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Cape

ROUTE Planner

Cape Town Routes Unlimited and Southern African Tourism Update bring you six Beyond the 90 Minutes routes to tantalise your taste buds and revel in the province’s rich heritage.

Robertson-Swellendam Route

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This route is a delight for culture and history buffs, as well as offering gourmet gluttons an unrivalled taste of luscious local fare Highlights include: • Klipdrift Brandy Distillery and its on-site restaurant Die Brandewyntuin • El Olivar olive farm • The Jam Factory • La Mont dairy farm • Wildebraam Berry Estate • The Drostdy

Ceres Fruit Route

pg 4-5

The Ceres Fruit Route, which runs from Worcester to Tulbagh, is characterised by its fertile valleys and majestic mountain ranges.

Highlights include: • Worcester Wine Route • Baba’s Jêm with its jams, chutneys and atchars • Kimilili Cheese Farm • Moniki Chocolates • Tulbagh Olive Route

Cederberg Route

pg 6-7

Spring flowers, Rooibos tea and San rock art are what make this picturesque route famous and popular Highlights include: • Goede Hoop Citrus • The Rooibos Factory in Clanwilliam • The Sevilla Rock Art Trail • Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve • The Khoisan Kitchen • The Baths near Citrusdal

Gourmet Garden Route

pg 8-9

Already a staple among international travellers, the Garden Route is a foodie’s dream Highlights include: • The Oystercatcher Trail • The Outeniqua Country Hop • Timberlake Organic Village • Sedgefield’s Wild Oats Farmers’ Market • Mitchell’s Knysna Brewery • Trumilk Dairy • Nyati Mampoer Distillery

Calitzdorp Port Route

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Centrally located on Route 62, the Calitzdorp-Prince Albert route is a haven for wine and port enthusiasts as well as being the scenic marvel of the Klein Karoo Highlights include: • The Deli at the Rose of The Karoo with its homemade delicacies • Lunch with Ma Bettie Jantjies • The Dysseldorp Liquorice Factory • Swartbult Figs • African Relish cooking school • Prince Albert Olive Festival

The Overberg Route

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From shipwrecks to whales, the Overberg is so much more than just the heart of South Africa’s apple growing district Highlights include: • The Elgin Vintners • The Oude Molen Distillery • Rouxwil Country House and its working farm • Genadendal German Mission Station • De Hoop Nature Reserve • Trout fishing at Voorhoede • Deep-sea fishing trips from Arniston

Route Planner

CAPE TOWN and the western cape www.tourismcapetown.co.za

Cape Town & Western Cape Route Planner Offering a gourmet and heritage look at the Western Cape, the Cape Town Routes Unlimited Route Planner (produced by Now Media’s Southern African Tourism Update) takes a special look at what the province offers by way of gourmet experiences and heritage.

2010 destination marketing campaign drive by Cape Town Routes Unlimited

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eeping their eye firmly on the ball past 2010 is destination Cape Town and the Western Cape with its Beyond the 90 Minutes campaign, motivating visitors and locals to travel in the province before, during and after the FIFA World Cup™.

Six themed itineraries have been custom-made for football fans and other travellers: • Score an Adrenaline Hat Trick: An adventure starting with a rappel down Table Mountain.

• Cheer a Killer Pass On and Off the Field: Taking in some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular scenery.

• When your craving demands more than a burger: Taste the Cape’s authentic flavours experiencing delights such as bobotie.

• Take in a bit of Cape culture as your team goes

From port-producing vineyards at Calitzdorp to San rock art in the Cederberg, the Western Cape and its gourmet and heritage destinations, attractions and products truly exceed the expectations of even the most discerning of travellers.

Routes include

Potential visitors can see the actual experiences of real fans travelling to and revelling in the diverse offerings of the destination in the same season as when the tournament will be played.

for glory: A myriad of cultural and historical experiences to enjoy.

• When the Vuvuzela starts getting to you: For visitors seeking solitude and sanctuary.

• Living it up when the final whistle blows: Keeping fans entertained in the party capital.

From the beautiful people in Camps Bay clubbing until dawn, enjoying the city lights from Signal Hill, there’s a lot to keep vibrant fans on the go.

Diving with sharks, riding quad bikes, horses and ostriches, playing golf, enjoying the stunning views, playing pick-up footie with the locals - these and dozens and dozens of other experiences have been captured in real time, as they were enjoyed by fans.

The campaign features YouTube clips of international soccer fans experiencing some of these travel itineraries.

YouTube clips of their experiences can be seen on at www.youtube.com/tourismcapetown or www.beyondthe90minutes.com.

A trove of new documentary-style short videos tell in 12 languages the actual stories of 40 fans from more than 18 countries as they explore the region for themselves from end to end.

Beyond the videos, many of the fans have also shared thoughts and memories of their experiences in blog postings which can be on www.beyondthe90minutes.com.

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Swellendam Ro • Robertson to ute Ro • Ceres Fruit e ut Ro g er rb • Cede en Route • Gourmet Gard rt Route • Calitzdorp Po e • Overberg Rout

2010 l 1

Route Planner

CAPE TOWN and the western cape www.tourismcapetown.co.za

Robertson-

Swellendam Route This route is a delight for culture and history buffs, as well as gourmet gluttons…

ROBERTSON Established in 1852, Robertson had already developed a reputation for its fruit, ostrich produce, wine and brandy.

GETTING THERE • Montagu - 29km • Worcester - 40km • Hermanus - 154 km • Cape Town - 160km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n ‘Why-ne’ not?

In Robertson alone there are an estimated 50 wineries, but those most recognized include Robertson Winery, Van Loveren, Fraai Uitzicht 1798, Dewetshof Estate and Rietvalley Wine Estate. Most of these wineries have wine tasting and cellar tours available.

Every year, the area hosts a range of fun events around the wine theme, including the Wacky Wine Weekend (June), Robertson Slow (August), Robertson Wine on the River (October) and the Hands on Harvest (February). n Fraternising with the locals…

Guided township tours including food tasting and sangoma visits can be scheduled by the Robertson Tourist Office. Meanwhile, The Robertson’s Farmer’s Market is held every second Saturday at the Robertson Tourism Office where visitors can buy cakes, pies and organic produce. n A-maze-ing value Soekershof is an interactive and whimsical exploration of mazes and gardens covering 10 hectares in Klaas Voogds West, 10km east of Robertson.

Visitors can explore the original succulent garden of Marthinus Malherbe, who is buried there, and see the oldest cactus in South Africa, which dates from 1910. Also on offer is an acclaimed outdoor succulent collection with more than 2 400 registered succulent plants.

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n Met ‘eish’ For brandy lovers, the South African Klipdrift Brandy Distillery is located on Voortrekker Road and offers guided tours and hearty homemade meals with a Klipdrift twist at its on-site restaurant, Die Brandewyntuin. n Mount Olive The award-winning Olyfberg olive oil starts its journey on the farm El Olivar near Robertson. Olyfberg olive products are available from most of the farm stalls in the Robertson area.

The cellar is also open from Monday to Friday for cellar tours and tasting of olive oils and products.

BC RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS n Robertson Small Hotel Located in the heart of Robertson, visitors will find the quaint Robertson Small Hotel providing luxury accommodation and fine cuisine at its signature restaurant Reuben’s.

The hotel’s 10 luxury suites can accommodate 20 guests. www.therobertsonsmallhotel.com n Leipzig Country House Nestled at the foot of the Rabie Mountain in the picturesque Nuy Valley lies Leipzig Country House with its beautifully newly-renovated Cape Dutch buildings. The property has 20 rooms available. www.leipzigcountryhouse.co.za n Excelsior Manor Guesthouse Located in the Breede River Valley, Excelsior Manor Guesthouse is a restored “Feather Palace” farmhouse.

Guests at Excelsior Manor can enjoy a private tasting of the range of wines and wine blending. Guests can also participate in cellar tours. www.excelsiormanor.co.za

McGREGOR Originally called Lady Grey and renamed McGregor in 1906, this town is fairly well sheltered from main routes which is why it has managed to preserve its quaint historic charm.

