Lambert's Bay combines birdwatching at the Jakkalsvlei wetland with local history exhibitions and a natural history collection on nearby Bird Island. This offers different ways to shape your stay: at Jakkalsvlei, the focus is on birds and wetland conditions, while the museums present historical themes and animal skeletons. If you choose a destination based on specific interests, these highlights are easy to distinguish from one another.

Birdwatching at Jakkalsvlei

Jakkalsvlei lies on the northern edge of Lambert's Bay. There is a viewing point at the wetland with a picnic bench and a table. From there, visitors can observe the lower section of the wetland and, among other species, Black-winged Stints, South African Shelduck and Cape Teal. Which birds appear varies naturally. Check the current condition of the bench and table before visiting.

When Jakkalsvlei is dry, large flocks of Kelp Gulls fly in from the coast and rest on the dry wetland floor. This observation is tied to a specific condition and adds a distinctive view of the wetland to the species that can be seen from the viewing point. The site of the old bird hide is considered the best place for birdwatching.

For birdwatching, both the species mentioned at the viewing point and the special situation when the wetland is dry are relevant. These details answer different questions: Which birds can be observed there, and which observation depends on a particular wetland condition?

Local History and Exhibitions

The Sandveld Museum in Lambert's Bay features 15 exhibitions. These include the history of the town and that of the gunboat HMS Sybille, which ran aground in 1901. Other themes include photography, fishing and the fishing community, books and Bibles, and archaeology. A horse mill and agricultural implements broaden the scope; clothing and embroidery from bygone times are also represented.

Within the historical theme, the gunboat provides a specific point of reference, while fishing and the fishing community cover a broader subject area. Photography, books and Bibles, archaeology, agricultural implements and textile works extend beyond the maritime perspective. In this way, the museum combines local history with a range of collection areas.

The Walkthrough Museum on Bird Island

Nearby, the Walkthrough Museum is located on Bird Island, about 100 m off the coast of Lambert's Bay. It displays, among other things, the skeletons of a Cuvier's beaked whale, a Cape fur seal, a Cape gannet and a Dusky Dolphin. While you can observe birds in the wetland at Jakkalsvlei, skeletons are the focus here as exhibition pieces. The natural history themes therefore differ in their approach: observation in the wild versus museum displays. Individual exhibits may change; check the museum's current visiting arrangements before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Lutzville, Langebaan, Velddrif, Koringberg, Vredenburg, Vanrhynsdorp, Riebeeck West, Riebeeck Kasteel.

For the regional travel overview: West Coast.