A tour of GOURITSMOND, South Africa - I did not expect this!

Hi everyone! Ever heard of Gouritsmond (also spelled 'Gouritzmond' and affectionately called 'Gourits', 'Gouritz' or 'Die Mond' by the locals)? In this video, I explore this charming town on the Southern Coast of South Africa as part of my Garden Route N2 adventure.

Located about 36 kilometres southeast of Albertinia, this coastal haven sits just west of the estuary where the Gouritz River meets the Indian Ocean. According to the 2011 census, the village had roughly 515 residents in around 206 homes, with the town itself resting on the western bank of the river.

This was my first visit to Gouritsmond, so this vlog is all about first impressions. Join me as I explore a town that’s been a beloved holiday destination for generations — a place where countless visitors have made lasting memories.

We’ll stroll along the estuary, the beach, and through the town itself. Key points of interest include the local church, several shops, the caravan park campsite, some walking trails and a touching memorial dedicated to a beloved local dog who passed away in 2004. I’ll also share my accommodation, test whether the Indian Ocean is really warmer than the Atlantic Ocean, talk a bit about the town’s history, and share my thoughts as we go along. I even get the chance to chat with a few locals — always a highlight! And don't miss the story about the builder in the 1920s and 1930s who underestimated the cost of a certain project, and made sure the town would forever know about his financial misery.

A bit of history: Originally known as 'The Fisheries', Gourits was home to farmers as early as 1730, though its story stretches back centuries before European settlement. The first inhabitants were the Khoi shepherds and San hunters who thrived in this region for generations. The village itself was officially established in 1915.

According to historian G. M. Theal, explorer Hieronimus Cruse crossed the Gouritz River for the first time in 1667, traveling westward from Mossel Bay. He encountered the local Gouriqua people, whose name is believed to have inspired the modern name of the river.

Long before the Dutch, Portuguese explorers had been mapping this coastline for over a century. On the Martellus Map of 1489, a river appears in the location of today’s Gouritz, labeled Rio della Vache (Portuguese: Rio das Vacas), which means “River of the Cows.” After Bartolomeu Dias’s voyage around the Cape in 1488, the river became commonly known as Rio dos Vaqueiros, or “River of the Cowherds.”

Tourism serves as a vital component of Gouritsmond's economy. The village is perched beside a scenic beach and an extensive sandbar where the river estuary meets the sea. Popular activities in the area include angling, surfing, and observing local wildlife. There are four marked hiking trails that showcase the region's natural beauty, each varying in length and challenge.

Fishing, however, is arguably the main attraction. The mouth of the river is usually open to the ocean, creating a tidal estuary. When the tide rises, seawater flows up the estuary, carrying some marine species into the river. It also means the water in the river is brackish and unsuitable for drinking. In the early days, people actually carted water to the town to drink.

Visitors can reach the town via the R325, a regional road spanning 26 kilometres that diverges from the N2 highway linking Albertinia and Mossel Bay.

This video is not sponsored, and I’m not promoting any particular service or product — just sharing my honest experience.

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Happy exploring!

Willie