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Clanwilliam lies in the valley of the majestic Cederberge in the Western Cape.

Although it has most of the time a very dry climate, this area of the Western Cape is the perfect place for growing citrus as well as South Africa’s beloved Rooibos Tea.  (Rooibos, meaning “red bush”).  Therefore Clanwilliam is obviously also home to the pretty Veldskoendraai :  Your One stop Rooibos Tea Shop.  The place to stop for a Rooibos Tea Tasting Experience as well as your local Farmstall and Restaurant.  You can read more about its health benefits: Rooibos (health benefits) and remember to shop and take some with you. 

Although the “home of Rooibos Tea” is often overlooked as a holiday destination, Clanwilliam do have a lot to offer if you love nature.  The area is definitely worth a visit.  Especially during the spring Namaqua Flowering Season as the Biedouw Valley is one of the best places to stop for a spectacular flower show and it is near Clanwilliam.

Where to stay

You have quite a few options in and around Clanwilliam.  Anything from basic self Catering with only the bare necessities to beautiful and even luxury accommodation like the Kagga Kamma nature reserve and luxury resort. Experience staying in a real cave but with a lot more glamour.  (Do keep in mind that this is quite a ride from Clanwilliam, but if you have a 4×4, this might interest you big time.)

A few more fantastic options closer to town

How to get there

The closest International Airport is Cape Town International (CPT) and you will have to hire a car from there, which is no problem as you can book it right here online.

Map, location(s) & directions

Things to do

When looking at things to do, the area is very popular for its hiking routes and mountain biking.  The Clanwilliam Dam is also a huge attraction especially in summer time.  If you love nature, the area in and around Clanwilliam is also the place where you will find a few “hidden places to explore”. A few examples would be to:

  • Go on a Buchu and Rooibos Tour
  • Visiting the Cederberg Brewery and Wine Cellar
  • The Clanwilliam Museum
  • Leipoldt’s Grave
  • See some Rock Art.

You can visit the following page for “places to visit” and to make your bookings for the above.

Activities to book

.. with Viator:

  • A Cederberg Tour
  • 3 Day e-Bike Wilderness Experience
  • or a 3 Day Donkey Cart Trail

Search more Accommodation Options

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If small towns and the sounds of crickets at night is not really your scene, Clanwilliam is an easy day trip away from Cape Town.  (About 2 and a half hours drive by car.)  Along the way you will see places like Malmesbury, Moorreesburg, Koringberg, Piketberg, Porterville, Eendekuil and Citrusdal.  Some of these small villages have interesting stops, so it might be worth doing an overnight somewhere along the line.  

 

  • Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat 
  • The Cederberg Ridge Lodge
  • Saint Du Barry’s

Looking for more interesting little villages to visit in the Western Cape?  Read our article.