The original meaning of Piketberg was, loosely interpreted, Outpost Mountain, according to the late T.V. Bulpin, a prolific South African author on local travel and history.
Located on the West Coast Way Berg 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.Heading from Cape Town or environs to Kardoesie you will encounter Piketberg that lies at the foot of the cliffs of the Piketberg range on the West Coast Way Berg Route.
If not well-acquainted with Piketberg, the architectural gems found here, will absolutely delight you: the Neo-Gothic Dutch Reformed Church, the Mission Church and the Old Synagogue; the Voortrekker Garage with its quaint murals of old jalopies; two ornate buildings in Church Street, one served as a commercial building – it has a beautifully restored broekieslace (curlicued iron work) – and the other as the old Commercial Hotel; Katzeff House, one of the oldest houses in Piketberg – it is thought that it might have served as a boarding house in its time; the police station and the former sheriff’s house; and the old bioscope, affectionately called the Bio, that now houses the Bio Cafe which sports a painted advert for “Bio Radiators – Algemene Herstelwerk” on the side of the building.
At Martha Robertson Algemene Handelaar (general dealer) you might just find that dresser or painting (oil or watercolour) that reminds you of visiting your grandmother; precisely the item that you have always regretted getting rid of. She also sells lappoppe (ragdolls) with a difference – you either love them or hate them. They do make for a conversational piece though.
Travel tip:
Piketberg is less than two hours’ drive from Cape Town. Once here you can go fishing, hiking, mountain biking, hang gliding, paragliding, birding, organic wine tasting or dirt jumping. Alternatively, opt to relax and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Accommodation options – views included in the price – include guest houses, B&B’s, self-catering accommodation, farm cottages or chalets, and camping or caravan sites.
Heading north from Piketberg the towns of Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, Wupperthal, Vanrhynsdorp, Nieuwoudtville and Garies await you.
This original defence barrier is the region’s largest producer of table grapes. Go paragliding off the Piketberg Mountain or hike among proteas
A historic town named after one of the Cape West Coast’s stand-out mountains
Lying at the foothills of Piketberg Mountain – an island of rock standing alone in the region – Piketberg is a historic town established in 1836 when the farm Grotefontein (big fountain) was given the church council.
The Dutch Reformed Church in town today was designed by architect Carl Otto Hager. It has sharp, white spires towering into the sky – a trademark of Hager’s neo-Gothic style.
On a clear day, Table Mountain is visible from the top of Piketberg, which you can reach via the Versfeld pass. Not many people know about the steep pass, but it’s a must-do if you have a car.
Go paragliding from Piketberg Mountain, hiking or simply take in the magnificent views.
Accommodation is available at a number of quality B&Bs in the town.
Find Piketberg on the West Coast Way Berg Route
Distance from Cape Town: 129.8km
Where: On the N7
Open 7 days a week | Free entry
Contact: +27 22 913 2063 | [email protected]| www.piketbergtourism.co.za
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.