There is a magical time along the pristine West Coast when every coastal town and inland village, mountains and fields are ablaze as an endless, kaleidoscope of wild flowers burst, almost simultaneously, into full bloom.

The natural phenomenon of flower season along the Cape West Coast in the Western Cape draws thousands of visitors from around the country and from around the world, between August and September each year; but, the wild flowers have been known to bloom as early as July and as late as October, depending on weather conditions.

Flower season can be fully enjoyed by combining one or more destinations. To experience the most remarkable displays of the season, flower enthusiasts should visit Postberg within the West Coast National Park, where 80 species of flowering plants are endemic to the region and found nowhere else in the world.

Velddrif and surrounding towns Aurora, Elands Bay and Redelinghuys are year- round destinations with special highlights being the flower season. Meander along the various country roads for surprise flower finds.

Budding botanists won’t be disappointed at the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, the private reserves around Darling and Hopefield, and the annual local wild flower shows at Clanwilliam, Hopefield or Darling.

Flower season brings a wealth of beauty – spring starts with drifts of white rain daisies and tiny yellow button daisies, blue flax and pink nemesias. The spectacular Cederberg, Groot Winterhoek- and Matzikamma mountains, and the arid beauty of the Knersvlakte and Hardeveld, become covered in carpets of daisies, yellow gansogies, felicias, nemesias and vygies in between. Sheltering between the taller plants are gems like winecups, sparaxis, lachenalias and babianas.

Annual flower season Shows & Events

Langebaan Postberg Nature Reserve Opens — 1 Aug 2012 — Tel: 022 772 2144

Hopefield Fynbos Show — 23-26 Aug 2012 — Tel: 022 723 1720

Clanwilliam Flower Show — 25-31 Aug 2012 — Tel: 027 482 2024

Langebaan Feathers, Flowers & Fossil Weekend — 23-26 Aug 2012 — Tel: 084 366 2461

Darling Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show — 15-18 Sept 2012 — Tel: 022 492 2606

Darling Wildflower Show — 16-18 Sept 2012 — Tel: 022 492 3361

Maps of the coastal and inland flower routes are available from tourism information offices in the various towns. Enquire about guided tours that are also available during flower season.

We now offer visitors to the West Coast year round accommodation discounts and free treats with our various tailor made Special Offer Packages.

Senior Citizens Year Round Special Offer

Senior citizens are offered a 35% discount on midweek stays year round. At R700.00 per person per day, this special offer includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner.

Discounted West Coast Birders Rates

Should you head out to the West Coast with your birding binoculars – we offer birding club and association members a 20% discount on our standard rates year round.

Apart from your luxurious suite, you can delight in stretches of unspoiled beach, lounge at our pool, savour the bounties of the surrounding area and feast at Draaihoek’s restaurant, a fine dining experience – and do it all again, the next day.

Draaihoek Lodge is ideally situated to explore the West Coast surrounds. A multitude of small country towns and fishing villages are within comfortable driving distance from the establishment, offering visitors the ideal opportunity to glimpse the comings and goings of coastal living at the West Coast and country life in the bordering Swartland, Sandveld and Cederberg regions.

Should you be tempted, sent us a query online using our contact page, or give us a call at +27 (0)22 952 11 70.

Treat yourself and a partner to a luxurious 2 night stay on the West Coast and dine for free at our restaurant every night!

Experience a taste of the West Coast with Gourmet Dinners and sumptuous, leisurely Al Fresco Breakfasts, when you and a partner head to Draaihoek Lodge for a 2 night stay over at only R2600.00 for the both of you. Our offer runs from 1 March 2012 – 31 March 2012, with Accommodation, Breakfast and Dinner included in the package.

Apart from your luxurious suite, you can delight in stretches of unspoiled beach, lounge at our pool, savour the bounties of the surrounding area and feast at Draaihoek’s restaurant, a fine dining experience – and do it all again, the next day.

