Wellington

Wellington situated in the Western Cape is a perfect base to

The Wellington Tourism & Wine Route of the Western Cape in South Africa is today a major tourist attraction. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the historic town of Wellington lies in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic Hawequa Mountains standing guard on its eastern border. Wellington, in the heart of the Boland and rich in cultural, religious and educational history, is an unsurpassed area to enjoy the winelands and scenery of the Western Cape in South Africa

Wellington, quite accessible to Cape Town International Airport, is conveniently central to many places of interest across all points of the compass. There are five dramatic and scenic mountain passes nearby. All the Capes various wine and brandy routes, not to mention the fruit routes, are an easy day trip. Spring sees the grand displays of wild flowers of the Cape West Coast, a pleasant few hours journey by car. The sophisticated delights of Cape Town City, and the sunny golden beaches of the Cape Peninsula as well as the whales of False Bay are within an hours reach. Historic Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Tulbagh and Paarl are neighbouring towns, each full of attractions of their own.

Make Wellington your base from which to explore the Boland and Western Cape.

Steeped in history and tradition, Wellington has a magical atmosphere that will captivate you once you discover the town, it’s people and it’s myriad attractions. Originally known as Limiet Vallei (border or frontier valley), the area became known as Val du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the wagon makers) towards the end of the 17^th century when the French Huguenots settled here. After the establishment of the town in 1840, the name was changed to Wellington in honour of the renowned soldier and conqueror of Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the town lies in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic Hawekwa Mountains silent sentimels on it’s eastern border. Wellington is,of course, known for it’s educational institutions. Huguenot College, an institution of the Dutch Reformed Church offers training to students in social, youth and missionary work. The Boland College of Education is the only college in the Western Cape to offer educational training in the medium of Afrikaans. Apart from fine cuisine and pleasant accommodation, Wellington offers a magnificent legacy of historical buildings, fine hiking trails, and a wine route in the vicinity where several cellars offer the opportunity for relaxed wine tasting.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Paarl 16 km, Wolseley 23 km

Altitude: 120 m above sea level

Average Temperatures

Summer (Nov – Apr) maximum 27,8°c and minimum 14,6°; Winter (May – Oct) maximum 20,6°c and minimum 7,7°c

Rainfall: 57,20 mm per annum

Rainfall Months: May to October

Dams (near vicinity)

Van Blerk, Danie van der Merwe (concrete dam), Erica Street Reservoir (concrete dam), Berg-en-Dal Reservoir (concrete dam), Welvanpas Dam, Withoogte Dam

Banks

Boland (2 ATM’s), FNB (1 ATM), Nedbank (1 ATM), Standard (1ATM), Absa (1 ATM)

HISTORICAL VIEW

Blockhouse

The most southerly blockhouse built by the British during the Anglo-Boer War (1899 – 1902).

Clairvaux, Murray Jubilee Hall and Samual House

Residence of Dr Andrew Murray and the institute where Dutch Reformed Church missionaries were trained. Now the property of the Huguenot College.

Coronation Arch and Victoria Park

The park, with it’s beautiful garden and shady trees, form the backdrop to the arch erected in commemoration of the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.

Dutch Reformed Church

Dating back to 1840 features a statue of Dr Andrew Murray.

Ferguson Hall

Home of Bible Media, well known publishers of religious literature and videos. Tours through the complex are available.

Groenberg School

CP Hoogenhout, one of the founders and first chairman of the ‘Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners’, taught at this school for more than 40 years.

Historical Walking Route

Old Huguenot Seminary and College

Murray, Cummings, Bliss and Goodnow Halls all represent unique architectural styles that link up with the educational institutions established in Wellington’s early stages of development.

Ouma Granny’s House Museum

A beautiful Victorian House containing a unique and priceless collection from yesteryear.

Stucki School

Quite a number of well known South Africans attended this little school which was opened in 1860.

Wellington Museum

Houses a large archaeological / ethnological collection, as well as exhibits giving an overview of the town’s history.

NATURE

Bain’s Kloof Pass

Linking Wellington to Ceres and Worcester, this 30 km pass is one of the most spectacular in the Western Cape. Designed and built by engineer Andrew Geddes Bain in 1853. The area offers various hiking and camping opportunities.

ATTRACTIONS

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Grandpa Jasper’s clay pigeon shooting range.

Colibri Towel Factory

De Slang Rivier Berry Farm

(seasonal) Strawberries, raspberries, youngberries and Cape gooseberries are grown here. Delicious jams and berry vinegar can be purchased. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, as well as their own berry picking. Refreshments are also offered.

Leeurivier Art Gallery

Nature’s Own Herb Nursery & Health Shoppe

Oasis Padstal

Worth a visit, this renowned farmstall is located at the foot of the Bain’s Kloof Pass. It is also the starting point for the Patatskloof Hiking Trails.

Redemption Leather Shoes

Produces an exclusive line of shoes in the Italian Style. Sold on premises.

South African Dried Fruit Co-op (SAD)

Home to the country’s largest packer and marketer of dried fruit. A cash shop on the premises sells a variety of dried fruit and related products.

Wellington Wine Route

Western Tanning

Second largest tannery in the country. Tours can be arranged.

ACTIVITIES

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Oupa Jasper’s Clay Pigeon Shooting Range

Hiking

Bainskloof Hiking Trails

Cape Nature Conservation.

Various trails and picnic places in this mountainous area, offering some of the most exquisite wild flower species at certain times of the year. Also see Limietberg Nature Reserve

Patatskloof Hiking Trails

A choice of several trails with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Western Cape.

