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Tourism Routes

Rooibos Route

The Rooibos Route was launched on the 14th of August 2014. If offers a wide variety of different Rooibos experiences. Offering you a unique way to learn more about Rooibos. From cultivation to history, activities and treats, something for young and old. You can plan your own trip so you can enjoy all of this at your own pace. Visit their website to plan your custom made Rooibos Route -  www.rooibos-route.co.za

Northern Cederberg

Depart from Clanwilliam on the R364 direction Calvinia/Wupperthal. After about 18 km you will reach the sign "C.Louis Leipoldt's Grave", here you will find the grave of the famous poet who grew up in Clanwilliam, there are also some nice rock art paintings on the site. Driving further along you will get the Cape Nature campsite "Kliphuis" on your right. Here you can obtain permits for the hikes situated in the northern parts of the Cederberg. Permits can also be obtained for Rocklands, the mekka for rock climbing or bouldering. A few kilometres further down the R364, on top of Pakhuis Pass, is the starting point for the Heuningvlei Donkey Cart trail with the most beautiful scenery. Bookings are essential and can be done through Heuningvlei Tourism, call them on 027 492 3070 for more information. The well-known rock climbing site "Rocklands", mentioned earlier, is on the same route. From there continue for about 8 km until you get to the sign "Pakhuys Winery & Olive Oil", they take you on a tour through the cellar and you can also do some wine tasting & olive oil tasting. They are open from Monday to Saturday, from 07:00 till 18:00 but bookings are essential, call them on 027 482 2700 or visit their website for more information -  www.alphaexcelsior.co.za . Next to them is De Pakhuys, a farm completely transformed over the years to accommodate rock climbers. They have a variety of walks on the farm such as the one leading you up to an amazing waterfall. Make sure you visit their website to see what else they have to offer -  www.depakhuys.com . Drive further for 10 km till you see a bunch of country flags on your right, you have reached "Travellers Rest Farm Stall & Restaurant", here you can get a permit (R40 per person) for the famous "Sevilla Rock Art Trail". The trail is 2,5 km long (one way) and there are nine rock art sites to be visited, after the hike you can relax at this lovely farmstall and order something tasty from their menu, make sure you leave some space for their delicious home made Amarula cake. For more information about the trail -  www.travellersrest.co.za . 19 km further on the R364 towards Wupperthal is the Biedouw Valley, a must visit during flower season. 19 km ahead is the Moravian Mission Village "Wupperthal". Here you can visit the shoe factory, Rooibos tea factory and the Rooibos soap factory "Red Cedar". Nice meals are prepared at the "Lekkerbekkie" restaurant, bookings are essential if you would like a traditional meal to be prepared for you, contact them on 027 492 3740. From Wupperthal you can either come back to Clanwilliam or you can drive the 4x4 route via Eselsbank towards the Southern Cederberg, remember this can only be done with a 4x4 vehicle.

Southern Cederberg

Depart from Clanwilliam on the Old Cape Road in a Southern direction passing the Information Office. Drive for about 8 km and turn left at the Cederberg sign. Continue until you get to Algeria. Look out for flowers during the flower season. To wander into the mountains you need a permit, which you can obtain from Algeria forest station. There is a short hike of 3 hours to the beautiful waterfalls. For longer hikes contact Algeria at 027 482 2403. Drive 30 km's further south and you will get to the farm Dwarsrivier where you will find the "Cederberg Wine Cellar". The highest cellar above sea-level in Southern Africa. They also have an observatory which is only open on Saturdays, weather permitted. Bookings are essential, contact them on 027 482 2825 for more information or visit their website -  www.cederbergwine.com . At the cellar you can have a taste of their splendid wines. From there you can go on the worldwide-known hiking trails to view the Maltese Cross (4 to 5 hours), Lot's Wife and Window Rocks, as well as the Wolfberg Cracks (4 hours) and Wolfberg Arch (8 hours). You can also visit Truitjieskraal and the Stadsaal Caves with it's Elephant bushman paintings a few kilometers from Dwarsrivier. Permits for all the above can be obtained at Algeria or at the farm Dwarsrivier. From there you can go to Ceres or you can go on a circle route through the Cederberg towards Wupperthal if you have a 4x4 vehicle.