Read what the critics have to say about Draaihoek Restaurant and should you be tempted, sent us a query online using our contact page, or give us a call at +27 (0)22 952 11 70.

Venture out to the unpretentious West Coast to rejuvinate after the Christmas holidays – whilst luxuriating in the comforts on offer at Draaihoek Lodge. Experience a true taste of the West Coast with Gourmet Dinners and sumptuous, leisurely Al Fresco Breakfasts, when you and a partner head to Draaihoek Lodge for a 2 night stay over at only R2600.00 for the both of you. Our offer runs from 15 January 2012 – 28 February 2012, with Accommodation, Breakfast and Dinner included in the package.

Should you be tempted, sent us a query online using our contact page, or give us a call at +27 (0)22 952 11 70.

Draaihoek Lodge is ideally situated to explore the West Coast surrounds. A multitude of small country towns and fishing villages are within comfortable driving distance from the establishment, offering visitors the ideal opportunity to glimpse the comings and goings of coastal living at the West Coast and country life in the bordering Swartland, Sandveld and Cederberg regions.

 ”A Happy Accident Finding you here!”

Beautifully desolate with ridiculously good food and service.  Return is imminent.

Anita and Daniel Crowe

04.02.2011

  ” We shall Return”

We have so enjoyed our stay at Draaihoek.  The Lodge was perfect for our family and we were blessed with some beautiful weather for a winter break. Thank you to the staff for being so attentive and kind.  We will be back!

The Hart family

03.07.2010

“A True Gem”

A secret getaway, a true gem.  Tranquil beaches and inviting rooms – we had a fantastic and relaxing time.  Thank you for the hospitality . . . read up on my story at www.findingafrica.com

Rebecca Solomon & Jacques Visagie
Cape Town
07.03. 2010

“We Shall Return”

We stumbled on Draaihoek en route to Franschoek from Clanwilliam at New Year.  We stopped for lunch. What serendipity, what. luck.  We returned for 3 nights this week.  Without doubt this is one of our great finds!  The room was excellent.  Standard of cleanliness superb.   The food was prepared with such care and it was served with such grace.  Unfortunately all good things come to an end & we have to return to Franschoek and our house.  Above all let us thank Margi & Zanne for their excellent service.  They never missed a beat! They were attentive to our every request.  Fabulous.  In the words of General Mc Arthur – “we shall return”!

Doug & Jean Pitt
Franschoek, RSA / Glassgow, Scotland
23.01.2010

“Excelente !!”

Hemos Pasado 5 dias maravinosos en este lugar.  Disfrutando del acosamiento, cenas, playa … y sobretoud por la amabilldad y buen hacer de las personar que forman el volverenos!

Carlos Jonquera & Angela Lidnes
Santander, Espana
07.01.2010

“Thank You”

We had a fantastic stay at Draaihoek Lodge.  Thanks to the whales, the delicious dinner and the romantic fire at night.  Thank You !

Remco & Janneke Griep
Haarlem, The Netherlands
02.10.2009

“Thank u 4 an AWESOME weekend”

Christine & Marietjie, well,  I don’t know how to say thank u enough – u swept me off my feet.  Yr surprises were awesome.  Thank u 4 an AWESOME weekend from all of us.  The passion, you 2 have in what you are doing, is great – don’t ever stop.

We felt proud to bring our friends to Draaihoek Lodge to celebrate Jurgen’s 50^th.  It was perfect.

Regina, Jurgen & Markus Apel
Cape Town, RSA
14.09.2009

“Christine made my 60^th birthday so very special”

Such a wonderful place and your staff and you Christine made my 60^th birthday so very special.  That cake was amazing! Thank you so very much.

Annie & Peter Rowcroft
UK
07.11.2009

“What a wonderful oasis”

What a wonderful oasis in the middle of nowhere – we came for a cup of tea and stayed for 2 nights!  Wonderful hostess & great chefs and staff – and so friendly.  Hope to come back soon.  Thank you all so much.

