Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

REDELINGHUYSThe Redelinghuys area is known for its rich and diverse bird life, its varied fauna and flora andits potato farms.ADVENTURE AND SPORTOutdoor Activities: Outdoor activities include 4x4 trails, hiking trails, cycling, canoeing,mountain-biking and fresh-water fishing.FAUNA AND FLORAWild flowers: from late July to September, the fields are covered with a colourful array ofbeautiful flowers.Verlorenvlei “(Lost Marsh”): The waters of the marsh sustain a rich bird life and Verlorenvlei isa protected ecological area.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREAmmunition Storage Depot: This building is approximately 100 years old.Dutch Reformed Church: The church bell dates from 1864 and is the pride and joy of thecongregation.Klaarfontein Homestead: Alongside Verlorenvlei lie the ruins of a once beautiful homestead,Klaarfontein. Fishermen and farmers used to trade fish and vegetables here.RIEBEEK KASTEELThe origins of the town’s name should not be too hard to figure out if you know your Capehistory. It was named after Jan van Riebeeck and the Kasteelberg (Castle Mountain), themountain on whose slopes it was built.ADVENTURE AND SPORTOutdoor Activities: Hiking and biking routes (such as the Kasteel Mountain Bike Route) and4x4 routes criss-cross the area.ART AND CRAFTSRiebeek Art Route: The route includes several arts and crafts locations.CUISINERiebeek Wine Cellar: The Riebeek Wine Cellar and Kloovenberg Wine and Olive Estate offerwine-tastings and sales. The the Môrester Grape Farm organises tours for interested visitors.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURERed Ox Monument: The monument was erected in 1938 in recognition of the contributon thatoxen made to the Great Trek. Look for it in the village square.172