Blombos Museum of Archaeology🏛 museum
This museum in Stilbaai exhibits artifacts and archaeological discoveries from the nearby renowned Blombos Cave.
🌐 hesva.org.za🕒 Mo-Fr 08:30-17:00;Sa 08:30-12:30;Dec Su 08:30-12:00;PH 08:30
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Stilbaai
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Stilbaai, often referred to as the 'Bay of Sleeping Beauty,' is a welcoming seaside village that serves as a tranquil retreat on the southern coast. Its name means 'Still Bay,' a fitting tribute to the calm, safe waters that characterize its coastline. Situated at the mouth of the Goukou River, the town is divided into east and west sections, providing a unique blend of river activities and ocean experiences. The town is famous for its ancient stone fish traps, which are still functional and visible at low tide, having been used by the indigenous Khoisan people for millennia. Another quirky local attraction is the hand-feeding of tame freshwater eels at the tourism office, a tradition passed down for generations. Stilbaai's Blue Flag beaches offer safe swimming, making it a favorite for families. The town maintains a village feel, with boutique shops and cozy eateries that emphasize local hospitality. Archaeologically, the area is significant due to the nearby Blombos Cave, where some of the world's oldest pieces of human art were discovered. Being slightly off the main N2 highway, Stilbaai avoids the heavy traffic of other Garden Route towns. The best time to visit is during the summer (December to February) for beach weather, though the winter months offer beautiful scenery as the local fynbos flora comes into bloom.
- Location: South Africa
- Top sights: Blombos Museum of Archaeology · Stilbaai Lofts · whale watching
- Nearby: Mossel Bay (71 km)
- Population: ~8.000 (2026)
Geography
Facts
- Offers the rare opportunity to hand-feed tame eels.
- Home to stone fish traps built over 2,000 years ago.
- The Goukou River is navigable for over 15 km inland.
- Near Blombos Cave, where world-famous archaeological finds were made.
- Boasts two beautiful Blue Flag status swimming beaches.
- A popular surfing spot, especially at 'Lappiesbaai'.
- Famous for its world-class craft gin distillery (Inverroche).
- Known for its exceptionally low crime rate and safety.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Stilbaai (7)
Frequently asked questions
Stilbaai: where is it located?
Stilbaai is located in South Africa.
Stilbaai: what is there to see?
Highlights include Blombos Museum of Archaeology, Stilbaai Lofts, whale watching.
Stilbaai: why is it worth visiting?
Stilbaai, often referred to as the 'Bay of Sleeping Beauty,' is a welcoming seaside village that serves as a tranquil retreat on the southern coast.
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