Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

The popular Route 62 passes through the region and calls at many of the valley’s finestattractions. This region has it all, from wineries and cultural tours to game reserves, art andcraft centres and outdoor activities. It is a definite must-see and must-do!ASHTONThis town at the bottom of the Langeberge (Long Mountains) is an important wine-producingand fruit-processing centre. The small town progressed from a prosperous farmingcommunity in the 1940s and lies on the Tourist Routes 62 and 60.ADVENTURE AND SPORTCogman’s Kloof: The cliffs and rock formations of the Cogman’s Kloof offer an open invitationto serious rock climbers.Hiking: Hiking trails criss-cross the lower foothills and allow good views of the fynbosvegetation.Mountain-biking: Mountain-bike trails take adventurers through the Wildepaardehoek andpast a dam with lovely scenery.CUISINEWine: Wine cellars are scattered around the town and many cellars offer boat trips on theBreede River to complement the wine-tasting experience. There are several wine farms andcellars in the area, including Ashton Co-op, De Wetshof Estate, Van Loveren and ZandvlietEstate.FAUNA AND FLORASheilam Cactus Farm: Lying close to both Ashton and Robertson, Sheilam is also known asLittle Mexico. The farm grows many exotic cactus plants, many of which are exported to allover the world.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREOld English Fort: This fort, built in 1899 during the Anglo-Boer War, is located in Cogman’sKloof.Steam Locomotive: The locomotive is situated in Main Road and was designed and built inCanada in 1919 by the Montreal Locomotive Works.OTHER ATTRACTIONSStud farms and Racehorses: The area is famous for its stud farms where many of the topracehorses in the country are bred.BONNIEVALEAlso called “beautiful valley”, this town lies in the green Breede River Valley, cultivated withvineyards as well as peach and apricot orchards. Bonnievale is also the valley of cheese andwine and the habitat of a large variety of flora and fauna. The town is situated on thepopular Tourist Route 62.22