Whale watching and beaches

'De Hoop', a pristine coastal Nature Reserve

The hand-drawn pontoon over the Breede River at Malgas, 40km from Swellendam, is probably the last remaining hand-drawn pont operating in South Africa. You will find it on your scenic route to De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa's most southerly nature reserve. Walk past 30 metres high sand dunes to wide unspoilt beaches along the Indian Ocean, and swim in sparkling aqua blue rock pools. View Zebras, Bontebok and other game together with birdlife as the Cape vultures and Flamingo's along the riverside. From June till November the greatest concentration of Southern Right Whales on South Africa's coast can be found here.
Distance from your B&B-accommodation in Swellendam: 80 minutes.

Witsand

A 45 minute's drive from our guesthouse in Swellendam brings you to Witsand. Witsand offers a 4km long unspoilt beach; a clean, white beach with safe swimming. For the smaller children there are calm swimming spots along the river. On a good day, a whale watcher may observe up to 80 whales in Witsand. Whale-watching season starts in June and lasts until November each year, a real tourist attraction.