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    WELCOME TO
    Great Brak River


About Great Brak River

Great Brak is an idyllic seaside village on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. The town is built around the lagoon where the Great Brak River reaches the sea. It is situated midway between George and Mossel Bay in the heart of the Garden Route, with the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop. With a real holiday atmosphere, an interesting history, rich agriculture and a range of activities for visitors to the area to explore, it’s a great choice for either a short stopover, or a long stay.

With magnificent white, sandy beaches, the ocean warmed by the Mozambique current, rolling green hills, a large lagoon, and a rich cultural and historical heritage, this charming resort town has much to offer those who pay a visit here. Getting in touch with nature here is easy: river bush and fynbos and aloe abound, fish are plentiful, the birdlife is remarkable and whales and dolphin can be spotted from the many vantage points. Residents here are extremely protective of the environment, and Great Brak River Conservancy was founded in 2008 to protect the indigenous fauna and flora, and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
In the mouth of the lagoon is an island (Die Eiland) that can only be accessed via a narrow bridge one car at a time. In summertime when water levels drop in the lagoon, the island develops a necklace of beautiful beaches. There are plenty of other beaches to choose from too, some in the town itself, and others just a short drive away. Great Brak also offers an art route, several wonderful cycling and hiking routes, a fragrance route and a historic route. Add to that, a moderate climate, a great selection of game farms in the areas, fine restaurants, galleries, historical buildings and a museum, and you have one of the most perfect holiday destinations on the Garden Route.

When to Go
Averaging only four cloudy days a month, and the mildest climate in South Africa, this part of the Garden Route can be visited the whole year round. September to April is best for beach and outdoor activities, and if you’re keen on whale watching, it’s best to come during the breeding/calving season between late July and December.

Climate
Great Brak River experiences a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 16.6°C – 26°C in summer and 8.1°C–20.4°C in winter. This is a low rainfall area with only about 400mm per year, peaking in the winter months between August and October.

Fauna
The rich fynbos vegetation and patches of indigenous forest in this area attract an enormous variety of birds, and birders are likely to see many species here. In the forest areas, look out for Knysna Turacos, Swee Waxbills, sunbirds, Southern Boubous, Chorister Robin-Chats, Terrestrial Brownbul, as well as the call of the Barn Owl, African Fish Eagle and maybe even the Blue-Mantled Crested-Flycatcher. This region is also the home of South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, which is on the list of endangered species.
The vegetation along its banks of the river provides the habitat and migration path for many smaller mammals such as the Vervet monkey, southern Cape bushbuck, Cape clawless otter, water mongoose, bush pig and blue duiker.

The sheltered bays and placid waters of the South eastern coastline of South Africa make this a fantastic area for whale watching, particularly in breeding season from June to November when the Southern Rights come close to shore. Humpback whales also favour the region, and you could spot Killer Whales, Humpbacks and Bryde’s whales as well.
There is also an abundance of wildlife and game reserves to found in the areas surrounding Great Brak – Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Gondwana Private Game Reserve (Big 5), Hartenbos Private Game Lodge, Indalu Game Reserve, Nyaru Game Lodge and Zorgfontein Eco & Wildlife Reserve.

THINGS TO DO & SEE:

Great Brak River Museum
The museum is housed in the old school house that was built in 1902. The various exhibits feature the history of the Great Brak village since it was first established in 1859. Fortunately, photography was invented some 20 years earlier, and the museum has a large collection of photographs documenting the town’s development since its earliest days. These photos depict the many changes the town has seen over the years, including devastating fires and floods, as well as the lives of the original founding families of Great Brak and their descendants. Originally opened in 1975 by Russell Searle, the museum has more recently added an interesting new “Human Origins” exhibit. Scientific studies of DNA evidence found in the Mossel Bay area has led scientists to believe that all humans on earth today descended from a small population along the south-eastern Cape coastline, who were able to survive extreme climate conditions. This fascinating history is depicted in a series of panels showcasing the evolution of modern man in the region, including the Middle Stone Age, the Late Stone Age, as well as the Khoi and San people who have inhabited the area for hundreds of years.
Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri – 9.00am to 4.00pm, Wed 9.00am to 12.30pm.
+27 44 620 3338

