COSY GETAWAYS TO EXPLORE THIS WINTER
Winter is almost upon us, and many people may be mourning the loss of long summer days punctuated by holiday getaways and weekends spent exploring. However, those who think wintertime means travelling and adventures must stop are mistaken!
In fact, the winter months are ideal for getting out and about, and a winter getaway to the Bergrivier region on Cape Town’s doorstep is a fantastic idea. Here are some reasons why the Bergrivier area and the towns within it should be top of your travel list this winter:
Stunning Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
The Bergrivier region is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and the Atlantic coastline. Winter is an ideal time to enjoy the scenic beauty without the intense summer heat. The region offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking. Towns such as Velddrif, Aurora, Piketberg and Porterville, with their beautiful coastal and mountain scenery, are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rich Cultural and Historical Experiences
The region is steeped in rich history and culture, offering unique experiences like the Piketberg Historical Route, which takes visitors on a self-guided walking route past gorgeous historic buildings, churches, and museums. In Goedverwacht and Wittewater, you can explore beautifully restored mission station villages, providing a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.
Delicious Local Cuisine and Wine
Winter in the Bergrivier region is perfect for indulging in the local culinary delights. Velddrif, for instance, is a foodie’s paradise with its bokkoms, craft beer, and artisanal cheese tastings. Wine lovers can visit organic winery Org-de-Rac, just outside Piketberg, for wine and cheese pairings while enjoying the scenic views, and gin enthusiasts should stop in at Ginsmiths, an artisanal gin distillery in the mountains above the town of Porterville.
Peaceful and Relaxing Atmosphere
The tranquil environment of the Bergrivier region makes it an excellent destination for relaxation and unwinding. The serene landscapes, quiet villages, and fewer tourists in winter create a peaceful setting ideal for recharging your batteries. Whether you’re watching the stars in Aurora or enjoying a boat cruise in Velddrif, the region offers a calm and rejuvenating escape.
Unique Winter Experiences
Winter in the Bergrivier region offers unique experiences that differ from the summer tourist rush. Enjoy the misty mornings and crisp air while exploring the mountain trails or cosy up by a fireplace in a charming guest house or rustic chalet. The region’s winter markets and local festivals, such as the Bergriver Winter Carnival, also provide a special touch to your getaway, offering handmade crafts, fresh produce, and local delicacies.
Cosy and Charming Accommodations
The region boasts a vast variety of charming accommodations that provide a cosy winter escape. Think fireplaces and warm hospitality, beautiful settings, and cosy winter atmospheres.
Some top-recommended accommodation options for a wonderful winter getaway include Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort (not far from Piketberg) with its heated indoor swimming pool, amazing views over the valley, ziplining, archery, mini golf, trampolines and more.
Nearby, in the mountains above Porterville is the Pampoenfontein Guest Farm, a secluded retreat perfect for winter escapes that offers five beautifully furnished self-catering cottages tucked into pristine fynbos-covered mountains. Guests can enjoy the trails which wind through the wilderness area and reveal magnificent views as well as stunning flower sightings.
For those wanting to explore Velddrif and its surroundings, a fabulous self-catering option for larger groups or families is Blue Sage on Admiral Island in Port Owen. This expansive home is within walking distance from the water and restaurants and is perfect for relaxing on the sofa in front of the oversized fireplace on a winter day.
Another highly recommended self-catering option in this area is Lermitage Quagga Lodge. Situated near Velddrif on the banks of the Berg River, there are five modern off-grid self-catering chalets with indoor braai/fireplace facilities to enjoy.
A winter getaway to the Bergrivier region offers a mix of natural beauty, cosy accommodations, rich cultural experiences, delicious local cuisine, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing and enjoyable winter escape.
Add to this the fact that it is cooler, quieter, more affordable with out-of-season rates, and even more beautiful as the landscape greens up with the winter rains, and you have the recipe for a wonderful weekend or longer holiday escape.
For help with where to stay and other things to see and do this winter in the Bergrivier area visit https://bergriviertourism.co.za.
