Velddrif

ANNUAL West Coast Canoe Challenge- FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Uncategorized /

ANNUAL West Coast Canoe Challenge- FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY The 11th annual West Coast Canoe Challenge is set to take place on Saturday 27 January 2024 on the Berg River in the beautiful West Coast village of Velddrif. Around 250 participants are expected to take part in the Appliance World West Coast Canoe Challenge over different distances. There is a 20 km race for the experienced participants on kayaks and surf skis; a 16 km event for SUP boards (stand-up paddle boards); and an enjoyable 10 km, which is perfect for fit newcomers to the sport of rowing – and any form of paddle powered vessel can be entered. There is also a relaxed 5 km event designed for paddlers with little or no experience – perfect for families or anyone looking to just have some fun and take part in the Canoe Challenge. The 5km is also open to any kind of rowing boat. The organisers of this hugely anticipated annual event explain that safety plays a big part, and everyone must wear life jackets, be familiar with water, and be able to swim. Registrations take place from 7.30 am at the Riviera Hotel and at 10 o’clock the first rowers head off. Online registrations are already open. For those keen to watch the events, popular vantage points are at the Riviera Hotel, by the Carinus Bridge, from the Port Owen Marina, the quaint Bokkomlaan and from the upstream Train Bridge, which is also the first turning point. Many professional and semi-professional paddlers are expected from the Boland, West Coast, as well as the Cape Peninsula. Some canoe clubs will also be bringing their development paddlers along to rub shoulders on the water with provincial, and sometimes even international, champions. The popular West Coast town of Velddrif, which clings to the banks of the Berg River, is a water sports hub, and it’s no wonder that it plays host to this annual rowing event! In addition to canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, some of the other water sport activities on offer here include fishing; skiing; wind surfing; surfing at Dwarskersbos; paddle boating in the Port Owen Marina; or sailing with Port Owen Sailing Charters. A boat cruise up the river is a must-do experience while visiting Velddrif for the weekend of the West Coast Canoe Challenge, and Bokkomlaan – the oldest road in the town that snakes up the edge of the Berg River – is not only a good vantage point to watch rowers go by, but is also a great place to relax and watch the tide come in while sipping freshly roasted artisanal coffee. Or take a seat on a jetty with a cocktail in hand. Also visit the eclectic shops dotted along this quaint dirt road. Bokkomlaan is named after the salted mullet strung into bunches and hung to dry like biltong. It is the signature local delicacy in this area. Velddrif is a foodie’s paradise!  Whether your appetite is calling for a hearty breakfast, wood-fired pizza, hamburgers, crispy fresh salads, artisanal baked treats and cakes, vegetarian dishes, traditional country fare or anything in between – this area offers it all from a wide variety of eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.  The restaurants in town are known for serving up some of the freshest seafood delicacies – to be savoured whilst overlooking the beautiful Berg River with a chilled glass of wine or ice-cold cooldrink.  From eclectic and rustic to fine dining or takeaways – there truly is something for everyone here – served with typical West Coast hospitality. Many glorious locations up and down the Berg River offer accommodation which ranges from rustic to luxury.  In the town itself, visitors can choose from self-catering apartments, cottages, and holiday homes, as well as B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels.This lovely town is one of the most popular bird-watching sites in South Africa, with the tidal mudflats and salt marshes presenting more than 200 species of birds. This estuary is the third biggest in SA and is rated as one of the most important birding areas in the world as well as being a key breeding site for many species of fish. Retail therapy is also an option in Velddrif, with many interesting local shops and gift stores offering a multitude of reasons to splash out and spend some money. With all that is on offer, it is worth your while to make a weekend of it and book in to stay in Velddrif while taking part in, or watching, the West Coast Canoe Challenge.

ANNUAL West Coast Canoe Challenge- FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Read More »