Keith & Johanna Goldsack
UK
29.09.2009

“Grobler verjaarsdag naweek”

Wat ‘n voorreg, wat ‘n fees der feeste! Beter kon dit nie  – al 27 saam.  Die diens & kamers en kos en gasvryheid was uit die boonste rakke.  Vreeslik dankie vir die allerbeste behandeling.

Jacques & Irene Grobler & 25 gaste
Pretoria, RSA
17.07.2009

“Baie dankie”

Het was hier goed toeven, rust, riumte en service beyond duty! We hebben er van genoten en bevelen Draaihoek Lodge van harte aan in Nederland.  Baie dankie, mooi bly ta ta.

Gert en Janny van Dolderen
Alphen  a/d  Rhyn, Nederland
22.05.2009

“Dank aan julle gastvryheid”

Wat hebben wij genoten van ons verblijf hier (helaas maar 1 nachtje) Wat een rust eindeloos strand, dolfynen prachtige sonsondergang.  Dank aan julle gastvryheid.

Jan & Tineke Kloosterboer, Nederland
24.02.2009

“See you next year”

It was our second stay and it was even better then we remembered it, just haven on earth.  Many, many thanks to all of  you for making our stay so great.  See you next year.

Salona  & Alex Gerber
07.02.2009

“Excellent food and service”

My second visit,  as peaceful & relaxing as the first, food and service excellent.  My wife was due to come with me, due to unfortunate circumstances she could not – next time she will share with me.

Rob Wallace
Athens ,  Greece
07.12.2008

“Hier gaan jy weg met vrede in jou gemoed”

Hier kom ‘n mens aan met storms wat in jou woed.  Hier gaan jy weg met vrede in jou gemoed.  Wat ‘n wonderlike plek, maar meer nog hoe wonderlik die mense.  Die diens het ek nog nerens anders teegekom.  Almal hier laat jou voel jy het tuisgekom.  Een van die beste maaltye in ons lewe.  Die seekosbord wat mens hier belewe . . . Die hotel bedryf kan mens verveel met eentonige kunsmatigheid – julle het dit reggekry om hier saam te weef ‘n tappeserie van opregtheid.  Dankie.

Nico en Mia Verhoef
Stellenbosch, RSA
08.12.2007

“Fantastic work”

Dear All,

Every single details was there to make our stay an enjoyable one!  Thanks a lot and keep up this fantastic work, it’s lovely.

Veronique & Raf
Hanselt, Belgium
21.11.2007

“The best hospitality in the Cape”

A wonderful peace of heaven you have here, would like it to remain a best kept secret!   Looking forward to a Chocolate Dream weekend.

Dante family

“Africa, here we come.”

De vakantie waarvan we maandenlang hebben uitgekiken, gefantaseerd en gedrromd over wat we allemaal zouden gaan doen.

Bompa en Bonnie,

De droom is werklikheid gebleken.  De nieuwe plek is op die ene gewillige ia na volmaakt.  My vertrekken op terugreis en nemen mee:  onvergetelijke dolfijnen in die golven, bokjes op die vlakte, vlammen op het strand, specta…… zonsondergangen en een unieke sterrehemel, het geluid van de wind, de warmte van het zand, het recept van pitabroodjies, . . . onse koffer blijkt te klein.

Wij hopen dat ook julle saam hier net so mag uitkomen en het success mag bevestigen worden.  Tot binnekort.

Ann, Paul & Kids
Julie 2005

All the guest reviews on this page are taken from the guest book at the reception desk.

Head to the West Coast to rekindle the sense of magic, romance and excitement experienced during Valentine’s. Draaihoek Lodge offer to spoil you and your partner with a luxurious but affordable romantic treat: 2 nights’ accommodation inclusive of sumptuous breakfasts and a sensuous gourmet dining experience  for 2 at R2600.00. This offer is valid for nights of 01.03.2011 – 31.03.2011.

