The small coastal settlement of Papendorp is one of the few remaining places where one can still see the simplicity of life in its purest form.
Overlooking the Olifants River Estuary where the river enters the sea, Papendorp has a beautiful view over the wetlands and river where over 200 species of birds have been spotted resulting in it becoming an important bird area (IBA) with recognition of a RAMSCOR site in the pipeline.
At high tide it is possible to travel 30 km to Lutzville in a flat-bottomed boat. Remnants of the old reed-and-mud houses where the fishermen dwelled in the past can still be seen, as well as a rustic tittle church overlooking the river mouth.
Papendorp derives its livelihood from fishing and panning salt where salt is still processed the traditional way.
There is a hiking trail that follows the Olifants River inland to the peaceful farming and fishing village of Ebehaeser which was founded as a mission station in 1608.