Malgas

Malgas (formerly Malagaskraal) is a tiny village that was built around an inland port.

Before the roads between Swellendam and Cape Town were properly developed freight was shipped on a “coaster” from Malgas down the Breede River.

Some of the original buildings and character remain but the village is mainly a weekend retreat and holiday spot. It is very close to the Potberg and De Hoop Nature Reserve.

It is most famous for the vehicle pont. The last pont still operational in South Africa, that was for many years powered by one man, Oom Moxie Dunn. Now two men provide the service which began in 1860.

The central feature of the Malgas/Witsand area is the magnificent Breede River. It is one of the largest, most navigable rivers in South Africa and is rich in diverse species of fish and bird life. The Breede River is recognised as one of the best fishing estuaries in the country with tidal action that reaches 60 km upstream. The river is also ideally suited to a range of water sports.