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12 places worth seeing in clanwilliam.

Clanwilliam is one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa, having first being called Jan Disselsvalleij and later changed to Clanwilliam in 1814 by Sir John Cradock who named the town after his father-in-law, the Earl of Clanwilliam. It’s well-known for being the Rooibos capital of the world and for the annual Clanwilliam Wildflower Show in September, but there are also plenty of other things to do and see.

Below are 12 places that are well worth a visit when you are in the town.

1. Desert Rose Farm Stall on the N7

The Desert Rose Farm Stall is not actually in Clanwilliam itself, but is worth a stop en-route to the town along the N7 at the Koringberg turnoff. It’s full of all sorts of delightful and creative décor and even the menu is cheerfully decorated. Usual farm stall fare is on offer, including burgers, toasted sandwiches, filled pita breads, scones, muffins, pies with chips, pancakes and salad options. Breakfast is also available all day. If you’re travelling with little ones, there’s a jungle gym to keep them occupied. Tel 082-884-8714.

2. Rooibos Ltd

Clanwilliam is the Rooibos capital of the world, with Rooibos Ltd producing 4-billion tea bags-worth of Rooibos tea a year. Visit the factory on Rooibos Avenue and watch a free audio visual presentation where you’ll learn about the history of Rooibos tea production and the process while sipping on a cup of Rooibos tea. You can also purchase Rooibos products. Tel 027-482-2155, email [email protected] , www.rooibosltd.co.za .

3. The Rooibos Tea House

Sit on the stoep or in the garden and enjoy a cuppa at The Rooibos Teahouse at NetMar, the only tea house of its kind in the world. Have an hour-long tea tasting where you can smell, taste and drink five different teas of your choice while learning about the history of Rooibos and the tea-making process. A pot of Rooibos tea with a side serving of cake is also an option. Shop for Rooibos teas and gifts while you are there, or order them online here . Tel 027-482-1007, email [email protected] , www.rooibosteahouse.co.za .

4. The Old Gaol (Ou Tronk) Museum

If you are interested in learning about the history of Clanwilliam, visit the Old Gaol (declared a National Monument in 1979) which houses an interesting collection of items, including the original telephone exchange that was used in the town until 1995. My favorite finds were a Cape Argus from 1896 and a mustache teacup! Unfortunately the museum is closed over weekends and public holidays, but even more worrying is that the museum may close if visitors stop going there. Entrance is only R10 and well worth a look-see. Tel 082-808-2251

5. The Yellow Aloe

This bright and cheerful coffee house (and guesthouse) serves breakfast, teas and lunch. Apart from serving delicious meals with free Wi-Fi and a lovely view of the Cederberg mountains, it’s one of those country-style places that’s filled with pretty plants, mosaics, uplifting messages on the walls and all manner of crafts and trinkets. I particularly loved the herd of wire sheep on the lawn complete with a mini windmill. They also have a garden shop where you can buy plants and gifts. Tel 027-482-2018, [email protected] , www.yellowaloe.co.za .

Book a stay at The Yellow Aloe Guesthouse

6. Reinholds Restaurant

Reinholds Restaurant can be found in a historical building on the Main Street. It’s very popular with the locals and if the locals like it, then it’s generally a good bet. I went there for dinner and it was a cosy, fairly posh-but-relaxed affair with neatly set tables with mood lighting and lots of candles. The food was delicious – good old-fashioned country-style cooking (think sugar in your pumpkin) – with generous portions and they had the fattest Milk Tart I had ever seen. There’s also a bar and drinks are very reasonably priced. Tel 083-389-3040.

7. Ramskop Wildflower Garden

The Ramskop Wildflower Garden with over 350 species of cultivated wild flowers is a highlight of Clanwilliam in the spring (although I am sure it’s lovely any time of the year) and you shouldn’t leave town without a paying a visit. Seeing all those daisies and quiver trees against a backdrop of mountains and the Clanwilliam Dam was definitely a highlight of my stay in Clanwilliam. The Tea Garden was closed when I visited, but when they are open (August and September) they offer sandwiches, cakes, pancakes, scones and a meal of the day for very reasonable prices. All served with tea of course! Tel 027-482-2024.

8. Nancy’s Tea Room

Very close to Reinholds is another popular restaurant, Nancy’s Tea Room (they have a lot of tea rooms in Clanwilliam!) who make a spinach quiche that’s worth the drive from Cape Town alone. I can honestly say that I have never tasted a quiche as good as that! To get to the Tea Room you walk down a passageway that’s filled with interesting objects (made me think of an indoor market) and there’s also a shop that sells gifts and Rooibos products. It’s also the only place that I managed to find pretty postcards and they were at a bargain too at R5 each. Tel 027-482-2661.

9. Berry Nice Tea Room

In Mark Street, behind the Blomkerk,  you will find something quite rare – an honesty tea room. Recently opened as an addition to Oom Karel se Winkel next door, you are invited to boil the kettle and make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and as there are no formal waiting staff, you simply leave payment on the table when you go. The Berry Nice Tea Room also sells take-away rolls that are done up with a raffia ribbon. Tel 084-548-4260.

