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.
Highlights
- Sevilla Rock Art Trail
- Rock Art
- Rooibos Route
- Pakhuis Pass
- Cederberg Brewery
- Ou Tronk Museum
- Stadsaal Caves and Truitjieskraal
- Cape Cycle routes: Cederberg Circuit