Infanta

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.