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Where the River Meets the Sea
Gouritzmond (often called “Gouritz” by locals) is an umpretentious coastal hideaway where the mighty Gouritz River flows into the Indian Ocean.
It is a place that feels “just far enough off the beaten track,” defined by its pristine Blue Flag beach, expansive sand dunes, and the “good old-fashioned” holiday vibe. Whether you are casting a line into the river, watching ski-boats cut through the surf, or exploring the rare fynbos on a coastal trail, Gouritzmond offers a serene retreat where nature takes centre stage.
Commonage Walking Trails: Explore four distinct trails (ranging from 1.6km to 8km) that wind through five different biomes, including rare saltmarshes and protea fynbos.
Fishing Mecca: Renowned for some of the best rock, surf, and river fishing in South Africa, including the country’s second-largest Cob population.
Birding Paradise: The estuary is home to over 240 bird species, including the endangered Black Oystercatcher.
Water Sports: The river mouth is a popular playground for water skiing, canoeing, surfing, and “rubber ducking” (inflatable boating).
The town was established in 1915 with the name changing from The Fisheries, to Gouritzriviermond and finally Gouritsmond between 1915 and 1966. Up until 1983 when the tar road was built, the only access to the town was via a gravel road with 25 gates that had to be opened and closed.
For Booking & Inquiries
Call Us
+27 (0) 28 713 7953
Email Us
info@explorersgardenroute.co.za
Location
Office
12345 Divi St. #1000
San Francisco, CA 93512
Open 8am – 5pm PST
Mailing
5745 Extra Rd. 3B
San Francisco, CA 93512
A Journey Through Time
Early Roots: European immigrants began farming in the area as early as 1730.
“The Fisheries”: Before it was a town, the area was a popular fishing ground known simply as “The Fisheries”.
Town Establishment: It was officially granted town status in 1915.
The Gates to Paradise: For decades, Gouritzmond was famously isolated. Until 1983, visitors had to navigate a gravel road with 25 farm gates to reach the village before the first tar road was completed.
Unique History: In the late 20th century, the remote coastline between Stilbaai and Gouritzmond even housed a secret nuclear testing facility, which has since been decommissioned and converted into private land and nature reserves like Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve.
The tourist experience options are simple and unhurried each and every day – just the right antidote for stressful modern living and families looking for wholesome fun!
Farmers started moving into the Gouritz River area as early as 1730 in search of greener pastures for their flocks. By 1900 most of the land surrounding the river mouth was privately owned, apart from a small piece of land on the western side of the river.
Originally known as ‘The Fisheries’, due to the large number of fish – especially kabeljou – being caught here, this piece of land then gave birth to what we know as Gouritsmond today.