Budget-Friendly Staycation Destinations in the Bergrivier

Uncategorized /

January is a perfect time for a budget-friendly staycation in the Bergrivier region. While December usually calls for jetting off on holiday, this year might see more families planning to stay closer to home due to tighter budgets. The good news is that there are a multitude of fabulous and affordable things to see and do in the Bergrivier region, which is right on Cape Town’s doorstep – just a short road trip away! The Bergrivier region, and the beautiful towns situated within it, offer something for everyone this December, and all close enough for day-trippers to enjoy. Perfect road trip destinations to visit this holidayThe much-loved West Coast village of Velddrif offers a huge amount of water sports to be enjoyed, including skiing, sailing, canoeing, boating, and stand-up paddling – the list goes on! Fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat as the river holds an abundance of fish species (the Fisheries Museum is also well worth a visit to find out about the colourful history of the fishing industry along this coast). A boat cruise up the river is a must-do experience, and Bokkomlaan – the oldest road in the town that snakes up the edge of the Berg River – is a great place to relax and watch the tide come in while sipping artisanal coffee or a cocktail – and keeping an eye on the abundant bird life. Also visit the eclectic shops dotted along this quaint dirt road which is named after “Bokkoms”, the salted mullet strung into bunches and hung to dry like biltong (it’s the local delicacy in this area). Velddrif and the nearby surrounds of Laaiplek, Dwarskersbos and Aurora offer some great budget-friendly camping sites for a short break from your staycation plans. Options on the banks of the Berg River include the Kliphoek River Resort, which has camping sites and chalets; Knorvarkie with campsites, caravans, and two glamping tents; and Kuifkopvisvanger, a working farm with cottages and campsites. In Laaiplek the Stywelyne Beach Resort offers chalets and camping facilities right next to the beach; as does the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort in Dwarskersbos. Moving inland a bit is Daniels Hoogte, with beautiful views of the Aurora Valley. This private reserve, which offers camping (with an option to camp in a cave!) and self-catering accommodation, hosts a myriad of fauna and flora to be appreciated, and if you enjoy a scenic walk or a more rigorous hike you can look forward to exploring the natural surroundings, many rocky outcrops, and rock art paintings. You can then cool off in one of the dams. Kapteinskloof Guest Cottage is another highly recommended stay – situated on a smallholding between Piketberg and Velddrif, in the beautiful valley of Kapteinskloof, it is one of the oldest original homesteads in the area which dates back to 1831. Further inland from Velddrif and Aurora is the town of Piketberg. This historic village offers abundant outdoor activities, good food, good wine, attractive architecture, warm country hospitality and rich heritage. The self-guided Piketberg Historical Route (which can be done on foot) is the best way to experience the town.  For wine lovers, a visit to the local winery, Org-de-Rac, is highly recommended. There is a wealth of activities to enjoy while visiting Piketberg – amongst these is horse riding, as well as hiking in stunning terrain overlooking the valley. The Retreat Guest Farm, which offers a range of accommodation options – has a scenic 1.5km hiking trail that ambles through a lush indigenous Yellowwood and Kliphout forest, as well as past some awe-inspiring rock formations with centuries-old rock paintings. Other things to do include mountain biking, trail running, bouldering and rock climbing, bird-watching, swimming, kayaking, star-gazing and relaxing. More top recommended spots to stay in and near Piketberg that won’t break the budget include Dunn’s Castle, which presents a selection of cosy rooms adorned with charming Victorian touches; Die Ark Camping near Koringberg which offers a fabulous farm stay with fishing, canoeing, swimming, tractor rides, 4x4ing and more; the Sandveld Dorpshuys in Redelinghuys, which has a mini animal farm and kiddie’s playground and pool. Kardoesie on the N7 just outside Piketberg is a farm stay with a restaurant, shop, swimming pool and paintball; Kruistementvlei in Piket-Bo-Berg, which is situated in the mountains above Piketberg; Pomona is also in Piket-Bo-Berg; Kleine Paradys in Piketberg has campsites, glamping and cottages, with guests able to enjoy fishing, a heated pool, kids play area, and farm animals. Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort is also a much-loved venue for families looking to relax and have fun – with its top-notch restaurant, stunning views, swimming pools, zip-lining and more! The third in the trio of highly recommended towns to visit this holiday is Porterville, a quaint village nestled at the base of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area. This beautiful town has now been dubbed one of the most desirable and popular country towns in the Western Cape. For foodies, there are a range of coffee shops, restaurants, and eateries. Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat with a visit to Porterville, which offers a variety of hiking trails to fascinating destinations like De Hel (the hell) and De Tronk (the jail). There is also an uphill waterfall trail dotted with 22 waterfalls snaking their way down the mountainside, interspersed with crystal-clear pools for a cooling dip.  Mountain bikers will love the many trails that wind their way through the surrounding countryside.  For those keen to test their adrenalin levels, there are companies which offer tandem paragliding and hang-gliding experiences. Bird watchers can also expect to find an abundance of feathered friends.  Anglers can throw in a line in the area, and for golfers, Porterville offers a scenic golf course with a beautiful mountain backdrop. There is also an artisanal gin distillery in the mountains above the town, and Porterville is home to a myriad of artists, so visitors can view and purchase paintings, ceramics, sculptures and much more! Some of the top camping spots in and around Porterville

Budget-Friendly Staycation Destinations in the Bergrivier Read More »

Getting High on Life –  Why your next getaway should be in the mountains, and where to go

