Barry's Holiday Accommodation is now known as
WAVES OF WITSAND
Self-Catering Accommodation
on the Garden Route
AND SAVE!
Witsand - Garden Route - South Africa
SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION TO SUIT
ALL TASTES AND BUDGETS
Luxury - Midrange - Budget - Backpackers
Known as the Gateway to The Garden Route, Witsand is a charming fishing village situated at the mouth of the beautiful Breede River. In the days of sailing ships it was a port, which was used to transport farming produce to Cape Town. Nowadays it's known as South Africa's premier whale nursery, the country's best flat-water kitesurfing spot, and a prime fishing destination.
Waves Of Witsand has a wide range of self-catering options to suit all types of visitors, from kite surfers and international backpackers on a budget, to well-to-do whale watchers in search of luxury. We also cater to fishermen attracted by Witsand's wide variety, which includes river, surf, deep-sea and fly fishing. Witsand is also popular with hikers, bird watchers, cyclists, bikers and those simply looking to relax in the serenity of this exceptionally beautiful place.
We manage 10 self-catering properties with a total of over 100 beds. A full-time tourism business, we understand what holidaymakers are looking for. We provide a wealth of information about Witsand, and pride ourselves on quality personal service and excellent value for money. As responsible people with qualifications in sustainable tourism, we follow best practices in caring for the environment
For more information on Witsand and ourselves, please browse our website. For more on the accommodation options on offer, click on the links above, or on the map markers below.
View our properties by clicking the map markers below
WHY VISIT WITSAND?
1. IT'S THE START OF THE GARDEN ROUTE
The Garden Route officially starts on the Witsand side of the Breede River, and no tour is complete without visiting the town. Named for its beautiful wildflowers and abundant natural diversity, the Garden Route is one of South Africa's top tourist attractions for local and international visitors alike.
2. IT'S SOUTH AFRICA'S PREMIER WHALE NURSERY
Witsand is known as South Africa's whale nursery. Between July and November, up to 60 Southern Right mothers and their calves make St Sebastian Bay their home. The mothers give birth in this sheltered place and, when the babies are big enough, return to Antarctic waters. On a quiet night, you can hear them call from the shore.
3. IT'S SA'S BEST FLAT-WATER KITESURFING SPOT
Kitesurfers from around the world get their kicks both in the waves of St Sebastian Bay and the flat waters of the Breede River estuary's massive lagoon. The air is filled with kites in the area's windiest months (January - March).
4. OUTSTANDING ANGLING VARIETY
The Breede River has a very large estuary, providing opportunities for offshore, surf and river angling. It's a fishing paradise. Bait and basic tackle can be purchased locally, and there are several boat charter companies in Witsand.
5. SECURITY
Witsand has a history as a peaceful town with a very low crime rate. There is only one road in and out of the town, as well as a close-knit, vigilant community and an active policing forum. This contributes to an atmosphere of serenity and freedom in which visitors can enjoy their holidays to the full.
6. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PRACTICES
Witsand has an environmentally-protective community. We support the International Coastal Cleanup and the Lower Breede River Conservancy Trust. Waste is recycled and Witsand Poshpackers has a solar geyser, plus a grey water system. We also invest in socially uplifting projects, such as helping to fund university studies for one of our staff members' daughter, who is studying to become a teacher.
See what makes Witsand special.
See why Witsand is known as a world-class kiteboarding spot.
ABOUT US
Hi! We're Helen and Owen Jarman. We first came to Witsand on holiday in 2016, fell in love with it and decided to stay. On the spur of the moment, we bought a house and converted it into an upmarket backpackers' lodge. We've been living the dream ever since. We started off catering to international backpackers, kite surfers, cyclists, bikers and South Africans holidaying on an budget. But one thing has led to another, and we now manage holiday rentals for a bunch of other properties too...
