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Witsand is regarded as the whale nursery of South Africa.
The whales from July to November laze about, play, mate, give birth or sleep off shore behind the breakers.
There is a sandy beach with swimming area and you can also go for long beach walks..
You can take long walks or go bird watching. Fisherman often camp out on the beach overnight.
Surfers are always part of the scenery here .
Walk, swim or laze in safety on endless beaches, or enjoy excellent bird watching , 262 species.
About Witsand
Witsand / Port Beaufort, situated at the mouth of the mighty Breede River, is a
river and sea holiday destination. It is situated 300km from Cape Town at the mouth of the Breede River along the Garden Route.
The central feature of the Malgas / Witsand area is the magnificent Breede River. It is one of the largest, most navigable rivers in South Africa and is rich in diverse species of fish and bird life. The Breede River is recognised as one of the best fishing estuaries in the country with
tidal action that reaches 60 km upstream. The river is also ideally suited to a range of water sports
We have the largest concentration of Southern Right Whales on the South African coast, growing at an annual rate of 7%. The
official whale count done from a helicopter in October 2002 revealed 117 adults and 49 calves in St Sebastian Bay. On a good day up to 50
are visible from the shore
Witsand's situation lends itself as a base to spend 3 or 4 days and explore the surrounding 200km full of exciting venues. Places of interest include: Arniston/Waenhuiskrans and Agulhas, which is the most southern point of Africa; the Wine Route of Bonnievale, Ashton, Robertson, Montagu
and Barrydale as well as the hot water springs at Montagu, Barrydale and Calitzdorp.
Beautiful mountain trails at Swellendam, Groot Vadersbosch and Riversdale is a fantastic one-day outing and the almost unknown Hamlet of Puntjie at the mouth of the Duivenhoks River, is only a 30 minute drive from Witsand.
Witsand offers a 4km long unspoilt beach, leading to the well-known Moodie's Well. It has a clean, white beach (hence Whitesands) with safe swimming spots for days in the sun. Parents with smaller children also prefer the calm swimming spots along the river.
An experience definitely not to be missed, is the last hand operated pontoon (pont) in Southern Africa at Malagas.
Restaurants at Breede River Lodge with river views and Sunday
carvery ( 028 5371631 )
Hoonkers on the Rocks is a beach restaurant ( 028 5371760 )
If you need to experience a friendly village that offers food for your soul and a place to relax and unwind, we would love to share our peace with you.
Fishing
Estuary fishing in the Breede River is recognised as the best in SA.
The Breede River mouth is regarded as one of South Africa's top
fishing locations. The upper reaches of the river are renowned for
its bass, while the lower reaches are a Cob fisherman's paradise -
Cob exceeding 50kg in weight are regularly caught in the river. The
rock angler will also have good catches along the coastline.
Please note that catch and release is strongly encouraged.
The Pont
at Malgas
This
is the last hand operated pont in Southern Africa used for vehicle
and cattle crossing across the Breede River. It is the only way to
cross the river apart from by boat.
Eco/Wildlife
- De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is a
popular destination for people and whales alike. The reserve hosts
3 000 ha of unspoilt Cape fynbos and a marine protected area which
is home to an abundance of marine organisms. De Hoop is home to
the endangered and rare Cape mountain zebras and Cape vultures,
the bontebok, the De Hoop vlei and the best whale watching between
July and November. De Hoop's rich diversity of wildlife, plants
and culture makes it a unique experience to visitors.
- De Mond Nature Reserve lies at the mouth
of the Heuningnes River. The 954 ha reserve is managed as a
satellite of the De Hoop Nature Reserve. It supports several
species of small animals and has a rich and varied birdlife,
making it ideal for birdwatching. The reserve is particularly
important for the protection of breeding colonies of the
threatened Damara and Caspian terns (South Africa's most
endangered coastal bird) and the rare African black oystercatcher,
(South Africa's second most threatened coastal bird).
- Bird watching along the Breede River is
spectacular. The majestic Fish Eagle, the Osprey, Fish Owl,
Kingfisher, Oyster Catcher, the Blue Crane and an amazing variety
of other birds are often seen along the banks of the Breede.
Beaches
Safe beaches offer tranquil walking and
swimming. Beautiful in the windless and mild winter days. Bird
watching (+/- 260 species) of which the Blue Crane, Flamingo,
Ostrich, a variety of herons, Fish eagle and Kingfishers are all
part. Great for total relaxation and just soaking up the sun.
Surfing is also popular.
Outdoors and sport
- The area is renowned for all kinds of
watersport. Swimming, surfing, windsurfing, deep sea and river
fishing, rock, boat & fly fishing, river cruises, canoeing,
sailing, spear-fishing, snorkeling and skiing .
- Water-skiing on the Breede River is
allowed beyond the 5D-mark, where the Slang River flows into the
Breede River, towards Malgas.
- Windsurfing, kite surfing, canoeing or
sailing is possible and popular on the Breede River, especially in
the summer months when the wind picks up.
- Microlighting and camel / horseback
trails ( 028 5371010 )
- Sandfontein farm offers hiking, mountain
biking, a 4x4 route, farm adventures and accommoation on the Slang
river. ( 028 5371942 )
History and Culture
- Barry Memorial Church - National
Monument. It is the oldest church in Witsand - built by the
original Barry family in 1859. The Barry Memorial Church (a
National Monument) was built by Thomas Barry in 1859. It is still
in use today for church services, weddings and tourists.
- Moodie's Well - hand carved by Scottish
labourers in the 1800's for the Moodie family to draw water from
when they went camping and fishing at the coast (4km beach walk).
Moodies Well was carved by hand by Scotsman to store fresh water
in, when fishing and camping. A 4 km walk along the beach at low
tide will take you there.
- Barry Wool Shed - built in 1848. It is
the first wool shed in South Africa. The shed is still in the
Barry family and used for sheep shearing.
- SS Kadie and Locust shipwrecks: Remains
of the water boat Locust are visible next to the Breede River
Lodge. Remains of the SS Kadie steamer are visible at the Infanta
shore.
- The Kraaltjie - built in the 18th
century and recently upgraded. It used to be the only boat
launching facility for years thereafter and is still in use today.
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