The town Riebeek-Kasteel is situated in the picturesque Riebeek Valley, approximately 80 km northwest of Cape Town. In 2009 it was voted one of the three most beautiful towns in the Western Cape by the readers of the "Rapport", a national Sunday newspaper. It is frequently referred to as “the best kept secret of the Western Cape.” The attraction for tourists lies in the beauty and tranquility of the town and it's surroundings.
Riebeek-Kasteel is named after the first Commander that established the Refreshment station for the Dutch East Indies Company at the location of present Cape Town. Five years after they arrived at Cape Town, Jan Van Riebeek initiated an inland discovery expedition under Pieter Cruythoff and when they arrived at this valley, they were enthralled and decided to name it after Commander Van Riebeek. The mountain behind the town is called Kasteel Berg (“Castle Mountain”). Hence the town is named Riebeek-Kasteel.
Two men who grew up in Riebeek-Kasteel, Jan Smuts and Daniël Malan, ultimately became consecutive prime ministers of South Africa. Jan Smuts, who fought against the British in the Anglo-Boer War, ultimately became a general in World War II and a member of the war cabinet of Winston Churchill. He was also responsible for drafting the constitution of the League of Nations, the forerunner of the current United Nations.
This tour gives you the opportunity to visit the Cape Winelands, taste some of our best estate wines and experience the special kind of West Coast hospitality and cuisine. Visit two factories at Clanwilliam producing two quintessential South African products: velskoene and rooibos tea. Overnight at the quaint Paternoster. Visit Saldanha Bay harbour and the West Coast National Park. In season you might enjoy vast expanses of indigenous flowers.
Highlights:
Cape Winelands
,
Riebeek Valley
,
Paternoster
,
West Coast
,
Cederberg Mountains
,
Bird Island Nature Reserve
.
South African wines are rated with those from the other top wine-producing regions in the world. The majority of wine estates, over 100 in fact, are found in the Cape Winelands, which is within easy reach of Cape Town and makes for a great one-day excursion.
South African wines are rated on par with other top wine-producing regions in the world. The majority of wine estates, over 100 in fact, are found in the Cape Winelands, which is within easy reach of Cape Town and makes for a great one-day excursion from the city.
Wellington is situated in the Western heart of the Cape Winelands, approximately 150 km northeast of Cape Town. The Hawequas Mountains form a magnificent backdrop to the town. The economy is centred around agriculture, the production of wine, table grapes, deciduous fruit and brandy. The town is also a centre of education with a number of colleges and schools.