Wittedrift

• Province: Western Cape
• Garden Route
• Coordinates: 34°00′26″S 23°20′18″E
• Area: 1.60 km2
• Municipality­; Bitou

Wittedrift is situated inland from Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route region of the Western Cape. The settlement is situated just before the intersection where the gravel road down the pass from the N2  crosses the Bitou River, and intersects with the N2 Keurbooms – Uniondale Road. The settlement is surrounded by agricultural land and wetlands, with road access linking it to Plettenberg Bay and neighbouring rural areas.

History of Wittedrift

Wittedrift was originally inhabited by the Khoi and San people, who lived off the land, hunting, gathering, and trading with passing travellers. The region was rich in wildlife, and the river provided a vital water source.

Wittedrift developed as a rural farming settlement linked to early agricultural activity along the river, wetland and salt marshes. The area historically served as a river crossing, and the farming community supported livestock and crop production. Over time, Wittedrift remained small and agricultural in character, with limited urban development, maintaining strong ties to surrounding farms and the nearby town of Plettenberg Bay.

. The town’s name, which translates to “White Drift,” is thought to be derived from the pale sandbanks along the river or from the misty mornings that often envelop the area.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Wittedrift began to evolve as a tourism destination. Its proximity to  Plettenberg Bay made it an attractive destination. Today, the area retains much of its historical character. The area is known for its warm community and the blend of traditional farming practices with modern living.

The postcode for Wittedrift is 6603

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

local weather today

Browse businesses and places to visit in Wittedrift

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

• Emergency Services

• Police: Plettenberg Bay – 044 501 1900/044 501 3000 
• Fire: 044 533 5000
• Ambulance: 10177

• Medical

• Closest hospital; Mediclinic Plettenberg Bay-044 501 5100
• Clinic- 044 535 9061
• Pharmacy; Robberg Pharmacy-044 501 4630

• Municipal & Utilities

• Electricity: 044 501 3260

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic department: 044 501 3240 / 3251

• Community & Safety

• NSRI 087 094 9774
• SPCA: PAWS Plett Animal Welfare Service-083 287 9917

• Local Contacts and Community Resources in

• Post office; Plettenberg Bay- 044 533 1260
• Library: New Horizons -044 501 3128

• Schools in Wittedrift

• Wittedrift High School – 044 535 9731