The best part about getting out of Grahamstown, perhaps the entire appeal of travel in any situation, is that different places bring out different parts of you.
The best part about getting out of Grahamstown, perhaps the entire appeal of travel in any situation, is that different places bring out different parts of you.
Just as I arrived at the turn-off to Kaysers Beach I was allowed to explore the rally driver hidden deep within me that I wasn’t quite sure existed. The potholes, which last for about a kilometre on the road, make for nothing short of an interesting drive.
When the road smooths out, you’re surrounded by blankets of beautiful country landscape and you get the first taste of the isolation you’re about to immerse yourself in. Kaysers has one shop, one pub and one very beautiful beach.
However, if you do run out of milk for your pancake mix, Kidd’s Beach is a short 10 kilometres away on the road to East London.
This is where the charm of the little place lies, if you’re looking for a break from civilisation and the routine that modern life has caught us in. Kaysers offers freedom from that.
Waking up in the morning you can be sure that no matter where you stay, you’ll not be far from the beach. A beach where you are likely to make the first sighted footsteps on before the sea comes up to slowly wash them away, once again leaving the canvas empty.
The pain in your calves makes you doubt the effort made to trudge up sand dunes that swallow your feet momentarily, but the view soon makes up for it. Sand yet to be touched by the warmth of the sun provides you with the perfect material for a makeshift chair. The result is a front-row seat to the ever-changing setting of the sea.
If you come at the right time you may catch some dolphins out for a swim as we were lucky enough to see. This town is mainly comprised of retirees’ and holiday houses, some of which you and a few friends may rent out of season.
Stones Cottages are also available as self-catering accommodation. Not much happens throughout the year so one can expect some personal time with the people you’ve chosen to share you weekend away with.
If you decide to drop in around New Year’s and take a walk down to the beach however, you’ll come across a tent and the 'infamous’ tent party held there annually in the back yard of one of the oldest residents.
Contact: Stones Cottages: 043 781 8452
Directions: From Beaufort Street in Grahamstown continue onto Dr Jacob Zuma Drive for 900m. Turn onto the R67 for about 6km. Next go along the N2 for 59km before turning right onto the R345 for 24km. Then turn left onto the R72 for 33km. On the right you’ll see a road sign saying 'Kaysers Beach Christmas Rock’ – here you turn in and follow the road until you reach the small town.
