Clanwilliam: The tiny town with the taste of South Africa

Clanwilliam has a distinctly South African flavour. Flanked by the breathtaking Cederberg mountains to the east and an expansive reservoir to the west is a town with an array of natural features. While the dam attracts watersport lovers, it’s the rooibos that gives Clanwilliam its reputation.

The only region where the rooibos plant naturally grows, the town has brewed a thriving tea industry since the 1930s. At places like Rooibos Limited and Skimmelberg Organic Buchu and Rooibos, the leaves are harvested and bruised to begin the fermentation process. After drying, they’re then sorted into delicious teas. To taste Clanwilliam’s greatest pride, head to Rooibos Teahouse at the Velskoendraai farm stall. The area forms part of the Rooibos Route, which takes you through the establishments that celebrate the delicacy. 

For a more adventurous way to sample the town’s attractions, indulge in waterskiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing at the Clanwilliam Dam, which spans 14 kilometres. A stay at the Clanwilliam Lodge provides easy access to these escapades, while the Mad Mongoose guesthouse also offers boat rides. Along the water’s edge is the Ramskop Wildflower Garden. More than 350 species of indigenous flowers, as well as iconic Clanwilliam cedars, grow here. Walking trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the mountains and reservoir. 

In the heart of the Olifants River Valley, discover the town’s rejuvenating atmosphere with a sail across the water or a cup of rooibos. Clanwilliam may be little, but the roots of this historic region reach the world.