Velddrif, a humble riverside town on South Africa’s West Coast, is more than a scenic stop—it’s a living archive of culture, history, and coastal tradition. With its blend of fishing heritage, agricultural roots, and artistic spirit, Velddrif offers visitors a rich and authentic experience steeped in community and legacy.
Bokkomlaan: A Journey into the Past
Bokkomlaan, Velddrif’s most iconic and oldest road, stretches along the Berg River. Here, weathered jetties and historic fish sheds (vishuise) stand as reminders of the town’s fishing past. This is the heart of the bokkom industry—where harders (mullet) are brined, pressed, and sun-dried into bokkoms, the region’s signature delicacy. Today, Bokkomlaan merges old and new. Visitors can still watch fishermen prepare their catch by hand, while also enjoying riverside coffees, art galleries, and sunset boat rides. A must-try local treat is bokkoms served with moskonfyt (grape must jam), homemade bread, and a glass of West Coast Chenin Blanc.
Laaiplek: Maritime Roots on Display
A short drive from Bokkomlaan lies Laaiplek, home to the South African Fisheries Museum. This compact museum highlights the region’s seafaring heritage with displays of fishing gear, model boats, and oral history recordings. Nearby, Laaiplek’s working harbour remains a vibrant hub where trawlers return from sea and nets are mended by hand—an everyday scene that connects the present to Velddrif’s deep maritime roots.
Seven Generations of Dairy Tradition
Just outside town, Langrietvlei Farm showcases Velddrif’s agricultural heritage. Operated by the Kotzé family for seven generations, the farm produces award-winning Kokerboom Kaas made from creamy A2 Guernsey milk. The farm’s historic homestead is a Provincial Heritage Site, and visitors can learn about the cheese-making process and sample cumin-spiced gouda, tangy blue, and soft white cheese at their Waterkant Street outlet.
Culture You Can Taste
Each Saturday, the Velddrif Village Market offers a taste of local culture. Stalls feature hand-stitched crafts, homemade preserves, and traditional West Coast fare. Seasonal heritage-themed pop-ups add live music, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional recipes, enriching the cultural atmosphere.
Birds and Blooms
Velddrif is also part of a Ramsar-listed wetland, attracting over 30,000 birds in winter—including flamingos, pelicans, and the endangered black harrier. Birdwatchers and nature lovers can enjoy hides and jetties along the river, especially as the Sandveld prepares for its spring wildflower bloom.
Aurora: Astronomy in the Sandveld
Thirty kilometres inland lies the village of Aurora, home to a granite monument honouring French astronomer Abbé Nicolas-Louis de La Caille. His 18th-century survey helped define the Earth’s shape and remains a national heritage site—a reminder of the region’s unexpected scientific legacy.
“Velddrif lives its heritage every day,” says Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of Bergrivier Tourism. “It’s not preserved behind glass, but lived through community, food, and tradition.”
For more information visit www.bergriviertourism.co.za
