Bokkomlaan
Lovely place, steeped in history, and well worth a visit..
Bokkomlaan: A West Coast Heritage Landmark
Bokkomlaan is a small, gravel road along the Berg River in Velddrif, on South Africa’s West Coast. It holds significant cultural and historical value, having been at the centre of the region’s once-thriving fishing industry — specifically the production of bokkoms, or dried harders (aka mullet, or fish biltong).
The first building in Bokkomlaan was constructed in the 17th century. The roots of the fishing community in Bokkomlaan date back to 1693 when the Dutch ship De Gouden Buys stranded along the coast. These early buildings, known as "vishuise," were purpose-made warehouses for storing fish.
The name “Bokkomlaan” comes from this traditional ‘delicacy’, which involves salting and air-drying whole harders. This method, brought to the West Coast by early settlers, became a mainstay of local trade and diet, even as a currency. For generations, fishermen operated from the small sheds lining the river, preparing and hanging bokkoms in bunches to cure in the open air.
Over time, Bokkomlaan has quietly evolved. While many of the original fish sheds remain, several have been repurposed into art studios, cafés, and galleries. Despite these changes, the area retains its historic character and rustic charm.
Bokkomlaan has been declared a heritage area due to its unique cultural landscape and enduring connection to the fishing traditions of the West Coast. The setting, with its weathered buildings, abundant birdlife, and quiet views over the tidal river, makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking a slower, more tranquil pace and place.
Bokkomlaan offers insight into the everyday lives of past fishing communities and stands today as both a working waterfront and a living reminder of South Africa’s small-town coastal heritage.
At the least, pop by, instead of through, and wash down a recommended fish & chips with a craft beer of ‘n glassie wyn at Ek ‘n Tjy. You might well get lucky and see pelicans and flamingos, and many other birds, especially if you take a tour on Cracklin’ Rosie..
The pelicans are back! Seeing them here is the equivalent of seeing lions in the Kruger. They paddle faster than you think (and I’m not saying you’re a ‘slow’ thinker!) Getting airborne requires quite an effort, as in the last photo.
Bokkom Man. He sells these packets of deboned bokkoms for R20. Those aren’t little packs of silicon gel in each one if you were wondering, but a necessary peppermint!
He’s worked virtually every job imaginable, from petrol pump attendant, to fish factories, garden service, and now he’s done the full circle.
He will be adding to his bokkom-based offerings e.g. bottled bokkoms. If one soaks bokkoms in olive oil for three weeks, you get the equivalent of anchovies, but better, he says. And ground bokkoms, a fishy version of Parmesan cheese :)
The little jetty reserved for Ek & Djy customers..
Bokkom Betty, wearing a jersey this time.
Ek & Djy restaurant and pub. I can vouch for their fish & chips.
Ek & Djy has quite a well-stocked bar.
Camera-shy geese. As soon as I pulled out the camera, they started doing these weird contortions, playing hard-to-get, or maybe I must pay-to-play. Except for the opportunist street-wise seagull, of course.
Two born-and-bred locals. The chap above lost his right arm when he was just 18 months old.
He was proud of his Khoisan heritage.
All smiles aboard Cracklin’ Rosie.. You can travel about 40 kms up the Berg River from here, depending. Great trip for birders! It’s a 23-seater passenger boat operating daily from Bokkomlaan, Velddrif. It’s also available for event hire & functions.
Instructor, giving encouragement from above, “You can do it, flap harder, faster, and keep that aerodynamically challenged bill closed!” Pelicans need quite a long runway to get airborne.
That’s all, folks, thanks for visiting!
