135km from CT

One of the oldest towns of the Weskus, Hopefield is in the heart of the wheat- and sheep-farming Sandveld region. The town, dating back to 1853, is bisected by the Zoute River and situated between Malmesbury and Vredenburg on the R45.

The tranquil area with big skies and sprawling veld is famous for its 500 different species of fynbos, and for the spring daisies that appear soon after the winter rains in June. Hikers who book in advance can also see Indigenous flora on trails on farms such as Langrietvlei and Helderwater, both of which lie 22km outside the main town.

A Hopefield landmark is the impressive, whitewashed Dutch Reformed Church built in 1879 – its antique organ, installed in 1911, is still used during church services. Visitors to the town can also see an example of a hartbeeshuisie (traditional house with walls made of reeds and clay), and two historic Cape Dutch homesteads in the area, Coenradenburg and Langrietvlei*, have been declared provincial heritage sites. Langrietvlei is open to the public, but a viewing must to be booked in advance.

Hopefield is located on the banks of the Zouterivier and is rich in bird life. Visitors who enjoy hiking are advised to book a guest farm on the Berg River for hiking trails. Guest farms and cottages outside town offering accommodation on the river’s banks.