Kaboutjie SA Mommy Blogs by Lynne Huysamen
This past weekend, my kids and I took a day trip to Elands Bay to explore this beautiful coastal gem for the first time. Since it’s just a 40-minute drive from where we stay in Dwarskersbos, it made for a perfect quick getaway. Our main destination was the famous Elands Bay Cave, home to ancient San rock paintings, but we made sure to enjoy the journey along the way.
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Scenic Stops And Beach Discoveries
Driving to Elands Bay was a treat in itself, with beautiful coastal and mountain views. We made a few stops to take in the scenery, and the beach did not disappoint. One of the highlights was coming across a stunning rock that looked pink with small stones embedded in it – such a unique and beautiful find.
We also spent some time exploring the rock pools, where we were delighted to see so many sea anemones. These small moments made our adventure even more special.
Elands Bay Cave And Rock Paintings
The walk to Elands Bay Cave was steep but surprisingly short—it took us just a few minutes to reach the entrance. The cave itself was incredible, and standing inside it felt like stepping back in time.
The rock paintings here are truly awe-inspiring, dating back an estimated 80,000 years. The artwork includes large eland, which were regarded as spiritual creatures by the San people, as well as antelope and other small animals. But what struck me the most were the many small handprints covering parts of the cave walls, believed to have been made by children and young adolescents. Imagining the hands that once pressed against these walls so many years ago gave us a deep appreciation for the history of this site.
The cave is open to the public free of charge, but there are signs requesting visitors to stay on the demarcated path and not to touch the rock paintings.
A Stunning View
One of the most breath-taking aspects of Elands Bay Cave is the epic view of the ocean from inside. Looking out over the vast blue sea while surrounded by ancient history was an unforgettable experience.
However, one disappointing part of our visit was seeing graffiti inside the cave, right next to the rock paintings. While there are many old, abandoned buildings in Elands Bay covered in graffiti, it was heart-breaking to see someone had defaced this historic site. These paintings have survived for thousands of years, and it’s so sad to think that careless vandalism could destroy something so precious.
Despite the unfortunate graffiti, our trip to Elands Bay Cave was an unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning coastal beauty, fascinating history, and a short but rewarding hike made it a perfect family adventure. If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it. Just remember to respect the site, stick to the path, and take only memories (and photos) with you.
Have you ever visited Elands Bay or another ancient rock art site? Let me know about your experiences in the comments!
