clanwilliam tourism

20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Clanwilliam, South Africa

• January 15, 2024

“Love at first sight” is that amazing feeling you get from showing up to a Clanwilliam film for the very first time, one that, though not the most popular, is blessed with a whole lot of beautiful tourist destinations worth visiting.

Presently, there are a whole lot of hidden destinations to explore and fun activities to catch up with in the area. How about you join us on this journey as we guide you through each one of them?

Table of Contents

Fun Things To Do In Clanwilliam

1. visit the clanwilliam museum.

The Clanwilliam Museum House, situated along the main road, is one built in the heart of an old jail, soaking in the rich heritage and culture of the city, known for the preserves and displays of the region’s local history.

Talking about its display of the region’s local history, it details the stories of inhabitants of the region over a century ago, mostly covering stories of its 1820 settlers and the Boer War.

What should I expect?

Visitors showing up here get to feast their sights on its exhibits, mostly artifacts of San Rock paintings and traditional leather shoes.

Address: Main Road, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa

2. Hangout at the Heerenlogement

Known popularly by its nickname “The Gentleman’s Lodging,” this tourist attraction in Heerenlogement is a huge cave well positioned along the Langeberg Mountain slope, blessed with a very friendly atmosphere perfect for hanging out with family and friends.

Why you should hang out here?

The Heerenlogement tourist attraction of Clanwilliam is one made and surrounded by the presence of huge wild fig trees, providing cover over its crystal clear water, which anyone can hang out under as well.

Address: Graafwater Road, Clanwilliam 8135, South Africa

3. Appreciate the beauty of nature at Ramskop Nature Reserve

The Ramskop Nature Reserve is an ecological reserve based in Clanwilliam that has recently been transformed into a recreation center and park, offering numerous and all manner of fun activities.

Showing up here is basically to come over to appreciate the beauty of nature with its wide array of flower collections made up of different and exotic flower species.

What other things happen here?

The Ramskop nature and ecological reserve also has a spring and flowing dam water at its disposal for its visitors to come to enjoy swimming.

Address: 14 Ou Kaapse Rd, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa

4. Go hiking at the Cedarberg Wilderness Area

The Cederberg wilderness area, approximately 300 km north of Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its dramatic rock formations and San rock art, making it an ideal location to go hiking while coming across rare animal species.

Made famous as well for its panoramic landscape featuring orange Cedarberg mountains and rough rock formations, it is also an ideal location to set your sights on some of its ancient rock paintings.

Measuring a staggering length of over 71,000 hectares of rugged and mountainous terrain, it is an ideal location to come enjoy hiking and rock climbing.

Address: Old Klawer Road, Clanwilliam, Western Cape, 8135, South Africa.

5. Explore the Sevilla Rock Art Trail

The Sevilla rock art trail is a large mass of land housing close to nine sites of rock art paintings of the crafts of the San people from a thousand years ago.

It is one of the few places of interest you might want to consider prioritizing visiting, especially if you are looking forward to setting your sights on the finest and most stunning of rocks.

Why should I visit?

It is also an ideal location, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the world of these early inhabitants, should that be an experience that interests you.

Address: PO Box 5, Clanwilliam 8135, South Africa

6. Enjoy the tantalizing menus of Nancy’s Tearoom

Nancy’s Tea Room is one situated in the sleepy mountain village of Clanwilliam that takes an entirely different shape from every other tearoom you might have come to know about—one that has decor with a little touch of luxury.

Moving forward, it has also got its settings made up of high ceilings and dramatic wooden furniture, coupled with the presence of palm trees providing it with enough shade. This is an ideal location to enjoy a welcome retreat from the sun.

What do they offer?

Nancy’s tearoom does offer a tantalizing menu of toasted sandwiches, salads, light meals, and freshly baked desserts.

Address: 33 Hoof St., Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa.

7. Enjoy the luxury of Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve And Wellness Retreat

The Cradled Bushmans Kloof Reserve and Wellness Retreat is a family-owned lodge occupying an ecological oasis and private reserve, offering five-star luxury accommodation in the area.

Made popular film, it offers exceptional dining experiences, overnight escapes, and thoughtful surprises; enjoying your stay here is a whole package of luxury itself, with countless experiences to relieve.

Why should you stay here?

It is a luxurious hotel made up of top-class rooms and suites, four pools, and a spa, offering gourmet meals as well.

