The Breede RIver
Angling, swimming, paddling, wine tasting, river rafting....these are just some of the pleasures you can enjoy when you follow the course of the Breede River from source to the sea.
The Breede River (which means 'broad river') rises in the mountains of Ceres in the Western Cape and flows for some 320km through a valley of the same name on its way to the Indian Ocean.

This is the longest navigable river in the Western Cape and provides vital irrigation for the fruit and wine farms that can be found in the Breede River Valley, flowing past some important agricultural towns like Worcester and Swellendam.

It's also a recreational playground for residents and visitors alike.

On its way to the sea, the Breede River flows past the Bontebok National Park which has a delightful campsite and comfortable chalets. Here visitors can go swimming, paddling, angling (with a valid permit) or simply relax with a picnic basket on its banks.

The river meets the sea at Witsand, a beautiful estuary where the sea tides can push up as far as 50km into the river, providing an important ecological haven for young fish. Witsand and nearby Cape Infanta is also a premier whale-watching destination in early summer.

The estuary is favoured by anglers who fish for spotted grunter and dusky kob in its waters whereas a few kilometres upstream the calmer waters are popular with watersport enthusiasts.

Wine lovers will delight in visiting one of the many wine estates to be found in this region. The longest wine route in the world, Route 62, starts here at Robertson in a region famous for its hanepoot and muscadel dessert wines.

Those with energy to spare might like to try water sports such as river rafting. Campsites offer inexpensive yet comfortable accommodation to complement your river adventure.

Breedekloof Wine Route in Rawsonville

How much fun can you have on a wine route? Well besides the expected offering of quality wines and hearty country food, we also throw in majestic mountains which combine with vineyards and sparkling rivers to create a natural playground offering healthy outdoor fun for mountain bikers, runners, 4×4 enthusiasts, birders and fly-fishermen.

Not to mention our hot springs, stunning Fynbos hikes and warm hospitable people who are passionate about winemaking and the valley in which we live. We are just an hour from Cape Town, along the N1, but with all we have to offer it’s not surprising that many of our visitors turn their day trips into over-night stays.

Our region offers so much more than just superb wines, as every year this spectacular natural playground attracts thousands of mountain-bikers, birders and hikers. Fancy a spot of bass or fly-fishing? Well the Breedekloof also offers access to some of South Africa’s best fishing spots along the sparkling Molenaars, Elandsjacht and Smalblaar rivers.

Saddling up and taking a guided horse-ride through the vineyards is a treat for young and old.