Arniston

Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Business Directory

General Information

This quaint little fishing community is situated in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Founded in 1815 after a British transport ship HMS Arniston sank, the town is also known as Waenhuiskraans, which roughly translated means "Wagon shelter cliff". There is a large cave in the area where large wagons were kept in - the cave is only accessible at low tide for an hour or two.

Arniston is roughly a two-hour drive from Cape Town. The drive meanders through the beautiful rolling hills of this region, and is a beautiful one, surrounded by pristine beaches and nature reserves.

Arniston remains an unspoiled town and has been declared a national monument in its entirety. Fishermen still go to sea in boats of the style that would have been familiar to locals in the early nineteenth century, although now under contract to larger commercial enterprises.

Accommodation

Arniston has a variety of accommodation options available from Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts to Self-catering units.

Businesses

There are many activities to do in and around Arniston - the number one being whale-watching. The restaurants on offer suit every visitors budget and taste, each unique in what they have to offer. Arniston has a thriving business community and provides a wide range of goods and services to its residents as well as surrounding communities. Tourism is a major income source for the town.

See our business directory for a list of businesses in Arniston, or add your own free business listing.

Read interesting articles and find out more about Arniston in our article section, which includes The Fishing Village of Arniston.