Cape Town is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. Its picturesque landscapes, breathtaking winelands, trendy lifestyle, and mesmerising beaches are some of the gems of Cape Town that draw both local and international visitors.
Cape Town is also home to Bloubergstrand. For the best postcard backdrops of Table Mountain, Table Bay, and its surrounds, Bloubergstrand is the place to be. Bloubergstrand, also known as Blouberg and Blaauwberg, is a suburb on the west coast of the Western Province.
It’s the perfect place to go cycling and walking, sunbathe on its white sandy beaches, and surf in its majestic waves. Located just 20 km north of the Cape Town City centre, Blougbergstrand is perfectly positioned along Table Bay.
This charming seaside suburb is a must-visit. Here are 10 fascinating facts that you need to know about Bloubergstrand.
Photo by Brent Ninaber on Unsplash
1. The Batte of Blaauwberg
Yes, beautiful Blouberg was once the site of a battle! Albeit a very short battle, approximately two hours, the Battle of Blaauwberg changed the course of South African history.
The battle fought in 1806 was a fight for control of the Cape between the British and the Dutch. A force of 5000 British troops and an estimated 2000 Cape Settlers fought on the sands of Blouberg. The British won and thus established a firm hold on the region, which would last for over 150 years until South Africa became a republic. The victory of Britain put an end to Dutch rule at the Cape. The ramifications this had for not only South Africa but Southern Africa cannot be underestimated.
2. Ons Huisie
The well-known restaurant Ons Huisie is a cornerstone of Bloubergstrand's history. It represents a bygone era where Blouberg, as we know it, was settled by a few farmers with plenty of open spaces along the coast.
Ons Huisie was originally the house of Frederick Louis Stadler in 1806, who owned the farmland called Bloubergstrand. He and his sons are considered the founders of modern-day Bloubergstrand. Today, the quaint little building is much beloved as a restaurant on the shore.
At one time, it was a national monument; it is now a provincial heritage site. The exact date it was built is unknown. Ons Huisie means “Our Little House” in Afrikaans.
When in Bloubergstrand, be sure to pop around at Ons Huisie and enjoy a delicious and authentic West Coast meal and view.
3. Kite Surfing Capital
Bloubergstrand is one of the world’s top kitesurfing destinations. The prevailing winds and flat water have given it world-class kitesurfing conditions. There are several kitesurfing schools and rental shops in the area.
Every year, the biggest surfing competition in the world, the Red Bull King of the Air Competition, takes place on the waves of Bloubergstrand. Kites swoop down on this coastal paradise from across the globe to partake in this prestigious event. During the event, Blouberg Beach gets a name change and is affectionately called “Kite Beach.”
This major competition is a spectacle for all to observe and enjoy. It’s entertaining and attracts a large crowd. There are many spectacular high-flying twists, turns, and jumps as kiters display their skills in the air. The event is nothing short of exhilarating.
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4. Blue Mountain Beach
The name Bloubergstand means “Blue Mountain Beach” in Afrikaans, which alludes to the silhouette of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand Beach.
Bloubergstrand has a rich and colourful history. The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Khoikhoi people, who were later displaced by Dutch settlers in the mid-1600s.
After the Dutch-East India Company established a trading post at the foot of Table Mountain, which would later become the city of Cape Town, Bloubergstrand was an important landmark for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Koeberg Nuclear Power Station
The area of Blouberg is also home to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. This is the only nuclear plant not just in South Africa, but on the whole African continent. Opening in 1984, the Koeberg Power Station is responsible for roughly 5% of South Africa’s total energy production. It supplies most of the Western Cape with its energy.
6. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
With its exquisite natural beauty, it’s not surprising that Blouberg has its own nature reserve. The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is situated along the West Coast and is one of the very few viewpoints in the world where you’ll be able to see two World Heritage Sites, Table Mountain and Robben Island, at the same time.
The nature reserve has three critically threatened vegetation types. Included in the reserve is a wetland. Its rich biodiversity consists of 559 plant species, over 160 bird species, a variety of amphibians, and almost 50 mammal species.
Photo by Julia Fiander on Unsplash
7. Robben Island
From Bloubergstrand, it is very easy to see the island of Robben Island. Only 7.4 kilometres off the coast of Bloubergstrand, this UNESCO World Heritage site has become an iconic long-distance swimming location. The shortest distance for the crossing is from Robben Island to Big Bay.
It’s famous in South Africa for its role in the history of the country. It has housed many political prisoners for over 300 years, including former president Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 years incarcerated on Robben Island.
Another famous prisoner was Autshumato, the Khoi Chief of the Goringhaicona tribe and interpreter between the Khoikhoi and Dutch settlers in the 1650s. In 1658, Autshumato, along with two others, was imprisoned on Robben Island. Over a year later, they successfully escaped in a leaking rowboat and landed on the shores of Blourbergstrand. For over 150 years, these were the only prisoners to successfully escape the island.
Over a century later, in 1810, Khoi Chief David Stuurman, Xhosa Mystic and Leader Makhanda managed to escape imprisonment on the island. Both managed to escape in a boat and made it to Bloubergstrand. Unfortunately, Makhanda drowned when the boat hit the rocks. Chief David Sturrman survived but was then banished to Australia as a POW convict.
8. The Blue Peter Hotel and Restaurant
The Blue Peter is a well-known establishment in Bloubergstrand. The building is a much-extended and modified version of one of the earliest houses in Bloubergstrand. Dating back to the late 1800s, the Blue Peter Hotel was once run as a small shop by the wife of George Henry Stevenson, a Cape Town Harbour official.
Today, this renowned establishment in Bloubergstrand is known for its delicious food and stellar views. Combine that with its warm hospitality and comfortable social spaces, and the Blue Peter Hotel and Restaurant is perfect for adventurers, families, and couples.
9. Big Bay
Slightly further up the coast of Bloubergstrand is the charming area called Big Bay. Some of Cape Town’s top views are said to be here. It’s a very popular surfing spot. You’ll also see plenty of windsurfers and kitesurfers here. The waters are turquoise, and the sand is cotton white and soft. The waters of Big Bay are known for having the Cape Rock Lobster and perlemoen (abalone) abundantly in their waters. However. extracting these from the waters is prohibited.
Big Bay Beach is one of the eight Blue Flag beaches in Cape Town. The beach is one of the cleanest and safest places to swim. There is a Lifesavers’s Club, providing constant safety when swimming or surfing.
10. Sea Life
Bloubergstrand’s waters are especially unique, as they fall within a marine nature reserve. If you want to catch well-known local delicacies such as the Galjoen and Hottentot, a license is required.
Seafood is popular along the West Coast, and the local white mussels are also widely enjoyed. In season, it is easy to spot the Southern Right Whales, at times killer whales, and humpback whales. The Havidside’s Dolphin and the Cape Fur Seal are also commonly seen.
The waters of Bloubergstrand are known to be cold due to the Benguela current, but this never deters swimmers and surfers.
Photo by Todd Cravens on Unsplash
If you’re looking for the perfect seaside destination, Blouberg is the place to be. Seeped in rich history and a vibrant modern community, there’s so much to look forward to when visiting the area.
Bloubergstrand provides excellent world-class restaurants, views to die for, and plenty of space to relax on the long and seemingly never-ending beaches. Soak up the sun and enjoy the crisp Atlantic waters. BookNow has a variety of accommodation choices for your stay in Bloubergstrand. Visit our website and choose your perfect spot.
