Infanta, Cape Agulhas
The little village of Infanta is one of several villages that lie on the banks of the Breede River as it flows from its source near Ceres, although it is Witsand Infanta that lie at its mouth - Witsand on the eastern bank and Infanta on the west.
You would be forgiven for thinking time had more or less stood still in this part of the world. Infanta is a little fishing hamlet and access to the village is along a gravel road - veering off the N2 west of Swellendam via Malgas - that leaves a lot to be desired, or not, depending on whether undulating potholes and dongas are your thing. The other way of reaching Infanta is from Witsand, but crossing the mouth of the river entails access to your own boat.
Infanta is often referred to as a ‘sleepy little town’. It was founded in 1819 during a time of severe drought during which its creator, Joseph Barry, transported rice and maize from Cape Town up into the Breede River mouth. Interestingly though, its name is rather more historical, taken from the commander of the second caravel under Dias, Joao Infante.
It is the surrounding hills swathed in fynbos that are a call to many a traveller, as they represent, together with the undisturbed beach front, a nature lover’s escape. And the rocky shoreline is great for fishing. But probably the biggest bonus is to see how many whales frequent this coastline during the whale season.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Tides River Lodge
Tides River Lodge lies on the banks of the Breede River near Malgas, in the Cape. A short two and a half hour trip from Cape Town and half an hou...
Doornbosch Estate and Guesthouses
Doornbosch Estate and Guesthouses are part of a 5000ha working farm, with horses, game, fynbos and honey cultivation. We are located in the heart...
Mermaid Guest House
Come rest a while in our beautiful seaside village. Boasting the longest continuous beach in Southern Africa, the 14km of white sand extends from...
Prinskraal Homestead
Prinskraal is a working farm on the Agulhas plains. The property has recently been renovated as self catering accommodation for up to 12 guests. ...
Malagas Hotel
Malagas Hotel is a family friendly country hotel situated on the banks of the mighty Breede River. This is where time slows down to give you the ...
Chateau de Marine Boutique Hotel & Wellness
Chateau de Marine Boutique Hotel is situated in Struisbaai and offers accommodation in nine luxury bedrooms. The establishment has secure parking...
Cob Cottage at Tides River
Cob Cottage at Tides River lies on the banks of the Breede River near Malgas. Relax on the lawns, fish off the river bank, explore the river, wat...
South 2 Sea Cottage
South 2 Sea Cottage is located in a security estate in the little town of Struisbaai, which is home to many popular fishing spots. The cottage is...
Things to do in the area
Rasperpunt Hiking Trail
More commonly known as the Agulhas walking trail, because it takes place within the Agulhas National Park, the Rasperpunt hike begins just west o...
Spookdraai Hiking Trail
There is no secret behind the name of this hiking trail at Cape Agulhas. There have been so many shipwrecks along this coastline that even if you...
Noteworthy attractions
Agulhas National Park
Lying in what is known as the Agulhas Plain at the southernmost tip of Africa is the Agulhas National Park, just 45 kilometres from the popular v...
De Hoop Nature Reserve
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It is a f...
Cape Agulhas Wine Route
Elim is something of a phenomenon as its unique ‘terroir’ has caused much excitement in the wine community worldwide. The cool and strong winds t...
Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve
Formerly known as Waenhuiskrans until a ship by the name of Arniston was wrecked here, the village is a much sought after holiday residence becau...
The Whale Coast Route
The Whale Route begins in Cape Town and follows the particularly pretty R44, also known as Clarence Drive, through the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserv...
Tip of Africa Route
Based on the Overberg Tourism map, the Tip of Africa Route starts in Cape Town, where you take the N2 via Grabouw and Caledon to the pretty town ...
Waenhuiskrans Cave
Waenhuiskrans (wagon house cliff) is the highlight of a visit to Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve in Arniston. What makes the Waenhuiskrans Cave so e...
Cape Agulhas Wine Estates
The official wine route of Cape Agulhas transports tourists to a charming part of the country and includes the area of Montagu. Although this is ...
De Mond Nature Reserve
As its name suggests De Mond Nature Reserve lies at a river mouth – the Heuningnes River - in the curve of a natural bay, almost halfway between ...
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