Our visit to Moorreesburg in the Western Cape, SA.

Moorreesburg lies in the heart of the wheat and canola fields in the Western Cape, South Africa. A rural town situated about 90 kilometers outside of Cape Town. The town dates back to 1879, originally the farm Hooikraal, and got its municipal status in 1909.

During winter the wheat fields are beautiful as they sway in the wind and in summer the green surroundings changes to gold as the wheat ripens. Also known as “the breadbasket of South Africa”, large-scale wheat farming is the main focus of the area.

Things to do and when to visit

The perfect time to plan your visit to Moorreesburg would be during the Swartland Agricultural annual show. (Usually held during September month.) This is a huge family festival and lots of fun. The children will love the activities and animals. The entertainment is wonderful and there are lots to taste. Adults and kids alike will love the horses as this is where they showcase: The National SA Vlaam Championships, the Western Cape Hackney Regional Championships and many more. For more info go to their website, but this is definitely something you should experience.

Visit the Wheat Industry Museum (Where you can learn about the history of wheat from early Egyptian times to the modern day). Apparently there are also “wheat fossils which they found in Pharoah’s Tomb in Egypt.) – Unfortunately during our visit they were closed, but we will be back another day.

Other activities while staying in Moorreesburg

Mountain-biking and hiking trails with beautiful views (This includes the small village of Koringberg.)
Canoeing on the Berg River
4×4 trails
Clay pigeon shooting
Fishing
Farm stays offer interactive activities

Restaurant

We visited “Le Must Eatery” just as you enter Moorreesburg from Cape Town, and were pleasantly surprised: Friendly staff and good food, with a beautiful garden. Perfect for families with small children as the back garden offers a secure area for children to play and run around in, while mom enjoys her food.

Accommodation

Moorreesburg and surrounding area, offers a variety of guest houses, Bed & Breakfast and self-catering cottages you can try out. However it is close enough to Cape Town to do a day trip.

Above Photos: West Coast Info

Make no mistake this is not a huge tourist town filled with shopping malls and expensive craft markets, but if you love the peace and quiet that you can only get in the country, Moorreesburg is worth a visit.

International airport

The closest international airport is Cape Town International (CPT). Moorreesburg is about 2 hours drive, so you’ll need to book car hire.

Potato Soup Recipe

Discover the "Swartland" and "Sandveld" regions in the Western Cape, and ejoy a recipe you can easily make at home.

Go to Recipe