Stays by Rivers and Dams in the Western Cape
Nanje Lourens, 1 December 2025
Reading time: 7 minutes
Looking for Western Cape accommodation with beautiful water views? Staying near rivers and dams is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the region. From self-catering cottages to secluded lodges, waterside accommodation in the Western Cape offers the perfect mix of comfort, nature, and adventure — ideal for couples, families, and weekend travellers.
The Perfect Mix of Nature and Comfort
The Western Cape is dotted with iconic waterways, from the Breede and Goukou to the Kaaimans and Olifants Rivers, each surrounded by lush fynbos, towering mountains, farmlands, and forests. Staying near these rivers and some of the area’s most scenic farm dams means you can enjoy the outdoors from the moment you wake up. It’s the kind of slower, scenic escape that makes travellers return year after year.
These regions are especially loved for:
– Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddling, with calm stretches perfect for beginners and kids
– Swimming spots ranging from deep river pools to clear farm dams
– Fishing opportunities, including trout-rich rivers and peaceful dam banks
– Hiking and mountain biking trails suited to all levels
– Birdwatching and wildlife moments, ideal for nature photographers
– Unbelievable stargazing, especially at off-grid, eco-friendly stays far from city lights
Top River & Dam Stays in the Western Cape
Discover the Western Cape’s most charming river- and dam-side stays, from cosy cottages to secluded lodges. Each spot offers stunning views, water activities, and peaceful surroundings that are perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a memorable getaway.
Kransfontein
Still Bay
Kransfontein sits along the scenic Goukou River, just outside Still Bay, offering six charming farm-style units scattered across an olive farm. With units accommodating between two and six guests, this is a peaceful spot for couples, families, or friends seeking river views right on their doorstep. Each unit features a private bathroom, equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV with selected DStv channels, gas braai, and access to bush braais. Guests will love evenings on the terrace, sunny days on the river’s edge, and the overall tranquillity of the farm.
Somerset Gift Getaway Farm
Swellendam
Set 16 km outside Swellendam, Somerset Gift Getaway Farm offers an idyllic riverside escape with pet-friendly accommodation options perfect for couples, families, and larger groups. Choose between the cosy Loerie Cottage, the petite Little Bushbuck Cottage, or the spacious Manor House, sleeping up to ten adults and six children. All units feature well-equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, covered patios with braai facilities, and access to a private wood-fired hot tub. Guests can enjoy swimming, canoeing, fishing, zip-lining, and scenic nature walks along the river, with local shops and eateries just a short drive away.
Kaaimans River Cottage
Wilderness
Accessible only by boat or canoe, Kaaimans River Cottage offers one of the most unique river stays in the Western Cape. Sleeping up to six guests with extra space for two kids in a loft, this self-catering and pet-friendly cottage near Wilderness features a well-equipped kitchen, cosy fireplace, and a spacious deck overlooking the river. Guests can canoe to the secluded Kaaimans Beach or visit the iconic Kaaimans Waterfall. This off-grid, nature-rich escape is perfect for families and groups wanting adventure, privacy, and unforgettable river views.
Tides River Lodge
Malgas
Nestled in Malgas in a sheltered cove of the Breede River, Tides River Lodge is a favourite for travellers seeking riverfront tranquillity. The four self-catering houses include the Boathouse, which accommodates two guests, Cob Cottage for six guests, Heron House for six guests, and Zebra Lodge for nine guests, all located metres from the riverbank and fully equipped with kitchens, verandahs, braai facilities, Wi-Fi, and hot tubs, some of which are private. Guests can spend their days canoeing on the river, spotting birds, cycling, paddling, or exploring the nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve. It’s the perfect off-the-track getaway where comfort meets the beauty of the outdoors.
