| Breede | |
| River | |
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The Breede River about 5km inland from its mouth.
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| Name origin: Dutch for "wide" or "broad". | |
| Country | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Region | Western Cape Province |
| Mouth | Witsand |
| - location | Indian Ocean |
| Length | 337 km (209 mi) |
| Basin | 12,384 km2 (4,781 sq mi) |
The Breede River (also known as Breë River), is a river in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Travelling inland north from Cape Town, the river runs in a west to east direction, the surrounding western mountains thus forming the first continental divide experienced by European settlers in the 18th century. The Titus River and Dwars River become the Breë River.
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The first catchment area of the river is in the Skurweberg mountain range close to Ceres. The head waters then runs through the modern day Mitchells pass before plaining out on its middle course in the Worcester area. The river mouth is at Port Beaufort in the Indian Ocean.
Passing on its course through the Breede River Valley, the Holsloot and Smalblaar Rivers joins from their catchment area of the Du Toitskloof- and Stettyn mountain ranges. The Hex River with its catchment area in the Hex River Mountains also joins the Breede River from a north-eastern direction in the valley. Further downstream the Slang River and Buffeljags River drain the southern slopes of the Langeberg mountains before depositing their water in the Breede River. Near Swellendam the river is joined by the Riviersonderend, with its catchment area in the mountains surrounding the Theewaterskloof Dam near Villiersdorp.
The Greater Brandvlei Dam, completed in 1936 and fully extended by 1987, provides water to various irrigation schemes through of the agricultural sector of the region. (also known as the Brandvlei Dam and the Kwaggaskloof Dam. In the catchment area are a few more dams:
River Rafting: The Breede River is a popular location for river rafting tours. The gently flowing water and the absence of crocodiles, hippos and mosquitoes make this a popular weekend destination. Several tour operators launch about 20 km south of Swellendam in two-man blow-up boats. There are Bull Sharks which live in and frequent the waters of the Breede River, and were featured on the second season of the series River Monsters.