Aug, 09
Strandfontein & Caravan Park.
The thing to understand about Strandfontein is that it is not a town but a holiday resort. I found it quite a strange place as a result of this. Nothing was quite real, it all seemed a bit false, too perfect. Maybe the 2 photos below will illustrate my point.
- Everything looks perfect…
- Until one looks closely.
Is this to make money or keep certain people out?
It is a gated community – pay to get in as a day tripper and there is even a boom at the entrance to the resort which to be honest was up all the time I was there but I bet in season they make use of it. Maybe its just me and everyone else loves the place but I found it bland with no soul or spirit. My feelings were confirmed when I had a chat to people who live just down the road at Doringbaai as they had heard others say similar things. As I said I am sure most love it!
- Living on the edge?
- Some of the rock formations were fascinating.
- Looking across the beach. as you can see most of the houses are pretty modern.
- Looking across the beach from the other side.
Being from Cape Town I got quite homesick when I saw these names. I actually live near Kommetjie. This is the only shop I saw in the resort.
The caravan park is laid out in 2 sections. On the beach front is block “A” which is the most expensive and then further back is what is call “Perdeskoen” (Horseshoe).
The section of the park I stayed in.
The park is laid out at different levels in the shape of a horseshoe.
My set-up.
As you can see nice green grassed site and the little white building on the right was my own private ablution block. The prices over weekends are pretty steep for someone like me travelling on my own at R125.00 per night but reasonable during the week at R75.00. I worked out later that the only reason I got private ablutions was that otherwise they would have had to open the main block just for one person. One complaint is that they spent quite a bit of money setting this up and then go and use the cheapest, nastiest plastic toilet seats they could find. Also, if you do end up at Strandfontein, make sure to check the ablutions before you set-up as a few annoyed caravanner’s had to move when they found they had no hot water.
View from the sea front "A" block of the park.
Not so safe bathing? There is however a tidal pool.
There are some nice looking chalets for hire.
So would I go back to Strandfontein, if after reading this they would let me back in, yes if I was travelling with 2 or 3 others who were paying there own way. I am really starting to get annoyed at the inconsistency of pricing in the caravan park industry. For me 2 of the nicest parks I have stayed in, Springbok and Kamieskroon, have charged me R60.00 and R45.00 per night respectively as they have concessions for people on there own and also if you are over 60 years old. I stopped in at Clanwilliam on my way through to Lamberts Bay and was told I would have to pay R150.00 per night and no concessions. Something is not right!!
You’re right, this looks like suburbia by the sea! Not much character.
The inconsistency in prices is quite amazing… I hope you find some reasonable places to stay!
@Hanlie My light bulb moment!!
All the nice reasonable parks are in towns that have 2 parks = competition!!!!!
With reference to pickture “Looking across the beach from the other side”
The old house left front was pulled down during October 2009 and replaced by 20/12/2009
I love this place, went there every holiday, the prices is very good and no it’s not a resort, it just a “lekker” fun holiday location. It you don’t like the pictures you don’t have to go there.
Hi Jacqueline all I can say is that they describe themselves as a resort. It is certainly not a town. Since then I have been to a lot more places and must confess that the site prices are not so bad. Up the Garden route some of the prices are double that of Strandfontein.
Hi, I called the caravan park. They dont have a website, but ‘liewe land’; aint have no email either. Strange!!!!
Can anyone tell me how the weather is there in March/April? I have 2 small kids.
Regards
Hey sally
March/April is still nice weather but due to the fact that it is near winter it get’s cold at night.
I lived near there and been going there for holiday’s for more that 10 year so i think the best time of the year to go there is Jan/Feb or Nov/Dec.
hope that this will still help you plan your future holidays.
regards
jacqueline
yes it is not a town, its a holiday spot. i have been visiting here atleast 2 a year for the last 10 years and still love going there. the west coast is the best holiday spot ever. hope that you will visit again.
I’m trying to find a telephone number for the caravan park, does anyone have one for me please.
Caravan Park 0272151169
Any idea what the prices for Kammieskroon and Springbok caravan parks are in season (August/September) are?
Hi Conrad – I have no idea. I would you suggest you contact the parks directly and get the latest prices.
We were fortunate enough to get a stand at Strandfontein this year. Our stand is in “T” Row.
When I phoned to find out about the size of the plots, I have been told that it is about 3m x 5m, but the friendly lady ensured me that the caravan with its tent and another smaller tent can fit on the plot.
Considering the the size of the caravan on it’s own is about 3m x 5m, I am quite concerned. Could someone please give me some hope?