Redberry Strawberry Farm
This is a great place for a family outing: come along and pick your own strawberries and then enjoy the large outdoor playground, bumper boats and bubble ball on the dam, as well as a mini-train, tea garden and farm stall. You can also explore the largest permanent hedge maize in the southern hemisphere with an underground tunnel and a lookout point to get your bearings. There is a two-bedroom self-catering cottage on the farm.
Open: Mon-Sat 9.00am to 4.00pm.
+27 44 870 7123

Outeniqua Moon cart rides
Ride in a cart pulled by heavy draught horses through the indigenous fynbos forest at Outeniqua Moon farm. These giant horses have a wonderful temperament, and you’ll have a chance to get to know more about this relatively rare breed. For the kids there is also a pool with a water slide, trampoline and a ‘fairy-tale playground’.
Cart-ride times: 10.00am and 3.00pm
+27 44 631 0093

Diaz Express
This is a fun rail experience for the whole family. The train runs along the existing Transnet rail network between the seaside resorts of Great Brak River and Mossel Bay.
+27 82 450-7778

Botlierskop Day Safaris
Guided game drives, horseback safaris and outrides, guided bush hikes and a riverbank bush spa are some of the enticing activities offered to day visitors at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, which is a 20-minute drive from
Great Brak River.

Great Brak Trader’s Auction and Uitspan Market
If you are in the area on the last Saturday of the month, do not miss this great antique auction in the Old Bioscope hall in Charles Street. A family run business established in 1975, the auction draws buyers both local and international buyers.
+27 44 333 0021

Watson Shoe Factory
The foundations for this company were laid as far back as 1859 when Charles Searle began manufacturing traditional leather “veldskoene” for passing travellers. Watson Shoes continues that proud tradition at this local factory, which makes a range of shoes, including Grasshoppers. There is also a factory outlet in Station Road where you can purchase shoes.
+27 44 620 2121

Abseiling
Enjoy the thrill of hanging off a cliff in mid-air, safely harnessed in. Choose from a 30m or 50m cliff
Abseiling – the controlled descent of a vertical drop such as a cliff face – is an exhilarating experience, but not for the fainthearted. The Outeniqua mountain range running all along this coastline around Great Brak, offers some marvellous abseiling locations.

Kloofing
Tri-Sport Day Tours
Kloofing, also known canyoneering, is a fun summer activity for those who are game for an adventure. A combination of boulder-hopping and swimming, there are lots of opportunities to jump into the deep pools as participants navigate their way down the narrow canyons. Beginners should opt for the milder half-day option, and there is a full-day kloofing route as well.
+27 83 662 2022

Sand-boarding
Billeon Sand boarding
About 36km from Great Brak and located on a private farm, the 320m ‘Dragon Dune’ is said to be the longest sand-boarding dune in South Africa. With no grass or rocks to negotiate, your ride is super smooth. Beginners and experienced dune riders catered for.
+27 44 691 3811

Canoeing
Great Brak has some amazing canoe trails that will take you through beautiful landscapes. One of the most popular routes goes around the island in the middle of the lagoon – start at the bridge near Riversyde Manor and paddle around the island and back.

Mountain biking – Great Brak Grabadoo race
On New Years’ Eve each year, you can take part in the Great Brak Grabadoo – a picturesque mountain biking route that attracts fanatics, families, holiday makers and locals. Expect a jovial atmosphere and festive spirit. There is something for any level of skill with four routes to choose from – 15km, 31km, 42km and 66km.
+27 84 583 3144 or +27 82 457 5675

Mountain biking – Fairview Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge
This gruelling one-day mountain biking race, usually held in February, is 112km long and the total ascent is 2900m. It starts at Chandelier Game and Ostrich Show farm near Oudtshoorn following the paths created by elephants over the Attakwaskloof Pass, and finishes at Pine Creek Resort in Great Brak River.
+27 44 279 1013

Mountain biking – Spur Atta Mini MTB race
This 52km race shares the last 15km with the 121km extreme Attakwas MTB Challenge riders. Usually held in February, it begins and ends at Pine Creek Resort in Great Brak River, with a total ascent of 1100m.
+27 44 279 1013

Dolphins Creek Golf Club Dolphin's Creek Golf Estate
This 9-hole golf course is located on Morrison Road, about seven km north of Great Brak. Guests are welcome and rental clubs and carts are available.
+27 44 620 3278

NEARBY BEACHES:

Southern Cross Beach
Southern Cross Beach has lifesavers on duty during the peak season summer holidays and is a fabulous beach for swimming.

