Lambert's Bay Attractions
Lambert's Bay is a fishing town, with fish-processing industries, 290km/180mi north of Cape Town on the west coast of South Africa. There has hitherto been little tourist development in this area, but this is due to change, and there is already accommodation for visitors in modest hotels and guest houses. Many South Africans are attracted to Lambert's Bay by the busy life round the harbor and the freshly caught fish served in the restaurants (for example the well-known Muisbosskerm beach restaurant, 5km/3mi south of the town). A major annual event is the Crayfish Festival at the end of November.
The town lies in a 30km/19 mi long coastal strip of very sandy soil in which only drought-loving plants flourish. In spring, however, this ''sandveld'' is transformed into a sea of blossom.
The town is named after Sir Robert Lambert, naval officer in charge of the region in 1820-21. The bay was the scene of the only naval battle of the Boer War, when General Hertzog's fleet opened fire on a British warship, the ''Sybille''
The town lies in a 30km/19 mi long coastal strip of very sandy soil in which only drought-loving plants flourish. In spring, however, this ''sandveld'' is transformed into a sea of blossom.
The town is named after Sir Robert Lambert, naval officer in charge of the region in 1820-21. The bay was the scene of the only naval battle of the Boer War, when General Hertzog's fleet opened fire on a British warship, the ''Sybille''
Bird Island
From the harbor a causeway leads out to Bird Island, which is occupied by large colonies of cormorants, gannets and of course seagulls. Black-footed penguins can be observed at close quarters. The best time for bird-watching is between September and February, in the early morning or late afternoon.
Eland's Bay
27km/17mi south of Lambert's Bay on a dirt road is Eland's Bay, which in summer is a surfer's paradise. The little town is not particularly attractive, largely because of the presence of a fish-processing factory, but it has a beautiful beach as well as a hotel, shops and a camping site.
Graafwater
At Graafwater, 30km/19mi east of Lambert's Bay, agricultural produce from Clanwilliam as well as fish and seafood from Lambert's Bay are graded and prepared for transport.
22km/14mi north of Graafwater on the road to Vredendal is a cave known as the Heerenlogement (''Gentlemen's Lodgings''), on the walls of which are scratched the names of more than one hundred and seventy 17th and 18th C travelers who found overnight accommodation here, near a conveniently situated spring.
22km/14mi north of Graafwater on the road to Vredendal is a cave known as the Heerenlogement (''Gentlemen's Lodgings''), on the walls of which are scratched the names of more than one hundred and seventy 17th and 18th C travelers who found overnight accommodation here, near a conveniently situated spring.
