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 the surrounding area offer a variety of guest houses, Bed & Breakfasts, and self-catering cottages you can try out. However, it is close enough to Cape Town to do a day trip. Should you wish to stay a night or two the perfect option would be to book a farm stay or drive the few extra miles to the tiny hamlet of Koringberg. A really small little town, but with nice people.

You also have the option of staying in Piketberg, the next bigger town, after Moorreesburg. Koringberg is situated in the middle of the two towns.

Search for places to stay, and book now.

As you take a country drive out in the beautiful Swartland, you’ll pass Moorreesburg, then you’ll get the turnoff to Koringberg, and just before you reach Piketberg, you’ll cross the magnificent Berg River. The second largest river in the Western Cape region of South Africa, and home to the Berg River canoe marathon each year. A spectacular sight when in flood, but do be careful as it can get very dangerous.

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.

Travel tips that others might not know:

Piket-Bo-Berg Farmers Market is worth a visit. Situated on top of the mountain in Piketberg, just a short drive from Moorreesburg.

Canola Fields in flower: Take a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside as the canola fields around Moorreesburg offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during the flowering season from August to September.

Wildflower Viewing: Explore the stunning wildflower displays in the spring (August to September) at nearby reserves like the Renosterveld Wildflower Reserve. Witness a vibrant array of indigenous flowers, including rare species found only in this region. While places like Clanwilliam will be expensive to stay during this time, Moorreesburg might be a better option and you can explore from here, all the way to Langebaan in the West Coast.

Did you know?

Platteland a well-known South African magazine specializing in rural lifestyle, cooking, gardening, and other rural themes originated in Koringberg. Koringberg, with its picturesque landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, serves as an appropriate place for the emergence of a publication that celebrates and promotes rural life. Platteland has a sustained focus on the unique culture and lifestyle of rural South Africa and has a large readership across the country.

International airport

The closest international airport is Cape Town International (CPT). Moorreesburg is about 2 hours drive outside of the Northern Suburbs and there is no public transportation, so you’ll need to rent a car.