Have you ever thought about where rooibos comes from? A teatime staple famous for its healing properties, this humble South African plant has soared in popularity internationally. But there’s only one place in the world where it’s grown: Clanwilliam.
GO: Leave Cape Town and hit the N7, shooting up the coastline for 230 kilometres to unassuming Clanwilliam, the rooibos capital of the world. This farming area is also the gateway to the Cederberg, where rock climbing is a regional pastime.
SEE: The endemic rooibos plant was discovered by the Khoisan centuries ago, who harvested it from the slopes of Clanwilliam’s surrounding hills. In the 1930s, a botanist figured out how to propagate the seeds, kickstarting the commercialisation of this plant. Aromatic and caffeine-free, rooibos tea is enjoyed for its health benefits, including antioxidants and lack of additives. Today, around 6 000 tonnes of these tea leaves are exported globally.
Drink your fill with a tasting at Velskoendraai, a farm stall full of homegrown produce and crafts. Everyone has their own way of preparing rooibos – black; with milk and a dash of honey; or as an espresso referred to by locals as a ‘red cap’. Find your favourite and buy a few boxes to take home. Extend the experience by embarking on the Rooibos Route, a tour of farms, tearooms, and guided horse rides dedicated to the plant.
DO: Discover the rugged countryside of Clanwilliam on foot. Walk among 350 species of wildflowers in Ramskop Nature Reserve, blooming and stretching as far as the eye can see. Every year, spring arrives and unrolls a carpet of colourful flowers that the region is known for. Plan your visit around August and early September to see this magnificent display.
Explore a region steeped in history. For centuries, this quiet community has ploughed into the land and revelled in a rich harvest. Come and share in the bounty.
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