10. Traveller’s Rest and the Sevilla Rock Art Trail

If you are looking for San rock art and a fairly easy hiking trail, then the 5 km long Sevilla Rock Art Trail that starts at Traveller’s Rest Farm Stall is a good option for both. 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. You need to get a permit (R30) and these are available at the farm stall. The farm stall itself is in a pretty setting alongside the Brandewyn River and sells all sorts of treats and gifts, while the restaurant side serves traditional fare such as roosterkoek and waterblommetjiebredie. There is also accommodation available. Tel 027-482-1824, email [email protected] , www.travellersrest.co.za .

Book a stay at Traveller’s Rest

11. The Hen House

This seasonal and lovingly-run tea house and restaurant can be found after travelling over the Pakhuis Pass (worth the drive – the Pass is beautiful) on Alpha Excelsior Guest Farm . The décor is bright and cheerful and the long stoep overlooking a river is perfect for stoep-sitting in the afternoon sun. We enjoyed a cup of Rooibos tea with a giant slice of moist chocolate cake that was generously filled with chocolate icing. They serve breakfasts too. The place could be filled with rock climbers who come from all over the world for bouldering, but you don’t need to be able to grip onto a rock to have a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a chat. The Hen House is currently only open from May until the end of September. Tel 027-482-2700, email [email protected] , www.alphaexcelsior.co.za .

12. Bushman’s Cave “Bergteater”

This “mountain theatre” that has played host to a variety of performers, including Steve Hofmeyr, and earlier this year a World Record attempt for the consumption of most sheep heads (apparently it got rained out, but I may need to go witness this next year). Aside from a beautiful, natural open-air theatre, there is also well-preserved and fairly detailed San rock art depicting a ritual. Overnight camping is also available with the open-air showers in between the rocks being a highlight. Tel 027-482-2918, [email protected] , www.bushmanscave.co.za .

Where to stay in Clanwilliam

The waenhuis.

The Waenhuis, is only 3.5 km from the Clanwilliam town centre which makes it a perfect spot for exploring the town and surrounding area. 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.

The Waenhuis provides comfortable self-catering accommodation with everything you could need. There’s an indoor fireplace for wintery nights, while in summer you can sit outside at a 8-seater table and enjoy the view while having a braai. Guests are also welcome to use the swimming pool as well as enjoy walks on the farm. The Waenhuis has been game-fenced and guests are often treated to a visit by a herd of eland and springbok in the evenings. From R180 a person a night. Tel 027-482-2613, email [email protected] .

Book a stay at The Waenhuis

Oudrif may only be approximately 50 km from Clanwilliam over the Pakhuis Pass , but when you get there you’ll feel like you are hundreds of miles away from any form of civilization. For a start there’s no mobile reception and because everything runs on solar power and gas, there are no plug points so you cannot charge any of your electronic devices. It’s pure escapism and not surprising that most of their guests return time and time again.

For a very reasonable R800 a person a night, you get to stay in an environmentally-friendly staw-bale house overlooking the Doring River , three delicious meals a day, plus all drinks and excursions including hikes to see San rock art. If you want to see flowers, the best time to go is in August when they are at their best, but if basking in the sun and swimming in the river are more your thing, then October to January is the time to go. But any time of the year is good for a sense of solitude in nature and restoration of your soul (and possibly your sanity). Tel 027-482-2397, email [email protected] , www.oudrif.co.za .

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Explore Clanwilliam

Plan your trip to clanwilliam: best of clanwilliam tourism.

Essential Clanwilliam

Clanwilliam Is Great For

The great outdoors

Cradle of Human Culture

The artist’s journey, discover the earliest forms of patterns and symbols, clanwilliam.

Clanwilliam is nestled at the foot of the mighty Cederberg Mountain range, about 230km from Cape Town. It is a quaint town steeped in history and surrounded by inspiring scenery, nature and game reserves.

Situated an hour‘s drive from Clanwilliam, in the heart of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, you will find Cederberg Wine Cellars, the highest vineyards in the Western Cape (above the snow line). While snow is not common in the Western Cape, the Cederberg peaks are often peppered white in mid-winter.

This is the only place in the world where rooibos is planted and cultivated. (Rooibos tea originated here.) Two rivers, the Olifants River and Jan Dissels River embrace the town that is guarded by the mighty Cederberg mountain range. After the winter rains (August to September), the region is transformed as carpets of multicoloured wildflowers explode into full bloom; a spectacular natural display that draws people from far and wide. A wealth of trees, flowers, fruits and nuts thrive in the fertile soils of the region.

The Cederberg Wilderness Area comprises 7 100 hectares, lies to the south-east of Clanwilliam and is a remote, pristine area with breathtaking scenery that includes fynbos and dramatic rock formations. The reserve is home to famous San elephant paintings, and a protected area for that most beautiful of big cats, the rare Cape mountain leopard.

• Sevilla Rock Art Trail
• Rooibos Route
• Pakhuis Pass
• Cederberg Brewery
• Ou Tronk Museum
• Stadsaal Caves and Truitjieskraal
• Cape Cycle routes: Cederberg Circuit

Cape Town is a fusion of diversity. It is a city overflowing with attractions for visitors interested in history, art, culture and a beautiful environment.

!Khwa ttu | Yzerfontein

!Khwa ttu is a San Heritage Centre which is located near Yzerfontein. At !Khwa ttu San culture ancient and recent history is presented through a series of exhibitions, videos and presentations.

West Coast Fossil Park | Langebaan

The West Coast Fossil Park has an exceptional interpretation centre displaying well-preserved fossil remains of the animals that inhabited the area about 5-million years ago.

