Looking out over the Renosterhoek Valley from your garden table at Kardoesie you can still imagine that elephants used to roam freely through this district but not so when you enter the town of Clanwilliam.
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.Clanwilliam is located on the West Coast Way Wild Route and its People Rocking Nature Track. The town was first called Jan Disselsvalleij but later it was named after the Earl of Clanwilliam. It is one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa.
At the lovely Old Gaol Museum you can learn more about the history of Clanwilliam, the poet and gastronome C. Louis Leipoldt and the famous comedian Tolla van der Merwe. You can also see an old pot still, a manual telephone switchboard of yesteryear and smartly polished wagons.
Amble across the road to the Yellow Aloe Guest House and Coffee Shop where you will be absolutely astounded by the creative garden and its decor.
Whilst in Clanwilliam while away your time with drinking rooibos (or honey bush) tea and discovering an array of rooibos-inspired products; visiting and photographing the pretty churches, some with gravestones in the church yard; and popping in to Albrecht General Dealer where they used to sell marbles for a mere seven cents, but no longer, though you will still find old-style knitted tea cosies.
At Strassbergers you will fall in love with their leather shoes and boots with names like Crazy Horse, Gesie, Juliette, Drifter, Romeo or Niklaas. These will last you a lifetime. If you’ve always coveted a pair of red vellies you’ve come to the right place.
Outside of the town you can try your hand at rock climbing, hike in the Cederberg or do the self-guided Sevilla Rock Art Trail.
People from far and wide attend the annual Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show that is hosted in the Blomkerk (Flower Church – built in 1864) in late winter towards early spring.
Although Clanwilliam is where the Wild Flower Show is held, carpets of seasonal flowers can also be seen at Piketberg, Citrusdal, Wupperthal, Vanrhynsdorp, Nieuwoudtville and Garies.
Find Clanwilliam on the West Coast Way Wild Route.
Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 231km
Where: On the N7
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.