Address: R364 Agert Pakhuis Pass, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa.

8. Try out something different with Biedouw Valley birding

Rounding up your business or holiday trip at Clanwilliam, you shouldn’t miss out on the chance of stopping by at Biedouw Valley Birding to create a wonderful memory for yourself as it concerns being part of its Spring Flowers trip.

This is an experience in which you get to tag along with fellow tourists as well, embarking on a journey of checking out and admiring its multi-colored rafts of flowers, which you are also at liberty to take pictures of as well.

Address: 8135, Cederberg, Western Cape, South Africa 

9. Be part of the guided tours of Skimmelberg Buchu and Rooibos

Skimmelberg Buchu and Rooibos is a tea manufacturer in Clanwilliam that has in recent times placed itself in a position of being a tourist destination of top interest to both visitors and tourists alike.

Its tours have got to do with journeying through its organic farm, checking out, and having a study of its farming operations along Skimmelberg Nature Reserve.

By showing up here, you get to witness the magic in the making of its organic products, Buchu and Rooibos.

Address: Witelskloof Farm, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa.

10. Enjoy the handcrafted beer of Cederberg brewery

The Cederberg is one that, in recent times, has experienced a full-fledged craft beer revolution. In 2009, a brew house that has now turned out to be the largest supplier of handcrafted beers in the area.

Should you decide to show up at this attraction at any point in time, you should be rest assured of the fact that you are actually at the right place—the right place to enjoy hand-crafted natural beer made with the purest ingredients.

The Cederberg Brewery does offer gins, wine, craft beer, and whisky for tasting in its much more private space.

Address: Dwarsrivier Farm, N7, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa.

11. Visit the Leipoldt-Nortier Library

The library house of Leipoldt-Nortier is one built in memory of the legendary Dr. P. le Fras Nortier, who passed away decades ago in 1955. It was built out of funds provided by his will.

This is one very important building in Clanwilliam, shaping the lives of its children and community members at large; it is an ideal location to come read, learn, and work on school projects.

Address: 25 Main Road, Clanwilliam, Western Cape, South Africa.

12. Visit the brunch spot of Thi Art Coffee Clanwillam

The Thi Art Coffee, situated in Clanwillam, just as its name implies, is a coffee shop open throughout the year, welcoming guests to come to have a taste of what its delicious dishes and perfectly cooked bacon taste like.

Holding the bragging rights of having one of the tastiest dishes in town, there are more than enough reasons as to why you should show up at this brunch spot.

The Thi Art coffee in Clanwilliam does offer cheesecakes alongside delicious lattes, iced tea, or smoothies.

Address: De Villiers St, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa

13. Dine at the Michaels On Park restaurant

The Michael on Park restaurant, situated in Clanwilliam, is one that offers both visitors and tourists alike its unique and amazing dining experience that revolves around enjoying the very best of its home-cooked meals in a vintage setting.

Situated in the old Masonic Lodge, right in the heart of one of Clanwilliam’s oldest streets, this should be your preferred pick when it comes to restaurants to consider visiting to enjoy delicious, healthy meals.

The Michaels on Park restaurant has a conference facility for hosting mini parties and functions are held regularly.

Address: 30 Park St., Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa.

14. Grab a bite of chicken at KFC Clanwilliam

KFC Clanwilliam, just as its name implies, is a chicken restaurant in Clanwilliam itself, serving you great, tasty chicken, well spiced and cooked enough to suit your taste and desire.

Made populated for its great service and friendly staff, this has also proven to be a nice location to hang out during the holidays, one that has a nice atmosphere as well.

The KFC Clanwilliam chicken restaurant does offer buckets of fried chicken, plus combo meals and sides.

Address: 1 Augsburg Rd., Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa.

Also, Read 15 Fun things to do in George, South Africa

15. Shop For Rooibos tea bags at House of Rooibos

The House of Rooibos situated at the Rooibos Country Club in Clanwilliam, is a retail outlet where you get to experience a lot more Rooibos than just your ordinary cup of Rooibos tea.

Holding the bragging rights of being the single largest producer and distributor of Rooibos to the local and international markets.

The House of Rooibos does offer an exciting range of original, flavored, and blended Rooibos teas, along with food and cosmetic products, souvenirs, and gift items.

