Malgas
Only a short 30 minute drive from Swellendam on the west bank of the Breede River is the little Forgotten Village Malgas. Malgas originally served as an inland, import and export harbour. Founded by a local resident, Joseph Barry, back then it was known as Malgaskaai.
In the early days before we had any proper roads or railways in the Overberg, it took farmers of the area about three weeks to get their produce to Cape Town by Wagon. A special steamer was built in 1859 called Kadie. Kadie was able to easily cross the sandbank at the river mouth and make its way all the way up the Breede River to Malgas. Unfortunately Kadie struck some rocks in 1865 and her services came to an end. Other ships followed in her footsteps up until the early 20th century, when most railways was completed and took over. Sadly Malgas became unimportant and forgotten.
In 1860 a hand driven pond was built to help make it easier for local famers to cross the river. This hand driven pond still operates today and is the only of its kind in South Africa. A local pub Moxie was named After Oom Moxie Dunn who single handily operated the pont from 1961 to 1986 on a daily basis. Today it is run by two men who cross 20-30 vehicles on a slow day.
Malgas is mainly a holiday, weekend away destination with rarely any permanent residents. The Malgas Hotel was built in 1996, in a classic Cape Dutch style to fit in with the rest of the historic buildings. The Hotel still operates today.
Malgas is also a popular fishing and bird watching destination. Well known for the Osprey Fishing Owl and King Fisher.
So once again we have perfect location for a relaxing weekend away hidden in our Beautiful Overberg
In the early days before we had any proper roads or railways in the Overberg, it took farmers of the area about three weeks to get their produce to Cape Town by Wagon. A special steamer was built in 1859 called Kadie. Kadie was able to easily cross the sandbank at the river mouth and make its way all the way up the Breede River to Malgas. Unfortunately Kadie struck some rocks in 1865 and her services came to an end. Other ships followed in her footsteps up until the early 20th century, when most railways was completed and took over. Sadly Malgas became unimportant and forgotten.
In 1860 a hand driven pond was built to help make it easier for local famers to cross the river. This hand driven pond still operates today and is the only of its kind in South Africa. A local pub Moxie was named After Oom Moxie Dunn who single handily operated the pont from 1961 to 1986 on a daily basis. Today it is run by two men who cross 20-30 vehicles on a slow day.
Malgas is mainly a holiday, weekend away destination with rarely any permanent residents. The Malgas Hotel was built in 1996, in a classic Cape Dutch style to fit in with the rest of the historic buildings. The Hotel still operates today.
Malgas is also a popular fishing and bird watching destination. Well known for the Osprey Fishing Owl and King Fisher.
So once again we have perfect location for a relaxing weekend away hidden in our Beautiful Overberg