Elands Bay Cave | Elands Bay

Breathtaking San and Khoe rock art have been found in the Elands Bay Cave in the hills above the Elands Bay harbour, about 5km from the centre of the village.

Diepkloof Rock Shelter | Piketberg

An exceptional collection of over 400 intentionally engraved ostrich eggshell, dated to around 60 000 years ago, is amongst the earliest known examples of storage and transport vessels anywhere in the world.

Riel dancing and living culture

Experience an authentic riel dance, a cultural expression of courtship rituals and joyous dance moves practised by descendants of San and Khoe people.

Sevilla Rock Art Trail | Clanwilliam

The Sevilla Rock Art trail is on Traveller’s Rest Farm, 34 km from Clanwilliam, on the R364 regional route over the spectacular Pakhuis Pass. The 5km-round trail along the Brandewyn River includes nine fascinating rock art sites, which are some of the finest examples of San rock art in the region.

Truitjieskraal | Matjiesrivier Reserve

The Cederberg is dotted with rock art, but Truitjieskraal, in the Cape Nature Matjiesrivier Reserve, is arguably one of the most impressive sites. Information boards along the Truitjieskraal interpretive trail provide insights into both the San and Khoe cultures, while at the same time educating visitors on the unique ecosystem surrounding the rock art with its various species of animals and plants.

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Clanwilliam

General Information

Clanwilliam  is one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa , and is situated in the West Coast region of the Western Cape .  Between the Western slopes of the Cederberg mountains and the east bank of the Olifants River  lies this amazing town filled with interesting stories and history.

Part of the town's history is the  Clanwilliam Ceda r, after which the Cederberg Mountain range is named. This magnificent tree, with its durable wood, is now on the brink of extinction. This is mostly due to global warming and the increase in the number of fires in the area - few saplings ever reach maturity.

Activities and Businesses

There are a number of historical walks through the town centre which can take in the seven national monuments. This includes: the original farmhouse of Jan Disselsvalleij - the town was initially his namesake before it became Clanwilliam in 1814 - the old jail building, now a museum, and an 1820 Settlers house.  There are some wonderful and interesting hikes along The Cederberg mountain range for all levels of fitness. 

The beautiful Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve lies on the eastern edge of the Cederberg Mountains, and is definitely worth a visit.

Accommodation is abundant in and around Clanwilliam - each with its unique beauty.  The accommodation directory provides a list of advertisers for the area.  There are many  restaurants  on offer to suit every visitors taste and budget.  

Clanwilliam has a thriving business community and provides a wide range of goods and services to its residents as well as surrounding communities.

See our business directory for a list of  businesses in Clanwilliam , or add your own  free business listing .

For more information, please visit  www.west-coast-info.co.za .

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Clanwilliam

General Information

Clanwilliam  is one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa , and is situated in the West Coast region of the Western Cape .  Between the Western slopes of the Cederberg mountains and the east bank of the Olifants River  lies this amazing town filled with interesting stories and history.

Part of the town's history is the  Clanwilliam Ceda r, after which the Cederberg Mountain range is named. This magnificent tree, with its durable wood, is now on the brink of extinction. This is mostly due to global warming and the increase in the number of fires in the area - few saplings ever reach maturity.

Activities and Businesses

There are a number of historical walks through the town centre which can take in the seven national monuments. This includes: the original farmhouse of Jan Disselsvalleij - the town was initially his namesake before it became Clanwilliam in 1814 - the old jail building, now a museum, and an 1820 Settlers house.  There are some wonderful and interesting hikes along The Cederberg mountain range for all levels of fitness. 

The beautiful Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve lies on the eastern edge of the Cederberg Mountains, and is definitely worth a visit.

Accommodation is abundant in and around Clanwilliam - each with its unique beauty.  The accommodation directory provides a list of advertisers for the area.  There are many  restaurants  on offer to suit every visitors taste and budget.  

Clanwilliam has a thriving business community and provides a wide range of goods and services to its residents as well as surrounding communities.

See our business directory for a list of  businesses in Clanwilliam , or add your own  free business listing .

For more information, please visit  www.west-coast-info.co.za .

Latest listings - view all.

TRAVEL ABOUT - Online Travel Agency

SYLVESTER'S TOURS, CABS & SHUTTLE SERVICE | GARDEN ROUTE, CAPE TOWN, PORT ELIZABETH

Ideally Global, Green Point, Western Cape

ALAN TOURS, SOUTH AFRICA

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Turtlejar - Private Tutors, South Africa

INTEGRATED MARKETING - Graphic Design Services

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF CLANWILLIAM

One of the ten oldest towns, Clanwilliam's beginnings goes back to 1660 when a team of Dutch explorers who were sent out by Jan van Riebeeck first reached the Olifants River. When they entered the valley, the saw a large number of elephants on the riverbank. Jan Danckaert, the Dutch cadet in charge of the party, then named the river.

In 1732 the first farm in the Olifants River valley was awarded to Pieter van Zyl. The Town was originally known as Jan Disselsvlei , after Jan Dissel, a local pioneer and a botanist who lived in the Rhenosterbosch at Piquetbergen.

The area first formed part of the district of Stellenbosch, but was declared a sub-district of its own in 1808 by the Earl of Caledon, then Governor of the Cape.

A new name: On 1 January 1814, Caledon's successor, Sir John Cradock, renamed the area after his father-in-law, the Earl of Clanwilliam. It cannot be said with certainty when the town originated, but according to the available information it must have been between 1804 and 1808.

