Exploring Africa’s southernmost shores for pre-historic Khoi bushmen dwellings

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The winter landscape here on the south coast of Africa can be an awesome time to explore the beaches and the shoreline since the weather remains so mild. At the same time the beaches are emptier since visitors mostly come in summer. I was able to take a hike along one of my favorite part of this vast shoreline in a region called the Garden Route which I’m sure you would love.

River mouth of the Matjes River as it flows to the Indian ocean

This is a region where the forest and dense indigenous bush meets the shoreline. It looks like anywhere on some remote tropical or deserted island. This remote and isolated piece of the planet is one of the hidden treasure locations for those who are fortunate enough to know about it or be born around here.

Notice the yellow leaves fallen on the sand with winter here

My hiking trail took me to the far end of the Keurbooms beach, to the Matjes River which is a shallow and small trickle by the time it gets to the Indian Ocean. Here is washes across the beautiful white sandy beach and into the sea. This was once the home to the ancient indigenous original inhabitants of this part of Africa, called the Khoi bushmen.

Epic hideaway camping spot on the river bank at the beach

They used to be nomadic stone age tribal nomads along this coast about 12000 years ago. Ancient archaeological findings on the hill slope just above the river outlet show cave dwellings where the Khoi bushmen tribe used to live. I can imagine them getting water from this fresh stream as it reached the shore, while also foraging for sea life to eat.

Winter scene on the south coast of Africa with its timeless setting

And still today one can see the cave dwelling on the hill slope at this beach. I was able to sit and tap into the mood of the solitary and seldom visited piece of the shoreline, imagining what it might have been like for those ancient cave dwellers thousands of years ago. And even a mere few hundred years ago they may have still been frequenting these shores, before the European settlers arrived.

Black Oystercatcher birds across the river, endangered species in this region

A rare sighting to see so many of the Oystercatchers together 

The setting is highly conducive to habitation since the fresh water and natural protective landscape allows for healthy living and survival. This is where some movies have been shot on location for epic series on television in past years. The location is perfect for scenes of ship wrecked sailors or pirates from previous centuries, since it looks like a deserted island setting. There is no sign of modern life or any construction whatsoever.

Looking upstream and inland from the beach

As a result it makes for an ideal place to get away form the modern world for a while with all its events. I love coming here to meditate and simply tap in to the healing beauty of the environment, without any distractions from civilization. And it’s not far or difficult to reach, since the main highway that stretches all along the southern coastline of Africa, passes by not far away. And the town of Plettenberg Bay is almost within walking distance of a few kilometers down the beach.

The shallow stream of golden water as it reaches the beach

You can see in the photos that the clouds are about since it’s winter, yet the temperature is so mild and actually quite pleasant. That’s thanks to being situated at 34 degrees south latitude, with the warm Indian ocean along the shore. Occasional rainstorms do hit for a few days at a time, but they pass quickly enough and the mild climate resumes.

Dense vegetation covering the hill slopes on the river bank

You can see how thick and dense the indigenous vegetation is on the hill slopes that meet the beach. It’s actually easy to camp under the low trees in a completely sheltered space if you wish. There is plenty of wood for a fire and fresh water in the stream here, so survival would be easy, or certainly easier than most other places in the region.

The river reaches its end at the Indian ocean

If you ever get a chance then do feel inspired to explore this shoreline for some epic natural settings as well as some amazing pre-historic archaeological cave sights for evidence of the ancient Khoi bushmen inhabitants, stretching back 12000 years. You will love the setting and might even end up staying. I certainly did.

Coastal rocks in the river valley at the shoreline

Winter mist at the beach in paradise

(photos my own)

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