Address: Cnr Augsburg Road and Foster St, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa

16. Enjoy Food at 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.

Specializing in traditional fare with a relaxed ambiance, the kitchen delivers hearty food to the hungry. With its natural stone look, the restaurant blends in with its surroundings, even being decorated with rock art reproductions painted by artist Sarah Mackie.

Chef Haffie Strauss prepares hearty dishes with a West Coast flair, like stews and bredies made with lamb, mutton, and waterblommetjies. At Khoisan Kitchen, be sure to eat to your satisfaction.

Address: The Khoisan Kitchen, Clanwilliam, Cederberg, Western Cape

17. Visit Olifantshuis Restaurant

Housed in an old manor house with a touch of boere charm and country character, Olifantshuis is a family restaurant headed by chef Jaco Slabbert. This eatery is the ideal place for any tired traveler searching for something delectable to eat, whether it’s their flawless steaks, seafood with a West Coast flair, or even pizza.

The restaurant serves food year-round and offers both covered and indoor dining. In the winter, there’s nothing better than a hearty fire. Chef Jaco’s passion for Rooibos, the native tea, is often integrated into the dishes. It delicately flavors beloved South African classics like ostrich fillet and delicious seafood dishes, as well as more adventurous fare like their crayfish risotto.

What to expect here?

The food is hearty, the ambience is quintessentially South African and the vibe is truly memorable.

Address: Corner R364 and Main Road, Clanwilliam, Cederberg, Western Cape

18. Check out the monument at Soldaatkop

The Soldaatkop is a rock formation on the back road of the R364 route as well as towards Clanwilliam. An attraction highly respected and regarded by its residents, having served as the very first grave of C.L. Leipoldt.

With its designated pathways not suitable for cars to drive through, visitors are left with no option other than to take a walk or stroll to check out this monument.

Here, visitors get to check out its interesting rock formation, taking in the structure of the profile of a soldier’s face.

19. Take some nice photos over at the Stadsaal Caves and Truitjieskraal

The Stadsaal Caves and Truitjieskraal are a tourist attraction en route to Clanwilliam, South Africa, one that has the mark of the city’s heritage and bears some sort of historic significance, having served as shelter in prehistoric times, and ancient rock art paintings can be seen.

Situated at the very center of Cederberg, beyond Cederberg Cellars & Sanddrif, visitors showing up here get to set their sights on the ancient rock art paintings—a fascinating sight to behold.

Why you should visit?

Showing up here is basically to come flash your camera. Len’s capturing items of your interest in the open caves and their rock formations.

Address: Cederberg Wilderness Area, West Coast DC, Western Cape, South Africa.

20. Shop for your shoe merchandise at Strassbergers shoe factory

The Strassbergers shoe factory in Clanwilliam offers the very best leather items, mostly shoes, because of its craft and expertise inside its own locally based factory. Having been in existence for close to seven decades at the moment, you should always trust them when it comes to satisfying your needs.

Introducing modern-day initiatives into its crafts Even though it happens to be one of the oldest shoe factories in the South, you should surely find something to suit your fashion sense right over here.

The Strassbergers shoe factory offers the very best of handcrafted shoes designed from scratch.

Address: 12 Ou Kaapse Rd, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa.

In conclusion, if you haven’t, at any point in time, made a plan to visit Clanwilliam, you might want to give that a second thought after going through this article. There are a whole lot of things to get you thrilled about, and I bet you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of them.

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•   • Clanwilliam Dams
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Clanwilliam, western cape.

Welcome to the Clanwilliam South Africa Information pages for Visitors! Here you can find Accommodation, local Restaurants and businesses, Outdoor Activities, Information on our area - the Cederberg Mountains, the West Coast or the annual Wild flower splendour of Namaqualand.

Enjoy the beauty and unique character of this part of the Western Cape

For more information contact us on 027 482 2024 or e-mail

027 482 2024

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Clanwilliam Tourism

Featured Members

The longhouse.

Contact Cheryl Spilsbury 274 822 018

One of the two oldest houses in the town, centrally located and set in a lovely garden overlooking the mountains. All rooms en-suite, air-conditioned and equipped with fridges and tea/coffee making facilities.

Read more >

BLUE BOTTLE TRADING KORA BOTTELSTOOR

Contact Philip Lochner 081 573 8917

Blue Bottle Trading as Kora Bottelstoor, is situated in Ou Kaapse Weg. They have a wide selection of local wines available as well as beers and spirits.