Route to Lambertsbaai

Depart from Clanwilliam on the R364 to Lambertsbaai. Drive for 12 km until you come to Ysterfontein, you can go on a rooibos tour (big groups only), which include the plantation and drying yards. Afterwards you can enjoy a nice cup of rooibos tea or ice tea, bookings are essential contact them on 027 482 2512 or visit  www.ysterfontein.co.za . Continue further for 3 km and turn right at the Skurfkop turn off. Drive for 3.3 km to Elandsberg Eco Reserve. Rooibos tours are done which include rock art, beautiful rock formations, the rooibos tea plantation, nursery and factory. After the tour you can enjoy a nice cup of rooibos tea and buy the different products in their shop. Traditional meals are also offered by prior arrangement. Contact Chris or Annette on 027 482 2022 or visit  www.elandsberg.co.za . Drive back to the R364 and turn right to go to Graafwater. At Graafwater turn right to go into town and drive straight through town for about 16 km to the Heerenlogement, an overhanging cliff that was used as an overnight stop for the Settlers. Close to the Heerenlogement is the Zink Blokhuis/fort which was used to stop the Boer soldiers, on the farm Graafwaterplaas, as well as the Oloffs/Bergfonteijn on the farm Klipfontein, 10 km south from the Heerenlogement, this was also one of the oldest rest places on the historical route to the north. Continue from there on a circle route towards Lambertsbaai (or make your way back to the R364 and turn right towards Lambertsbaai), here you can visit Bird Island, home to the colony of Cape Gannets. You can walk to the island or go by boat. For traditional meals and seafood in open-air restaurants you can book at either Muisbosskerm (027 432 1017), which is situated on the beach, 5 km south from Lambertsbaai or Bosduifklip (027 432 2735), situated 12 km before Lambertsbaai on the R364. There are also other activities to be done around Lambertsbaai, visit their website for more information on  www.lambertsbay.co.za

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 - 

Tourism Bureau - Main Road

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

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Clanwilliam, Western Cape South Africa

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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 .

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Things to Do in Clanwilliam, South Africa - Clanwilliam Attractions

Things to do in clanwilliam.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sevilla Rock Art Trail

2. Cederberg Wilderness Area

3. Pakhuis Pass

4. Ramskop Nature Reserve

5. Clanwilliam Museum

6. Bushman's Cave

7. Heerenlogement

8. Groot Krakadouw Trail

9. Clanwilliam Tourism

10. ou tronk museum.

11. Rooibos Tea House

What travelers are saying

• Sevilla Rock Art Trail
• Pakhuis Pass
• Cederberg Wilderness Area
• Ramskop Nature Reserve
• Bushman's Cave

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 – 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...

Grease the Musical at Artscape in Cape Town

Things to Do in Cape Town by a Capetonian

kwaLapa – telling the stories of food

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

Clanwilliam Tourist Information Office

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Clanwilliam Tourist Information Office Address: 34 Main Rd, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa City of Northern Cape Post Office box: 5, Clanwilliam, 8135 Phone number: 027 482 2024,, Fax: 027 482 2361 Categories: Tourism, www.tourismclanwilliam.co.za " target="_blank"> www.tourismclanwilliam.co.za

Address: Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa, Northern Cape. See full address and map. Categories: Tourism

Address: Kuruman, 8460, South Africa, Northern Cape. See full address and map. Categories: Tourism

Address: Die Werf Church Square, Wuppertal, Clanwilliam, 8138, South Africa, Northern Cape. See full address and map. Categories: Tourism

Address: Port Nolloth, 8280, South Africa, Northern Cape. See full address and map. Categories: Tourism

Address: Metlife Towers Stead St Market, Kimberley, 8301, South Africa, Northern Cape. See full address and map. Categories: Tourism

Address: 45 Voortrekker St, De Aar, 7000, South Africa, Northern Cape. See full address and map. Categories: Tourism

Address: Groenkol Rooibostee Farm, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa, Northern Cape. See full address and map. Categories: Tourism

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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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• Clanwilliam Tourism
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Clanwilliam Tourist Information Office

• Address: 34 Clanwilliam Way, Portland, Clanwilliam, 8135, South Africa

Clanwilliam Tourist Information Office Reviews & Ratings

Attractions Nearby

• Spier Wine Farm
• Table Mountain
• Cheetah Outreach
• Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
• Botanical Garden At University Of Stellenbosch
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
• Helshoogte Pass

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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

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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