GETTING THERE • Robertson - 21km • Swellendam - 87km • Cape Town - 171km • Montagu - 46 km

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STAR ATTRACTIONS

n McGregor on the map McGregor Winery has been producing wine since 1950 and, in 2004, the McGregor Wine Company was formed to promote “McGregor Wines”. A range of reds, whites, dessert wine and rosés are available under the name. n A little bit of olive culture Rhebokskaal Olive Estate invites visitors to stroll through its olive grove, to learn about the history of the olive growing and curing process, as well as cooking methods and the olive’s medicinal value. For sale in the village shop is homemade bread with olive pâté or jam, olive quiche, olive chutney and even olive chocolates. n Tanagra time Located between McGregor and Robertson, Tanagra produces its own wines and has its own boutique wine cellar. The farm has a boutique distillery that produces a range of Grappa and Eau de Vie.

MONTAGU Founded in 1851, Montagu is perhaps best known today for its hot mineral springs, fruit and wines including muscadel.

GETTING THERE • Cape Town – 200km • McGregor – 46km • Robertson- 29km • Swellendam – 50km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n History on a cart…

Country Life Adventures offers historical tours around Montagu while enjoying a ride on a donkey cart. But if you prefer using pedal power, bicycles are also for hire. Alternatively Montagu Cycle Hire hires mountain bikes for off-road riding in the area. n Sticky jam anyone?

The Jam Factory started life as a restaurant in the 1980s but it soon gave way to a popular jam manufacturing and sales centre. The shop’s range includes jams, marmalades, preserves, chutneys and relishes and all products are handmade according to traditional recipes with extra fruit.

n Dried and tasty Montagu Dried Fruit Farm Stall & Wine Boutique are the most recent additions to the already impressive collection of buildings on the premises of Montagu Dried Fruit & Nuts, one of the largest exporters of dried fruit in South Africa. The Farm Stall offers a wide variety of different products at wholesale prices. There are also other locally-produced products such as homemade jams, chutneys, rusks, biltong, ‘droëwors’, olives and olive oil. n Potjiekos parade Protea Farm offers tractor excursions up the Langeberg mountain to an altitude of 1 500m above sea level. The tractor trips are available on Wednesday and Saturdays and offer a birds-eye view of the Koo Valley and Robertson Valley below. Not to be missed is the farm’s legendary potjiekos lunch following the tractor ride, including such traditional favourites as ‘Waterblommetjie’ stew, curry beef, ‘vetkoek’ and homemade bread with jam. n A cheesy state of affairs La Mont dairy farm is located south of Montagu on the way to Swellendam at the foot of the Langeberg mountains, which is particularly suitable for dairy farming. In addition to Danish feta, the farm also produces pecorino, parmesan and haloumi which are all for sale at its Montagne Deli. The farm has partnered with Van Loveren Cellar to sell a wide variety of cheese and wine. Montagne offers a gourmet fantasy on its wooden deck with cheese and wine pairing, as well as freshly baked bread and other locally produced delicacies. n Feeling crafty?

Montagu has its very own Arts and Crafts Route that takes visitors around the small town to see and buy local crafts. Visit Alpacasfelt which is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays and offers luxurious Alpaca products. A small entry fee includes a tour of the alpaca farm.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Montagu Country Hotel This quirky Art Deco-styled hotel specialises in traditional cuisine provided by its fabulous Wild Apricot restaurant, and offers guests access to a wellness centre with a variety of hot spring-themed treatments and tours of the winelands in a chauffeur-driven Cadillac. www.montagucountryhotel.co.za

SWELLENDAM Remnants of Swellendam’s historical heyday are well preserved in the form of several historic buildings in Cape Dutch, Cape Georgian and Cape Victorian style dotted around the town.

GETTING THERE Distance from Swellendam: • Cape Town – 224km • McGregor – 66km • Robertson – 62km • Montagu – 50km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n In search of ‘berried’ treasure Wildebraam Berry Estate is a great spot for absorbing Swellendam’s country town feel. The estate, located just 3km outside Swellendam (the largest youngberry growing area in SA) offers private cellar tours, as well as an array of delicious liqueurs, jams, syrups, chutneys, relishes and pickles all of which can be tasted and bought. Pick up a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely lunch on the farm or stay over at the Wildebraam Berry Cottage. n Faeries do exist!

Sulina’s Faerie Sanctuary on Buitekant Street is a magical place and home to faeries of all shapes, sizes and colours; some standing boldly in plain view, others peeking out from beneath flowers. Sulina is a non-profit organisation whose proceeds go to local charities. n The Drostdy Swellendam is the third-oldest landdrost district in South Africa. The Drostdy was built as the seat of the magistrate or ‘landdros’ in 1747 in the Cape Dutch style with a thatched roof. For many years the building was the most important building in the town and today it is home to the renowned Drostdy museum. It offers such exhibits as period furniture, dating back to the 18th century. The gaol was built shortly after the Drostdy and was originally a simple, long building with cells at the rear of the buildings. It is also the site of one of South Africa’s last remaining working watermills.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Jan Harmsgat Guest Farm Jan Harmsgat Guest Farm offers an authentic Overberg-style stopover with accommodation in three separate buildings: The Original Wine Cellar (main house), The Slave Quarters and Van Eeden House. The Slave Quarters is a Cape Dutch-style building, originating in 1723, while the original wine cellar with metre thick walls, thatch roof and original doors, still boasts an impressive wine collection. Activities include wine tasting and cheese making. Famous for its artisan cheese making, preserves, and orchards, Jan Harmsgat provides an award-winning dining experience. www.jhghouse.com

ONLINE RESOURCES Robertson Tourism Office www.robertson62.com Robertson Wine Valley www.robertsonwinevalley.com McGregor Tourism Office www.mcgregor.org.za Montagu Tourism www.montagu.org.za Montagu / Ashton Tourism Bureau www.montagu-ashton.info Swellendam Tourism Bureau www.swellendamtourism.co.za/ Cape Route 62 www.route62.co.za Cape Country Routes www.capecountryroutes.com

2010 l 3

Route Planner

CAPE TOWN and the western cape www.tourismcapetown.co.za

Ceres

Fruit Route

The Ceres Fruit Route, which runs from Worcester to Tulbagh, is characterised by its fertile valleys...

WORCESTER

BC RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

The town of Worcester and wine have a relationship spanning centuries.

n Die Eike Farm Die Eike Farm accommodation is on a working wine and fruit farm in the heart of the Breedekloof Wine Route.

The house is an original Cape Dutch homestead from the early 1800s. Wine tasting trails through the vineyards to the local cellar Badsberg Co-op Winery are offered. www.eikebb.co.za

GETTING THERE • Cape Town – 110km • Wellington – 65km • Ceres – 51km • Tulbagh – 60km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n A lazy float along the river The Breede Otter Riverboat is located on the scenic Route 43 (between Worcester and Villiersdorp) in the Scherpenheuwel area. Cruises last approximately an hour. During the cruise traditional Boerekos is served: ‘gebraaide snoek’, homemade bread with Hanepoot ‘korrelkonfyt’! n Brandy time?

The KWV House of Brandy is the largest brandy-distilling cellar in the world where visitors can experience the different stages of brandy making. n Wine tasting with a difference The Worcester Wine Route is famous for award-winning national wines. Most cellars also offer a variety of activities such as the Kwaggaskloof 4x4 Day, Wine-A-Way Golf Day, Trekker & Wa Safari, farm bazaars and auctions. The Conradie Family offer visitors wine tasting with a difference. The special horse-drawn cart takes visitors on a trip that includes olive tasting at the Willow Creek Olive Estate in the Nuy Valley and wine tasting at both the Conradie Boutique Cellar and Nuy Wine Cellar.

Other cellars include the New Cape wine estate for wine tasting; the Boschemela restaurant for lunch and horse riding; the Bladsberg wine estate for wine tasting and picnics; and De Wet Cellar, one of only a few cellars marketing a wine with the ‘Heart Mark’ of the South African Heart Foundation.

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WELLINGTON The area became known as Val Du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the Wagonmaker) towards the end of the 17th century when the French Huguenots settled there. The valley is known for its dried fruit and wine.

GETTING THERE Bainskloof Pass links Wellington to Ceres and Worcester.

• Cape Town – 84km • Worcester – 65km • Ceres – 53km • Tulbagh – 52km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Cheers to Wellington!

The Wellington wine and brandy route is small and compact and the cellars are within easy driving distance of each other.

