Struisbaai is a coastal village boasting the longest continuous stretch of white sand coastline in the Southern Hemisphere, and is located at 34:48S and 20.03E[1], 8 km from the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas.[2] It is in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
There is some debate as to the origin of the name Struisbaai. Some authorities believe that it means 'Straw Bay', after the fishermen's cottages that were originally built of straw. Others claim the name Struisbaai is derived from the Dutch 'vogelstruijs' or 'ostrich'. The low shrub-covered terrain bordering the sandy coast is certainly ostrich country and there are a good number of these giant birds sharing the land with dairy cattle and merino sheep. Still others say that the town is named for the size of its beach - from an old Dutch word for 'huge'.
Small localities in the area include Hotagterklip.
Effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
At 19:30 on the evening of 26 December 2004 the sea at Struisbaai unexpectedly pulled right back, leaving a sandy beach, followed five minutes later by a sudden surge of water about 1.5 metres high.[3] This is furthest point in South Africa where the effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami was reported to have been felt.[4] Other distant places where the tsunami was observed are given at this this link.
External links
Last updated: 10-18-2005 08:13:27
