Cape West Coast

Welcome to Matzikamma

Explore a little deeper and you will find vast unspoilt beaches, rugged mountains, endless horizons, clear skies and clean invigorating air, denoting an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

Matzikama - “matzi = he gives, kamma = water”, in Southern Namaqualand, is the Municipality incorporating the towns of Vanrhynsdorp, Klawer, Vredendal, Lutzville, Ebenhaezer, Papendorp, Strandfontein and Doringbaai. The region is dominated by the Maskam, Gifberg, Khobee and Bokkeveld mountains to the East. To the West lies the mighty Atlantic Ocean, with its cold Benguela current which has an impact on the unique flora of the Knersvlakte Bioregion. Southbound, the Cederberg and the rest of the Western Cape beckon.

The first impression that strikes visitors to Matzikama is the arid, sunbaked nature of the surroundings - broken only by the Olifants River valley, with its canals and lush vegetation. Explore a little deeper and you will find vast unspoilt beaches, rugged mountains, endless horizons, clear skies and clean invigorating air, denoting an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Friendly, outgoing, hospitable is the way to describe the people of Matzikama. The visitor will be made to feel welcome and at home, thereby promising an enjoyable and memorable stay.

Three floral kingdoms converge in Matzikama namely Fynbos, Succulents and Nama-Karoo vegetation. Situated in the centre of the Succulent Karoo Biome, the semi-desert Knersvlakte is home to a third of the world’s dwarf succulents. The latter contains the largest population of endangered plant species. A stones throw away in the mountains - home to the endemic Rooibos Tea plant - the flora changes to Cape Fynbos. The imposing Maskam and surrounding mountains guard the plains of the region. The traveller would do well to take the time to explore the hidden nooks and crannies of the mountains and their valleys. Wonderful ‘table mountain sandstone’ formations, mountain streams with potholes, waterfalls and hiking trails await the adventurous.

The solitary coast with its undulating dunes, long unspoiled sandy beaches and unending vistas is perfectly suited for sunbathing, long strolls at sunset and whale watching. May to November sees the Southern Right Whales return to our waters for calving. Strandfontein and Doringbaai are the places to be to view these majestic mammals swimming and blowing. Vineyards abound along the banks of the Olifants River giving rise to the wine industry of the region. At the river mouth the local people derive their livelihood by fishing the waters for harders. These, salted and dried, are then known as “bokkoms”, a West Coast delicassy. The estuary is recognised as the only unspoiled natural wetlands left in Southern Africa and a birdwatchers paradise. A unique experience awaits the Springtime visitor! The sunbaked plains and sandstone mountains metamorphose into a kaleidoscope of brilliant colour as the veld gives rise to the world renowned “Namaquland Flowers”. Orange yellow, purple, red and a myriad of other colours all mixed together in a palette only Nature can produce, assualt the senses in this spectacular natural flower show, the biggest on earth.