Nestled between the base of the Cederberg and the Olifants River, Citrusdal is home to green citrus orchards. The town and surrounds are world-renowned for free-rock climbing and Bushmen paintings.
Located on the West Coast Way Wild Route
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.In citrus season when you are heading from Kardoesie with the taste of their fresh orange juice still lingering on your tongue you will see the golden orbs of oranges, and other citrus, all along the road. It does not take long to realise that the town’s name which means ‘dale of citrus’ is more than apt.
Even the town emblem that was registered by the municipality in 1959 featured, amongst other things, a hand holding an orange.
It feels as if the farm stalls dotted all along the way are some of the prettiest, and most innovative, in the country. You will not regret popping in to as many of these as your time allows. Inevitably you will emerge with arms laden with jam, atchar, marmalade, preserved and dried fruit, not to mention ginger beer, roosterkoek, vetkoek, milk tart, koeksisters and just about any home product that will make you salivate. The tannies of Citrusdal know their way around the kitchen.
Not too many people know that the Olifants River has the richest endemic fish population in the country. Provided you have a permit (from Cape Nature Conservation) you could go fresh water angling. Clanwilliam Yellow Fish and the Sand Fish, the Rooivlerkie and Barnard’s Klipbaber are only found here but need to be protected. Rainbow trout, Carp and Bass can be caught though.
Apart from responsible fishing the Citrusdal district – about two hours’ drive from Cape Town – offers mountain biking (whilst overlooking the Cederberg and the Clanwilliam Dam), horse riding, quad biking, Bushman paintings, hiking, various 4×4 routes (try your skills at driving in thick sand, on rocky terrain or up steep inclines), natural hot water springs at The Baths and genuine country hospitality.
In fact in all the towns – Piketberg, Clanwilliam, Wupperthal, Vanrhynsdorp, Nieuwoudtville and Garies – along this route you will experience true country hospitality.
A rural town set amongst lush citrus orchards and world-renowned for free rock-climbing and Bushmen paintings
Situated in the Olifants River Valley on the western slopes of the Cederberg Mountains, Citrusdal’s main industry is citrus farming from where the town gets its name.
The Cederberg Mountains offer adventurers a variety of activities including free rock-climbing and paragliding.
Accommodation facilities line the banks of the Olifants River flowing by the town. Options range from guest houses to self-catering chalets to camping.
The mountains are also home to many ancient San rock paintings. Guided walks to the paintings are offered in town and at some of the guest houses.
Go hiking, fly fishing, climbing or take a guided tour through the citrus orchards.
Find Citrusdal on the West Coast Way Wild Route.
Distance from Cape Town: 176.3km
Where: On the N7
Open 7 days a week | Free entry
Contact: +27 22 921 3210 | [email protected] | www.citrusdal.info
Where to stay:
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
The resort has everything you’ll expect from a 4-star attraction including famous Kloof Restaurant, indoor heated pool and health & wellness centre. Accommodation at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort includes 22 hotel rooms (non-self-catering) as well as self-catering chalets. The chalets are thatched and consist of 2 bedrooms en-suite, a fully equipped kitchen and loft with two twin beds.
Take your pick from scenic mountain hiking trails, zip lining (the resort is famous for its zip lines), target shooting or go on a guided citrus tour in the town of Citrusdal close by.
Kloof Restaurant cuisine is locally sourced as far as possible with signature local dishes like Biltong Boerewors Steak and Kloof Ostrich Burger on the menu.
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort is the perfect base from where to explore the Cederberg Mountains and a spectacular haven in which to unwind whilst enjoying the views.
Where: N7 Piekenierskloof Pass, Citrusdal, 7340
Contact: +27 (0)22 921 3574 [email protected] / [email protected] (Hotel Reservations)
+27 (0)11 267 8500 [email protected] (Chalet Reservations) | www.piekenierskloof.co.za
The Baths
The Baths is a hot spring resort nestled on a citrus farm near Citrusdal, Western Cape. There are both cold and hot pools, with the waters reaching 43˚C at the source. Other features include mountain rock pools, spa baths, a tennis court, trampoline, pool table, and kiddies’ playground. The MacGregor’s Restaurant has an a la carte menu and the shop sells all the basics for self-catering. Accommodation is available in chalets, flats, and caravan and camping sites. Day visits can be arranged.
Accommodation includes 16 chalets and 19 flats with self-contained kitchens and braai areas.In addition to the hot and cold water swimming pools and hot mineral spring water baths, relaxing pastimes include tennis, trampoline, pool table, small playground for children, hiking trails, mountain biking and bird watching.
Where: N7 Piekenierskloof Pass, Citrusdal
Contact: +27 (0)921 8026/7 | [email protected]
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.