Clanwilliam is where Rooibos tea, rock art & wild flowers meet. This picturesque town at the foothills of the Cederberg offers charming hospitality, hiking trails, rock art and the beautiful Clanwilliam dam.
Scroll for more
Tucked beneath the northern Cederberg Mountains, Clanwilliam is one of South Africa’s ten oldest towns – but don’t let its age fool you. This country gem is buzzing with energy, especially during wildflower season when the town is surround by a natural fynbos display, all brought to life at its annual wildflower show.
Clanwilliam is the beating heart of the Rooibos tea industry. Take a Rooibos tea farm tour to learn how this indigenous plant went from local brew to global health craze. Or enjoy tea-tasting like a connoisseur at the House of Rooibos. It’s also a hub for local wine, citrus, and good old country hospitality.
Clanwilliam is the only place in the world where Rooibos tea is cultivated commercially, thanks to its unique climate and soil.
Wander through its streets lined with classic Cape Dutch houses, browse the charming Old Gaol Museum, or treat yourself to some handmade veldskoen shoes (Your feet will thank you!)
But it’s not all sleepy streets and settler homes – Clanwilliam can be your launchpad for legendary hikes, epic drives and San rock art.
From here you can head into the northern Cederberg Wilderness Reserve, hike one of the many scenic trails from nearby Pakhuis Pass. Or embark on the Sevilla rock art trail to see several ancient San paintings.
The nearby Rocklands is also a global mecca for bouldering – the kind of place where you’ll see elite climbers hanging off sandstone cliffs at precarious angles, with only a small mattress below as a safety net. (It’s considered one of the Top 5 Bouldering places in the World)
We like to suggest either luxurious country retreats like Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge 4km from Clanwilliam) and Bushmankloof Wilderness Reserve to charming Clanwilliam guesthouses like Yellow Aloe and Ochre & Ash
(Note: There are plenty of self-catering Clanwilliam accommodation options as well. But that’s not our market.)
Finally back to the wild flowers. From August to mid September, the Clanwilliam Wildflower Reserve becomes a riot of blooms that attracts flower-lovers from far and wide. These mirror the natural displays found nearby in the Biedouw Valley and elsewhere.
The simple answer in August (NOT September!!!). The best wild flower displays are usually early to mid August though this varies from year to year. The Wild Flower show is usually at the end of August for 2 weeks, And the Wild Flower reserve often can retain a good display into early September.
Yes, there are a couple of options but we recommend Skimmelberg for organic Rooibos and Buchu farming.
Tips for Flower-viewing in the Cederberg & Namaqualand – when and where to see the Clanwilliam wild spring flowers
Best Walks in the northern Cederberg – for the best hiking trails in the Cederberg Mountains around Clanwilliam
Back to MAIN Cederberg page
Want to explore the northern Cederberg in comfort and style? Let us help plan your Clanwilliam escape.
Only the best African travel advice, tidbits and tours. No nonsense.