Draaihoek Lodge’s beautifully styled surroundings offer the perfect setting for you to celebrate your love, treasure each other and restore your heart, mind, body and soul.

Valentine’s Day history

Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 throughout the world. In English-speaking countries, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine’s cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. This famed day is named after the early Christian martyr named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Valentine Traditions

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.

In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, “You unlock my heart!”

Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

It’s hard to imagine animals surviving here. The gravelly West Coast soil is populated sparsely with scrub and small bushes crouching low to keep out of the wind. This is not the stamping ground of the Big Five, but step back in time a little and the West Coast picture changes dramatically. Try 5 million years. That’s what happens when you walk into one of the excavation sites at the West Coast Fossil Park.

Located approximately 150 km north of Cape Town the Langebaanweg fossil site is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil remains that dates back to 5.2 million years ago.

Emerge from the introductory lecture with an armload of books and enthusiasm for fossils… imagine yourself discovering the remains of sabre-toothed cats, giant African bears (yes, there were once bears in these parts), elephant ancestors of 40 million years ago called Gomphotheres (they went extinct about two million years ago) and giant antelopes which browsed the woodlands about five million years ago called Sivantheres. This is not forgetting the birds from bygone millennia, of which about 60 different species have been found, including an ostrich larger that our feather-duster model.

An Ancient Elephant Specie on view

The deeply buried fossil deposits were uncovered during phosphate mining in the Langebaanweg area. The mining started in 1943, when solid phosphate rock was mined for fertilizer and it is thought that many tons of fossils were crushed up along with the rock before scientists were made aware of their existence.

The mining eventually stopped here and a new kind of prospector moved in. A national and international team of researchers are currently unraveling the fascinating and unique history of fossils from the West Coast Fossil Park and attempting to recreate the environment and climate of the west coast some 5 million years ago. To date, more than a million skeletons of small animals have been preserved at the Iziko Museums in Cape Town, where they will be painstakingly studied to reveal more secrets about our past.

Upon entering the half-round plastic tunnels protecting the excavation sites, the floor is strewn with thousands of fossilised animal bones. There’s an otherworldly feel about it – appropriate because this really is a different world.

This is the old site of the Bergriver, which today enters the sea about 20km to the north. Five million years ago, in a much warmer and wetter climate, it was the site of a mass burial ground when the river came down in flood, carrying thousands of plants and animal carcasses with it.

Jaw Fossil Millions of Years old

They were deposited at a bend in the river and were soon covered with mud. There they lay, preserved for the future while their families slowly went extinct on the ground above them due to a changing climate and its impact on the surrounding vegetation.

It was only early in the last century that homo sapiens interrupted their slumber while digging for phosphates.

Among the fossils on display at the park is that of sabre-toothed cats; Hipparion, a three-toed horse that moved into Africa about 12 million years ago; the Gomphotheres, an elephant group that moved to Africa 40 million years ago and became extinct 2 million years ago; and Agriotherium Africanum, the only African bear ever found, whose ancestors entered Africa from Eurasia approximately 6 million years ago and spread across the continent to the Cape. Another highlight is the Sivatheres, the extinct ancestors of giraffes. They had short necks and long horns, and they were huge.

Kids busy Bone Hunting

The Fossil Park is also an excellent play pen for children. Along with the sheer excitement of seeing fossils, kids can also become a palaeontologist (a specialist in the study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, as represented by the fossils of plants) for the day.

Outside the tunnels are sifting trays in which buckets of gravel from the excavation sites have been dumped. In a few minutes, you’re likely to find the teeth of prehistoric rodents, the rib of a frog or the vertebrae of a snake.

What this fossil park does, if nothing else, is to shift the mind to a different place and time and give one an inkling of how long it took for life to arise and diversify on our planet – and how quickly we are destroying it.