Uncategorized /

Many people think about the beach when they plan a holiday, with mountains often being underrated as a destination. However, there are a multitude of compelling reasons why you should plan a trip to the mountains as your next getaway.  Some of these reasons include stunning natural scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see, an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, no crowds, a switch off from technology, the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and to enjoy the outdoors. Fresh air, exercise if you want it, relaxation if you prefer, and the perfect place to connect with your family away from distractions. Mountains offer you an opportunity to slow down, pause and find peace by immersing yourself in your surroundings.  Mountain hideaways to try For those considering getting their head in the clouds and escaping for a mountain break, the below list of suggestions – which are all in the Olifants River Mountains (part of the Groot Winterhoek wilderness area) and right on Cape Town’s doorstep in the Bergrivier region – might help you decide where to go.  Pampoenfontein Guest Farm is a secluded retreat 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.  The Cape Floristic Region is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth, home to over 9,000 species and the Groot Winterhoek Mountains are considered a vital sanctuary for the preservation of many endemic species of fynbos, some of which are threatened. Flower viewing at Pampoenfontein is best from August to November when the bulbs are in flower – but from June to December proteas and pincushions are prolific, while from November to February the ericas are in bloom.  The area is also home to about 100 different species of bird, including some that are uncommon in Southern Africa like Veraux’s (Black) Eagle, the Cape Sugarbird and the Cape Rock Jumper – so a fantastic getaway for twitchers.   The Berghoff-Fynbos Chalets are another mountain getaway must. Berghoff has three self-catering chalets situated in remote spots on a commercial protea farm in the mountains above the town of Porterville. A beautiful dam is perfectly suited for swimming and boating – with a row boat and two canoes available for guests to use. Tracts of natural veld are ideal for hiking and sedate wandering to enjoy the lovely mountain views.  Pampoenfontein Guest Farm Berghoff-Fynbos Chalets Also tucked high up in the mountains is Beaverlac, which offers camping and cabins on 5000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Beaverlac is blessed with two rivers, the Ratel (Honey Badger) and the Olifants, and offers visitors a wide variety of hiking trails, rock pools and waterfalls. There are several caves on the farm, some of which are decorated with paintings. The area is a sanctuary for several wildlife species such as Rhebok, Klipspringer, Grysbokkie, Caracal, African Wild Cat, Honey Badgers, and Leopards, and Beaverlac’s rich diversity of birds includes the majestic Black Eagle, Jackal Buzzard and colourful sunbirds – to name only a very few. The rivers are home to Clanwilliam Redfins and the rare Clanwilliam Yellowfish – but fishing is not allowed.  Another not-to-be-missed mountain retreat is the Cedarpeak wilderness area in the foothills of the Groot Winterhoek mountains. Cedarpeak offers accommodation in several secluded cottages with easy mountain access and sweeping views, as well as an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, kloofing, rockpool swimming, fishing and more. You can also spot ancient rock paintings here.  Cedarpeak allows guests exclusive access to 8000 hectares of natural wilderness and the largest most diverse range of endemic plant species in the world. Animals such as duikers, grey rhebok, clawless otters, baboons, and the rare Cape leopard can be found throughout the area and the rivers host the endangered Western Cape Yellowfish.  Beaverlac Cedarpeak Other adventures to be had while on your mountain getaway Additional activities that can be enjoyed during your mountain getaway include mountain biking – with all of these venues offering great trails to visitors, as well as other trails in the area (such as the Dasklip Pass Gravel Bike Route) and gin tasting at Ginsmith, an artisanal gin distillery tucked into the mountains (booking ahead is key for this remote distillery). For those keen to test their adrenalin levels, there are companies which offer tandem paragliding and hang-gliding experiences off the Dasklip Pass and at Pampoenfontein. A short drive down the mountain takes you into the quaint village of Porterville – a beautiful town that has now been dubbed one of the most desirable and popular country towns in the Western Cape. For foodies, there are a myriad of coffee shops, restaurants, and eateries. Porterville has become a mecca for many diverse artists and an art experience is highly recommended.  Visit them in their studios to view and buy a wide range of art from ceramics to paintings and jewellery.     Whether you are alone, a couple, a family with children of any age, or a group of friends – the mountains about the town of Porterville offer something for everyone. From a sedate and relaxed getaway to an adventurous adrenalin-filled outing – you will find it all in the mountains.  For more information on where to get away in the Bergrivier area as well as other things to see and do, visit Bergrivier Tourism & Accommodation South Africa .   Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn

Getting High on Life –  Why your next getaway should be in the mountains, and where to go Read More »

ENTER HERE

Join us on October 14th for an epic day of mountain biking at the Piketberg MTB Challenge hosted by Org De Rac.

Register & Buy Tickets Here