Arniston
There is one little community in Arniston that really stole our hearts not only because of the people but the fact that it really felt like time has stood still. The town which dates back to the early 1800's is nestled along the Southern Coast of the Western Cape. The only town in South Africa that has two official names Arniston after the Arniston Ship that wrecked along the shore and then there is its original name of Waenhuiskrans (meaning Ox Wagon Cave)named after the cave on the shore line which was big enough to house several ox wagons in.
The area is believed to originally be inhabited by Standlopers, Bushman who lived along the coastline and off the ocean. Unfortunately there is very little of their existence left except for a few story teller's tales and cave paintings. Waenhuiskrans/Arniston first came to the notice of Europeans when a British ship called the Arniston carrying mainly wounded soldiers but also women and children wrecked along the coastline in 1815 with only six people out of 378 surviving.
There are 2 sides to Arniston- the commercial 'developed' tourist side, and then the original fishing cottages set in a small enclave .The latter is the side that stole our hearts with its white washed thatched roofed homes that havnt changed for centuries.
It was one of these little white-washed cottages with a thatched roof we stayed in on the edge of this vibrant little fishing community. This is one of only 2 houses in the fishing village that is hired out to tourists. The very basic yet homely cottage had all the we needed to relax and enjoy our time there. As we were travelling in the heart of winter we enjoyed the evening in front of a roaring fire after enjoying a lovely meal at the only restaurant in the town ( Waenhuiskrans Restaurant).
There are a few activities to do in this secluded hideaway such as hikes to the Waenhuiskrans cave (at LOW TIDE only!!!), swimming, land based whale watching but just taking it easy and speaking to the locals is more than enough by itself.
Women villagers in the fishing village have established a development project where the women are trained in various crafts and have recently established a small curio shop.
Arniston is a great little spot that we would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a hideaway to relax. This is most certainly one of the Western Capes hidden treasures...