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
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Availability
Any available room
5 rooms, sleeps 2 to 28
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CHECK-OUT
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October 2026
November 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.
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 · 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.
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 Swellendam
Important information
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tides Lodge located?
Tides Lodge is in Swellendam, 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, The Boathouse sleeps 2, Cob Cottage sleeps 6, Heron House sleeps 6 and Zebra Lodge sleeps 9.
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. You are not charged until the host accepts.
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Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.