Swartland

More sunshine, more space, more soul – all of this awaits the traveller in the Swartland and Cape West Coast region, the gem in the jewelbox of the Western Cape. Here, the visitor can find an astounding range of leisure and adventure activities, accommodation that ranges from comfortable to luxurious, fabulous foods and wines, and a concentration of arts, history and culture that would be hard to match in any equivalent area.

The Swartland and West Coast region encompass the towns of Yzerfontein and Darling in the west, Malmesbury in the south, Moorreesburg and Koringberg in the north, and the beautiful Riebeek Valley to the east.

About 85 km from Cape Town lies the tranquil seaside village of Yzerfontein. It’s a haven not only for birdlife, wildlife, sea life and indigenous flora, but also for artists, who are drawn by the town’s peaceful beauty.

Tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields, the quiet hamlet of Darling is known for its flower shows and dazzling displays of wildflowers during spring. The town is also home to satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys and his theatre Evita se Perron. Wine, olives, a microbrewery and a fine museum complete the picture.

Malmesbury is the heart of the Swartland and the main business centre for the area, with all attendant big-town amenities and services. It boasts an historic walking route, while golfers can test their skills on the golf course and adventure enthusiasts can tackle the 4x4 routes and hiking trails in the nearby Paardeberg.

The twin towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, fondly referred to as the Riebeek Valley, offer something for all ages, tastes and pockets, with regular events highlighting the superior wines, olive products, cuisine and artists of the Valley. Outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain-biking and canoeing on the Berg River, are popular pastimes.

The traditional bread basket of the Swartland is Moorreesburg. One of only three Wheat Museums in the world can be found here. Activities such as water-skiing and sunset boat trips at the Misverstand Dam outside nearby Koringberg, as well as hiking, paragliding, mountain-biking, clay-pigeon shooting and horse-riding, are all available in the vicinity.