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Malgas is a town in the Overberg area of the Western Cape, and forms part of the greater Swellendam area. Malgas is located inland along the Breede River and was once an important centre for trade along the river when the inland journey by ox-wagon took very long and it was easier to transport goods from ships in the bay via one of South Africa’s only navigable rivers. Previously referred to as Malagas, the name “Malgas” is apparently derived from the Portuguese mangas de velludo or “velvet sleeves” which refers to the wings of the Cape Gannet, a common bird in the area.
Malgas is famous for being one of the few places in the world where you can cross a river using a hand-drawn pontoon cable ferry, one of the many relics of this bygone era of river trade. Joseph Barry pioneered trade along the river with a steamer called the Kadie which used to transport wool, skins and bitter aloe sap to Cape Town and then return with supplies for the farmers. This steamer operated until 1865 when it was shipwrecked along the rocks and trade took a downward turn.
Today the area is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience a world removed from modern conveniences. With a hotel, a trading store and several seasonal restaurants, Malgas is a popular destination for those looking to unwind.