ARRIVAL OF THE 1820 SETTLERS

Lord Charles Somerset (Governor of the Cape Colony from 1814) wanted more people to be sent out to the Cape and to be settled in the Eastern Cape. As a result of his idea of an immigration scheme the British Government decided in July 1819 to go forward with the scheme which for them had a three-fold purpose: * To populate the eastern frontier of the Cape of Good Hope * To increase the English-speaking community in their new Colony. * To ease political tensions in Britain that had been stretched to breaking point with post-war unemployment, industrialisation and poor trade.

On 12 February 1820 the ships "East Indian" and "Fanny" left Cork with four, mainly Irish, groups of immigrants and reached Simons Bay on 30 April and 1 May respectively. From there they sailed to Saldanha Bay. Although Lord Charles Somerset was planning to settle all the settlers in the Zuurveld in the Eastern Cape, the acting Governor, Sir Rufane Donkin, decided to grant land in the vicinity of Clanwilliam to four groups of Irish Settlers to keep them separate from the other Settlers.

The four groups were led by William Parker, Captain Walter Synnot, Captain Thomas Butler and Mnr. John Ingram and consisted of 126 men, 73 women and 159 children. Rev. Francis McCleland, paid by the Colonial Government, accompanied them while Parker was the leader. Every male immigrant older than eighteen would receive one hundred acres to cultivate and after three years ownership would be transferred to them. The land they would receive was marked out for each group as follows: Parker: Kleine Valley (1 600 morgen) Ingram: Groote-en Kleine Patryse Valley (1 350 morgen) Butler: Taaybosch Kraal (600 morgen) Synnot: The present farm De Vlei (500 morgen)

When Parker heard that he had to go to Clanwilliam and not Knysna, as he had thought, he continued to cause problems for the authorities and demanded to be settled in Saldanha Bay, but eventually returned to Ireland in 1822. The rest of the Settlers decided to move to Clanwilliam.

After a short while in Clanwilliam, the Settlers realised that they would not be able to make a living here. The arable land was not enough and the heat necessitated irrigation. Most of them were skilled labourers anyway and even the farmers among them did not understand the South African conditions. They requested a transfer and were taken to the Eastern Cape where they settled.

However, Ingram remained and he was able to buy the land of those who left at a very low price. Also Synnot remained and on 30 November 1821 he was appointed the assistant magistrate of the area.

When, in 1825, Rev. McCleland had only six families left in his congregation he was transferred to Port Elizabeth. The small group who settled here permanently included surnames like Foster, Freyer, Shaw, McMahon, and others. Even though they were a small group, they played a leading role in the area until the first half of the previous century.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH AND CONGREGATION

Until 1826 Clanwilliam formed part of the town Tulbagh, although a portion of the population chose to attend Zwartlandkerk (Malmesbury).

For more than eighty years Roodezand and Zwartland remain the nearest churches. It should be mentioned that the priest of Tulbagh did visit Clanwilliam once a year for the sacraments and serving the baptism.

Marquard was born in 1789 in Pruise and settled in the Netherlands at the age of 18 where he finished his theological course. After that he was sent to the "Cape of Good Hope" to work with the coloured people of the Clanwilliam district. In 1815 he travelled from Europe and settled in Clanwilliam.

When his fellowship decided to place his mission work under the control of the London Missionary Society in 1816, Marquard was so dissatisfied, that he left their service and joined the "Colonial Reformed Church". He became a member of the Zwartland Church but stayed in Clanwilliam as an independent missionary.

DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA

In 1914 the Bulshoekdam was built in the Olifantsriver, about fifteen miles north of Clanwilliam, to bring irrigation to Vredendal. In 1935 the Clanwilliam dam was completed. On August 15, 1935 the dam overflowed for the first time.

In June 1958 the national road (N7) between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam finally opened and in 1963 the one between Clanwilliam and Klawer opened.

DEVELOPMENT IN THE TOWN

Although initially very slow, the town gradually grew into a modern country town with a population of 264 whites and 840 coloureds in 1907 to 818 whites, 1,372 coloureds and 24 blacks, according to the census records of 1960.

In 1901, the town received municipal status with Mr. Charles Fryer, one of the descendants of the 1820 Irish Settlers, as the first mayor.

In 1964 the town received its own coat of arms which symbolized the citrus industry and the Olifants River. The motto "Toujours Pret" (Always Ready) is derived from the coat of arms of the Clanwilliams in Scotland.

This picturesque town, the beauty of the Northwest, has had its own hydroelectric generator since 1938 which provided electricity for the most part of the year. In 1958 it was enlarged at a cost of R 80 000. Also the town's water supply scheme was improved in the same year for an amount of R42 000.

A modern Memorial Library was built during 1958 for the amount of R20 000. It was named after Dr. C. Leipoldt, who spent his childhood years here, and his friend, Dr. P. le Fras Nortier, the father of the seedless orange tree.

CLANWILLIAM TOURISM +27 27 482 2024 [email protected]

CLANWILLIAM TOURISM OFFICE

Contact us for more information: 027 482 2024 or e-mail

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Police - 027 482 8181 Hospital - 027 482 2166 Clinic - 027 482 1692 Dr. Strauss/Smit - 027 482 1629 Dr. Harmuth  - 027 482 2111 Sederkem Pharmacy - 027 482 1226 Clicks Pharmacy - 027 482 1071 Fire Department - 027 482 1775 Ambulance - 027 482 2576 Cederberg Medical Rescuers - 10177 Veterinarian - 

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CAPE TOWN FOR CAPETONIANS

5 reasons you should visit Clanwilliam

There are so many incredible reasons to visit the charming town of Clanwilliam and we can name five.

