Photos: Tides Lodge
About this place
Tides Lodge sits on the banks of the Breede River near Malgas in the Overberg, a green stretch of milkwoods, aloes and lawn running down to the water among the dry wheatlands. It is two and a half hours from Cape Town and half an hour from Swellendam, off the beaten track on the way to the Garden Route.
There are four self-catering houses, each with its own kitchen and braai: The Boathouse, an open-plan studio for two with a deck over the river; Cob Cottage, four bedrooms with a fireplace; Heron House, three bedrooms with a fitted kitchen and an indoor fireplace; and Zebra Lodge, four bedrooms for up to nine, a few metres from the water with river views from every room. Groups can take the whole lodge.
The Breede is one of South Africa's finest fishing estuaries, with tidal water reaching some 60 km upstream, and the mix of river, estuary, mountain and coastal habitats makes the Overberg a rewarding place for birding. De Hoop Nature Reserve is within reach for a day out, and sunset cruises and picnic trips up the river can be arranged with a local operator.
Amenities
Lounge
Wifi
Braai area
Fireplace
Garden
Outdoor dining area
Get to know where you stay
Keep exploring
Availability
Any available room
5 rooms, sleeps 2 to 28
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
Select date
November 2026
December 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
Rooms sleep 2 to 28
All four houses · 28 guests · 12 bedrooms
Exclusive use of the whole of Tides Lodge: Cob Cottage, Heron House, Zebra Lodge and The Boathouse together, for a group of up to 28. Booking the whole lodge takes every house, so it cannot be combined with a single-house booking on the same dates.
150 m² · Queen and four singles · 6 guests · 4 bedrooms
A four-bedroom cottage close to the river, with an open-plan kitchen leading to the living and dining area, a fireplace in the lounge, a guest bathroom downstairs and a private braai outside. There is no television.
100 m² · Three queens · 6 guests · 3 bedrooms
Three bedrooms, each with a queen-size bed, a lounge and dining room, a fitted kitchen, an indoor fireplace and an outside braai area, with Wi-Fi and DStv.
25 m² · Queen · 2 guests · 1 bedroom
An open-plan studio for two right by the river, with a queen-size bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge area with comfortable sofas, a private bathroom with a shower, DStv, and a deck with a braai looking over the water.
150 m² · Three queens and three singles · 9 guests · 4 bedrooms
Four bedrooms sleeping up to nine, set among milkwoods and aloes a few metres from the water, with river views from every room, a full kitchen, a fireplace, a terrace and a wood-fired hot tub.
Nature
What lives at Tides Lodge
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Malgas
Important information
Check-in and check-outIn 14:00 · Out 10:00
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changesNon-refundable
Refund schedule
- No refundcancel any time before check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Child PolicyFamily friendly
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome
Children aged 0 to 3 stay free. Children aged 4 to 12 pay R250 a night.
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation Policy
- No refundcancel any time before check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in from 14:00 • Check-out by 10:00
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tides Lodge located?
Tides Lodge is in Malgas, Western Cape, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Tides Lodge?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Contact the host directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.
How many guests can Tides Lodge accommodate?
Tides Lodge, exclusive use sleeps 28, Cob Cottage sleeps 6, Heron House sleeps 6, The Boathouse sleeps 2 and Zebra Lodge sleeps 9.
What causes does a booking at Tides Lodge support?
A portion of every booking at Tides Lodge contributes to Barrydale Hospice. See the property's causes section for how the funds are used.
How do I book Tides Lodge?
Select your dates on the Tides Lodge property page and submit a booking request. The host confirms availability, then you pay securely through Spekboom to complete the reservation.
Book your stay
Book on Spekboom. Request to book.
Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.
