Breede Valley
Welcome to the Breede Valley
Breedekloof
Travelers and wine lovers are increasingly opting for visits to the lesser-explored Breedekloof Wine Valley, as this wine hamlet, which includes Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini & Breerivier, is situated just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
The Breedekloof Wine Route, with its unbeatable combination of majestic mountains, fynbos and sparkling rivers, is a natural playground popular with hikers, mountain bikers, fly and bass fishermen as well as bird spotters.
Besides the scenic splendour, the region’s other major attractions are the 16 wineries which offer a variety of wine tasting experiences and activities, from tractor rides to various food & wine pairings. A visit to a cellar will leave you with a bit of insider knowledge of the people of our valley, as their passion for wine and the valley in which we live are apparent in the wines produced.
Our variety of accommodation facilities, from B&B’s to self-catering cottages, camping or glamping options, we offer a diverse range of experiences to match any pocket. You can select to sleep on a working wine farm, surrounded by vineyards; in the mountains, surrounded by fynbos or along the banks of the river.
No visit to the Breedekloof Wine Valley is complete without enjoying our gracious country hospitality and revelling in a meal at one of our restaurants. Inspired by generous, home-cooked, farm-style lunches, our restaurants offer a variety of options for everyone, while our farm stalls offer fantastic local products, from fresh vegetables to crafts.
www.breedekloof.com 
Worcester
Driving along the N1 out of the Breedekloof, you will be welcomed into the glorious town of Worcester, nestled in a golden valley with a selection of hidden gems for the whole family to discover.
Experience the Big 5 at Fairy Glen Reserve, or take the time to explore the 154 ha display of fauna and flora of the arid winter rainfall regions of Southern Africa in the Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens, which is also accessible to the physically challenged. Or enjoy a touch of history at the Worcester Museum at Kleinplasie – the only living open air museum that depicts agricultural practices of the early 1800s to mid-1940s. The staff here offer year-round activities that show visitors how the pioneers used to live.
A magical ambiance awaits the fine art lover at The Hugo Naudé House and Jean Weltz Art Gallery. The Worcester area further boasts 12 wine cellars and the Willow Creek Olive estate on the Worcester Wine & Olive Route. Besides these recognised delights, a wonderful farmers’ market that is held on the first Saturday of every month, numerous free mountain biking trails and a few gorgeous examples of historical building styles are worthy of a visit.
www.worcestertourism.com
Hex River Valley
The Hexriver Valley is internationally renowned for its export grapes, but there area also a few well kept secrets in this mysterious valley.
Conveniently located just off the N1, the Hex River Valley is known as the gateway between the vast plains of the Klein Karoo and rewards travellers with the first spectacular views of the Cape Winelands’ soaring mountains and green cultivated landscapes.
Hexcape Often
Explore the Hex River Valley and surrounds on two wheels, tackling varied and interesting terrain. Whether you prefer to take it slow or experience gratifying rides, we can offer anything from family friendly outings to high altitude cycling adventures. MTB and E-Bike rentals are available.
Hexplore the Unseen
For outdoor enthusiasts captivated by mystical adventures unveiling the history of our ancestors, or in need of a retreat to clear your mind, The Secret Adventurer is ready to unveil some of our best kept secrets!
If you’re over 50 and classify yourself as a novelty seeker, book a memorable stay in the Hex River Valley and enjoy creative, tailor-made excursions with Graham and Sally (G1BT Travel & Tours) and sports historian Dr Dean Allen.
Hexperience Adventure
If you want to experience the fun side of farming, De Doorns is the place to visit. Combine a
packhouse tour and grape tasting session at Villion Farms with a picnic and some grape picking fun in the sun.
www.hexrivervalley.co.za
Touwsriver
Discover the magic of the reemerging Karoo town, Touws River. Once know as Montague Roads and before that Daos ab, this little town might have been somewhat forgotten, but is far from gone. As the first town of the Karoo, coming from the Cape, it is known as the “Gateway to the Karoo” and driving the other direction: “Gateway to the Boland”.
This Central Karoo town has one of the richest and most diverse histories and once played a crucial role in the developing railway sector of South Africa, hence still known as a railway town. Touws River has seen the humble bushman trek across its vast undulating planes, witnessed the Griekwas briefly find refuge here and can give testimony to the arrival of man and machine. It saw the transition of trains going from steam to diesel and then electricity and over the years have accommodated many great and influential iconic figures like John Douglas Logan, founder of Matjiesfontein and Sir Thomas Bain whom helped with the construction of a pipeline to supply the emerging town with water.
Traveling through town the history becomes even more apparent when you visit the various monuments including a class 23 locomotive, a language monument dedicated to the Afrikaans language, the Delville Wood monument in memory of local residents that fought in the Great War and even a monument in memory of an astrological event that attracted astrologers from across the globe to come and view the transit of Venus both in 1882 and again in 2004 and 2012.
Touws River’s fresh champaign air and starlight nights can bring about remarkable health benefits. The dry air can bring relieve to those battling with asthma and the tranquility will melt away all the stresses modern life impose. Local herbs are abundant and aide in the relieve of various ailments suffered by countless individuals.
The veld here is home to, among others, the famous Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutesence), Buchu (Agathosma betulina) and Wild Rosemary/”Kapokbos” (Eriocephalus africanus). Here you can come and enjoy peace and tranquility in an unforgettable setting boasting with awe-inspiring panoramic views and an abundance of wildlife. Gecko Unsized 21 of 81 Whether you want to be spoiled and pampered or prefer something a bit more exhilarating like a safari on horseback, quad bike or be chauffeured among the wildlife by a ranger, Aquila Big Five Private Game reserve will be one of the exquisite establishments that can tend to these needs . The area also offers various other nature reserves, guest houses, B&B’s and awesome activities including hiking trails, mountain bike trails, 4×4 trails, veld schools, bird watching, stargazing, bushman paintings and ancient fossils are strewn along the valley.
During the spring months the somewhat dull landscape becomes magically transformed into a rainbow of colors as the wild flowers emerge. Here you can find some rare, weird and wonderful flora like the black spotted chincherinchee, cups and saucers and “katnaels”, often not know to the masses. Various Protea species are also found here in great numbers.
Whether passing by on the N1 or driven here by curiosity, stop and discovery the secrets this unique town has to offer and be warmly welcomed by the friendly Karoo community.
