Situated on the banks of the Olifants River, Lutzville is a small village approximately 20km inland of the west coast of South Africa.
Lutzville was originally known as Vlermuisklip prior to the establishment of the village. Vlermuisklip (bat rock) is an overhang used as a traveller’s rest during the time of Dutch and British expeditions made along this section of the country.
The greatest surprise upon entering Lutzville are the fertile green vines that stretch for kilometres, in stark contrast to the rather drab west coast environment. Further out along the horizon stands the magnificent railway bridge that spans the Olifants River, the length of which is over a kilometre and at some points, 50m above ground.
Top 6 reasons to visit Lutzville
1. Visit Vlermuisklip outside of the town to see where so many explorers, hunters, cattle traders and missionaries camped while travelling through the area. Note the smoothness of the overhang caused by countless elephants stopping to scratch an itch.
2. This area of South Africa has a uniqueness not seen elsewhere; experience the rieldans, a type of energetic dance that includes animal movements, sample bokkoms, a dried and salted mullet fish and listen to tunes expertly played on the blik kitaar, a guitar made from an oil can. And the friendly locals flash a smile showing missing front teeth, a ritual never quite fully explained to those who ask.
3. Join a hiking party up the Gifberg (poison mountain) rich in fynbos, unique rock formations, pools, waterfalls and 40 San rock art sites.
4. Early spring is wild flower season when the surrounding fields are briefly filled with millions of colourful flowers. Visitors from all over the world visit to see the spectacle.
5. Travel the West Coast Wine Route that stretches from Trawal to Doringbaai. Begin your journey at Lutzville Wines to sample the unusual varietals produced from vines kept cool by the ocean breeze.
6. Spend a day on the extensive beach at the picturesque Strandfontein holiday resort. Swim in the cool Atlantic waters if you dare! This popular beach is patrolled by lifeguards during peak season.
Transport
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 320km from Lutzville. There are many rental agencies in Cape Town city centre and at Cape Town International airport to hire a vehicle, or you could order a rental online. Several shuttle service companies operate out of Cape Town, however, you would need a hired vehicle to truly enjoy your visit to Lutzville.
Did you know?
The town of Bitterfontein (bitter fountain) was supplied with fresh water from Lutzville 70km away and transported in tankers from 1927 until 1989 before a desalination plant was finally built to purify the town water.
The Gifberg is named after the gifboom (poison tree) which is endemic to the region. The fruits are toxic and were used in the past by San hunters for their arrowheads and by farmers to poison hyenas.
The railway line outside of Lutzville carries the longest production trains in the world. The line is used to transport ore from Gauteng to the Saldanha port and the train normally comprises 8 locomotives and 342 wagons – roughly 3.5km in length. Waiting at a level crossing could be a lengthy affair!
