Things to Do at Long Thin Farm
From slow days on the farm to adventures along the coast.
Set along the banks of the Goukou River, Long Thin Farm puts you within easy reach of some of the best things
to do in Stilbaai, while giving you plenty of reasons not to leave the farm at all.
Walk through vineyards and olive groves, paddle the river, watch the birds or find a quiet spot beside the water. When you feel like exploring further, Stilbaai’s beaches, nature reserves, coastal trails and heritage sites are
just 15 km away.
Whether you fill your days or choose to do very little, there’s plenty to discover.
Walk the Farm Explore the farm and walk through the Vineyards, Olive Groves & along the river. There’s no set route and no need to rush. Wander through the vineyards and olive groves; follow the farm walk paths until you find a view worth stopping for. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly beautiful, when the farm is quiet and the changing light settles over the Goukou River and surrounding countryside.
Discover Life on a Working Farm Long Thin Farm is a working wine and olive farm, with vineyards, olive groves and beehives forming part of the landscape. Wine, olive oil and honey are produced from the farm, offering a little taste of Long Thin Farm to enjoy during your stay and take home with you.
Paddle the Goukou River One of the best ways to experience Long Thin Farm is from the water. Guests can take the farm’s kayaks out onto the Goukou River and explore at their own pace. Paddle along the riverbanks, look out for birdlife or simply enjoy the stillness of being out on the water.
Swim, Picnic, Play or Simply Relax Not everything needs to be an activity. On warm days, swim in the river, pack a picnic or find a quiet place to read and take in the view. There’s also a play area for younger guests, giving little ones space to play while the grown-ups slow down. With plenty of room to explore, there’s no need to fill every moment. Sometimes the best thing to do is very little at all.
Birdwatching on the Farm Bring your binoculars. The Goukou River and surrounding wetlands, farmland, fynbos and coastal vegetation create a variety of habitats for birdlife. The greater Stilbaai area is home to more than 230 recorded bird species, making it a rewarding destination for both casual and experienced birdwatchers. An early morning walk or quiet paddle on the river is a particularly good way to see what you can spot.
Things to Do in Stilbaai
Beaches, river, nature and a remarkable local history.
Just 15 km from Long Thin Farm, Stilbaai (also known as Still Bay) sits where the Goukou River meets the Indian Ocean.
Spend the morning at the beach, follow a coastal trail, explore a nature reserve or head into town for lunch before returning to the quiet of the farm.
Spend a Day at the Beach Stilbaai’s coastline offers plenty of space for swimming, surfing, beach walks or simply finding a patch of sand for the day. Where the Goukou River meets the ocean, the landscape shifts between estuary, dunes, beach and open sea, giving you plenty of ways to spend time outdoors.
Hike the Southern Right Trail For a longer coastal adventure, the approximately 11 km Southern Right Trail runs from Morris Point in Stilbaai to the neighbouring seaside village of Jongensfontein. The route follows the coastline past rock pools, fynbos and beautiful coastal scenery. Plan your walk around low tide, take your own water and snacks, and arrange transport back from Jongensfontein.
Explore the Goukou River & Estuary The Goukou River is central to life in Stilbaai. Explore it by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, or take a walk along the riverbanks and estuary. The tidal river, wetlands and surrounding vegetation also provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
See Stilbaai’s Ancient Fish Traps At low tide, look out for Stilbaai’s remarkable stone fish traps, known locally as “visvywers," along the coastline near Skulpiesbaai. Built from stone in the intertidal zone, these traditional fishing structures were designed to trap fish as the tide receded and form an important part of the area’s cultural heritage. Check the tides before visiting so you can see them at their best.
Walk the Geelkrans Nature Reserve Trails For beautiful coastal scenery, head to Geelkrans Nature Reserve on the eastern side of Stilbaai. The 440-hectare reserve combines coastal fynbos, sandstone cliffs, beaches, rock pools and sweeping ocean views, with two day trails to choose from. The Geelkrans Circular Trail is approximately 7.7 km and takes around three hours, while the shorter Taaibos Trail is approximately 4.4 km and takes around 1.5 hours. Both are rated moderate. Pack water, wear good walking shoes and check the weather and tides before setting out.
Discover the Blombos Museum The Stilbaai area has an extraordinary archaeological history. Visit the Blombos Archaeology Museum at the Stilbaai Tourism Bureau to learn about nearby Blombos Cave and the archaeological discoveries that have helped researchers better understand the behaviour of early humans who lived along this coastline tens of thousands of years ago.
Go Birdwatching Around Stilbaai With more than 230 recorded species in the greater Stilbaai area, there’s plenty more to see beyond the farm. Popular birding spots include the Goukou River and estuary wetlands, Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve, Pauline Böhnen Fynbos Nature Reserve, Geelkrans Nature Reserve and the Roland Rudd Bird Hide. Whether you’re a serious birder or simply enjoy seeing what appears along the way, keep your binoculars close.
Explore Stilbaai Town Leave some time for Stilbaai itself. Stop for coffee or lunch, browse the local shops and markets, visit the harbour or simply wander around town. Part of Stilbaai’s appeal is its easy-going coastal rhythm, so there’s no need to have every hour planned.
Things to do Near Stilbaai
Visit Jongensfontein A drive along the coast brings you to Jongensfontein, a small seaside village known for its rugged coastline and relaxed atmosphere. Go for a coastal walk, spend time beside the ocean or simply take the scenic drive and see where the day takes you.
Explore the Goukou Countryside Head inland and the landscape changes again. The countryside surrounding the Goukou River is characterised by farms, rolling hills, fynbos and quiet country roads, perfect for an unhurried drive and a different perspective on the Stilbaai area.
Stay Close to Everything. Far From the Rush.
Long Thin Farm gives you the freedom to experience Stilbaai at your own pace.
Spend the day exploring beaches, trails and the coast, or don’t leave the farm at all.
Paddle the river in the morning. Walk through the vineyards before sunset.
Pour a glass of wine and watch the light change over the Goukou.
There’s plenty to discover nearby, but no need to fill every day.
Come to explore. Stay to slow down.