3 minute read
WITZENBERG MEANDER
A splendid Cape journey
The Witzenberg region, only an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Cape Town, is located in the Cape Winelands and consists of five gems: Ceres, Tulbagh, Wolseley, Op-die-Berg, and Prince Alfred’s Hamlet.
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Wolseley is a small town founded on the basis of agriculture, and tourists mostly visit to experience tranquillity and farm life. The area is known for fruit growing and has recently developed a variety of farms. Some host open days for the public, such as Adene’s Farm Flowers, Bosjes for Jelena picking, and Hoogwater fruit picking, as well as Fynbos Guest Farm. Adene’s and Hoogwater are only open during harvest time a few months of the year, while Fynbos is open year-round. The area also hosts the annual Wolseley MTB Festival.
Tulbagh, a charming historical town with a wealth of Cape Dutch architecture set in beautiful countryside, is known for its heritage and wonderful country life. In this place of tradition, scenic beauty and majestic mountain ranges, tranquillity is the operative word. The valley’s natural landscape, relative remoteness, and quaint village atmosphere provide a beautiful backdrop for country weddings. Arts, crafts and pub culture are just as enticing as a visit to the many museums. You can sample handmade Belgian chocolate paired with craft beer, dried fruit, and a variety of olives, and visit Made in Tulbagh (MIT) for premium, locally-made products. A range of gourmet restaurants will delight your culinary senses. Tulbagh hosts a variety of events each year including the Tulbagh Wine & Olive MTB Classic in November, and the Tulbagh Show in December.
The greater Ceres area comprises the towns of Ceres, Prince Alfred’s Hamlet and Op-die-Berg, as well as the beautiful mountain landscapes of the Koue Bokkeveld and the open plains of the Ceres Karoo. Ceres is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking passes, and its tranquil atmosphere makes it the ideal place to unwind.
But if you’re looking for a little adventure, Ceres has that covered too with activities such as zip-lining, abseiling, “kloofing”, 4x4 routes, MTB trails, golfing, hiking trails, fishing spots, carriage rides, and more. In the game reserves, you can experience SA’s “Big 5” up close or observe the unique fauna and flora of the southern Cederberg and Swartruggens mountains.
Ceres also has farms that offer fruit-picking experiences in season time. Starting the last weekend of November, visitors can pick their own cherries, and for one week in December, they can pick their own apricots. The area often has snow in the winter, and has secured the title of “South Africa’s own little Switzerland”. Accommodation in the Witzenberg region ranges from three to five-star guesthouses and game lodges to bed-and-breakfasts, self-catering cottages, luxury tree houses, a vacation resort and eco-mountain lodges.
