The resort, owned by Dirk Malan, forms part of a fully functional farm on one of a multitude of islands in the Gariep River. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the cultivation of grapes for the wine industry.
“It is our privilege to introduce our visitors to grape growing and to teach them more about the wine they have with their meals,” according to Malan.
The holiday and adventure resort was started by Dirk and his wife Hettie in 2003.
They are the fourth generation Malans to farm on the farm Malanshoek, which forms part of and area previously known as Bokeiland and belonged to Klaas Bok since 1885. Dirk’s great grandfather, Dirk, bought the land in 1926.
“Those were hard days. The area was wild and inhospitable. Oupa Dirk succeeded in taming a portion of the land for irrigation and my father Pieter tamed the rest,” he said.
Dirk’s great grandfather, Dirk, bought the land in 1926. “Those were hard days. The area was wild and inhospitable. Oupa Dirk succeeded in taming a portion of the land for irrigation and my father Pieter tamed the rest,” he said.
Today, Malanshoek includes 30ha vineyards, and the Kalahari Water Resort offers tourists the opportunity to explore the lower Gariep region of the Northern Cape. Activities include fishing, birdwatching, swimming and tubing on the river.
Kalahari Water is also a member of the Kokerboom Food and Wine route, while more adventurous tourist can explore the mountain biking and 4 x4 routes in the area.
Activities include fishing, birdwatching, swimming and tubing on the river.
Kalahari Water offers a wide range of accommodation to suit everyone’s needs and budgets, ranging from camping to fully-equipped self-catering units and a bush camp. The resort also has a venue for groups and day visitors.
Visitors can also take part in wine-tastings at the nearby Orange River Wine Cellars and Bezalel Cellar, or visit an exclusive quiver tree nursery, as well as the nearby Augrabies National Park.
Phone Kalahari Water on 054 461 2404 or 082 495 7999.
