When visiting this South-Western corner of South Africa, you will be walking in the footsteps of the ancient aboriginal hunter-gatherers of South Africa, the SAN- or Bushmen. They lived in deep and absolute harmony with nature- thus ensuring their survival for thousands of years. The tragic dispossession of land and rights almost destroyed this unique race. The good news is that land has been restored to surviving clans, providing the opportunity for self-sufficiency, for the preservation of their language, traditions and culture- and for once more being recognised as a unique component of our marvelously diverse society.
The tour encircles an area that encompasses fertile valleys that produce wine, fruit and wheat. The ancient mountains and rock-formations will astound you in their shapes and hues. They also provide rock-art trails,swimming in rock pools known as “pot- holes”, and picnics by rivers and on hill-tops.
Pretty coastal villages have sustained local communities for centuries with bounty from the sea, and the coastal plains provides a lush carpet of multi- coloured wild flowers in the Spring. So come and share in the placid pace of life whilst enjoying superb wine, splendid food and stunning scenery and serene, soulful people.
Standard package: 4 days / 3 nights
Day One
Depart Cape Town for the charming inland town of Tulbagh, a jewel nestled in picturesque mountains. All the historic buildings have been restored after most of the town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1969. Sample wines of the region at the Paddagang Restaurant. Proceed to the village of Piketberg through golden wheat fields, where we will visit a Jam Factory which grows it’s own fruit. Enjoy scones and tea before departing for Citrusdal – Citrusdal is the gateway to the majestic Cedarberg, a pretty town that is surrounded by citrus orchards, and is a major producer of Citrus Fruit, Wine and Rooibos Tea.
Overnight Citrusdal
Day Two
Our outdoor adventure (weather permitting) begins with a briefing by our local expert guide. We will depart for the Sevilla Trail via the Pakjuis Pass- where we will obtain the required Permits. We then begin our 3 hour hike, which is mostly level and easy underfoot with some shade. There are nine San Painting sites along this fascinating route. At the end of the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Brandewyn ( Brandy) River. Drive past Englishmen’s Grave to the picturesque mission village of Wupperthal with it’s quaint buildings and Velskoen (leather shoes) factory. We return to our hotel in the evening, where you may unwind over dinner and fine local wine.
Overnight Citrusdal
Day Three
After breakfast and check-out, we head for the coast ad visit the friendly town of Lutzville, where will visit a vineyard and enjoy a wine-tasting session and a short guided walk to a Bushman cave. After an a la carte lunch in the local restaurant, we drive to the coastal villages of Strandfontein and Doringbaai, before heading inland again for our overnight stop at Clanwilliam.
Overnight Clanwilliam
Day Four
After breakfast and check-out, we depart for the coastal town of Parternoster- “Our Father The sea at his peaceful fishing village has sustained local people for many decades. Enjoy a sumptuous seafood meal right on the beach at the Voorstrand (front beach) Restaurant. After lunch, we depart for Cape Town and- depending on the season, enjoy the spectacular fields of wild flowers as far as the eye can see. We stop at Blaauberg Strand for the magnificent view of table Mountain and the city from across Table Bay- before setting off on our final leg into Cape Town. |