Check out our five reasons to hop in your car and visit Clanwilliam:

There’s plenty of history 

Clanwilliam is considered one of the oldest towns in South Africa, having first been called Jan Disselsvalleij and later changed to Clanwilliam in 1814 by Sir John Cradock who named the town after his father-in-law.

As you can imagine, there are many historical buildings to check out, including the Clanwilliam Museum or Ou Tronk Museum. It’s situated in the Old Gaol and provides a historical walk down memory lane with the history of the town, the influence of C. Louis Leipoldt and the culture of Clanwilliam on full display.

Snap the wildflowers 

Magic happens in Spring as the wildflowers across the Western Cape begin to bloom. While there are countless spots across the province to check out, Ramsklop Wildflower Garden is certainly at the top.

The daisies and quiver trees are a beautiful picture against the backdrop of mountains and the Clanwilliam Dam and are a definite highlight when visiting this part of the Western Cape. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

It’s a gateway to the Cederberg 

The Cederberg is famous for its unique rock formation and endless natural beauty. It’s the go-to spot for nature lovers looking to enjoy a refreshing hike or stargaze. Clanwilliam is the seat of the Cederberg Local Municipality and is the ideal location to help you explore all that the natural wonderland that is the Cederberg has to offer.

Check out Bushmen rock art 

Along with curious rock formations, Clanwilliam is also home to the Sevilla Rock Art Trail which is five kilometers of nature that meanders along the Brannewyn River and visits nine sites of rock art paintings. The trail provides some of the finest examples of rock art left behind by the San people thousands of years ago and provides a fascinating glimpse into a time gone by.

Tea, anyone? 

Tea lovers can rejoice as Clanwilliam is famous for more than just rock formations and an incredible history. Nancy’s Tea Room and Berry Nice Tea Room are just two of the many locations where visitors can enjoy a delicious cup of tea. Berry Nice Tea Room is a unique spot too as guests are invited to boil the kettle and make themselves a cup of tea or coffee with no formal waiting staff.

Also read: 

Look! Whales captured frolicking along the coast with their young

Picture: Cederberg Conservancy

Article written by Lynn Cupido

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Clanwilliam, Cederberg

Resting at the foot of the Cederberg Mountain range, a little over two hours’ drive from Cape Town , lies the little hamlet of Clanwilliam. Regarded as the only town in the world where rooibos is planted and cultivated, it is also famous for its locally made veldskoens or leather shoes.

Clanwilliam is one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa and historical walks through the town centre take in seven national monuments that include the original farmhouse of Jan Disselsvalleij - the town was initially his namesake before it became Clanwilliam in 1814 - the old jail building, now a museum, and an 1820 Settlers house.

Pertinent to the town’s history is the Clanwilliam cedar, after which the Cederberg Mountain range is named. This magnificent tree, with its durable wood and particular fragrance, is now on the brink of extinction due largely to global warming and the increase in the frequency of fires in the area - few saplings every reach seed-bearing maturity.

An initiative to restore the cedar is active in the Cederberg Wilderness Area, recently proclaimed a World Heritage Site within the Cape floristic Region. The reserve borders to the north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam and includes over 71 000 ha of mountainous terrain popular with hikers and mountaineers and those wanting a true ‘wilderness’ experience.

To experience first-hand the paintings and motifs of the Bushmen, the Clanwilliam Living Landscape Project, a local empowerment programme, offers a rock art trail on which trained guides facilitate an exploration of the paintings as a journey across the landscape.

The annual Wild Flower show in August/September is renowned, the Cederberg Wine Cellar definitely worth a visit and both the Clanwilliam and Bulshoek Dams offer a number of water sports opportunities. Don’t forget to stop off at the Die Kunshuis art gallery to scout out some local talent. Wuppertal , just 72 km southeast of Clanwilliam, has been a Moravian mission station since 1865 and the little village today is little changed with an old thatched church, a store and neat little cottages lining the main street, making a visit worthwhile.

Additional Reading

For more info see our article " Top 10 Attractions in Clanwilliam ".

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options.

Clanwilliam Accommodation Four

Clanwilliam Accommodation 4 can sleep seven guests in two bedrooms. There is a spacious open plan living area made up of a comfortably furnished ...

Oudrif is situated on the banks of the Doring River in the Cedarberg Mountains, Clanwilliam. Oudrif provides comfortable accommodation (including...

The Longhouse Guesthouse

The charming Longhouse Guesthouse is the ideal place from where to explore the village of Clanwilliam, the rugged beauty of the Cederberg or the ...

Tortoise Terrace

If you are looking for a quiet bush break without the hassle of having to lug your camping gear with you, then The Storytellers glamping experien...

Rocklands Eco Retreat

Rocklands Eco Retreat offers a tranquil, off-the-grid getaway perched on a cliff with stunning picturesque views of the Rocklands. The eco-friend...

Langhuis at Boskloof

Langhuis is situated in the Boskloof valley, bordering on the Cederberg Wilderness Area. It offers privacy with your own rock pool and sleeps fou...

Winterbach House

Winterbach House is a two bedroom luxury self-catering chalet with is a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, inside and outside braai ...