HEUNINGVLEI BACKPACKERS LODGE

Contact Dalene van der Westhuizen 027 492 8001

Your comfort is our goal. We have created a restful retreat far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tourism Bureau - Main Road

+ 27 27 482 2024 [email protected] [email protected]

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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 .

More accommodation options in Clanwilliam

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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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Vibrant culture

Clanwilliam living landscape project: time travel with the san.

T T he Clanwilliam Living Landscape Project (CLLP) is a community-based heritage and education project highlighting the living legacy of the San hunter-gatherers who lived in the Cederberg for many thousands of years. The Cederberg is described as an outdoor art gallery and archaeological archive, and the origin of modern humans is written on its rock faces and cave walls.  

The CLLP presents the Cederberg landscape as a time machine, which visitors can ‘travel’ through using the wealth of archaeological material continually discovered here – rock art, structural remains, and plant, animal and human artefacts – to connect to the lifestyle, beliefs and knowledge of the San ancestors.  

At this Cederberg community-based tourism initiative, your journey begins with a full tour of the CLLP , a sort of pre-flight briefing, before you’re taken to the Time Machine (an old school hall). Here, your knowledgeable community guide explains how the Cederberg mountains formed, revives the areas long-forgotten San names, and describes the San heritage of the flora, rock art and the archaeological artefacts on display.  

From there, you’ll visit the Time Garden, where the San way of marking time and the passage of the seasons, is captured in a variety of indigenous medicinal and functional plants – like the q uiver tree, which gave San hunters a container for carrying their arrows.  

Next, you’ll head off on a guided tour of the Warmhoek or Sevilla rock art trails, developed by the CLLP . The University of Cape Town’s archaeology department has intensively educated community trail guides on the compositions, interpretation, and symbolism of the rock art motifs.  

The full rock art trail comprises five sites and takes around four hours to complete. Two of the sites can only be accessed by a steep climb, so there is also the option of easier, shorter, one - and two-hour tours. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to be entranced by the artistry and delicacy of these glyphs, and the ancient dialogue that flows from them.  

After your tour, visit the project ’ s craft shop , where community artisans hand-make accessories like bags and necklaces , referencing San mythology and using traditional materials like leather, ostrich shells and grasses.  

If you ha ve time, a gratis 30-minute drive through Clanwilliam town and the township of Cederville will give you a complete picture of this region of the Cederberg, steeped in the spirit of the San and their fossils and fables.  

T T ravel tips & Planning  info 

Who to contact 

Clanwilliam Living Landscape Project   Tel: +27 ( 0)64 076 9576  

How to get here  

Take the N7 highway out of Cape Town, north for 212km (+/- two hours), passing through the towns of Malmesbury , Moorreesburg , Piketberg and Citrusdal , arriving at Clanwilliam . Turn off the N7 into Clanwilliam.  

Best time to visit  

Mid-August to September is wildflower season in Clanwilliam.  

Things to do in the area  

Clanwilliam D am, Ramskop Nature Reserve and Clanwilliam M useum are all worth a visit .  

Tours to do    

Rooibos Tea Company, Wuppertal Rhenish Mission station.  

Get around   

If you’re not on an organised tour , you will need a car.  

What will it cost?   

Guided tours cost R75 to see one site and R120 for two sites. Plus you will pay R30 per permit at the Warmhoek Trail and R40 for Sevilla (which has nine sites). It will cost R220 for the full tour (including permit fee s ). That takes about three hours. The Living Landscape guesthouse in Clanwiliam costs R300 per person per night (max 6), with an extra R60 per person should you want breakfast.  

Length of stay  

Four hours for a tour of the Clanwilliam Living Landscape Project and a two-hour rock art trail. Six hours for a tour of the project and a four-hour rock art trail.  

What to pack  

Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and drinking water. Sun protection is necessary in summer; in winter, bring a weatherproof jacket.  

Where to stay   

B&B accommodation is available at the CLLP, Oudrif eco-retreat, Travellers Rest cottages, or the five-star Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat.  

What to eat   

A light snack and beverage is available at the CLLP by prior arrangement.  

What's happening    

Each year in spring, the local community holds a lantern parade through the streets of Clanwilliam with giant, fantastical paper lanterns modelled on the rock art of the area . These include creatures like the praying mantis, which was revered by the San.  

Best buys  

CLLP c raft items, leather ‘ velskoen ’ shoes , rooibos tea, wine.  

Related Links  

• Clanwilliam Tourism   

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