Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

PIKETBERGThe small village of Piketberg lies against the Piketberg Mountains, surrounded by wheatfields, vineyards, fruit-farms and fields of fynbos. Its name, which means “Outpost Mountain”,dates back to the period when an outpost was established here by the Dutch to curb thecattle-rustling activities of the Khoi.ADVENTURE AND SPORTHiking: There are several hiking routes in the area, including the 3-kmBoesmanskloof Hike and the Moonstruck Hike that pass interesting rock formations andcaves where San rock paintings can be seen. Both these routes are on Excelsior Farm.Horseback Trails: Several farms organise horseback expeditions. They allow visitors toappreciate the local variety of bird life.Canoeing: The Berg River is an extremely well-known canoeing venue. The Berg RiverCanoe Marathon is a major sporting event that is held annually.Outdoor Activities: The area offers many scenic walks, mountain trails on the PiketbergMountains and 4x4 routes. The Piketberg Mountains boast some breathtaking views andthere are several camping facilities on the mountain range.ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGYSan Rock Paintings: Well-preserved San rock paintings may be seen in rock shelters on thefarms Bushman’s Hollow, Langberg, Bangkop and Staelklip.CUISINETable Grapes: The farms surrounding Piketberg grow several different types of table grapesof very high quality that are exported to Europe.Winkelshoek Wine Cellar: Winkelshoek Wine Cellar stores and sells all the wines originatingfrom the vineyards of the Swartland Wine Route. Another popular product of the cellar is thelocal brandy.FAUNA AND FLORAFynbos on Bergskeur Farm: The magnificent indigenous fynbos and protea vegetation of theBergskeur Farm is truly lovely. The farm’s location on top of a mountain adds to the attraction.Versveldpass: Versveldpass leads to the Piketberg Mountain Plateau. The pass was first builtin 1899 by hand, without the use of dynamite. The Pass has since been upgraded severaltimes and the tarred road up the winding pass offers a picturesque view over the area.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURECannon: The cannon at Piketberg High School was once used to warn residents ofapproaching Khoisan raiders.Dutch Reformed Church: Carl Otto Hager designed the Dutch Reformed Church in Neo-Gothic style. The church was declared a national monument in 1978. A monument tocommemorate the centenary of he Great Trek was erected in 1938 in the Church grounds.Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish synagogue in Kerk Street was built in 1925 and was boughtby the municipality in 1970.170