Clanwilliam
231km from CT
Regarded as one of the ten oldest towns in our country, Clanwilliam exudes so much rich history and character. There are many historical buildings that have been established in this age-old little town such as the old farmhouse of Disselsvalleij and the Officers Residence in Park Street as well as an original 1820’2 settlers home. This town is also well known to have a large number of churches such as the Dutch Reformed Church, Anglican Church where the annual flower show is held, and St. Johns Church.
The Old Gaol building is the home of their historical museum which is filled with household articles that were used in the 19th century, as well as displays of the traditional dwellers of the area such as the Khoi-San, and local celebrities such as C.L. Leipoldt and Tolla van der Merwe. This area is also famous for its rooibos factory, shoemaking, and cedar wood.
Sightseeing
Archaeology
Archaeologists and Paleontologists have a deep interest in this area. Researchers working in the Cederberg area have discovered many interesting and well-preserved fossils.
Leipoldts Grave
On the way to Wupperthal, about 17km outside of Clanwilliam, the road passes by the grave of the great Louis Leipoldt. Although Leipoldt was known as a famous poet, he was also a pediatrician and an avid cook and botanist. The scenery and rock formations along this route are exceptional and one of the attractions that catch the eye is the “Soldaatkop” (The Soldiers Head).
The Old Goal / Clanwilliam Museum
The first goal was a small thatched outbuilding adjoining the frosty house; of the four rooms, two were used as a prison. The gaol had no airing yard, and in good weather, the prisoners were handcuffed outside in the street “to preserve their health” and to allow the rooms to be aired. The first gaoler was appointed in 1827.
Work began in 1987 to transform the building into a museum. Today the museum houses many historical artifacts providing a glimpse into the rich history of the area, the frontier town, and the remarkable people that settled here. Each room presents a unique story, from the archeological history of the region to some of the unique industries that put Clanwilliam on the map – such as Rooibos tea and “Velskoen” shoes.
Sports & Adventure
Freshwater Fishing
Clanwilliam Dam – Freshwater angling in the Olifants River is one of the many reasons why Clanwilliam has gained such popularity over the years as a holiday destination.
Doring River White Water Rafting
Doring River offers white water rafting adventures from mid-June to September, the river winds through the Cederberg.
Destination Cederberg
Explore Cederberg
Travel Desk is at Velskoendraai
Bushmans Kloof
Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
Contact: 071 383 1388
Website: bushmanskloof.co.za
Drinks & Tastings
Experience Rooibos like never before at House of Rooibos in Clanwilliam
House of Rooibos, located in the Rooibos Country Club at the corner of Augsburg Road and Foster Street, is a destination that flower enthusiasts must visit this year as they travel through Clanwilliam. House of Rooibos is owned by Rooibos Limited – the largest and most established distributor of Rooibos in the world.
House of Rooibos offers an impressive variety of Rooibos products. This includes items you would expect, such as a wide range of Rooibos tea products. However, there are also many other goods that visitors can look forward to, such as Rooibos beauty products, food products, recipe books, and more. Most of these products are locally produced and serve as evidence of the dynamic nature of Rooibos. Visitors will be amazed at the many different ways Rooibos can be used beyond just tea.
House of Rooibos further offers insightful experiences for visitors, including a Rooibos tea tasting. “During our Rooibos tasting events, visitors can look forward to a wide range of Rooibos tea products that they can taste one after the other, so they can discover the differences in each product and find out what they prefer in terms of taste,” says Amor Venter, Manager of House of Rooibos.
For visitors planning to visit House of Rooibos, Venter encourages them to visit their website. This can be done by going to www.houseofrooibos.info. Alternatively, House of Rooibos can also be reached by phone at +27 66 115 7749.
Where to Stay
The Yellow Aloe Guest House
1 Park St. – they offer guests the convenience of being close to the bustling town of Clanwilliam but provides the serenity and privacy offered to those who venture into the quiet surrounding mountains.
The Waenhuis
3.5 km from the Clanwilliam town centre. As the name implies, The Waenhuis was the original wagon shed (built in 1820) on Patrysvlei farm that has been in the Bergh family for nine generations.
Rosenhof
Accommodation
Contact: 082 323 6037
Haus Muller
Accommodation
Contact: 071 383 1388
Website: hausmuller.co.za
Rondeberg Resort
Accommodation
Contact: 079 760 0247
Website: rondeberg.com
Shop & Eat
Traveller’s Rest and the Sevilla Rock Art Trail
Nestled on the banks of the Brandewyn river, the restaurant is a charming stone-built structure that perfectly blends with the rustic surroundings of the farm. An easy walk takes you to nine rock art sites and on the way you may see springbok and eland along with a wide variety of birds and indigenous plants.
Velskoendraai Farm Stall & Restaurant
Graafwater Road as you enter Clanwilliam, coming from the N7. Velskoendraai has plenty to offer, enjoy the play area for kids, indulge in freshly baked goods with a delicious tea tasting experience, or take a stroll through the farmers market & gift shop.
Velskoendraai
Farm Stall & Restaurant
Taste the Region - tasting experience with rooibos, beer, wine and/or gin.
Contact: 066 205 2382
Website: velskoendraai.co.za