De Pakhuys Glamp and Camp

De Pakhuys Glamp and Camp offers the most centrally located accommodation in Rocklands, South Africa. Nestled in the picturesque Agter-Pakhuis Va...

Alpha Excelsior Guest Farm

Alpha Excelsior Guest farm is situated in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains, in a secluded area of natural beauty near Clanwilliam. The area i...

Owen se Huis

Owen Se Huis offers accommodation in Clanwilliam on a farm situated in the Boskloof valley, on a farm set along the river banks, where guests can...

Alpha Excelsior Riverside

Riverside Cottage is a beautifully designed stone clad and wooden panelled cottage nestled in the trees on the Alpha Excelsior Guest farm in the ...

Kleine School Two at De Pakhuys

Kleine School Two is a family chalet with two bedrooms and one bathroom. The bedrooms are furnished with twin beds. There is also a single sofa b...

The Pup House

The Pup House is a two bedroom luxury self-catering chalet with is a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, inside and outside braai as ...

Klipspringer at De Pakhuys

Nestled in the picturesque Agter-Pakhuis Valley, 26km from Clanwilliam on the tarred R364 route to Wuperthal village, you will find Klipspringer,...

Dassie Den boasts beautiful views. The carpeted, luxury tent is comprised of three rooms which are furnished with double, single and bunk beds. T...

Alpha Excelsior Retro Caravans

Situated in Clanwilliam, Alpha Excelsior Campsite offers comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests in total. Guests are able to swim in the d...

Clanwilliam Hotel

Ensconced in the magical Oliphant's River Valley, Clanwilliam Hotel is situated off the beaten track. Only two hour's drive from Cape Town, the h...

Blommenberg Guest House

Blommenberg Guest House in Clanwilliam, offers guests comfortable accommodation in a small, attractive and peaceful town, surrounded by vineyards...

AfriCamps at De Pakhuys

AfriCamps at De Pakhuys is located at the heart of the Rocklands in the northernmost part of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, 26km from Clanwilliam...

Enjo Nature Farm

You will find Enjo Nature Farm far from the main tourist tracks in the wild and unspoiled Biedouw Valley of the Cederberg Mountains. The Valley i...

Klein Boschkloof Chalets

Klein Boschkloof, a lush green oasis and working farm s situated in the unspoilt Boskloof Valley which borders onto the Cederberg Wilderness area...

Boskloof Swemgat

The farm Boskloof Swemgat is situated in the Boskloof valley, a magnificent unspoiled area, bordering on the Cederberg Wilderness Area. The accom...

Nestled in the picturesque Agter-Pakhuis Valley, 26 km from Clanwilliam, you will find De Pakhuys Guest Farm, offering a choice of four self-cate...

Clanwilliam Accommodation One

This Holiday Apartment can sleep six guests in two bedrooms. There is a spacious open plan living area made up of a comfortably furnished seating...

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

This Relais & Châteaux lodge is a wilderness sanctuary of timeless beauty, holistic healing, wellness, rich heritage and conservation. Discover a...

Cape Sugarbird Cabin

Cape Sugarbird is a spacious self catering eco-cabin offering Citrusdal accommodation. The cabin is perched on the edge of a waterlily pond with ...

Clanwilliam Accommodation 5A

Clanwilliam Accommodation 5A, located on the ground floor, can sleep three guests. The bedroom is furnished with a double bed and there is an ext...

Apollo At Cederberg Park

Apollo is a getaway on the Kromrivier Farm approximately 250km north of Cape Town. Surrounded by fynbos and majestic orange rock formations, this...

Haus Muller

Haus Muller is situated in the historical Main Street of Clanwilliam and is within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. Treat yourself...

Malachite Sunbird Cabin

Malachite Sunbird Cabin offers Cederberg self catering in a one bedroom cabin located in the Cape Leopard Valley in Citrusdal. We are passionate ...

Lylius Farm Cottage

Lylius cottage is located on the Krieberg Organic Farm, bordering on the Cederberg Wilderness Area. Half-way between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam an...

Fivaz se Huis

Fivaz se huis at Boskloof Swemgat is situated in the Boskloof valley, a magnificent unspoiled area. The Jan Dissels River flows through the valle...

Suikerberg @ Cederberg Park

Suikerberg House is a holiday home located on the Kromrivier Farm approximately 250km north of Cape Town. Surrounded by fynbos and majestic orang...

Hangnes Cottage

Hangnes Cottage sleeps six guests in two bedrooms. The cottage has a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable lounge with a fireplace. Outside th...

Kleinfontein

Kleinfontein offers a warm farm-like ambiance and basic self catering in two quaint units in the Clanwilliam area just after the Pakhuis Pass. Kl...

Lebanon Citrus Resort

A quiet and peaceful small private resort consisting of a self catering cottage and 3 self catering rondawels all situated on the water's edge. ...

Yellow Aloe Guesthouse

Yellow Aloe Guest House is an upmarket, country-chic space born out of a love for the countryside and the town of Clanwilliam in particular. The ...

Clanwilliam Accommodation 7

Clanwilliam Accommodation 7 is a Holiday apartment in Clanwilliam that can sleep six guests in two bedrooms. There is a spacious open plan living...

Breekkrans House

Surrounded by fynbos and majestic orange rock formations, Cederberg Park is considered a popular base for hiking, mountaineering and exploring. S...

