Witzenberg Meander - a splendid Cape journey

THE WITZENBERG area, a mere 90-minute drive from Cape Town, is nestled in the Cape Winelands and consists of five gems: Ceres, Tulbagh, Wolseley, Op-die-Berg and Prince Alfred’s Hamlet.

Wolseley - explore, taste and stay

Situated on a natural watershed that divides the Berg and Breede Rivers, Wolseley is home to all kinds of farming - vegetables, wine, organic wine, olives, wheat, dairy and cattle. The natural surroundings are also conducive to a wide range of outdoor activities including river rowing, hiking, sunset drives, mountain biking, bush walking, birdwatching, 4x4 trails, horse riding and wine tasting. A historic Anglo-Boer War Blockhouse, dating from 1901 is open to visits by appointment.

On Sundays from December 20, Adene’s Farm Flowers is open for day visits. Follow the route for Farmstalls for delightful local shopping - from preserves to handmade leather bags.

Wolseley has a wide variety of accommodation ranging from luxury guesthouses to self-catering cottages and wooden cabins.

Tulbagh - valley of abundance

A charming historic town with a wealth of Cape Dutch architecture set in a beautiful landscape, Tulbagh is famous for its heritage and magnificent country living. Tranquility is the operative word in this place of tradition, scenic beauty and majestic mountain ranges. Church Street, home to 32 provincial monuments, constitutes the largest concentration of provincial monuments in one street in South Africa.

The valley’s natural scenery sets the tone for an array of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, picnics, Tuk Tuk tours and even a scenic tractor trip up the historic Oudekloof Pass.

Tulbagh’s many other offerings include art and craft browsing, enticing pub culture, a wealth of interesting museums, beautifully restored Victorian buildings, gift shops that sell top quality products made in the valley, and a range of gourmet restaurants to delight the culinary senses. You can sample craft beer or top quality olives and olive oil produced in the valley, or you can explore Tulbagh’s Wine Route, with its mix of gracefully old and conspicuously new estates together with a handful of micro-producers and boutique wineries. area comprises the towns of Ceres, Prince Alfred’s Hamlet and Opdie-Berg, as well as the beautiful mountain landscapes of the Koue Bokkeveld and the open plains of the Ceres Karoo.

For those seeking a little adventure, Ceres has got you covered with activities that include one of the country’s best zip lining tours, abseiling, “kloofing”, 4x4 routes, MTB trails, golfing, hiking trails, fishing spots, horse-and-carriage rides and many more. There is even an opportunity for a close encounter with SA’s “Big 5” at surrounding game reserves or to view the unique fauna and flora of the southern Cederberg and Swartruggens mountains.

Other must-visit attractions include the Ceres Transport Riders Museum, Loxtonia Cider and Ceres Brewery. The area has also evolved into one of South Africa’s most popular bird watching destinations.

During December, visitors can also explore the Ceres Cherry Route for fabulous culinary delights at select restaurants and cherry-licious discounts at various participating accommodation and activity establishments. An authentic cherry-picking experience at Klondyke Cherry Farm will be possible until December 24, 2020 – depending on availability of cherries.

The Witzenberg area is a tourist destination for all seasons and provides an excellent base from which to tour the Cape Winelands and surrounding areas. Accommodation in the area includes three to five-star guesthouses and game lodges, bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, luxury tree houses, a holiday resort as well as mountain eco-huts.

Ceres Tourism Bureau Tel: 023 316 1287 E-mail: info@ceres.org.za Web: www.ceres.org.za

Tulbagh Tourism Bureau Tel: 023 230 1348 E-mail: info@tulbaghtourism.co.za Web: www.tulbaghtourism.co.za and www.tulbaghwineroute.com

The beautiful town of Ceres is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking passes.

Anglo-Boer War Blockhouse in Wolseley.