Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

ARNISTON (WAENHUISKRANS)Arniston residents still refer to this small village as Waenhuiskrans, (“Wagon house cliff”),after a cave in the area large enough to house several ox-wagons, discovered by the firstfarmers to settle in the area. The name was later changed to Arniston, after a ship that waswrecked off the coast in 1815, with great loss of life. The village is over 200 years old and it isnot hard to believe that the thatched, whitewashed fishermen’s cottages date from that time.The entire village is a national monument.ADVENTURE AND SPORTAngling: Both boat and rock anglers can expect to come away from the waters satisfied withthe day’s catch.Harbour: Fishermen sell their fish in the harbour and ski-boat owners also use it as theirplayground.Swimming: The waters are ideal for swimming.FAUNA AND FLORAWaenhuiskrans Cave: This cave with its many beautiful pools can be visited during low tide.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREArniston Monument: In front of a hotel in Arniston stands a monument which was erected bythe wife of Col. Giels in memory of their four sons who died when the Arniston sank. Themonument looks out towards the spot where the ship sank.135