Nenna se Huis

Nenna se Huis is a very charming cottage with a vintage but homely feel. This cottage has one bedroom furnished with a double bed. There are an a...

Alpha Excelsior Homestead

The Homestead is a large, airy Cape-Dutch style Farmhouse with high timber ceilings and a cool interior overlooking our Cabernet Sauvignon vineya...

Donkerkloofkop House

Donkerkloofkop House is a two bedroom self-catering house with is a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, inside and outside braai as w...

Sneeuberg @ Cederberg Park

Sneeuberg House on the Kromrivier Farm approximately is surrounded by fynbos and majestic orange rock formations. Splash around in the crystal-cl...

Kliphuis at Boskloof

Kliphuis is a renovated cottage with a thatch roof and a very private and romantic option. It is situated on the river bank with a private swimho...

Verreaux's Eagle

Verreaux's Eagle is a cosy self-catering eco-cabin offering Citrusdal accommodation perched on the side of the mountain, with sweeping views down...

Alpha Excelsior Farm House

The Old Farm House is over 100 years old and full of character and charm. It is located on the Alpha Excelsior Guest farm in the heart of the Ced...

Gustav se Huis

Gustav sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms. Two rooms are furnished with a double bed and two rooms are furnished with twin beds. The kitchen is...

Tafelberg House

Tafelberg House is a holiday home in Cederberg Park, a popular base for hiking, mountaineering and exploring. Splash around in the crystal-clear ...

Weavers Cottage

Weavers Cottage is an enchanting getaway in a lovingly restored Cape thatched cottage on Alpha Excelsior Guest farm, in a secluded area of natura...

Krakadouw House

Krakadouw House at Cederberg Park is a two bedroom self-catering house sleeping four adults and two children. It has a a spacious living area, a ...

Clanwilliam Accommodation 8

Clanwilliam Accommodation 8 can sleep six guests in two bedrooms. There is a spacious open plan living area made up of a comfortably furnished se...

Murraysberg House

Murraysberg House is a two bedroom self-catering home with a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, inside and outside braai as well as ...

Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge

Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge offers accommodation with an authentic ambience of a modern African farmhouse. The warm and inviting interiors, ...

Rondegat on Clanwilliam Dam

Relax in comfortable self catering cottages overlooking the scenic Clanwilliam Dam and majestic Cederberg. The comfy accommodation ranges from tw...

Kleine School One at De Pakhuys

Nestled in the picturesque Agter-Pakhuis Valley, 26km from Clanwilliam you will find Kleine School 1, located on the De Pakhuys Vleiplaas surroun...

Things to do in the area

Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater angling in the Olifants River is one of the many reasons why Clanwilliam has gained such popularity over the years as a holiday destin...

The Khoisan Kitchen

The Khoisan Kitchen is situated on the banks of the Brandewyn River, and is based on the Rock Art Trail through the Cederberg. Specialising in tr...

Clanwilliam Museum

Step into Clanwillliam's old jail, built in 1808 and discover more about the history of the area including the inhabitants of the San and the Roo...

Admire Rock Art in the Cederberg

Plan a day trip from Cape Town and walk the Sevilla Rock Art Trail in the Cederberg. You can expect to see ten rock art sites along this four ki...

Velskoendraai Farmer's Market & Restaurant

Located at the entrance to Clanwilliam in the Cederberg on a citrus farm, Velskoendraai is recommended to all visitors as a must-visit. Famous fo...

Olifantshuis Restaurant

A family restaurant, run by head chef Jaco Slabbert, Olifantshuis is located in an old manor house, dripping with country character and boere cha...

Doring River White Water Rafting

Doring River offers white water rafting adventures from mid-June to September, on the river that winds through the Cederberg. Arrive the night be...

Rooibos Factory


The Rooibos factory is based in the small town of Clanwilliam, and originally started as a cottage industry. It has grown over the years, ...

Cape Flower Route

Citrusdal is not only famous for citrus production and natural hot water springs, it also falls onto the Cape Flower Route - a journey through th...

Noteworthy attractions

Cederberg Wilderness Area

The Cederberg Wilderness Area lies some 200 km north of Cape Town. This vast area stretches from the Middelberg Pass at Citrusdal to north of the...

Beaverlac Nature Reserve

This little talked about gem lies just 25 kilometres outside of Porterville, roughly 2 hours from Cape Town, in the Olifants River Mountains in t...

Bushmanskloof Wilderness

Bushmanskloof Wilderness, lying in the northern Cederberg wilderness roughly 270 kilometres from Cape Town, is a South African Natural Heritage S...

Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve

The beautiful Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve lies on the eastern edge of the Cederberg Mountains, managed as part of the greater Cederberg conserva...

Pakhuis Conservancy

Set on the northern edge of the Cederberg Wilderness area, roughly 300 kilometres from Cape Town and close to the town of Clanwilliam, the Pakhui...

Middle Keurbooms Conservancy

On the beautiful Prince Alfred Pass lies the Middle Keurbooms Conservancy, or MKC for short. More than 30 000 hectares have been designated by la...

Katbakkies Pass

Katbakkies Pass has what is commonly known as a descriptive name. Others in the area include Houdenbek and Skitterykloof - although Skitterykloof...

Nieuwoudt Pass

The Nieuwoudt Pass is a dirt road that occurs roughly halfway between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam, off the N7. It is actually an alternative route ...