Open Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 08.00-16.00;  Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays opening times vary according to season.(You are advised to phone or email ahead of your visit).  The Park is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day & Good Friday.

Entrance Fees:  Adults: R10.00  Seniors and Students: R8.00  Children: R5.00

Two-minute noodles for supper, rocks poking into your hips, smelly socks and lugging a heavy backpack don’t exactly make your eyes sparkle with anticipation? Then rather skip lightly along a leisure hiking trail. No load on your back, a local guide by your side and overnight stops in comfortable beds preceded by fine dining.

The Crayfish Hiking Trail along the West Coast is one such slackpacking trail. Get to grips with the beguiling charm of the West Coast and its people, while walking the coastline from Elands Bay north to Ebenhaeser. A community-run initiative, the four-day walk introduces a new angle to the region and offers hikers more than spectacular scenery and loads of fresh air.

Trial Hike Itinerary

The Verlorenvlei Wetlands of Elands Bay

The trail starts at Elands Bay where hikers meet up with their local guide day before heading out.  Allow time to explore this fishing village and surrounds while enjoying the hospitality of your local host.

Overnight in the Vleihuisie Guesthouse, a beautiful old clay farmhouse on the edge of the Verlorenvlei. Carefully renovated, this landmark is now run as a guesthouse by a community enterprise.

Hiking Day 1

Make your way along the Verlorenvlei wetland to the beach. An 18km walk along the beach, adjacent beautiful white dunes, brings you to Steenbokfontein Farm, close to Lambertsbay, by mid afternoon. En route you will occasionally meander inland for a look at interesting features in the adjacent Strandveld.

At Steenbokfontein you will be received by your hosts, the Burgers. Dinner and breakfast consists of traditional fare served in their restaurant , The Farm Kitchen. Overnight at one of the renovated cottages of the Steenbokfontein Guesthouse.

Hiking Day 2

Gannet Colony on Bird Island

After a mammoth breakfast, hit the beach trail from Steenbokfontein to the town of Lambertsbay. A memorable visit to the well known Bird Island, home to some 25000 gannets, are scheduled for this stretch.

Have lunch with Oom Dawid Naude and his family in the township – an opportunity to get a sense of the large fishing community that makes up most of the town’s inhabitants. A meal of snoek and chips will go down a treat.

From Lambert’s Bay hikers are taken to Doring Bay, about 50 kilometres to the north. (The towns on the West Coast are far apart, so the Crayfish Trail is designed to let hikers walk the most interesting parts while they are driven through the less intriguing areas.)

Your overnight spot is a disused fishing compound, once lived in by itinerant fishers from Cape Town cashing in on the huge shoals that were netted there. The rooms in the compound have been renovated to a comfortable level and the view over the sea is hypnotic. If in season, freshly caught crayfish are on the menu for dinner.

Hiking Day 3

Rocky Terrain near Strandfontein

From Doring Bay head out to Strandfontein and on to Papendorp. The walk from Doring Bay to Strandfontein will jolt you out of expectations of more beaches and flat land. Take in a shore of vertiginous cliffs, the bases cut away by white water that roars in and out of the many inlets. En route you will see unique plants and in winter and spring beautiful wildflowers, whales and dolphins.

Overnight in the Papendorp Guesthouse overlooking the lovely Olifants River Mouth and wetlands.

Hiking Day 4

Follow an adventurous path along the Olifants River bank to Ebenhaeser. This town, founded as a mission station in 1831, straddles the final stretches of the Olifants River where it flows into the Atlantic.

Wetlands at the Olifants River Mouth

Crops of lucerne, bean and coriander fields thrive there, and fish eagles stand guard on the riverine trees. The river walk is beautiful with plenty of interesting birds and fishing activities to entertain you, but be prepared to get muddy. Though not always available, there is the option also to take a short boat ride on the river.

Put your feet up for the night at Ebenhaeser Guesthouse, a small, somewhat forlorn cottage with old, worn interiors speaking of a more prosperous era.