Members of this route all open their properties to the public, some only by appointment. The Wellington Wine Walk, a three-day hike through vineyards, orchards and indigenous fynbos, includes wine tasting and samplings of cheeses and olives with stopovers at the historic Huguenot farms. n A four-hoof drive Diemersfontein Estate has daily outrides taking visitors through the vineyards of two historic wine farms. Guests can indulge in some wine tasting at two old Huguenot farms. The ride continues through the local vineyards for wine, olive and olive oil tasting at Klein Rhebokskloof – a boutique wine and olive estate.

n Picking berries Strawberries, raspberries, youngberries and Cape gooseberries are on the menu at Wellington’s renowned berry farm where you can take a guided tour or spend a few tranquil hours filling your basket with handpicked berries.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Oude Wellington Enjoy your stay on the historic Cape Dutch Oude Wellington Estate of 1790 with thatched roofs and a spectacular view over vineyards and mountains. Oude Wellington Estate manufactures handcrafted red/white wines, grappa and brandy. www.kapwein.com

CERES Ceres is widely regarded as one of the leading environmental fruit producing districts in South Africa. Snow can be found on the surrounding mountains in winter.

GETTING THERE • Cape Town – 164km • Worcester – 51km • Wellington – 53km • Tulbagh – 33km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Fruit extravaganza Peaches, nectarines, apples, apricots, pears and cherries are grown in the Ceres district, and visitors are welcome to tour orchards and fruit-packing houses on the Ceres Fruit Route, particularly between December and April during fruit picking season. The Ceres Tourism Bureau offers numerous guided tour to visit a working fruit farm or to see packaging and drying of fruit. Ceres Fruit Growers has one of the biggest pack sheds for fresh fruit where tourists can see the process of washing, sorting, and packaging of fruit. Klondyke Farm is a haven for cherry pickers. Cherry time is from the last week in November till end December. You are welcome to spend the day here and picnic or braai in the shade of the pine trees. Merino is a working fruit farm 25 km outside Ceres, at the foot of the Waboomsberge. n Baba’s Jêm Visitors are welcomed at Baba’s Jêm by Eileen Baron. Browse through her kitchen and lounge for unique and interesting varieties of jams, chutneys, atchars and pickles. At Baba’s Jêm, demonstrations are given of how to make various traditional foods such as ‘mosbeskuit’, ovenbread (baked in a wood-fired oven), ‘vetkoek’ and various jams. Also served from the kitchen is traditional Cape Malay cooking like roti, vegetarian curry, vetkoek, chakalaka and samoosas. After tasting and eating, try Eileen’s home-brewed ginger beer or moerkoffie (coffee made from roasted coffee beans placed in a muslin bag and brewed in a tin coffee pot).

n Rocky creations The Ceres Nature Reserve is located on the slopes of the Witzenberg. San paintings can be seen in the rock shelters in this area. At Op-die-Berg, 45km from Ceres, it’s possible to see some of the best San paintings with local guides from the Wethu Experience. This hourlong walk takes you to meet interesting people including local storytellers, a reformed gangster and a former Springbok rugby player.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve Kagga Kamma is world renowned for its magnificent rock formations, scenic beauty and San rock art. The property offers 10 ‘cave’ rooms and five thatched rondavels. There is also a culture tour to the ancient San living sites and rock paintings. Guided stargazing at a mini observatory with a hi-tech 25cm telescope is also available. www.kaggakamma.co.za

TULBAGH Tulbagh is home to the largest concentration of National Monuments in one street in South Africa and retains its old-world charm, this despite an earthquake having damaged the town in 1969.

GETTING THERE • Cape Town – 129km • Worcester – 60km • Wellington – 52km • Ceres – 33km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Say cheese!

Kimilili Cheese Farm produces handcrafted farmhouse cheeses in the French and Swiss cheese-making tradition. As a ‘Fermier’ cheese maker, the farm rears its own cows and processes its own milk to ensure quality. n Calling all chocoholics!

South African-born Niki de Wolf established Moniki Chocolates in 2005. The emphasis is on handmade high-quality products using only the best fresh ingredients. Chocolate tasting is available and wine and chocolate lovers can do a special tasting pairing the two. n Steeped in history The Oude Kerk Volks Museum complex is open seven days a week and showcases the Old Church Museum, the oldest crossform church in South Africa, and a fantastic collection of Cape furniture. It is also home to the Earthquake Museum, which explores the valley’s history and how Tulbagh was rebuilt after the 1969 earthquake. Built in 1804, De Oude Drostdy is a national monument which even offers wine tasting in the candlelit old gaol. n Oiled up and ready to go Let your tastebuds explore the Tulbagh Olive Route and see how olive oil is made at Groote Vallei, De Heuvel, Waverley Hills or Bucks Ridge. De Heuvel olive oil is made from olives handpicked during autumn and winter to ensure top quality produce.

n Wine your way to Tulbagh Tulbagh has its very own wine route: The Tulbagh Wine Route. Twee Jonge Gezellen Estate was established in 1710 and is one of South Africa’s oldest estates. Don’t miss the ‘champagne’ cellar tour at 11h00 and 15h00 (Saturday, 11h00 only). Saronsburg Wine Estate leapt onto the map in 1997 and deservedly has become one of the most popular wine estates in the Tulbagh valley. Rijk’s Private Cellar offers exclusive wines in a spacious and light modern cellar. Lucielia’s grand tour through the 12 reds and whites is an absolute must.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Rijk’s Country House This five-star country house is located on Rijk’s Wine Farm. Superior rooms and family villas in the Cape Dutch-style have their own terraces overlooking a river. International and traditional cuisine can be enjoyed in the hotel’s intimate restaurant, Que Sera, or at a high table in the private dining area, Mon Ami. africanpridehotels.com/rijks-country-house.html n Cape Dutch Quarters Tulbagh The Cape Dutch Quarters Tulbagh is a portfolio of heritage properties offering a range of accommodation in Tulbagh village: • Tulbagh Country Manor guesthouse accommodating up to 12 people. The guesthouse is situated in a beautifully restored 200-year-old manor house.

• Wittedrift Manor House is a self-catering mansion in Church Street, which sleeps up to 12 in three double family suites.

• Little Courtyards self-catering accommodation is situated in a beautiful Cape Dutch house that sleeps six people in three bedrooms.

• The Wagon Shed is a luxury self-catering accommodation unit that sleeps two.

• Tulbagh Travellers Lodge is a ‘flashpackers’ accommodation option that sleeps 12 in four double, triple, twin and bunkrooms. www.cdq.co.za

ONLINE RESOURCES Worcester Wine Route www.worcesterwineroute.co.za Worcester www.gardenroute.co.za/worcester Worcester Tourism www.worcestertourism.com Tulbagh Info www.tulbagh.net Tulbagh Tourism www.tulbaghtourism.org.za Ceres Tourism www.tourismceres.co.za Ceres Fruit Growers www.cfg.co.za Baba’s Jem www.babasjem.co.za Klondyke Cherry Farm www.cherryfarm.co.za Route 62 www.route62.co.za

2010 l 5

Route Planner

CAPE TOWN and the western cape www.tourismcapetown.co.za

Cederberg Route Spring flowers, Rooibos tea and San rock art make this picturesque route famous and popular...

CITRUSDAL Citrusdal is the gateway to the Cederberg and the spring flower capital of Namaqualand. It owes its name to the citrus orchards in the area.

GETTING THERE Citrusdal is situated less than two hours from Cape Town on the N7 to Namibia, at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains.

• Cape Town – 178km • Clanwilliam – 62km • Cederberg – 74km • Ceres – 144km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Pack up and go Goede Hoop Citrus is the largest single citrus packing operation in South Africa and sources the bulk of its citrus fruit from Citrusdal. Goede Hoop offers tours during fruit season (for parties of five or more). This is a fascinating educational tour through the various stages of the sorting and packing process. n Hiking the Cederberg Citrusdal and its surrounding area are very popular with hikers and mountaineers. For mountaineering, head off to the Wolfberg Arch and Cracks, the Maltese Cross, Tafelberg or Sneeuberg.

And for the not-so-fit there is Maalgat pool and the Stadsaal (city hall) caves.

