About Malagas

Malagas is a small historic village, 35 km inland from Witsand. Before modern roads made travel from Cape Town easy, Malagas was an "inland port" for steamboats transporting provisions to the Swellendam area. Some of the original buildings and character remain, but the appeal of Malagas today is as a weekend retreat and holiday spot. Malagas is particularly famous for its "man-drawn" pontoon (die pont) across the Breede River - a service which began in 1860 and is still operational today.

The first ferry across the Breede River at Malagas, as seen on a 1860 Thomas Bowler painting, is the forerunner of the present one which, still pulled by hand, is one of the last ponts still regularly operating in South Africa.

The Breede River is recognised as the best fishing estaury in South Africa. Tidal action reaches 60km upstream where many sought-after species of fish are caught in significant numbers. The wealth of fish naturally attracts birds such as the majestic fish eagle, the osprey, fish owl and kingfisher.

The area is also home to an amazing variety of other birds and water birds. Water sport on the Breede River is varied. Sunset cruises on an 80 seater cruiser are offered and there is also a choice of bird watching by canoe or, for the keen fishermen and fun seekers, powerboating and skiing.