The next day, hikers are taken back to Elands Bay.

The hike costs R3060 per person. This includes the four day hike, accommodation inclusive of all meals (breakfast, lunch packs and supper). The meals are prepared by the local communities and are distinctly West Coast in flavour. A support vehicle transports all luggage, so all you have to carry is your backpack if you so choose. Contact Peter Owies at (c) 074 3584 333, (t/f) 027 215 1798  or via peter.owies [at] gmail.com for bookings and enquiries.

South Africa is a 4×4 enthusiast’s paradise. The mountainous regions and coastal areas of the Western Cape especially offer the most diverse and challenging 4×4 choices – from beginner trails to overnight expeditions for experts.

Draaihoek Lodge is fortunate to have 2 highly regarded 4×4 trails in the immediate vicinity – Jakkalskloof, near Redelinghuys and Klein Tafelberg near Aurora.

Klein Tafelberg

Spectacular Sandveld scenery along the Trail

In the heart of the West Coast Sandveld, towering above the sandy plains, rest the lonely landmark Klein Tafelberg. Within two and a half hours’ drive from Cape Town, a visit to the Klein Tafelberg 4×4 trail sets a gateway for 4×4 tourists to explore this interesting region. This trail has gained a reputation for delivering the ultimate all-round off-road driving experience.

Explore this scenic and adventure-filled 4×4 trail, snaking along sandy fynbos covered slopes and weathered sandstone formations to viewpoints revealing more than just Sandveld flats. The owner of this ecologically sound 4×4 trail has put a lot of thought and effort into developing the trail and the facilities at the campsite.

As this trail is situated in the Sandveld, the majority of the terrain consists of sand driving with a recently added mountain section now forming part of the trail. This section not only provides for a break from the sand driving, but offers a different type of challenge to the driver.

The length of the trail is ±20km and it will take ±5 hours to complete. Various interesting challenges will be encountered, putting one’s sand driving skills to the test. The trail has a 4×4 rating of 3 (3 = Low-range and some off-road knowledge required).

Comprehensive information available at www.kleintafelberg4x4.co.za .

Jakkalskloof

A Rocky slope at Jakkalskloof

Nestled in a valley amongst Sandveld mountain ranges, Jakkalskloof is situated 8km North East from Redelinghuys and 190km from Cape Town.

Beautiful rock formations in various colour schemes as well as stunning kloofs are encountered whilst doing this scenic 4×4 trail. Even the Atlantic Ocean is visible on a clear day.

The trail offers both circular rocky and sand routes that are equally challenging and take approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Along the route optional challenges are available to the hard core off-road enthusiasts and adventurous – fortunately with escape routes.

The rock trail ascends and descends over a mountain range. Given the steep rocky slopes to conquer, the trail is rated a 4 (4 = Technical trail for the experienced).

On the Sand Trail at Jakkalskloof

The 14km sand route runs mostly in a dry river bed with lots of soft sand , driving difficulty varying according the seasons. There are a couple of steep down- and up hills in this route. The sand banks are long, requiring lots of momentum and driving skill to get to the top. Some of them are so steep when going down that the nose of a vehicle could get stuck at the bottom if one’s vehicle does not have a good ground clearance.

Visit www.jakkalskloof.com for more information should you be up to the challenge.

Although the West Coast is famous for its sunshine, March signals the arrival of equally idyllic autumn weather. Summer’s intense heat subsides to balmy days, the wind gentles and Autumn casts her mantle over veld and vlei.

It is the time of year when one looks away from the beaches (however wistfully) and focus on all those good things in the West Coast area and surrounds that makes one appreciate being on the West Coast.

Pull on those Hiking Boots and head for the Cederberg

Misty Early Morning in the Cederberg

The majestic Cederberg mountain range, bordering the West Coast, is known for its characteristic orange coloured jagged sandstone, and its curious rock formations.