The Island Beach
At the south end of the Great Brak lagoon is The Island beach, which is connected to the mainland by a single lane bridge. This beautiful sandy beach on the lagoon offers picnic and braai spots and safe swimming for kids.

Hersham Beach
To the east of the Great Brak River mouth is Hersham Beach, great for walking and swimming, where lifeguards are duty during peak seasons.

Pienaar Strand
Pienaar Strand is a pristine beach in the Great Brak River area. Visitors have a great chance of spotting dolphins, as well as Southern Right and other whales which migrate to these warmer waters from July through to November.

Tergniet Beach
This is a popular beach for families offering safe swimming and a spectacular tidal pool. Lifeguards are on duty during the December/January holidays. There is a wonderful hike from Hartenbos to Tergniet that can be taken at low tide.

Bothastrand
Just 4,7km from Great Brak, Bothastrand is very popular with families due to its excellent facilities, safe swimming with lifeguards on duty in peak season. In winter, look out for Southern Right whales, which often come close to shore here.

Outeniqua Beach
Outeniqua is a long 6km stretch of beach which has four swimming areas, good facilities and lots of parking at the multiple beach entrances.

Reebok Beach
Around 6,5km from Great Brak is the pristine Reebok Beach, with a tidal pool for safe swimming for kiddies. Lifeguards are on duty during the December and January school holidays. During the winter months, it is quite common to spot the Southern Right and other migrating whales in this area.

Glentana Beach
Eight kilometres from Great Brak River lies the beautiful, unspoilt Glentana beach, with miles and miles of sandy shore. There is a wonderful low-tide hiking trail here that takes you past some amazing sea caves and an ancient shipwreck.

Little Brak Beach
Little Brak beach and lagoon is 8,5km from Great Brak River and offers white, sandy beaches and safe swimming for the whole family, as well a variety of water sports such as canoeing, boating and fishing up the Little Brak River.

Hikes and Trails
There are a number of short hikes (30 minutes to 90 minutes) in the Great Brak vicinity:
-Vleiland & Nature Walk – a variety of vlei vegetation, birdlife and heritage cottage.
-History Walk –heritage houses, Searle Memorial Church, Great Brak River Museum, Bolton’s Shoe Factory.
-Pepper Tree Walk – widest Pepper Tree in South Africa, Chris Spies Art Gallery, original worker’s cottages, hydro-electric pump house and Hough’s Herbal Hub.
-Southern Cross Walk – to the Southern Cross beach
-Island Walk – cross the wooden bridge to the island in the mouth of the lagoon
-The Great Brak River Village Walk
Explore the beach, lagoon, river and village of Great Bark on this easy circular trail that starts and ends on Southern Cross Road. Birders will be spoilt here with many water birds and waders to be seen around the estuary and river.

Wolwedans Hiking Trail
This beautiful river trail with rich bird life begins in the municipal parking area in Charles Street and follows the path of the river to the lookout point at Wolwedans Dam. It is an easy 3km walk, which should take you about two hours to complete. You will need a permit for this area – contact the local tourism on
+27 44 620 3338

Glentana Beach Walk
This easy walk starts at the parking area next to the Sea Side Café in Little Brak and continues eastwards for 6km towards the rocks, passing caves and shipwrecks along the way.

