Get away to the Breede River
The great Breede River travels 337km before flowing into the sea at Witsands. This majestic waterway has a handful of holiday houses scattered on her river banks – two of which The Room Key is lucky to own.
Away from it all
Close to the areas of Malgas, Infanta and Swellendam, our self-catering holiday house overlooks the Breede River Valley. Flanked by bull rushes and river reeds, the Breede River is home to abundant birdlife, which can be spotted from the shoreline or from a boat.
With relatively few rentals available on the Breede River, our holiday home is in high demand. A firm favourite for Cape Townians who want to escape the city, the Breede River is a region where one can enjoy peaceful days within a unique biosphere. And at night, you’ll see starry skies, uninterrupted by light-pollution.
Activities
Canoeing and Stand up paddling (SUP)
Canoeing and Stand up paddling (SUP) can be done along the entire stretch of the Breede River. After the rainy season, when the water is high, the currents can be very strong. We urge you to take care – especially along narrow sections where the water flows fastest. Peacehaven on the Breede River has canoes and SUP-boards.
Table tennis
Peacehaven, our large property on the Breede River has table tennis. Tons of fun for the whole family.
Hiking trails
There are various hiking trails on the Breede River route, including Krom River and Elands River Hiking Trail, Badskloof Trail, Potberg Hut, and Duiwelsbos Waterfall. Keen hikers can also walk at Witsand Nature Reserve.
Day trips from the Breede River
Montague, Robertson, and Barrydale are all within a 100km radius of Malgas. Each of these towns offers something unique. Montagu has a golf course and hot springs. Robertson is a wine region and offers some of South Africa’s finest wines. Found along Route 62, Barrydale has become known as an artisanal hub and is home to the Barrydale Art Meander, Barrydale Weavers and Magpie Art Collective. Barrydale has various gift and décor shops, as well as restaurants, wine tasting and beer tasting.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
The Diepkloof MTB Trail is relatively close to Peacehaven, which is in the Malgas region of the Breede River. The roads along this region are suitable for MTB’s rather than road-bikes. You’ll find more MTB information at Trail Forks. In the same region you’ll find Potberg MTB Trails which offers a variety of MTB routes.
Boating & Kayaking
It goes without saying that the Breede River is suited to any and every kind of water-based activity. However, not all sections of the river are suitable for motor boats. Our favourite way of exploring the river is by SUP or canoe.
Nearby Attractions
De Hoop Trails
De Hoop Nature Reserve is roughly 20km from Peacehaven. The trails in and around the reserve are popular and trails like The Whale Trail are booked months in advance. You’ll find various day trails within the Nature Reserve including the Dassie, Fynbos and Eland Trails. They’re all between 12 and 18km long. For a longer trail that’s suited to experienced hikers, the Spyhopper trail is a 30km hike over demanding terrain. For more information on all the trails visit De Hoop Collection.
Cape Nature Whale trail
This world-renowned route traverses 55 km and takes hikers from Potberg to Koppie Alleen. It includes five overnight stops and the trail runs through diverse terrains – from scrubland and fynbos to beaches and rocky shorelines. For more information, visit De Hoop Collection.
De Hoop Spa
For those who seek a quiet retreat and a touch of self-care, the spa at De Hoop uses Africology products and offers a variety of treatments and massages.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Known for its unspoilt, natural beauty and land-based whale watching, De Hoop Nature Reserve and marine protected area has been declared critically important for the conservation of the Southern Right whale. Home to diverse terrain including sea, sand dunes, vlei, scrublands and fynbos, it is home to antelope and a variety of birdlife. Its wide open spaces make it perfect for hikers and cyclists to explore.
Elim Wine Route
Flanked by two oceans, the Elim Wine Route falls within the Agulhas Wine Triangle. The region has become increasingly globally known as a notable wine-producing area. The terroir reflects the sea-wind swept peninsula, combined with the stony terrain. Some of the favorite wines produced in the area include Black Oystercatcher, The Berrio, Strandveld, Lomond, Trizanne Ghost Corner and Lands End.
Sijn Wine Estate (Malgas)
Sijnn (pr. Say-n) Winery is found near the mouth of the Breede River, close to Malgas. The Agulhas Wine Triangle region is an official viticultural ward, and Sijnn’s unique terroir reflects the region’s stony, shale terrain. Sijn wines are hand-harvested, naturally fermented, and then basket pressed. Sijn wine is matured in French oak barrels and bottled by hand on the estate.
House Boat Hire
House Boats are a fun and unique way to explore the Breede River and spend time on the water. House Boats typically sleep between 2-5 guests, and can be hired through Breede River House Boat Hire.
Infanta Beach to Moddergat River hike
This well-walked trail takes hikers from the Infanta slipway along the beach and river to Moddergat. The walk is roughly 4km and isn’t overly demanding.
River Rafting on the Breede River
River Rafting is fantastic fun. There are various river companies that offer river rafting safaris, including Felix Unite and Xama Adventures and Safaris. River rafting trips can run for just one day, or up to 2 nights and 3 days.
Trading Post at Malgas
The Trading Post at Malgas offers a variety of homemade, artisanal products. From freshly baked pies, rusks and milk tarts to preserves, mustard and fresh farm butter, the Trading Post has all you might need for your weekend break.
Malgas Hotel
The Malgas Hotel will take you back to another time. Built in the style of a traditional, colonial hotel, the hotel is positioned right on the riverside. Malgas Hotel offers a variety of dining options and has a pool and play area for children.
Fish Eagle Boat Cruise
Based in Malgas, Fish Eagle Boat Cruises offers a perfect way to unwind, enjoy sundowners and soak up the sights of the Breede River.
Swellen Mark Shopping Mall (Swellendam)
Should you need shopping facilities before or during your stay, Swellen Mark Mall has a variety of useful chain stores. Swellendam also has a variety of art galleries, gift shops and restaurants.
The Boat House Pizzeria and Pub
The Boat House Pizzeria and Pub is found in Malgas. A firm favorite with locals, its deck overlooks the Breed River. It offers casual dining for families and some rowdy fun for the youth.
Breede River Fishing Charters
Fishing enthusiasts have a choice of fishing charters at Witsands on the Breede River. These include Salt Fishing Charters, Xama Adventures, and Mulloway Charters.
Dassiesfontein Restaurant, Farmstall and Antiques
You’ll find Dassiesfontein Restaurant, Farmstall and Antiques en route from Cape Town to the Breede River. Found just off the N2, Dassiesfontein has a casual restaurant and deli. It also sells a variety of art, crafts, traditional farm and kitchen utensils, antiques, leatherwork, and home-baked and home-bottled goods.
The Bush Pub
A rustic, wooded gem of a pub awaits you on the banks of the Breede River. The Bush Pub has been a firm favourite for holiday-makers and locals for over 15 years. Their combination of beers, cocktails (their Breede Blixem is legendary) and incredible views of the Breede River make this a must-see destination.
Whether you arrive by boat or by car, you’ll be welcomed with chilled beer and a chilled atmosphere.
There are braai areas for patrons and in season, you’ll have the option of grabbing some pub grub. For the kids there’s bush Putt Putt and a newly renovated play area. Grownups can play pub chess, darts and other games – or they can just sit back and shoot the breeze.
There is something truly special about the Breede River. Although it spans over many kilometers, there is a feeling of close community between house owners and holiday makers. But don’t take our word for it. Come and visit