Shorter walks include the Cederberg Winery, which has been making wines since the late 1970s. n Golden vines Citrusdal is the centre of what the Dutch called the ‘Goue Vallei’ area (Golden Valley) and is home to the 78-member co-op, Citrusdal Cellars. Travellers can visit the Golden Valley Wine Cellar in the centre of town where they can taste wine or buy the fruit the town is so famous for. For unique wines, enthusiasts can wander further up the mountain to the Piekenierskloof Estates. Wines of the Piekenierskloof are truly unique and are produced from the Grenache bushvines, the oldest vines in South Africa. Another possibility is a visit to Tierhoek’s cellar and vineyards, which is situated high in Piekenierskloof mountain. Its flagship is the Chenin Blanc, made from low-

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yielding 30-year-old trellised vines and barrel fermented in French oak to express the full flavours of this variety. n Buchu anyone?

Buchu is a herb that was introduced to early colonists by Khoi pastoralists.

Traditionally used as a household medicine for stomach and bladder disorders, gout and the treatment of wounds, it was steeped in brandy for internal use as the famous buchu brandy or ‘boegoebrandewyn’ and in vinegar for external use as ‘boegoeasyn’. As a herbal medicine, buchu is used today in various forms including tinctures and teas for urinary tract ailments, cystitis and prostates, and as a mild diuretic.

Both rooibos and buchu grow naturally at Waterval, Bovlei and Witelsboschkloof farms on the slopes of the Skimmelberg Mountain. n Getting hot, hot, hot…

The Baths, located close to Citrusdal, feature natural hot water springs of 43ºC. According to legend, the spring was discovered by a herdsman and his ox, which kicked open the spring with his hoof. The San used this hot spring as a pivotal life source for many years.

Evidence of this can be found in the rock art found near The Baths. Today, The Baths have been turned into a resort with hot- and cold-water swimming pools and hot mineral spring water baths.

RECOMMENDED BC SERVICE STOPS n Citrusdal Country Lodge Citrusdal Country Lodge has 26 airconditioned and individually decorated en-suite rooms as well as nine fully equipped self-catering units and a conference hall. With its variety of antique furniture and objects it will leave you with an impression of having travelled back in time and will pleasantly surprise you with its homely touch. www.citrusdallodge.co.za n Olifantsrus Farm Guest House Situated on a citrus farm just outside Citrusdal, Olifantsrus provides a casual and relaxed service combining the bold flavours of South Africa with delicate French Provençal essences. www.olifantsrus.com

CEDERBERG WILDERNESS The majestic Cederberg is a 100km-long mountain range known for its curious rock formations. The original inhabitants of the Cederberg area were the San and Khoi. Evidence of the occupation by the Khoi can be seen in the rock art of the area.

GETTING THERE • Citrusdal – 74km • Clanwilliam – 76km • Ceres – 212km • Cape Town – 247km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Let the locals guide you The Cederberg Heritage Route is a collection of four community-based walking trails in the Cederberg mountains. Local guides accompany visitors on all the trails, teaching them more about the people and biodiversity of the area. Guests stay at comfortable community guesthouses in the picturesque Moravian mission villages, with their overnight luggage taken to their next night’s stay. n Khoisan cuisine The Khoisan Kitchen restaurant is situated on the banks of the Brandewyn River. Owner, Haffie Strauss, serves traditional fare like mutton stew, waterblommetjiebredie, roosterkoek and other South African favourites. The ambience is relaxed and colourful and the interior has been decorated with reproductions of some of the rock art on the farm, painted by artist, Sarah Mackie. n Rock on…

The Sevilla Rock Art Trail winds along the Brandewyn River and visits nine sites of rock art paintings by the San people who inhabited the area for thousands of years. n A photographer’s dream Stadsaal Caves and San paintings are found high in the central Cederberg beyond Cederberg Cellars and Sandrif. They are a ‘must’ for all Cederberg visitors and keen photographers could spend hours here capturing the play of light and shadows on the open caves and rock formations. n Look on high The Cederberg Astronomical Observatory lies high in the Cederberg Mountains on the Dwarsrivier farm. On most Saturday evenings (weather permitting) the observatory opens its doors to members of the public to come and enjoy what the observatory has to offer.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve Kagga Kamma is world renowned for its magnificent rock formations, scenic beauty and San rock art. Set among the rugged beauty of the Cederberg Mountains, Kagga Kamma is located about 250km from Cape Town in the southern Cederberg and offers 10 ‘cave’ rooms and five thatched rondavels. The lodge has a restaurant,

‘Die Rotskombuis’ for breakfast and lunch or you can enjoy a romantic dinner in the open-air boma under African skies with typically South African dishes and an excellent wine list. Activities include game drives and a culture tour to the ancient San living sites and rock paintings. Guided stargazing at a mini observatory with a hi-tech 25cm telescope is also available. www.kaggakamma.co.za n Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat Ancient landscapes and untamed bush frame this luxury retreat located in a malaria-free reserve.

The property is an ecological oasis for diverse wildlife and is custodian of 130 ancient San rock art sites renowned as one the ‘world’s largest open-air art galleries’. The rooms and suites at Bushman’s Kloof all have private terraces with magnificent views over the river and on to dramatic rock formations. The Manor House offers four luxurious suites. The retreat offers a beautiful spa featuring diverse pampering beauty treatments and the chance to bathe in rock pools and waterfalls. www.bushmanskloof.co.za n The Royal Hotel The grand old Royal Hotel is located in Riebeek Kasteel and claims to be the oldest and most colonial hotel of the Western Cape. It offers accommodation in true old-world luxury at affordable prices and arguably one of its most sought after attractions is the view of the valley and the Kasteelberg from the garden. Also on the property is a 150-year-old colonial bar, while the Royal restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, high tea, snacks, platters and dinner. A spa service is available on the property. www.royalinriebeek.com

CLANWILLIAM Clanwilliam, heart of the rooibos tea area, is one of the 10 oldest towns in the country and is rich in settler history.

GETTING THERE • Citrusberg – 62km • Cederberg – 76km • Ceres – 200km • Cape Town – 238km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n On a mission If you wish to ‘do your own thing’ in the Cederberg you may book accommodation at Heuningvlei, Brugkraal and/or Wupperthal and plan your own hikes from there. There is easy access from these villages to the Wilderness area. Wuppertal seems to be lost in time with its little whitewashed, thatched cottages. Visit the old attractive Moravian Church and also the shoe factory and shop, which sells ‘veldskoene’ - excellent walking/everyday shoes that are all hand-made. If you follow the track out of the village, across the Tra-Tra River and head almost vertically up the hillside outside Wuppertal, there is a beautiful view back over the village and valley. Heuningvlei is one of 14 outposts of

the Moravian Mission Church at Wupperthal and is home to 25 families who are mainly involved in subsistence farming, planting sugar beans, potatoes and sweet potatoes. The community is also renowned for using traditional methods to produce dried fruit and for organically cultivating Rooibos tea. n Time for tea The Cederberg is one of the only places on earth where rooibos, a refreshing and soothing tea with healing properties, is grown.

Elandsberg Eco Tourism operates on a fully independent rooibos tea estate with its own processing plant. ‘Safari’ tours of the plantations and the processing plant are provided for a real experience of the full process of rooibos cultivation – from the seedling to the final package. Visitors can also visit the rooibos factory at Clanwilliam. There are daily video shows at 10h00, 11h30, 14h00 and 15h30.

Rooibos products like flavoured rooibos, souvenirs, and rooibos skin-care products are available from the shop at the factory. n A trip down memory lane Clanwilliam has a variety of buildings, of which seven have been declared historic buildings.

These include the original farmhouse of Jan Disselsvalleij; the Officers’ Residence between 1808 and 1858 (5 Park Street); the Old Gaol Building; the Flower Church; and an 1820 Settler’s house situated behind the Criterion in the Main Road. Another monument is St John’s Church, which was built in 1866. Some of the oldest graves are found here, some dating back to 1842, during the Anglo-Boer War.