Gonnakraal Township Tour
Garden Route Dreams Tour Company offers visitors the opportunity to meet people living on “The Other Side” in Gonnakraal Township, which lies about 8 km from Great Brak River. The tour includes a light lunch in an informal setting, and drinks afterwards at a local game reserve.
+27 82 332 2227

Indigenous cultural history tour
Choose from a full day or half-day tour and discover more about the indigenous animals, plant life and cultural history of the indigenous inhabitants of the Great Brak area. Walk with cheetah, caracal, primates and elephants in their natural surroundings, and learn more about local tribal cultural history from the head of the Outeniqua Cultural Tribe.
+27 72 855 3534 or +27 73 877 0135

Game and Nature Reserves

Zorgfontein Eco & Wildlife Reserve
This reserve offers up to eight guests the chance to accompany guides on a twice daily walk with young African lions. The walk takes about an hour and is slow-paced to allow participants to experience how the lions play and interact with each other. Times vary and booking is essential.
+27 44 620 2026

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
This malaria-free, family owned and privately operated game lodge is home to an abundance of animals including four of the Big 5. The location is excellent and you can see lion, elephant, buffalo giraffe, rhino, hippo, rare black impala and more, as well as a unique bird life – all overlooking the sea and the mountains.
+27 44 696 6055

PLACES TO EAT
Black Vanilla ( +27 44 620 2080)
De Dekke ( +27 44 620 2501)
De Vette Mossel ( +27 79 339 0170 )
Die Ou Pastorie Teetuin ( +27 83 633 2071)
Dwarswegstrand Resort ( +27 044 879 1010)
Fireplace Restaurant ( +27 44 333 0021)
McNasty’s Pub & Grill ( +27 82 908 3944)
Peperboom Restaurant & Deli ( +27 44 620 3081)
Tafeltjie Dek ( +27 44 620 2482)
Transkaroo Restaurant ( +27 44 620 4163)

PLACES TO STAY
At 29 Columba ( +27 82 745 8314)
At Whale Phin Guest House ( +27 44 696 6772)
Aloe Eden ( +27 44 696 6506)
At 29 Columba ( +27 82 745 8314)
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve ( +27 44 696 6055)
C the View Guest House ( +27 44 620 2439)
CloudsEnd Guest House ( +27 83 501 0878)
Dream @ Dolphins ( +27 83 263 5417)
Fireplace Restaurant ( +27 44 333 0021)
Hakuna Matata Game Farm ( +27 84 800 4035)
Ilita Lodge ( +27 44 620 4143)
Island Lodge ( +27 44 620 2934)
Kia Ora Guesthouse ( +27 44 620 3685)
Little Brak Beach House ( +27 21 762 1543)
Melkhoutkloof Guest House (Tel +27 44 879 1444/5)
Mosselbos Guesthouse ( +27 44 620-5134)
Pine Creek Lodge & Caravan Park ( +27 44 620 2434)
Two Sunsets B&B ( +27 71 163 7036)


Quick Facts

Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Address: Great Brak River, Cape Town

Why go?

- Great Brak River Museum
- Redberry Strawberry farm
- Outeniqua Moon cart rides
- Dias Express
- Guided game drives, horseback safaris and outrides, guided bush hikes and a riverbank bush spa all at the Botlierskop Day Safaris
- Antique auctions on the last Saturday of each month
- Abseiling, Kloofing, sand-boarding, canoeing, mountain biking and many other adventure sports available
- A myriad of gorgeous beaches to choose from
- Hiking trails including the Wolwedans hiking trail and Glentana Beach Walk
- Gonnakraal township tour and indigenous cultural history tour
- Zorgfontein Eco & Wildlife Reserve as well as the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is nearby

History icon

History

The village of Great Brak River was originally founded by Charles Searle, an English paper-mill hand, who immigrated to South Africa in 1859 with his family. Initially living in Mossel Bay, Searle bid for and won the job of Keeper of the Toll Bridge at the Great Brak River. While living there in a farmhouse on the Mossel Bay side of the river, Searle began to manufacture traditional leather ‘veldskoen’ shoes, which he sold to travellers in the area. His business grew to the point where he needed to hire a full-time boot-maker to help him. The business expanded over the years and Searle’s descendants still own and run a shoe and boot factory in the town today. The Great Brak Museum is housed in the old school house in Amy Searle Street, and depicts the history of the Searle family and the town, as well as the town’s use of water power over the years, culminating in the opening of the Wolwedans hydro-electric station and dam in 1989. Great Brak River was the first town in the area to get electricity in 1924, before George and Mossel Bay.



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