About Van Riebeeckstrand

Van Riebeeckstrand is a flat sandy beach located north of Kapteinsbaai (Melkbosstrand) on the opposite bank of the Soutrivier (Salt River, previously known as the Kleine Zoute River). Van Riebeeckstrand is approximately 2Km in length extending from the Soutrivier northwards where it borders with the Koeberg Nuclear Plant’s restricted zone (Private Property).

Van Riebeeckstrand Beach, gets it’s name from the name of the suburb Van Riebeeckstrand whose coastline it shares. This beach is also, sometimes, referred to as Duynefontein Beach, although this is geographically incorrect as the suburb of Duynerfontien lies behind Van Riebeeckstrand/Melkbos. When one hears of Duynerfontein beach, this is usually the southern end of the beach near the mouth of the Soutrivier, opposite the “Ou Skip Caravan Park”.

The easiest access points to Van Riebeeckstrand beach are:

• Opposite “Ou Skip Caravan Park” (Duynerfontein side of the beach)
• Official Van Riebeeckstrand Beach parking, found in Strand Road (off Charles Hoffe Avenue)

Charles Hoffe Avenue is the main access road into the suburb of Van Riebeeckstrand, off which there are several other smaller roads that lead to either a dead-end or possibly a hidden access path to the beach between the luxury houses that border the coastline.

Note: At the Duynefontein Beach side of Van Riebeeckstrand, there is a windy path to the beach known as ‘Die Bad Pad‘ (The Bath Path) which meanders through a bushy wetland area near the mouth of the River. This area and the accompanying reed beds supports diverse bird life and is popular with local bird watchers.

This beach is pretty desolate and mostly frequented by locals walking their dogs and the occasional few that like the peace and quite this beach offers. Swimming is relatively safe with a gradual underwater slope, but the current and/or waves can get a little rough, especially when it’s windy.

My friends and I frequent this beach relatively often in the summer months as our younger kids enjoy catching a releasing the Periwinkles (Sea Snails)* while the older one’s enjoy swimming, body-boarding or surfing in the relative peace. The only time it gets busy with Surfers and Kiteboards is when the other more popular beaches are too busy or blown out.

* Periwinkles are an edible Mollusc caught by locals as a food source or delicacy – a fishing permit is required.

Additional Information

As mentioned, the northern boundary of Van Riebeeckstrand beach borders on the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s restricted zone, which is Private Property. It is also a patrolled and CCTV monitored area with guards that are quick to deter anyone getting close to the perimeter. The ‘no-go’ zone extends more than 3-Kilometers along the coast and 2-Kilometers out to sea, creating a safety zone around the Power Station.

Bordering the protected area, to the north, is the Koeberg Nature Conservation Area, which is generally open to the public. Before visiting the Koeberg Conservation area it is best to check whether it is open or not as they randomly close it for reasons only known to them…

Within the Koeberg Nature Conservation Area there are running/cycling-trails and 2x popular hiking trails. The conservation area is also home to fynbos and various animals (Springbok, Blesbok, Zebra & Ostrich). In the spring months the wild flowers are pretty spectacular too, but always be aware of snakes in the warmer months.

Heading further up the Coast (Northwards), after the Conservation Area, you will find Silwerstroomstrand, the last of the beaches on the City of Cape Town’s West Coast.

Source: https://www.capetown.gov.za/