Clanwilliam: Rooibos, history and nature

Clanwilliam offers several ways to shape your stay: Rooibos history and tastings, hiking trails with mountain and dam views, and historical visits in town and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Clanwilliam, first consider whether you’d rather focus your time on Rooibos experiences, hiking or history. The different places and themes provide practical guidance.

Rooibos: from history to tasting

Clanwilliam lies at the heart of the Rooibos Route. It features seven themed areas, including Rooibos cultivation, activities, history and food and drink experiences. This means the route covers more than just one aspect of Rooibos: you can incorporate different themes into your plans. Individual offerings along the route may change.

Two specific stops also offer different experiences. House of Rooibos offers Rooibos-inspired drinks and treats, as well as an extensive selection of Rooibos products and souvenirs. Velskoendraai offers tastings from a selection of more than 100 flavoured or blended Rooibos teas. House of Rooibos focuses on drinks, treats and products, while Velskoendraai focuses on tea tastings. The product range and tasting selection may change.

The Old Gaol Museum complements these contemporary Rooibos experiences with a historical look at the industry. On display are machinery from the early 20th century and hand tools commonly used at the time. Check before your visit whether the exhibition is currently on display.

Hiking trails and rock art

The Ramskop Nature Reserve in Clanwilliam has well-marked hiking trails with scenic viewpoints overlooking the mountains and Clanwilliam Dam. You can combine a hike with views of both features of the landscape. The trails and viewpoints offer a different focus from the Rooibos experiences and historic sites in town.

The Sevilla Rock Art Trail is 34 km from Clanwilliam and runs for 5 km along the Brandewyn River. The trail has nine rock art sites, considered some of the finest examples of San rock art in South Africa. In addition to the rock art, hikers may encounter springbok, eland, small game, dassies and baboons, and observe native plants and birds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The trail therefore offers both a specific insight into rock art and opportunities to experience the area’s plant and animal life.

Local history and other experiences

Stepnie offers a historical walking tour through the town centre. If you’d like to include it in your stay, check its current availability before travelling. Another way to explore the town is the Strassbergers Shoe Factory: visitors can tour the factory and buy Veldskoene. Confirm current access before visiting.

The Finbond Kunssentrum vir die Jeug offers free art classes for children; their work is exhibited at the Clanwilliam Tourism Bureau. Check in advance whether the classes are currently running.

The local Angling Club regularly holds fishing competitions at Clanwilliam Dam, including the Bass Classic in October. If you’d like to plan your stay around a competition, check the dates in advance and confirm that the events are still taking place.

Discover more destinations: Velddrif, Citrusdal, Grotto Bay, Strandfontein, Piketberg, Riebeeck West, Moorreesburg, Koringberg.

For the broader travel overview: West Coast.