Accommodation in Witsand - Barry's Holiday Accommodation, Witsand, Western Cape

Barry's Holiday Accommodation Self Catering  Accommodation Witsand, Western Cape, South Africa

Witsand is truely the home of the Southern Right Whale in Southern Africa. This peaceful coastal town is surrounded by two natural phenomena, the Breede River estuary and the Indian Ocean. The St Sebastian Bay houses the single largest winter migration population of Southern Right Whales. These gentle giants may either be viewed from the coast line at very close proximity or through a local boat based whale watching operator.

There is an area known to the local residents as "the nursery". In is here that Southern Right Whales cows calve as it offers a safe haven for the newly borne calves against the elements and especially great white sharks.

Witsand is the only village on the Bay that has the infrastructure to accommodate visitors and has plenty to do for the whole family. The most popular ways to reach Witsand and Port Beaufort are either via the Malgas pont or from Heidelberg

The white sand is situated above a body of underground water which has leached out the red iron oxide coating of the sand grains, leaving the bleached pure white sand. On the southerly sides of the dunes you will experience the most awesome feeling in your life. Here the roaring sands will entertain you. As you move about on the dune, it will groan because of your weight. If you just move your fingers through the sand, a soft muted sound can be heard. This phenomena is caused by the dry air, uniform sand grains and the lack of the iron oxide coating.

Accommodation & Facilities
Barrymore (Whale View)
3 Star, VIP luxury upmarket apartments.
VIP 1 Sleeps 6 - 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Exclusive. 3 views - whales, river and mountain.
VIP 2 Sleeps 6 - 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Views of river mouth. Ground floor.
Both apartments have modern appliances and a DSTV (just bring your own decoder).

Dolphin Cottage
Upmarket Backpackers. Share house budget route, or independant let. Sleeps 12.
5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 living areas, elclosed garden, double braai, mountain views.

All facilities have the following:

Supplied linen and bath towels .
Safe off-street parking.
We also provide: hospitality map, personal service, braai cleaning, char, laundry service, internet service, free initial expendables

Outdoor Facilities
Witsand is a popular sea-side resort as it offers a multitude of water sports. Included in this is very safe bathing, windsurfing, rock and surf angling, river angling, deep sea fishing, snorkel diving and spear fishing, whale watching, water-skiing, etc. It has a 4km long unspoilt beach, leading to the well-known Moodie's Well. It has a clean, white beach (hence Whitesands) with safe swimming spots for days in the sun. Parents with smaller children also prefer the calm swimming spots along the river.

Various shops offer goods for sale including fresh fish and all basic requirements

Sporting & Leisure Activities   
Whale Watching
Land-based whale watching from July to November. See up to 70 whales in the Bay at one time. Whale statistics have earned Witsand the title of "THE Whale Nursery of South Africa".

Annual "BABY WHALE FESTIVAL" in June, offers lots of fun for the whole family

Breede River
This is the widest river estuary in SA and reputedly has some the best estuary fishing in South Africa.

River cruises up to the Bush Pub or Malgas with "Capt DUDE".
The river boasts an abundance of birdlife and is home of the Big Cob.
Pansy snorkeling is done over the sand banks before low tide.
Kite Boarding - wind pumps in summer in the afternoons. UK champs love it here.
Canoeing - great expanse of water at your fingertips, a tricky challenge on windy days.

Land Activities

Horseriding - over the dunes onto the beach and along the rivers edge.
Ostrich farms - visit a working free range ostrich farm.
Quadbiking - over the dunes, between the fynbos and milkwoods.
Bicycling - safe tarred roads or the mountain biking option on good gravel roads through beautiful scenic farmlands.
4x4 Trails - great tracks to enjoy with your family. Stunning views of whales in season.

Hiking Trails

Puntjie Walk: - ± 15 km.
Moodies Well Walk: - 8 or 12 km.
Moddergat Walk: - ± 4 km.
Skuitbaai Walk: - ± 3 km.
Infanta Walk: - ± 5 km
On other side of Breede River.

Breede River Mouth Walk: - ± 6km.
River View Walk - ± 2.5 km
On tar.

Natural Attractions

Stunning sunsets over the Breede River.
Sunrises over the ocean - the best time of the day!
Beaches are clean and beautiful, with a tidal pool.
Interesting rock pools for the kiddies to swim in.
Flocks of Blue Cranes - South Africa's National bird.
Black Oystercatchers - breeding area for this endangered species

Restaurants
One on the beach, one on the river, and one in the dunes.  

Cultural & Historical interest    
Historical Interest
Barry Memorial Church - Port Beaufort built in 1859 by the Barry family, now a National Monument.
Meerlust - a wonderful example of the architecture of yesteryear.
Woolshed - the first wool shed built in SA, and which is still used for that purpose.
'The Kraaltjie' - harbour built by the Barry family in the 18th century.
Cultural Interest

"Vondeling" children's choir is made up of children attending the small farm school near Witsand/ Port Beaufort. They have been blessed with beautiful voices and love singing and playing the recorder. They are available to sing to tourists during the school term, between 9 and 12 daily by prior arrangement