BC

RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n The Rectory Stay in a historic old National Monument built in 1850. Situated on the quaint main road, the house has a beautiful garden and lovely swimming pool. The centre courtyard provides guests with and an alfresco feeling while affording privacy for dining. clanwilliam.info/rectory

ONLINE RESOURCES The Cederberg Conservancy www.cederberg.co.za Cederberg Nature Reserve www.nature-reserve.co.za Wupperthal Tourism www.wupperthal.co.za Cederberg Tourism www.cederberg.com Cederberg Hiking Trails www.cederoutes.co.za The Baths Tourism www.thebaths.co.za Citrusdal Tourism www.citrusdal.info Cape Town and Cederberg Tourism www.tourismcapetown.co.za Cederberg Astronomical Observatory www.cederbergobs.org.za Clanwilliam Tourism Directory www.clanwilliam.info

2010 l 7

Route Planner

CAPE TOWN and the western cape www.tourismcapetown.co.za

G

ourmet ardenRoute

The Garden Route is a foodie’s dream…

MOSSEL BAY Officially founded in 1488, Mossel Bay is often thought of as the start of the Cape Garden Route and has become a popular holiday resort offering tourists a fantastic climate.

GETTING THERE • Cape Town: 389km • George: 82km • Knysna: 105km • Plettenberg Bay: 150km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Meet the people Meet the People provides guided tours around the homes and workplaces of local people. From ostrich farming and low cholesterol ‘droëwors’ (dried sausage) to coffee tasting and ‘roosterbrood’ (toasted bread) with ‘plaasbotter’ (farm butter), the Meet the People tours expose visitors to the cultural wealth of the area. n Dias resurrected The Bartolomeu Dias museum complex is on the site where Bartholomeus Dias came ashore. The complex comprises the Old Post Office Tree, the granary, maritime museum and the Shell Museum and Aquarium. n Join the oystercatchers The renowned Oystercatcher trail is rated among the top hiking experiences in South Africa and is a four-day guided, fully catered slack packing trail. Other trails on offer include the Hunter Gatherer Beachcomber Trail and the Sea Traders Self-catering Trail.

BC RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS n The Point Hotel The hotel has 52 sea-facing en-suite rooms with private balconies. It also offers The Lighthouse Restaurant, perched on the rocks on the edge of the Mossel Bay peninsula just below The St Blaize Lighthouse. www.pointhotel.co.za

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n Botlierskop Private Game Reserve Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is named after one of the spectacular rock formations on the reserve.

Accommodation is in air-conditioned tent suites and facilities include a spa and restaurant. www.botlierskop.co.za n Protea Hotel Mossel Bay The 31-room Protea Hotel Mossel Bay is a graceful landmark, built in 1846, overlooking Santos Bay and harbour.

The main building is one of the oldest at Mossel Bay and forms part of the Dias Museum Complex. www.proteahotels. com/protea-hotel-mossel-bay.html

GEORGE George, the capital of the Garden Route, is surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains and is a gateway from which to explore the Cape Floral Kingdom.

GETTING THERE • Cape Town: 420km • Mossel Bay: 82km • Knysna: 60km • Plettenberg Bay: 110km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Hop hop!

The Outeniqua Country Hop tourist route starts at Herold’s Bay in the south, winding through the historic Montagu Pass to Herold and Waboomskraal in the north. The route takes visitors through farmlands where strawberries, hops and herbs are grown. Highlights include the Silver Lily Dutch Farm Cheese, Herold Wines, Redberry Farm and Valcor Dairy Farm.

SERVICE BC RECOMMENDED STOPS n Fancourt Fancourt has grown into one of the country’s premier golf resorts offering a variety of accommodation types.

Facilities include a fully equipped spa, gym with personal trainer and even a golf academy. The property features three highly rated championship golf courses. www.fancourt.co.za

n Far Hills Country Hotel Accommodation ranges from comfortable and convenient standard rooms and family cottages to individually appointed and spacious luxury suites, each with stunning views of the Outeniqua Mountains and indigenous landscaped gardens. Three restaurants are offered onsite: Shiyokutsu Sushi and Teppanyaki bar, Settlers and Oak Tree Café. www.farhillscountryhotel.co.za

KNYSNA At the heart of the Cape’s Garden Route lies Knysna, whose history was once linked with the indigenous forests that surround it.

GETTING THERE • Cape Town: 495km • George: 60km • Mossel Bay: 105km • Plettenberg Bay: 40km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Sowing your wild oats Just a short drive from Knysna, travellers will find Sedgefield’s Wild Oats Farmers’ Market, an award-winning market held every Saturday morning, come rain or shine. This authentic producers’ market is brimming with locally produced foods, such as free-range meats, dairy and cheese, freshly baked and bottled goods and organic vegetables. n Birds of a feather…

The Featherbed Company promises visitors an “unforgettable experience” on the Knysna Lagoon. Named after the privately owned Featherbed nature reserve, the company offers a four-hour eco-experience including return ferry trip, nature drive and guided walk, ending with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant. In addition to guided walks through Milkwood forests to ancient Khoi caves, there is a unique cruise and dining experience. The Paddle Cruiser offers lunchtime and evening cruises, while The John Benn is Knysna’s only luxury pleasure liner. n Oysterfests!

Over decades Knysna has become synonymous with the oyster. So much so that a festival in its name has been created and is held every July. It features a jam-packed programme of sport, entertainment and gourmet delights and competitions. Outside festival season, the town’s penchant for oysters is satisfied at several of Knysna’s fantastic restaurants that serve the mollusc year round. The Knysna Oyster Company in particular has been cultivating oysters since 1949. n Brew up a storm Mitchell’s Knysna Brewery was established in 1983, starting with only one make of beer: Forrester’s Draught. Today the brewery offers a range of ales produced using the finest available ingredients. Tours are available from Monday to

Friday at 10h30 and 15h00, although alternative tour times can be arranged for groups of six or more on weekdays. n Eat up!

Knysna has more than its fair share of excellent restaurants, bistros and cafés. Among the most well-known of these gourmet greats is The Drydock Food Company offering a mouthwatering array of seafood and sinful deserts.

For chocolate and pastry addicts there’s Ile de Pain, a bakery café serving bread made in a wood-fired oven, chocolate and pastries, as well as light breakfast and lunch dishes. Dish has become one of the trendiest restaurants in town and is one of the best spots for sundowner cocktails, while Zachary’s at the Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is a five-star culinary extravaganza. At 34° South diners will enjoy freshly made sushi and good quality seafood dishes, and then there’s Firefly Restaurant, offering quality Eastern cuisine.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Phantom Forest A privately owned five-star lodge located in 137 hectares of nature reserve on the Knysna River, this property is considered one of Africa’s leading green hotels. Accommodation is in a range of tree suites and a variety of facilities are available including a spa and a unique relaxation offer in what Phantom Forest terms its ‘Bubble Barrel’. Dining is in The Boma or at The Chutzpah, a Moroccan-style dining and leisure space. www.phantomforest.com n Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa Set on a stunning 1 000-ha estate, known for its secluded beach, sweeping fynbos landscapes and ancient indigenous forests, Pezula has breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains.

Facilities include Zachary’s Restaurant, tennis courts and a golf course and the Pezula Spa & Gym. www.pezularesorthotel.com n Cambalala Guesthouse Cambalala is a beautiful, stylish guest house overlooking the Knysna Lagoon, surrounded by a beautiful garden of 4 000 sqm.

Accommodation is in five en-suite rooms, each with their own balcony from which to enjoy the sweeping views over the lagoon and out through the Knysna Heads. www.cambalala.co.za

PLETTENBERG BAY Plettenberg Bay, originally termed Bahia Formosa (beautiful bay), is known for its sandy white beaches and viewing points for whale and dolphin watchers.

GETTING THERE • Cape Town: 520km • George: 94km • Mossel Bay: 150km • Knsyna: 40km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n A cheesy affair For handmade goats’ and cows’ milk cheese, Fynboshoek is difficult to beat. In fact so renowned is Alje van Deemder’s Formosa goats’ milk cheese that he has won international awards for it. Lunch, complete with a wide selection of cheeses and freshly baked bread while relaxing on the terrace overlooking the lake, is an absolute must. n Wine away the time Bramon Wine Estate, 20km east of Plettenberg Bay, has been planting vines since 2000. The estate currently produces cap classique-style sparkling wine but plans to introduce sauvignon blanc in the near future. Meze platters with dolmades from the vine, homemade pâtés, local cheeses and baked breads are all prepared daily. n Feta Fest Visitors can spend an afternoon tasting awardwinning cheeses, wines and liqueurs at Trumilk Dairy, which produces a range of cheeses including its prize-winner feta cheese. Also on sale is hand-made French-style camembert and cheddar cheeses. n Mampoer madness Nyati is the only distillery on a game reserve in South Africa and this one is in the business of making traditional Mampoer and Mampoerbased products. Free distillery tours are offered on weekdays between 09h00 and 15h00 and visitors can also buy a range of products onsite.

