Struisbaai

Struisbaai is a coastal settlement in South Africa's Western Cape province. The town is only two hours from Cape Town, lies in the Cape Agulhas municipal region of the Overberg, and is only 4 kilometers from the southernmost point of the African continent at Cape Agulhas.

There is some debate as to the origin of the name Struisbaai. Some authorities believe that it means “straw bay”, referring to the thatch roofs of the fishermen’s cottages here. Others claim the name Struisbaai is derived from the Dutch “vogelstruijs” or “ostrich.” According to legend, Struisbaai is named for the size of its beach - an old Dutch word for "huge".

Struisbaai is also home to the acclaimed and revered 93 hectare coastal village Langezandt, Dutch meaning “long beach” and regarded as a landmark for the Cape Agulhas region.

The reference to “long beach” is derived from Langezandt’s strategic setting and direct access to Struisbaaiplaat – a continual stretch of 24 kilometer white sandy coastline from Struisbaai to Arniston. Some critics believe today Struisbaaiplaat is the longest uninterrupted white sandy beach in the Southern Hemisphere.

The village's quaint homes showcase the historical architectural heritage of this region, the rustic fishermen’s cottage, which is typically characterized by whitewashed exteriors, traditional green wooden shutters and square chimneys that ascend above the beautiful thatch roofs.

Langezandt can rightfully claim to have the first southernmost sandy beach in Africa warmed by the Indian Ocean – just a few kilometers from Langezandt is Agulhas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

Residents have come to known the unique lifestyle experience of complete restoration thanks to an aesthetic coastal village where the region’s beautiful architectural heritage superbly meets breathtaking preservation of fauna and flora for a coastal lifestyle of opulent serenity.

Langezandt will also be home to the Prayer Park for Africa – a five hectare garden for spiritual contemplation, meditation and sanctified grounds on the most southern tip of Africa and dedicated to residents and visitors who can pray for Africa and her peoples’ well-being. The Langezandt Prayer Park will be developed before 2010 Soccer World Cup.

External links

• Langezandt
• Overview on Struisbaai
• Struisbaai’s location

34°48′S 20°03′E