Hostels in Witsand, South Africa

Witsand, South Africa, in the Overberg, is a coastal town around sixty kilometers south of Swellendam and the N2 highway is known as The Whale Nursery of South Africa. This is due to the large number of southern right whales that come to San Sebastian Bay between June and November each year to give birth. Witsand offers the best land-based vantage points to see these giants. With a few exceptions, more than a hundred whales have been counted visiting the bay each year, giving birth to around fifty calves. You can also spot dolphins, including common, bottle-nosed, and the very rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.

Witsand is dominated by the Breede River, which enters the ocean here at South Africa's largest estuary. It's a terrific bird-watching area where the blue crane, caspian and damara terns and the rare black oystercatcher can be found. River trips are also popular in Witsand along with fishing, kite surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking. At the nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve, there are a number of short walks available and longer hikes ranging from twelve to twenty kilometers that take travelers to the neighboring clifftops and spectacular views. De Hoop is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed on Ramsar as an important wetland area.

To visit Cape Infanta, on the west side of the Breede River, visitors must make use of "The Pont," one of the only hand-operated ferries in the world. Visits to an ostrich farm can also be done and there are mountain bike trails, too.

There's not a huge choice of accommodation in Witsand, but for budget travelers, there is hostel accommodation in Witsand. Your Witsand, South Africa hostel offers dorm beds and plenty of good information on what to do and see in the town. Boat trips to see the whales close up can be organized at your Witsand, South Africa hostel, as well as river and ocean cruises and hiking and biking.