Discover the home of "rooibos" - Clanwilliam, South Africa

Clanwilliam lies in the valley of the majestic cederberge in the western cape

While the weather here is usually quite dry, this part of the Western Cape happens to be the perfect spot for growing citrus fruits and South Africa’s cherished Rooibos Tea (which means “red bush”).

That’s why you’ll find Clanwilliam, a place that’s proudly home to the lovely Veldskoendraai: Your One-Stop Rooibos Tea Shop. It’s the go-to spot for experiencing Rooibos Tea through tastings and enjoying local goodies at their farm store and restaurant.

If you’re curious about its health benefits, you can learn more about Rooibos’s positive effects. And don’t forget, you can shop for some Rooibos Tea to take with you as a tasty reminder of your visit!

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 drive from Clanwilliam, but if you have a 4×4, this might interest you big time.)

Beautiful places

Clanwilliam is an easy day trip away from Cape Town. (About 2 and a half hours drive by car.) Along the way you will find 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.

Have a look at these two options (photos above):

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat – Search and Book your stay…
The Simbavati Cederberg Ridge

Search for Accommodation

Discover beautiful places

Search and Book

How to get there

The closest International Airport is Cape Town International (CPT) and you will have to hire a car from there, and follow the N7.

Clanwilliam map

Things to do

When looking at things to do, the area is very popular for its hiking routes and mountain biking. 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 (home to the famous “Boggom & Voertsek” – Did you know there is also a song called Boggom en Voertsek)
The Clanwilliam Museum

Clanwilliam Dam Water Activities: If you’re a water enthusiast, enjoy water-based activities at Clanwilliam Dam, such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, against the backdrop of the majestic Cederberg Mountains.

Cederberg Mountains Exploration: Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the stunning Cederberg Mountains, known for their dramatic rock formations, ancient San rock art, and breathtaking landscapes.

And if your totally into history, make your way to the cemetery: “Leipoldt’s Grave” in Clanwilliam is a place of historical significance. It’s the final resting place of Dr. C. Louis Leipoldt, a well-known figure in South African history. Dr. Leipoldt was a prolific writer, poet, and medical doctor, and he made significant contributions to South African literature, culture, and medicine.

His grave is a tribute to his legacy, and visiting it can provide a unique opportunity to learn about the life and achievements of this remarkable individual. So, if you’re intrigued by history and culture, paying a visit to Leipoldt’s Grave in Clanwilliam might just be a meaningful stop on your journey.