Covering 340 sq km and extending 5km out to sea, this reserve has a magnificent coastline, with long stretches of pristine beach and huge dunes. It’s an important breeding and calving area for the southern right whale. You’ll find exceptional coastal fynbos and animals such as endangered Cape mountain zebras and bonteboks. There is also prolific birdlife, including the only remaining breeding colony of the rare Cape vultures.
The reserve is about 260km from Cape Town, and the final 57km from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam is untarred. The only access to the reserve is via Wydgeleë on the Bredasdorp-to-Malgas road. Note that if you approach via Malgas, you’ll have to take the manually operated pont (river ferry) over the Breede River (between dawn and dusk). The village of Ouplaas, 15km from the reserve entrance, is the nearest place to buy fuel and supplies. If you don’t have your own car, try Swellencab in Swellendam, who offer days tours.
