond (Gourits River Mouth)


About Gouritsmond (Gourits River Mouth)

This quaint little town is located on the western shore of the Gouritz River where its mouth opens out into the Indian Ocean. About 30km from Mossel Bay with the Langeberg Mountains as a backdrop, the town has a peaceful, rural atmosphere with many beautiful walking and cycling trails. The town has a good infrastructure and the surrounding area is largely populated by wheat, cattle and sheep farmers, who choose this as their holiday spot of choice to unwind. Townsfolk have become increasingly environmentally aware and many rare and endangered species of fauna, flora and birds can be found on the protected Gouritz Commonage, riverside and salt marshes.

When to Go
The temperate climate makes this a pleasant area to visit all year round. There are plenty of attractions nearby for visitors to make Gouritsmond a base from which to explore. During the December/January holiday season the beautiful beach and lagoon make a wonderful holiday destination for some fun in the sun. The tide can sometimes be a bit tricky, and it is advisable to swim in the beautiful tidal pool or in designated swimming areas when lifeguards are on duty. Out of season, it is a great place to spot whales as they migrate up the coast during the breeding and calving season, from July to November.

Climate
Gouritsmond has a moderate climate, with temperatures ranging from 6°C – 25°C degrees during winter and 10°C – 28°C in summer. With an average rainfall of 350mm a year, rain falls mostly from April to September. The driest month is January, with an average of 30mm of rainfall, while October has the highest average precipitation at 52mm. The warmest month of the year is February, with an average temperature of 21.2 °C. The region is coldest during July, when the mercury averages around 14.4 °C.

Fauna
Most residents of Gouritsmond are very protective about the unique environment in which they live. The Gourits Preservation Trust was established in 1994 to conserve and protect the natural assets of the intertidal zone including its water, flora, fauna and birdlife. Where once there were roads, the rehabilitation of the salt marshes has taken precedence, and the project is seeing good results. Visitors are not permitted to drive on any open land as this is the breeding ground for many rare plant and bird species. This is also the home of the threatened butterfly (Poecilmitis Brooksi Teari), which relies somewhat on a local ant species to care for its larvae.

The diverse habitats of the Gouritsmond wetlands and surrounding areas attract a wide variety of bird species – around 240 of them are endemic to the region. Birdwatchers will find this area a paradise, and you could even catch a glimpse of the endangered Black Oyster Catcher.
There is also leopard in the area, seen from time to time along the river bank and the beach.

Flora
Gouritsmond lies in an area where there is a combination of no less than three biodiversity regions, and supports more than 200 plant species. The region falls within the ‘World Heritage Cape Floral Kingdom’ and a good percentage of the open areas fall under the protection of the Gourits Preservation Trust.
It is home to at least 14 species of endangered plants, including a well-established population of the rare and striking ground orchid – the Disa lugens (or Beard Male) – which flowers in winter. The area is also known for its unique fynbos, which can be seen on three different walks through the Gourits Commage.
The Cape Aloe occurs in abundance here and natural remedies using this healing plant have been prepared by inhabitants of the area for thousands of years, right up to the present day. A visit to the Alcare Aloe Centre 40km away in Albertina is well worth the trip.

THINGS TO SEE & DO:

Nature Reserves
There are numerous private nature reserves nearby Gouritsmond, including, Gouriqua Kernkor, Groenkant, Orca Nature Reserve, Indalu Game Reserve, Vergaderingskop, Garden Route Game Lodge and Rein’s Nature Reserve.
Rein’s Nature Reserve +27 44 851-0117 is the largest private reserve along the entire South African coastline, stretching 5km along the Indian Ocean.
Garden Route Game Lodge +27 28 735 1200 is situated about 30km from Gouritsmond, and offers big game viewing including lion, white rhino, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a variety of antelope. Their ‘Gentle Giants’ package offers an opportunity to have a close encounter with two resident elephants – Selati and Moya. Ayana Spa is situated within the reserve for those who would like to indulge in a little pampering, and there are some interesting activities on offer for children.

Jakkalsvlei Private Wine Cellar
In 2014 Jakkalsvlei won the best South African Cabernet Sauvignon for under R100 a bottle. Then, in its first-time entry to the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards, the cellar received gold medals for three of its wines. Owner Jantjie Jonker has also added gourmet food and wine paring, to make the most of their impressive new tasting hall.
Open: 7 days a week 10am to 4.00pm except Good Friday and Christmas Day
+27 28 735-2061

Vleesbaai 4x4 Dune route
This 12km 4x4 dune ride on Misgunst Farm in Vleesbaai (near Mossel Bay). Drivers of all skill levels are able to join in the fun. There is also a camping site on the farm.
+27 44 699-1107 or +27 82 784-8238
Alcare Aloe Centre
On the N2 highway near Albertina, the centre has an indigenous garden with 17 species of aloe, as well as a kids’ play centre and a coffee shop. Products made in the Alcare factory are on sale in the shop and visitors who want to know more about this amazing healing plant, can visit the factory and watch a demonstration of the traditional eco-friendly aloe ‘tapping’ method of harvesting.
Open: Mon-Fri 8.00am to 5.00pm; Sat/Sun 8.00am to 4.00pm
+27 28 735-1454

PLACES TO EAT:
Ahoy Restaurant +27 83 258-6353
Die Mond Restaurant & Pub +27 82 771-4188
Gouritz Oppi Map Restaurant +27 83 455-2644
Kiewit Restaurant +27 82 898-1791
Koffie Stories +27 82 453-6336
Serengeti’s Restaurant (25km away) +27 28 735-1200

PLACES TO STAY:
Bonniedale Holiday Farm +27 44 651-1611
Dwarsrivier Country Getaway +27 44 651-1611
Eight Bells Mountain Inn +27 44 631-0000
Garden Route Game Lodge +27 28 735-1200
Gondwana Game Reserve +27 44 697 7077
Gourits River Guest Farm +27 83 235-2148
Gourits Self Catering Units +27 82 355-5675
Indalu Game Reserve +27 82 990-3831
Sandpiper Cottages (Boggomsbaai +27 71 899-8752
Skilpadgat Guest Farm +27 28 735-2001


Quick Facts

Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa

Why go?

- Blue Flag Beach with a beautiful beach, fantastic surfing and a tidal pool. Life guards on duty during peak seasons
- Sunrise and sunset cruises along the Gouritz River
- Beautiful coastal hiking trails
- Rock and Surf fishing opportunities plus Spear-fishing!
- Deep-sea and river fishing charters available

History icon

History

According to historians, the Gouritz River mouth was Bartolomew Dias’ first sight of land after rounding the Cape at the tip of Africa in 1488. He named the river Rio dos Vaquerios (river of the shepherds), possibly after observing nomadic sheep farmers watering their stock at the riverside.
For centuries before Dias arrived in the area, Gouritsmond was inhabited by Khoihoi nomadic shepherds, as well as San hunters who survived by eating fynbos from the land and shellfish from the sea.
From the 1660s onwards, small groups arrived to buy cattle, but it wasn’t until 1729 that the first white farmers settled in the Gouritz River area. By 1900, the entire area was privately owned with the exception of a small portion of land at the western side of the estuary, known as ‘The Fisheries’ which belonged to the State.
Stone houses built by farmers wanting a ‘holiday home’ dating back to the 1920s can still be seen in parts of the village.



  • Gourits river mouth beach house view rtcnm1