Advertorial: Small towns with a big heart

Small towns

with a big heart

In Robertson, known as the ‘small town with a big heart’, you will be pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome which awaits you.

Situated in the shadow of the majestic Langeberg mountains with the Breede River as its life blood, Robertson is the western gateway to the heart of Route 62, only one-and-a-half hours leisurely drive from Cape Town.

The region may be best known for its wines but the variety of attractions, activities, accommodation, and culinary delights on offer – combined with spectacular scenery and the warm hospitality of the people, make it a superb getaway. No matter what time of year and no matter whom the visitor, Robertson ensures visitors an unforgettable stay.

While in Robertson, there are various activities to keep you busy:

• Wine estates (more than 40) • Mountain biking, horse riding, skydiving, rock climbing, river rafting, hiking, private game reserves • Motorcycle trips, wine blending, hop-on hop-off wine valley safari’s, river cruises, olive tastings, underground wine tastings • Wine pairings with art and music

Trail your feet in the cool waters of the Breede River while toasting the good life with a glass of wine onboard an elegant flat-bottomed river boat. Meander along the river, flanked by indigenous Breede River Yellowwood and Wild Olive trees teeming with a variety of bird species.

Rock Climbing – some of the best in Africa.

Mountain Biking – Robertson and surrounds offer a variety of MTB trails with amazing views of the Breede River and the Robertson Valley. The trails vary in technicality and offer riders of all fitness levels a good workout. The Cape Epic has been through Robertson on four occasions.

Sky Diving – Come join Western Province Sport Parachute club for a once in a life time experience. You have the opportunity of choosing between a first jump course or a tandem, both options leaves you in the capable hands of our experienced members and instructors. If you choose the first jump course your training will start at 08:30 on the Saturday morning and should be complete by Saturday afternoon, this is of course dependent on the weather and the size of the group being trained. With this option you have the choice of continuing with progression to become a competent self-sufficient skydiver. The first jump course requires you to join us for the whole weekend, we have camping facilities available. Please book in advance for the first jump course and tandem experience.

Wine tasting experiences and cellar tours in beautiful settings. Underground, on the riverbank, and with art and music.

The charming village of McGregor lies at the foot of the Riviersonderend mountains, 20km from Robertson on a good, tarred road. A dirt road does connect the village with the N2 via the Stormsvlei Pass, but the tar peters out a little way beyond the village towards the famous

McGregor-to-Greyton walk via the Boesmanskloof Pass. It is this physical sense of isolation which has helped to preserve some of the most attractive 19th Century architecture in the Western Cape.

The village shares the climate of the Little Karoo: hot in summer and cool to cold in winter when the rain falls and occasionally snow shimmers in the sunshine on the encircling hills.

McGregor Winery lies on the southern end of the Robertson Wine Valley, nestled between the picturesque hills of the Riviersonderend mountains, just outside of the charming and special village after which it is named. The winery was established in 1948 and is owned by the 33 farmers who produce around 14 000 tons of wine grapes annually. The sun soaked soils result in flavourful grapes, which in turn make delicious wines. The relaxed pace of life and serenity of the village are reflected in the style of wines produced. Visit McGregor once, and you will want to return again and again.

The small town of Montagu is the perfect getaway in the Langeberg, near the Robertson Wine Valley and not far from the Breede River Valley. The beautiful town, famous for more than its hot springs is the perfect retreat for eco, wellness and adventure sports, as well as golfing holidays, wine and food! Montagu is situated on Route 62 approximately two hours’ drive from Cape Town and leads into the Little Karoo.

While in Montagu, also known as the ‘mountain mecca’, explore the mountains. With its unique Cape Fold geology, the mountains offer opportunities for climbing, hiking and abseiling, and even the opportunity to drive up the mountain with a tractor and trailer (1 500m above sea level) The healing waters of the mineral hot springs; the almost 365 days of sunshine – perfect for drying fruit, and the well protected historical buildings are well worth a visit.

The Koi San heritage with herbal local plants on offer to the public as healing teas, Kanonkop, Boer War stories, old forts and the last remaining Art Deco hotel in the Western Cape give visitors a taste of the area’s heritage and history.

Montagu’s wine and Muskadel, its art and large number of local artists (painters, writers, poets, singers, choirs and dancers), and the very special platteland community that stands together and supports each other will make your visit a treasured memory.

Last but never least, Montagu offers a real focus on local products with fresh produce, food, restaurants, artisanal food, beer and more.

DISCOVER ROBERTSON - MONTAGU - ASHTON - McGREGOR

It’s time to get away and escape life for a while. The Cape’s Most Central Valley is the place to visit. We are famous for authentic family owned and operated tourism experiences and true platteland hospitality!

Experience happiness on earth - Create your own holiday. Contact the Tourism Offices

Robertson +27 (0)23 626 4437 l info@robertson.org.za www.robertsontourism.co.za Montagu - Ashton +27 (0)23 614 2471 l info@montagu-ashton.info www.montagu-ashton.info McGregor +27 (0)23 625 1954 l info@tourismmcgrgor.co.za www.tourismmcgregor.co.za

Borakalalo National Park

North-West Province — The Borakalalo Game Reserve is a protected area in North West Province, South Africa. The reserve boasts an incredible array of plant and animal life, as well as mile after mile of utter scenic splendour. It consists of 13 000ha of woodland and open bushveld.

www.tourismnorthwest.co.za

WHERE? Borakalalo is situated 60km north of Brits. It is set in a remote and peaceful area of unusual beauty and diversity set in Kalahari veld and woodland country, along the banks of the Moretele River and the 800ha Klipvoor Dam.