As one of South Africa’s most beautiful and fruitful regions, known for its Cape small town charm, wine farms and race horse breeding, the Breede River Valley is a wonderful part of the Western Cape.
In addition to its scenic mountain settings and natural beauty, this region is hugely family-friendly, with plenty of accommodation, activities and eateries to entertain and enchant all ages.
In this post, we look at the top ten activities for families to enjoy in the Breede River Valley:
#1 Visit Van Loveren for Family Meal or Pairing
As one of the most family-friendly estates in the Western Cape, Van Loveren is a dream destination.
With a stunning estate garden, unique wine pairings and kiddies’ pairing options, a charming eatery and some excellent outdoor activities – like birdwatching, nature walks and MTB trails – this Robertson gem is perfect for families.
In particular, savour a wine tasting while little ones enjoy a fun, kiddies’ pairing with non-alcoholic drinks and sweet treats.
Contact: +27 (023)615 1505, info@vanloveren.co.za
Website: www.vanloveren.co.za
Address: Van Loveren, Robertson, Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Enjoy a Viljoensdrift River Cruise
How does a scenic, tranquil 50-minute to one hour river cruise sound? I bet pretty amazing.
Well, at Viljoensdrift, families can enjoy just that. As an added perk, adults can even sip a glass of wine or pack in a delicious picnic from their deli for the whole family to enjoy.
Soak up the tranquil river sights as your family enjoys a leisurely boat cruise at this Robertson estate.
Note: Pricing is R90 per adult and R20 per child (ages 3-12 years).
Boat cruises depart at various times and minimum of six adults are required per trip. Advanced bookings are essential and check-in is sixty minutes prior to departure.
Contact: +27 (023) 615 1017, rivercruises@viljoensdrift.co.za
Website: viljoensdrift.co.za
Address: Viljoensdrift, Robertson, Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Head to Bird’s Paradise
Another popular family attraction near Robertson is the long-standing Bird’s Paradise.
With birds hailing from everywhere from Peru to Asia and even Northern Wales, Bird’s Paradise is a wonderfully educational, yet fun outing for all.
Additionally, you can see other animals and reptiles, like waterbirds, crocodiles and monkeys too.
As a bonus, Bird’s Paradise also has a fun play park for kiddies and a curio shop, eatery on-site.
Contact: +27 (023) 626 3926, birdsparadise@telkomsa.net
Website: N/A
Address: Bird’s Paradise, Robertson, Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Go Breede River Rafting
Another special part of the Breede River Valley is the mighty, famous Breede River that flows through it.
One of the highlights of this river is the outdoor fun it affords locals and visitors. This includes river rafting.
With a host of different service providers offering tours, guests can enjoy safe, fun river rafting opportunities.
The rafting is suitable for all skill levels and children, so practically the whole family can get in on the fun.
Contact: Varies
Website: Various
Address: Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Try the Protea Farm Tractor Trip
Although Protea Farm is not exactly in the Breede River Valley, it is a short drive away from Montagu and the perfect place for an exciting family day trip. Especially for anyone staying in or exploring the nearby Breede River Valley.
Happily, this beautiful farm also offers its own accommodation – but the highlight here is definitely its iconic tractor rides into the mountains.
Suitable for all ages, the Protea Farm Tractor Trip takes guests to the top of Arangieskop and back down again.
Included in the trip is Liesa’s famous potjiekos lunch, adding the finishing touch to a spectular, scenic trip into the mountains.
For more on pricing, bookings and availability, please contact the farm directly.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 3012, info@proteafarm.co.za
Website: www.proteafarm.co.za
Address: Protea Farm, Koo Valley, near Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Enjoy a Day Visit to the Avalon Springs
Another family-friendly attraction in Montagu is the ever-popular Avalon Springs Resort, which is famed for its incredible, heated (mountain spring-fed) pools.
Here, families can enjoy a fun day’s swimming, nature walks and of course, good food and accommodation too.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 1150
Website: www.avalonsprings.co.za
Address: Avalon Springs Resort, Montagu, Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Pay a Visit to the McGregor Donkey Sanctuary
Heading further afield to the charming town of McGregor, one finds a peaceful donkey sanctuary for previously abused, neglected or elderly animals.
At Eseltjiesrus, visitors can enjoy seeing these sweet, gentle donkeys; pop into the coffee shop; or even adopt/sponsor a farm donkey and help support this wonderful place.
It is a fun, educational and insightful spot to educate little ones on the importance of treating animals with love, respect and kindness.
Contact: 27 (023) 625 1593i, nfo@donkeysanctuary.co.za
Website: www.donkeysanctuary.co.za
Address: Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, McGregor, Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 Explore Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
Another gem on the McGregor road (some 15 kilometres outside Robertson) is the beautiful Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve.
Here, families can enjoy exploring beautiful hiking trails and boardwalks in this scenic, yet rugged Cape reserve.
There is also birdwatching, a number of hiking trails, MTB fun and picnicking to be enjoyed here.
For more information on bookings, permits and other reserve info, please visit the Cape Nature website.
Contact: +27 (087) 087 3895
Website: www.capenature.co.za
Address: Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Enjoy Nature Walks or MTB Trails at Van Loveren
Back to the diverse Van Loveren, we have excellent hiking and MTB trails for families to enjoy in the famous Robertson Wine Valley.
Guests can enjoy the picturesque Kingfisher Hiking Trail (with birdwatching opportunities as a bonus) or a choice of three different MTB trails.
There is an easy route for families, as well as some more advanced MTB options to enjoy.
For more information on permits, trail opening times and bike rentals, please contact the estate directly.
Contact: +27 (023)615 1505, tastings@vanloveren.co.za
Website: www.vanloveren.co.za
Address: Van Loveren, Robertson, Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Savour Family Meals at Saggy Stone Brewery
Last but far from least we have the lovely Saggy Stone Brewery.
This craft brewery, based near Robertson, is ideal for families to visit as it offers a great on-site restaurant.
This family-friendly eatery offers a relaxed vibe, as well as a selection of kiddie meals, like pizza, burgers and hot dogs.
While adults savour a cold one and some delicious food, kids can also soak up the outdoors and fresh air at this tranquil farm-style eatery.
Contact: +27 (023) 004 0301
Website: saggystone.co.za
Address: Saggy Stone Brewery, Amandalia, Robertson, Breede River Valley, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best activities for families to enjoy together in the Breede River Valley.