The southern Cederberg Wilderness area has spectacular accessible rock formations such as the Maltese Cross, the Stadsaal caves and Lot’s Wife. Rivers and streams provide great picnic spots with waterfalls and deep rock pools for swimming.

The northern Cederberg Wilderness offers equally rewarding hikes to Krakadouw and Boontjieskloof. Donkey cart excursions to pretty unspoilt mission villages, riverside picnic spots and world-class rock climbing and bouldering makes for a worthwhile excursion.

Hikers need to purchase a permit to walk, picnic or swim in this conservation area. Permits are obtainable from the Cape Nature Conservation office at Algeria Forest Station, Dwarsrivier Farm (for Maltese Cross, Wolfberg Cracks & Arch & Stadsaal Caves) and from Clanwilliam Tourism Office, Main Street Clanwilliam.

Try Cycling along the Coast

Splendid Sights on a West Coast trail

The temperate and relatively windless autumn months make for extremely pleasant cycling. A multitude of both relaxed and more challenging mountain bike trails are available on the Cape West Coast.

Trails in the Salhanha Bay area are more leisurely and ideal for riders looking for a scenic, interesting and fun ride. The fitter expert riders will find other more challenging trail options in the Koringberg, Piketberg, and Cederberg mountains.

Festivals, Festivals, Festivals

South Africa has a celebration for every event, place, art form, food, drink and agricultural commodity. The South African festival and market circuit sweeps through the country from autumn through to spring every year – and the West Coast and surrounds is no exception.

Easter Weekend Farmers Market @ Vyge Valley Farm Stall, Darling

Fresh Produce for Sale

On Thursday 01 April, from 11 am until 15h00, a Fresh Produce Market will be held at Vyge Valley Farm stall near Darling.

Shoppers can look forward to homemade cheeses, fresh breads, preserves, home cured bacon, homemade butter and a host of other delicious foods.

There will also be lots of activities for the little ones to enjoy, including sand art, jumping castles and all the farm animals to view.

Contact June on 083 336 8305 or 022 492 2586 or visit www.darlingtourism.co.za for more info.

Browse curio shops in Riebeek Kasteel

Riebeek Valley Olive Festival

If you like outdoor festivals, where you wander from place to place, sampling as you go, this one is for you.

The now famous Olive Festival takes place on 30 April – 2 May in the pretty Riebeek Valley which is lined with vineyards and olive groves. And, because it’s autumn, the display of colour can be quite spectacular.

Then there’s the olives, of course – of which there will be plenty, in all shapes and sizes – as well as wine-tastings from local wine farms, live entertainment and a variety of traditional South African food offerings.

It’s only about an hour’s drive out of the city, so definitely worth making a day-trip. Visit www.riebeekvalley.info to gather more information on the goings on in the Valley.

Cederberg Arts Festival

Picturesque Clanwilliam

Held in the Cederberg village of Clanwilliam from 30 April – 2 May, a variety of South African music productions, plays, art exhibitions and literary discussions are staged in this idyllic country town.

With a strong focus on regional culture and cuisine you’ll come across street vendors selling curried tripe, freshly baked breads with real butter and homemade jams, hearty stews – to name but a few of the regional offerings.

Apart from the scheduled arts programme, an open air communal entertainment area with live music and storytelling provides all day entertainment. Sip on a glass of Cederberg wine while savouring the entertainment and surrounds.

Have a look at the festival programme at www.cederbergfees.co.za

Lambert’s Bay Kreeffees (Crayfish Festival)

“ Kreef” is Afrikaans for crayfish, and this “fees” is both festival and feast. At the Kreeffees, held in the West Coast town of Lambert’s Bay, you’ll feast on fresh crayfish and other West Coast delicacies and get festive at rock concerts by some of South Africa’s favourite musicians.

Comprehensive information on the festival programme and happenings at www.kreeffees.com.