BC

RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Buffalo Hills This property promises an African safari experience on the Garden Route with activities such as a guided safari game walk or game drive along with accommodation. Accommodation is available at Buffalo Hills Lodge and Nyati Tented Camp. www.buffalohills.co.za

ONLINE RESOURCES Tourism Mossel Bay www.tourismmosselbay.co.za Mossel Bay Tourism www.visitmosselbay.co.za George Tourism www.georgetourism.co.za George Wilderness Tourism www.visitgeorge.co.za Knysna Tourism http://visitknysna.co.za Phantom Forest www.phantomforest.com Sedgefield Tourism www.tourismsedgefield.co.za Plettenberg Bay and surrounds www.plettenbergbay.co.za Tourism Plettenberg Bay www.tourismplettenbergbay.co.za

2010 l 9

Route Planner

CAPE TOWN and the western cape www.tourismcapetown.co.za

Calitzdorp

Port Route

Centrally located on Route 62, the Calitzdorp Port Route is a haven for wine and port enthusiasts...

CALITZDORP Often referred to as the port wine capital of SA, Calitzdorp is a quaint little village in the heart of the Klein Karoo.

GETTING THERE • Oudtshoorn – 50km • De Rust – 85km • George – 115km • Cape Town – 388km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS Calitzdorp is best known for producing some of the country’s best port wines.

The successful production of port wines in this region is mainly due to the hot, dry climate. n Stomp your way to port heaven Calitzdorp is home to some of the oldest estates and cellars in the Klein Karoo. Boplaas Family Vineyards, Calitzdorp Wine Cellar, De Krans Wine Cellar and Peter Bayly Wines are just a few that produce a variety of red, white and dessert wines as well as the famous port for which Calitzdorp is renowned.

Boplaas is the only winery to have used an elephant to help stomp the grapes.

This process has resulted in the naming of the Boplaas Elephant Dry Rose 2008 wine. De Krans cellar is the first South African producer to launch a pink port to be enjoyed all year round. The estate offers a 30-minute walking trail through its vineyards. For those who really want to dip into the port wine culture, the Port Festival is a must. This quirky weekend festival is held in May every year. n Delight in delicious local produce The Deli at the Rose of The Karoo offers an array of local home-made delicacies.

Shelves are lined with preserves, jams, pies, dried fruit, nuts and bakes. At Anna Sophia’s Trade House, you’ll find the most diverse home-made mustards.

There’s a sweet one “just for sissies” and one with chillies for “consenting adults only”. Port, beer, chardonnay, pumpkin and cashews all go into her creations.

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n Step back in time To stroll down Queen Street is to take a walk back in time. Scarlet bougainvilleas adorn Cape Dutch houses and Georgian cottages throughout this little town. The pride of the village is St Mark’s Church, which is believed to be the second smallest Anglican church in the world.

RECOMMENDED

BC SERVICE STOPS

n Port Wine Guest House This 1830 homestead is centrally situated in the heart of Calitzdorp, overlooking port vineyards and within walking distance of all the wineries, galleries, shops and museums in town. www.portwine.net

OUDTSHOORN The history and development of Oudtshoorn is connected with the growth of the ostrich feather industry.

GETTING THERE • De Rust – 38km • Calitzdorp – 50km • George – 65km • Cape Town – 450km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Birds of a feather There are several well-known ostrich show farms in Oudtshoorn, each with its own dedicated tour for visitors. Tourists will be shown around the breeding houses, discover how hard the shells of ostrich eggs are (well able to withstand the weight of a man!) and, with luck, they may even see ostrich chicks emerging from an egg. Other attractions include a ride on an ostrich and ostrich races. If you are thrown off an ostrich you can get sweet revenge by sampling some ostrich steak, sharing an ostrich egg (which feeds 20 people) or try ostrich pâté. n The call of the wild Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients is an endangered species breeding facility. For the adventurous

the organisation offers face-to-face encounters with wildlife in its Natural Encounters programe where visitors can touch a cheetah, enjoy the closeness of a tiger cub, wrap themselves in a python or even dive with Nile crocodiles. A fairly new attraction, the Valley of the Ancients, offers wildlife highlights like croc cage diving.

PRINCE ALBERT

n Down in the Cango Caves The Cango Caves are one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature over millions of years.

They offer a surreal journey through subterranean caverns with fascinating limestone formations.

• Oudtshoorn via Swartberg Pass (partly gravel road) - 75km • Oudtshoorn via Meiringspoort (tar-road) - 110km • George via Swartberg Pass - 134km • George via Meiringspoort - 169km • Beaufort West - 154km • Cape Town - 406km

n Have lunch with Ma Bettie Jantjies Ma Betty Jantjies is a prominent resident of Oudtshoorn’s Bongolethu Township and a Xhosa purist. She runs an authentic Xhosa Village with pride and diligence. Together with a women’s group, she prepares food according to old Xhosa traditions. n Live like a pioneer Wilgewandel Pioneers Cultural Experience is an exciting new live show demonstrating how the early pioneers of South Africa survived, how they lived, the clothes they wore, what they ate and how they sang and danced. This beautiful farm has been restored so that visitors can experience the traditions of the early settlers who lived here during the 18th century. n Laced with liquorice At nearby De Rust, Dysseldorp, the only liquorice factory in Africa, produces 24 tons of the stuff a year. Liquorice plants, introduced about 150 years ago, grow wild on the banks of the Olifants River. Collectors still arrive in donkey carts and with wheelbarrows and receive payment for the wet roots.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n Hazel’s Homestays A local social responsibility initiative is Hazel’s Homestays. Fifteen families living in disadvantaged areas have converted rooms in their homes into bed-and-breakfast venues for tourists. The homes have been spruced up and redecorated and visitors can stay there from as little as R120 a night. They eat with the family and experience real ‘township’ lifestyle. n De Zeekoe Guest Farm and Reserve De Zeekoe Guest Farm and Reserve is an African working farm. Sixteen air-conditioned suites at the main house open on to cool verandahs set in a lush indigenous garden. Four secluded log cabins, a short drive from the main house and with breathtaking views across the De Zeekoe Lake, have been built. www.dezeekoe.co.za n Queen’s Hotel The Queen’s Hotel is nestled in the heart of Oudtshoorn. It is the third-oldest hotel in South Africa and offers colonial style accommodation and service that is reminiscent of a bygone era. Accommodation is in 40 double en-suite bedrooms. Fine dining is at The Colony at the Queen’s. Other facilities include wireless Internet, an array of curio shops and a trendy coffee shop, Café Brulée, situated at the front entrance of the hotel. www.queenshotel.co.za

Just 2km from the foot of the Swartberg Pass lies the historic village of Prince Albert.

GETTING THERE

J STAR ATTRACTIONS Prince Albert is known for its sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, especially figs and apricots. Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and home-made cheeses are traditional local delicacies and more recently, wines. n Historical gem Prince Albert is home to some beautifully preserved Victorian and Cape Dutch buildings, several of which have been declared national monuments. Local resident Alisa Tudhope offers historical walking tours around the village, as well as a Ghost Walk and Story Telling evenings and afternoons. n Mohair Country Prince Albert is home to the oldest Angora stud in South Africa. The town’s producers have consistently produced most of the world’s highest quality clip, obtaining the highest prices for their mohair for the last 30 years. The rapidly expanding mohair industry provides much local employment – shearers and classers from Prince Albert are sought after throughout the Karoo.

Local Angora goat farmers have hosted visitors from all over the world and offer training and shearing courses to interested parties. n A touch of Witblits The cultural history museum at Prince Albert depicts the history of the town and its environment. The museum has its own distillery where ‘witblits’ (a strong local alcoholic drink) is produced in the time-honoured tradition.

Hendrick Mostert, the last ‘stoker’, was born in Gamkaskloof and has written a book about herbal remedies and the use of witblits in the valley.

