Attractions and Activities in and around Clanwilliam

Bird Watching

The Cederberg area is renowned for its fynbos, which in turn provides a diverse number of habitats for various bird species. A total of 235 bird species have been recorded in this important bird area. Amongst them are the Orange – breasted sunbird, Cape Sugarbird and the iconic Black Eagle so do not forget to bring your binoculars. Biedouw Valley Birding in the well known Biedouw Valley, about 80km outside Clanwilliam.

Fishing, boating and water skiing – Clanwilliam dam (boat slipway available)

The Clanwilliam Dam is situated just outside Clanwilliam and was established 1935. The dam supplies the irrigation to the area and is also popular amongst locals and visitors with many recreational purposes. It is a wonderful holiday destination for families. The Clanwilliam Dam is well known amongst Water Skiers and Bass Fishermen where competitions are often held. This is a beautiful getaway surrounded by nature and stunning scenic views.

Hiking

Contact Clanwilliam tourism or Cape Nature for more information regarding hiking trails and hiking permits. Hiking Trails in the Cederberg Wilderness Area include Cederberg Heritage Route, Groot Krakadouw trail, Sevilla Rock Art Trail, Heuningvlei, Maltese Cross, Wolfberg Arch, Apollo Peak, Middelberg Trail Loop, to name but a few.

Horse-riding

Horse-Riding opportunities exist at Mount Ceder, Kromrivier and at Driehoek. Go horseback riding whilst enjoying the scenery; with a chance to see good bird-life and some of the elusive wildlife found in these mountains. It is important to remember that rides must be pre-booked and that there is a maximum weight of 100kg. No children under 10 years old unless experienced riders. Children must be able to control their horses themselves.

Mountain biking

Contact Clanwilliam Tourism Bureau for more information and permits. The Cederberg Mountains and surrounding area is a Mountain Bike Paradise. Apart from the routes on public roads, the following private farms also have routes, where cyclists have to pay a fee to get access.

Dwarsrivier/Sanddrif – A number of MTB routes from 7-30km, all on the farm. Also the home of Cederberg Wines and Cederberg Craft Beer
Bakkrans/Keurbosfontein – Situated between Matjiesrivier and Wupperthal in the Red Cederberg. MTB routes on the farm and public roads.
Kromrivier – Situated in a beautiful valley with many MTB options on the farm and public roads. You have a number choices from the Nieuw Brew Craft Beer range and Kromrivier Wines to try out after cycling.
Nuwerus – Situated on the road between Matjiesrivier and Ceres, Nuwerust offers MTB riding on the farm and on public roads, ranging from 4 -80km.
Mount Ceder – also situated on the road between Matjiesrivier and Ceres, Mount Ceder offers MTB rides on the farm and public roads

Mountaineering and bouldering

With Rocklands being a world class climbing destination at this time of year, you will definitely want to book your accommodation early. Bouldering does require permits which can be purchased online at Quicket. Alternatively, they can be purchased at Kliphuis campsite, the De Pakhuys office and campsite, the Clanwilliam Tourism Office or the shop at Travelers Rest.

Wine and Beer tasting

Just about 200 kilometres from Cape Town, near the picturesque town of Vredendal, lie the Olifants River and its wine route. The Western Cape Province of South Africa is known for being one of the world’s best wine-producing regions, and Olifants River does not disappoint. However, it is on the opposite side of the Mother City to the Cape Winelands and, therefore, produces a different variety of wines. For a local wine tour or tasting experience visit Cederberg Private Cellar, Piekenierskloof Winery and Tierhoek wines.Should you prefer a beer instead, visit Nieuw Brew for a unique beer tasting experience.

Skimmelberg Guided tours of Rooibos Tea Estates

A trip to Skimmelberg is a journey into organic farming at its best. Skimmelberg’s farming operations take place on the doorstep of the Skimmelberg Nature Reserve. Visitors to the farm will get to see these two plants as they occur naturally in the wild, as well as how Rooibos and Buchu are being farmed organically sustainable. They will also be able to see how Skimmelberg produces its trademark red and green Rooibos teas – a process that starts in Skimmelberg’s special Rooibos seedling beds as well as the nursery for the Buchu seedlings.

Visitors will also get to see the farm’s large scale distillery where Skimmelberg produces its high-quality Buchu oil. One of the key features in Skimmelberg’s organic success is the farm’s wormery, another highlight for visiting rooibos enthusiasts. Providing organic fertiliser for the cultivated rooibos and buchu plants is essential, and Skimmelberg has mastered using worm tea to give their plants the boost they need. Once the tour has ended, you can join the Skimmelberg team at the office for a tea tasting. Enjoy exploring the smells, tastes and sensations, before delving into the pioneering world of Buchu based products. If anything grabs your fancy, browse the Skimmelberg shop, stocked with the farm’s full range of products.

Buchu and Rooibos Tour – Skimmelberg
Phone: 027 482 1771 (office hours)
After hours: 065 591 3300 / 083 413 2944
Website: www.skimmelberg.co.za
Email: sales@skimmelberg.co.za

Nearby attractions include:

Clanwilliam Art gallery
Cederberg rock formations
Clanwilliam and Bulshoek dams
Several historic sites
Historical buildings
Ramskop Nature Reserve
Skimmelberg Guided tours of Rooibos Tea Estates
Strassbergers Shoe factory
Spring wild flowers (August /September)

Kindly Contact the Clanwilliam Tourism Bureau or Skimmelberg for booking enquiries, regarding activities and attractions.

Clanwilliam Tourism Bureau:

Phone: 027 482 2024
Website: www.clanwilliam.info
Email: bookings@clanwilliam.info

Reviews

Blommenberg Guest House

+27 27 482 1851 • +27 82 727 1751
bookings@blommenberg.co.za
1 Graafwater Road, Clanwilliam 8135
Western Cape, South Africa

Card Payments Accepted