Pakhuis Pass

The drive from Clanwilliam to Wuppertal in the Cederberg, the incredible wild and mountainous region that attracts hikers and lies roughly three ...

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Clanwilliam – rooibos, veldskoene, Tolla, and the living landscape project

We wander quietly into Clanwilliam on a particularly hot day, our air conditioning turned up full (not great for my green street cred, but what’s one to do when it’s this hot?). The main street is busy. But then it always seems to be, what with the new and huge Spar to the right of us, and the myriad historical buildings opposite it that make up one of the major charms of the pretty town.

I’m busy rattling off from a brochure about the many attractions in Clanwilliam – great place to be during flower season, the Clanwilliam dam offers a space for water sports, there is hiking (Clanwilliam lies at the feet of the Cederberg range of mountains and their presence adds an extra something to the town), rooibos is farmed here, as is citrus, and there are farms to visit, it is famous for its ‘veldskoene’ (there is a factory you can visit), outdoor activities such as mountain biking, 4X4 routes, quad biking and horse riding abound, and it’s only two hours’ drive from Cape Town . Bonus.

There is also a centre on the main road named after Tolla van der Merwe, the television personality best known amongst the Afrikaans speaking community, who was born here and died tragically in a car accident in 2000.

It isn’t his birth alone though that makes him well loved amongst the town folk, he was also one of the main reasons the town celebrates its annual Cederberg Arts Festival , known as the Leipoldtfees , named after yet another artist (well, he was a doctor and poet) who grew up in Clanwilliam.

Principally we’re here to stock up on goods. Great place for it, as the Spar (I’m not usually a fan but this store is an exception) is big, stocked with extraordinary products like wheat free pasta and Melissa’s goods, and air conditioned! I, of course, nab the role of shopper and head off for at least 30 minutes of cool respite.

Later I brave the heat that has enveloped the main street, despite its being but October, to stroll amongst some of the seven odd national monuments that make Clanwilliam one of the ten oldest towns in the country (the seventh oldest, if my facts are correct).

I wouldn’t go as far as to describe the architecture of the Spar as homogenous with the rest of town. In fact it positively jars. But with all convenience comes a price and it definitely adds to the town’s appeal for visitors.

On a corner, virtually opposite the imposing but beautiful NG church, at the end of main road, is Clanwilliam’s museum known as the ‘Ou Tronk’ or old prison. The architecture though is rather strange. It has something of the ‘great wild west’ about it, now that I think about it – perhaps this has something to do with the fact that it was used by the garrison during the Anglo Boer War?

It is open, but I cannot bring myself to get as excited over Voortrekker wagons, pioneer artefacts and the history of rooibos tea as I should do and so decide to give it a skip, even if Clanwilliam is the headquarters of the Rooibos Tea Control Board.

The tourist information, on the other hand, is pretty comprehensive. It lies just across the street, next door to the NG church built in 1864 (everything was originally ‘next door’ to the church as the town grew up around it).

There is nothing on the history of the town available in document form, but the walls are graced with a number of really interesting stories about the local families that live in Clanwilliam, there is information about rock art tours, where flowers could be found during the annual flower festival, news of a new rooibos cookery book entitled A touch of Rooibos , and I learn that Clanwilliam is Dorp van die Jaar, having won the award late last year.

We could go on an historical walkabout through the town, but I’m just too hot to face it. Besides, I’m looking for that ‘something special’ that isn’t necessarily on the tourist route in Clanwilliam.

We sidle off down Park Road. Part way along we stumble on the Living Landscape Project. Contrary to the way it sounds, it isn’t about gardening. It is a community project focused on bringing archaeology to children. In a nutshell, the project funds the training of locals as guides, craftspeople and heritage managers.

The aim is to reach school groups, who can come and stay here, to teach them about Time – how fossils, artifacts and ruined structures all point to the passing of time. Those trained in crafts provide goods for the shop that is also situated here.

Next door to the shop is the Time Machine in what the project calls its school hall. It is an interactive game of sorts with various artifacts and fossilised remains housed in glass casings in the walls – a record of the past. In this way one can learn about Andriesgrond – a rock shelter lived in often over the last 10 000 years, like thousands of similar caves in which one can find paintings that teach us about people of those times, and the Olifants River – named after elephants that were very common along its banks; now only paintings survive.

In a similar way, I learn about Ceder Trees, after which the surrounding Cederberg is named. They’ve existed for 40 million years (a lot longer than we have). Today they barely cling to survival and are restricted to high and isolated stands. Roughly 350 to 500 school children take part in the project every year, with an annual lantern parade through the town’s streets.

We leave soon after walking through the Time Machine. I enjoy knowing that something like this exists.

Clanwilliam Links

• Clanwilliam Attractions
• Clanwilliam Accommodation
• Clanwilliam Hotels
• Cederberg Accommodation

Buildings you might want to visit when in Clanwilliam:

• pretty Anglican church & parsonage
• Leipoldt’s House
• The old slave bell
• St John’s church – really old graves are here
• the old gaol

Further Reading...

8 Unknown Places in South Africa You Must Visit at Least Once

Kuruma Farm Cottages, a welcome respite in Worcester

Butterflies, anyone? Butterfly World

Graaff-reinet, gem of the karoo, nino's coffee shop in pietermaritzburg - a review, sa-venues.com.

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Plan your clanwilliam holiday: best of clanwilliam.

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Clanwilliam Tourism - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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