If you’re looking for history and charm, look no further than the town of Clanwilliam.
Drive for around two-and-a-half hours from Cape Town on the N7 to reach Clanwilliam, a hamlet at the foot of the Cederberg mountains known for its rooibos, orange groves and annual Clanwilliam Flower Show held from the last weekend of August to the first weekend in September.
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It’s also one of South Africa’s 10 oldest towns, dating back to 1660 when Jan van Riebeeck sent of Dutch settlers north. When they entered the valley and spotted a herd of elephants on its riverbank, they aptly named it Olifants River. The first farm in the Olifants River Valley was awarded to Pieter van Zyl in 1732 in a town then known as Jan Disselsvlei. In 1814, it was renamed Clanwilliam by Sir John Craddock, after his father-in-law, the Earl of Clanwilliam – that must have got him into his in-laws’ good graces.
Smell the wildflowers
Visit the Wild Flower Garden at Ramskop Nature Reserve. The 66-ha reserve has more than 350 species of wildflowers, and the Clanwilliam Dam is its backdrop. The flowers are in full bloom between August and October.
Take a hike
Pack your hiking boots, as there are numerous trails to tackle. The Sevilla Rock Art Trail at Travellers Rest is a popular choice among those who prefer a short walk. It’s 5 km but passes ancient rock art paintings at nine sites along the Brandewyn River, and you may also spot small game, baboons and various indigenous plants and birds.
Other trails in the area include the Kliphuis circular walk and Pakhuis Pass to Kliphuis linear walk. Full-day hikes include Pakhuis to Heuningvlei and Pakhuis to Boskloof, all of which require a permit you can obtain from the Kliphuis campsite.
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Time for tea
While the town’s population is fewer than 8000, it has made its mark on the world map thanks to its production of rooibos, which only grows in the Cederberg region. Not only do people enjoy drinking it but it’s also used in various health and beauty products worldwide for its health benefits. Following the town’s Rooibos Route, you’ll learn about the town and the history of the rooibos industry, as shown in an exhibit at the Old Gaol, which houses the Clanwilliam Museum. It details rooibos processing methods, old and new, and displays machinery and hand tools used to make rooibos dating back to the 1900s.
If old machinery is not up your alley, pop into Velskoendraai Farmstall for a more laid-back experience. The farmstall and restaurant is on Graafwater Road at the entrance to Clanwilliam. The family-friendly restaurant has a children’s play area and serves classic Afrikaans dishes, such as waterblommetjie bredie, roosterkoek and, naturally, various rooibos teas. The famous Rooibos Tea House at Velskoendraai, offers ‘more than 100 flavoured/blended rooibos teas for you to try.
Article written by Megan Paulse for June 2024 print issue of Getaway Magazine. Find us on shelves for more!
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