Dalriada Cottage
Plettenberg Bay
Modern, elevated, and beautifully positioned above the Keurbooms River, Dalriada Cottage is ideal for couples or small families. The cottage features three bedrooms, a loft, and three bathrooms, as well as a separate outdoor bedroom with a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom. Fully equipped with a dishwasher, washing machine, DStv, a fireplace, and a spacious verandah, this secure eco-estate stay offers excellent fishing, boating, swimming, and birdlife — all within 10 minutes of Plettenberg Bay.
Asher Riverside Cottages
Bonnievale
Overlooking the Breede River and Langeberg mountains, Asher Riverside Cottages offers four spacious cottages, each accommodating up to eight guests. Featuring two bedrooms, a loft, two bathrooms, full kitchens, fireplaces, DStv access, and large verandahs with braai areas, these cottages are ideal for family gatherings or group stays. Each unit features a wood-fired hot tub and easy access to river activities, scenic farmland, and Bonnievale’s wine farms.
Platbos Log Cabins
Slanghoek Valley
Tucked into a quiet valley on the slopes of the Slanghoek Mountains, Platbos Log Cabins include the Kliphout, Geelhout, and Olienhout Cabins and offer a cosy, off-the-grid stay perfect for families or small groups. Each cabin sleeps six guests in two bedrooms plus a loft room, and features a bathroom, well-equipped kitchen, dining area, and deck with outdoor seating and braai facilities. The location is known for fly fishing, hiking to waterfalls, fynbos trails, mountain biking, and dam swimming. Please note that a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for all guests.
Dam House Cottage
Franschhoek
Perched beside a tranquil dam at Wildeberg Wines, Dam House Cottage is perfect for couples seeking a serene Franschhoek escape. This open-plan, modern cottage includes a queen-size bed, a stylish en-suite bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and a sunny deck with braai facilities overlooking the water. Surrounded by fynbos and vineyards, it’s a calm, luxurious retreat near world-class restaurants and wine estates.
Uitsig Cottages
Ladismith
Set among farm dams with sweeping views of the Swartberg Mountains, Uitsig Cottages offer a peaceful farm-style experience powered by solar and gas just outside Ladismith. Both Hemelrand and Gelukstroom include two bedrooms, full bathrooms, equipped kitchens, indoor and outdoor braai areas, and private wood-fired splash pools. It’s a perfect escape for small families or couples that enjoy mountain biking, hiking, swimming in the farm dam, and quiet evenings around the fire.
Goedemoed Reflect
Montagu
Goedemoed Reflect is a romantic, open-plan cottage set on a tranquil farm 16 km outside Montagu. With a queen-size bed, en-suite bathroom, well-equipped kitchenette, indoor fireplace, and a wood-fired hot tub overlooking the dam and mountains, this stay is designed for couples looking to disconnect and unwind. Guests can sunbathe, relax on the deck, or swim in the dam while soaking up uninterrupted views.
Black Eagle Lodges – The Lodge
Caledon
Set on a quiet dam outside Caledon, The Lodge is an eco-friendly stone retreat sleeping up to six guests plus two children. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a loft space, a full kitchen, an indoor stone fireplace, and a boma-style braai area, this lodge is perfect for families or groups. The wood-fired hot tub adds a luxurious touch while the remote farm location promises peace, starry nights, and a charming farm atmosphere.
The Trout Pod
Prince Alfred Hamlet
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Olifants River, The Trout Pod is a dream for fly fishermen and nature lovers. This off-the-grid cottage near Prince Alfred Hamlet sleeps four guests in two en-suite bedrooms and features a full kitchen, wood-fired hot tub, patio with braai facilities, and access to a natural riverside pool. With no TV, Wi-Fi or signal, it’s a true digital detox retreat where guests can enjoy birdwatching, swimming, and catch-and-release trout fishing.
Book Your Ideal Waterside Escape in the Western Cape
From riverside adventures to tranquil dam retreats, the Western Cape has unforgettable stays for couples, families, and friends alike. The perfect getaway awaits, so book, relax, explore, and wake up to nature at your doorstep.
Main image: Tides River Lodge
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