Witblits can be bought at the museum shop. n Olives take centre stage The tradition of olive growing at Prince Albert is celebrated yearly with the Prince Albert Olive Festival. During this festival, the streets are lined with colourful stalls that offer a mix of great street food and crafts. Of course, olives take centre stage with local producers showing off their wares with olive oil fresh from the press, accompanied by other delicious olive products. Visitors can view the olive pressing operations as well as pick olives from the gardens at Kredouw Olive Farm, which has an olive press for the processing of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. The farm shop sells olive oil and products as well as almonds and other farm produce and has a viewing window to the press. Olive picking and pressing take place from the end of March to the end of May.

n Wine and dine like a Prince Prince Albert’s Bergwater Vineyards are known as the largest winery in the Great Karoo.

Bergwater wines have won various medals and awards and have been served to passengers in KLM’s business class cabin. Wines available internationally are Merlot Reserve, Shiraz Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Rose Reserve and Royal Reserve (Red Blend). On a smaller scale, SoetKaroo Wine Estate produces dessert wines grown, made and bottled on Herman and Susan’s little village farm at 56 Kerkstraat – on Prince Albert’s main road. Visitors are welcome to tour the vineyard and cellar. n Fig fit Swartbult Figs is 13km north of Prince Albert on the road towards the N1. Jeanette and Dolf Marais’ farm is the largest dried fig producer in South Africa and one of the biggest private dried fruit processors in the Southern hemisphere. Visitors can buy dried and fresh fruit. Weltevrede is a working farm and the main crop is Adam’s figs, which are sun-dried.

Visits are possible during the harvesting and drying season – January until May. Weltevrede also grows oranges and naartjies and rears ostriches. Visitors can witness all the farm activities. n Cooking with the locals African Relish cooking school is aimed at the international and local traveller looking for something different. Tourists can participate in hands-on interactive cooking experiences while learning about South African food and culture.

Summer courses include Kitchen Cowboys in the Karoo with Pete Goffe-Wood, one of South Africa’s renowned chefs.

BC RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS n The Swartberg Hotel Promising traditional heart-warming Karoo hospitality in a historic setting, The Swartberg Hotel offers 13 comfortable rooms and five cottages in the garden. All are air-conditioned with tea/coffee-making facilities, telephone and television. Facilities include a coffee shop, restaurant, ladies’ bar, deli and food store and conferencing facilities. The Swartberg Hotel is also the ideal location for a small conference or wedding, and can accommodate up to 40 delegates. www.swartberg.co.za

ONLINE RESOURCES Calitzdorp Tourism Office www.calitzdorp.co.za Oudtshoorn Info www.oudtshoorninfo.com/tourism.php Oudtshoorn Tourism Portal www.oudtshoorn.co.za The official Greater Oudtshoorn Tourism Gateway www.oudtshoorn.com De Rust Tourism Office www.derust.org.za www.tourismderust.co.za Prince Albert Tourism Office www.patourism.co.za www.princealbert.org.za

2010 l 11

Route Planner

CAPE TOWN and the western cape www.tourismcapetown.co.za

The

Overberg Route

From shipwrecks to whales, the Overberg’s Grabouw to Arniston route is so much more than just the heart of South Africa’s apple growing district...

GRABOUW The small farming community of Grabouw is located in the Elgin Valley and surrounded by apple orchards. This little town is the commercial centre for what is the largest single export fruit producing area in Southern Africa.

GETTING THERE Located on the banks of the Palmiet River, Grabouw is a great destination for those wishing to take a day drive out of Cape Town. Travelling on the N2 highway from Cape Town, visitors will pass Sir Lowry’s Pass offering spectacular views of False Bay. • Cape Town – 68km • Caledon – 46km • Bredasdorp – 118km • Arniston – 142km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n ‘Vine’ down The Elgin Valley is uniquely bountiful.

The Elgin Vintners, a partnership of six dedicated grape growers, cultivate and produce quality wines in the Elgin Valley. De Rust Estate, home of Paul Cluver Wines, is located on a World Heritage Site forming part of the Cape Floral Region. This family-run winery and estate has roots that go back four generations. De Rust Estate is part of the wine and biodiversity route, which stretches around the Groenland Mountain. n Take a bite The Elgin Apple Museum depicts the industry from the days of cumbersome machinery to the electronic computerised methods in use today.

The display encompasses photographs and old-fashioned machinery and tools. The collection is housed in two separate buildings, one of which contains a collection of old kitchen utensils and pictures of the pioneers of the industry.

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n Biodiverse wine The Green Mountain Eco Route is the world’s first biodiversity wine route and offers scenic beauty, natural diversity of terroir and a wide range of wine styles. Whether you want to crank uphill on your mountain bike, hike through acres of fynbos, experience a unique wine tasting with the winemakers or enjoy meals made from locally grown produce, the Green Mountain Eco Route has something for everyone. n Make a pass Depart on a full-day scenic adventure along the ‘Four Passes Route’. The tour starts in the Elgin Valley in Grabouw taking travellers past the Franschhoek Pass into the winelands. The Fruit Route continues to Stellenbosch and Paarl and then finishes at Riebeek Kasteel, a small, scenic town set in the fertile Riebeek Valley in the Swartland wine area. n And then there’s brandy The Oude Molen Distillery has a classy venue where you can taste the brandy after an educational experience in the cellar. Watch a presentation revealing the history of the business, then venture into the massive factory that stores huge 100 000-litre tanks of brandy. There are two beautiful distillery tanks, affectionately named Big Bertha and Long Tom. n Bike through the Elgin Valley The Elgin Valley is a treat for mountain bikers and is home to two stages of the annual Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race, with a network of tracks and trails for all skill levels. The trails start and finish in the oak-lined avenues at the entrance of the Oak Valley Estate.

There are three marked routes: a 14km Green Route for the family; a 21km Red Route for stronger riders; and the 25km Black Route for more advanced riders.

If you’re thirsty after the ride, you can visit the estate’s Tasting Room 200m from the farm gates and enjoy a free wine tasting. The Tasting Room is open from 08h30 to 17h00 on weekdays and from 10h00am to 14h00 on Saturdays.

n From apples to cider Visit Windermere, where pure apple cider is made in the traditional way, from fresh apples and containing no preservatives or additives. It is similar to the German ‘Apfel Wein’ and is a pleasant thirst-quenching drink. Cider tasting is available to visitors.

RECOMMENDED BC SERVICE STOPS n Villa Exner Villa Exner is elegantly furnished with modern pieces and artworks while retaining the spiritual charm of the countryside. The stylish and innovative rooms with all the modern conveniences of a five-star boutique hotel, two lounges and a library, cater for every taste. www.villaexner.co.za n Wildekrans Country House Wildekrans lies on a fruit farm in the peaceful and scenic Houw Hoek Valley.

The historic homestead, dating from around 1811, is furnished with antiques and contemporary South African art. A living room with fireplace, TV and library make for cosy winter afternoons. One of the rooms (honeymoon suite) includes a private living room and balcony. www.wildekrans.co.za

CALEDON Caledon, the ‘Capital of the Overberg’, is situated in a barley, wheat and wool-producing region. The town owes its origin to the hot water springs on the slopes of the Klein Swartberg.

GETTING THERE Caledon is situated on the slopes of the Klein Swartberg mountains on the N2, 120km east of Cape Town.

• Cape Town – 114km • Grabouw – 46km • Bredasdorp – 72km • Arniston – 96km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Putting a spring in your step The hot springs at Caledon consist of seven springs of chalybeate (iron-rich) water warmed to a steady temperature of 49,5°C. Towards the end of the 17th Century, Dutch settlers at the Cape discovered the curative properties of the water and in 1897 work commenced on a handsome double-storey sanatorium and hotel that became a haven for well-todo Capetonians. The first sanatorium burned down in 1946 and from the ashes rose the now famous Caledon Hotel, Casino and Spa. n Brewing Beer Located in the foothills of the Overberg Mountain, the Southern Association of Maltsters of Caledon is the biggest operation of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It produces 180 000 tons per year of malt, making it one of the largest global producers.

n Wild Flowers The wild flower garden and reserve of Caledon is world-renowned. The 56-ha garden is notable for its wonderful variety of indigenous flowers, superb examples of some of the richest flora in the world. A 10km walking trail has been laid out in the nature reserve, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas. n Harvest and herd Rouxwil Country House is situated on a working farm where owner Thys happily shows visitors around. Autumn (April to May) is the wheat planting season and a very busy time for the farmer. You will be able to experience first hand what it takes to put bread on the table!

During the winter months (June to August) the Overberg is a patchwork of different shades of green and is one of the most beautiful times of the year on the farm. n Go fishing at Voorhoede Trout fishing can be done in five dams at Voorhoede that are stocked with Rainbow trout. Catch and release is allowed if a proper landing net is used. The dams are all fed from the mountain, which ensures a constant water level and keeps water temperature down in summer. Carp fishing is done at Voorhoede’s big dam. n A stroll through town The Caledon Town Walking Tour takes visitors through some of the main streets of Caledon, featuring the Caledon Museum, historic buildings, a restored Georgian cottage which is a National Monument, and parts of the old wagon road from Cape Town. n Genadendal Genadendal is the oldest German Mission Station in South Africa. In this little town you can visit the Moravian church and listen to its choir. The Moravian Restaurant serves traditional food and the town’s Art and Craft Centre features a variety of local products.

Local residents presently harvest medicinal rooibos teas. Bread and muffins baked with stone-ground flour and interesting tribal Khoisan artefacts are all among unique Genadendal products.

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

n The Caledon Hotel, Spa and Casino This Southern Sun Hotel offers a range of accommodation options from Superior to Deluxe rooms as well as Luxury Suites. Some rooms command spectacular views of the Klein Swartberg mountains or rolling wheat fields across the Bath River, while others overlook the beautiful hotel pools and well-manicured gardens. www.southernsun.com n Black Eagle Lodges Tucked away in the Overberg Mountains, Black Eagle Lodge and Villa offer a tranquil farm-style retreat. Revive your soul, surrounded by nature, from the privacy of these beautiful self-catering mountain lodges, spaced nearly a kilometre apart. www.blackeaglelodges.co.za

BREDASDORP Bredasdorp lies at the heart of the Overberg and is known as South Africa’s first ‘dorp’.

The town is known for its whale-watching opportunities.

GETTING THERE The quaint town of Bredasdorp lies on the slopes of a hill known as the Preekstoel (pulpit), in the midst of giant proteas and wheat fields.

• Cape Town – 186km • Grabouw – 118km • Caledon – 72km • Arniston – 24km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Shipwreck!

The Shipwreck Museum is housed in a historic building in the centre of town and is the only museum of its kind in South Africa. It displays an extensive collection of artefacts and furniture from ships wrecked along the South African coastline. It also contains showpieces specific to the Overberg. Both Bredasdorp and the surrounding Strandveld owe much of their character and history to the ships and wreckage that fate often washed up on their doorstep. n Enviro-friendly wines EnviroWines Wine Shop is situated in the heart of Bredasdorp and offers exceptional wines produced through environmentally friendly practices, which were independently verified.

EnviroWines’ goal is to recognise and promote quality wines that have been audited by the strict criteria and received the quality seal of EnviroWines. n On the whale watch De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated close to Bredasdorp and is often called ‘the jewel of the Overberg’. This region is past of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of natural assests. It is an essential conservation area for the plant and animal species which are rapidly disappearing elsewhere. The De Hoop Marine Reserve was proclaimed in March 1986 and includes three nautical miles of marine protected area.

De Hoop offers some of the best and most accessible whale-watching opportunities in the world. As a marine reserve, De Hoop guarantees a safe nursery for these pods of visiting mammals. They come so close to the shore that visitors can relax on the sand dunes and watch these beautiful creatures calve, blow, breach and belly flop. n Napier nights One dark autumn night in the beautiful Overberg town of Napier, three friends got together and discussed what they could do to bring some extra sparkle to their village. As they sat drinking beer after beer, the answer became obvious... a quality local beer! Napier Bier was conceived that night and over the coming months the three friends set out on their journey to produce such a beer. Brews now include lager, ale and stout. uu

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Route Planner

CAPE TOWN and the western cape www.tourismcapetown.co.za

BC RECOMMENDED SERVICE STOPS

The Overberg

Route continued...

n De Hoop Collection The De Hoop Collection offers accommodation built to enhance earnings for Cape Nature: • The Opstal Manor House is a beautiful original home that has been restored to its former glory.

It can accommodate six people in three en-suite bedrooms.

• The Melkkamer Vlei Cottage faces the Opstal area across the vlei.

It has four bedrooms and guests can choose between either selfcatering or a catered option with meals served at the Melkkamer Manor House.

• The Melkkamer Foreman’s Cottage is charming and tucked away amongst the milkwood trees.

It is a short walk from the vlei and the Melkkamer Manor House. It has three bedrooms and has an outdoor barbecue area.

• Koppie Alleen has the elusive combination of privacy and direct access to the sandy beaches.

Built in the local fisherman-style, the cottage boasts four-poster beds with crisp white linen and mosquito netting. The protected

outdoor area looks on to the beach, with sun-loungers, umbrellas and a barbecue area for alfresco dining and relaxation. The cottage has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

• The Vlei Cottages are three selfcatering cottages with a kitchen, lounge and dining area, one double and one twin bedroom, bathroom and outdoor braai facilities. www.dehoopcollection.co.za

ARNISTON Arniston is named for the British transport/hospital ship that sank near the coast in 1815. The town, also called Waenhuiskrans, is the only one in SA with two official names.

GETTING THERE Arniston is a leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town, on a road that meanders through the beautiful rolling hills of the Overberg region.

• Cape Town – 210km • Grabouw – 142km • Caledon – 96km • Bredasdorp – 24km • L’Agulhas – 60km

J STAR ATTRACTIONS n Dine with the locals Kassiesbaai is a 200-year-old fishing village and has been declared a national heritage site. Join the enterprising fishermen’s wives and fishermen’s mothers of Kassiesbaai for a traditional meal. You’re sure to be welcomed with warm smiles and tales of daily life in a close-knit community that has changed little over time. n Descend into the Waenhuiskrans Cave Waenhuiskrans (Wagon House Cliff) Cave in Arniston can only be reached at low tide when you can pick your way over the rocks to a small opening in the side of the cave. Climb through the cave wall to reach the cavernous interior, which the Dutch settlers believed was big enough for an ox-wagon to turn around in. n Fishing for lunch?

There are many good fishing areas around Arniston. The Arniston Hotel organises deep-sea fishing trips on the ‘Chuckies’. Tackle and bait are provided. Die Waenhuis Restaurant offers fresh fish daily from the local boats, while Bob Harman, known as Arniston’s information fundi, answers all your questions.

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n Take a trip to Elim A Moravian mission station established in 1824, Elim remains virtually intact today. Its impressive church and still functioning original clock are just two of the living monuments this town boasts. Crafts and fresh produce are among the surprises this visit to a bygone time will produce. Elim is something of a phenomenon as its unique ‘terroir’ has caused much excitement in the wine community worldwide. The cool and strong winds that prevail – south-westerly and south-easterly – have the effect of providing a very cool ripening season, perfect for Sauvignon Blanc and promising for Semillon and Shiraz. n Visit Africa’s most southern point Cape Agulhas, or the place where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, lies at the furthest tip of Africa, and is definitely worth a visit. Technically speaking it is the southernmost point on the continent of Africa.

RECOMMENDED

BC SERVICE STOPS

n Arniston Spa Hotel The luxurious four-star Arniston Spa Hotel is internationally known as a great getaway and includes a relaxation spa. Blessed with an abundance of sea life, the hotel offers oysters from nearby shores and delicious fresh line-fish from the local fishing boats. The en-suite bedrooms are all elegantly decorated with the comforts of a world-class hotel. Some bedrooms have fireplaces for the chilly winter evenings. www.arnistonhotel.com

ONLINE RESOURCES Greyton – the Jewel of the Overberg www.greyton.co.za Caledon Tourism www.tourismcaledon.co.za Overberg Tourism www.viewoverberg.com Overberg www.overberg.co.za Overberg Wine www.overbergwine.com Western Cape Tourism and Accommodation www.thewesterncape.co.za Arniston Tourism www.arniston.co.za