Horse Riding

Fynbos Horse Trails – Diemersfontein, Olyvenhout

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Wellington Mountain Bike Trail

Up to 30 km of spectacular mountain scenery. Suitable for both novices and experts. Permits from the Wellington Tourism Bureau.

Scenic Drives

The area around Wellington is known for it’s scenic drives and Bain’s Kloof offers unsurpassed views. The Horseshoe, a favourite route with joggers and bikers, takes one past many of the Old Huguenot farms with their magnificent Cape Dutch homesteads.

LIMIETBERG NATURE RESERVE AND HIKING TRAILS

Limietberg Nature Reserve lies in the Du Toitskloof mountains near Paarl, forming a part of the greater Boland mountain range. The reserve stretches from Jonkershoek in the south eastwards towards Grootdrakenstein, and northwards as far as Voëlvlei Dam, covering an area of some 117 000 ha. The terrain is rugged, with steep kloofs and deep valleys. Du Toits Peak at 2182 m is the highest point within the reserve. Limietberg is an important water catchment for the BReede and Berg rivers which flow through the reserve, and feed the Wemmershoek, Stetteynskloof and Elandskloof dams. The weather conditions in these mountains vary from very hot and dirty in the summer months, to extremely cold and wet during the winter, with snow on the higher peaks. Hikers are cautioned to heed weather reports, as many hikers have been caught out by dangerous and often unpredictable conditions. The mountainous terrain makes rescue operations very difficult. The vegetation is predominantly mountain fynbos with remnants of indigenous forest in some of the wetter kloofs. Alien trees, including black wattle, hakea and pine have invaded sections of the reserve. Various mammals occur, including dassie, klipspringer, baboon and the occasional caracal and leopard. Two endemic birds, the Cape Sugarbird and the Protea Canary, as well as Black Eagle and various other raptors may be sighted. Three endemic and increasingly threatened fish species occur in the Berg and Breede river systems. Trout (an exotic species) were introduced prior to the establishment of the reserve, and occur in most of the rivers and streams. A number of interesting historical features may be seen while hiking in the reserve. These include San paintings, a disused manganese mine, the original toll road from Franschhoek to Villiersdorp known as Catspad, and a cross erected by Italian prisoners of war.

HIKING TRAILS

Limietberg Trail

Formerly known as Hawequas. This two day trail stretches from the foot of Du Toitskloof via Bainskloof village (also known as Eerste Tol) to Tweede Tol, over a distance of 36 km. Groups are limited to 12 people and a maximum of 24 people are allowed on the trail per day. The trail starts at the Limietberg Nature Reserve centre, where vehicles may be left. It is 19 km of fairly easy walking (about seven hours), mainly on jeep tracks, to the overnight hut at Happy Valley. The upper reaches of the Witte River flow through this valley, forming many swimming pools, including the well known Junction Pool. The second day’s walk from the hut to Tweede Tol is a distance of about 17 km (about eight hours). This section is through more mountainous terrain, and water should be carried in the summer months. The route offers fantastic views, and climbs steadily to the highest point at Pic Blanc (1049 m). From here it descends to Wolwekloof and eventually ends at Tweede Tol. Fires are forbidden on route and at the hut, and hikers are advised to carry small stoves. In summer months it is advisable to begin early in order to avoid the midday heat.

Bobbejaans River

This is a 4,5 km (about three hours) hike in Bainskloof along the bobbejaans River, a tributary of the Witte River, to a waterfall. The trail begins at Eerste Tol parking area, where vehicles may be left. About 50 m from the parking area there is a wooden style over a wire fence. From this point the trail leads down into the kloof where it crosses the Witte River. A short climb out of the kloof brings one to a contour high above the Bobbejaans River, and from here it is an easy walk to the waterfall at the top end of the kloof. About 3,5 km along the trail a turn off leads down to swimming sites on the river. Just before the Bobbejaans waterfall, which falls over three levels, the last 750 m of the footpath cuts into the steep slopese on the right of the kloof. This trail is very popular in summer, when the disas and giant proteas are in bloom. In winter the Witte River may be very full, making it diffiult to cross.

Happy Valley

This 4,5 km (about 2,5 hours) walk is in Bainskloof, and follows a section of the Limietberg Trail to Junction Pool. For this reason numbers are limited to 12 persons per day. It begins at Eerste Tol, where vehicles may be parked, and leads up to jeep track past the ruins of an old house and the monument for the 1895 Witte River disaster. Many beautiful swimming pool on the river are accessible along the trail, with Junction Pool being the most popular destination.

Elands River

This trail is in Du Toitskloof, immediately to the right after the Worcester exit of the tunnel. There is a fenced parking area for permit holders about 700 m from the tunnel on the lefthand side of the road. From the parking area the trail heads back towards the tunnel, and beneath the two bridges a sign indicates the direction of the Elands River Trail. It is about 3,5 km (about two hours) to the boundary of the conservation area. The first few hundred metres are the most difficult as the path has been cut out against a very steep slope. After this section the route becomes easier, following the river along pools and patches of sand. At places the path swings away from the river, climbing quite high and providing panoramic views over the valley. As it descends to the river and leads towards Fisherman’s Cave the vegetation becomes more dense. From this overhang the path follows the river a further 0,5 km to the boundary, ending abruptly against steep cliffs. Hikers should not go further than this point as they will be trespassing on private land. This trail is very popular and is an ideal winter day’s hike, as the path does not cross the river. The river is popular with trout anglers.

Krom River

This trail is in Du Toitskloof, immediately to the left after the Worcester exit of the tunnel. About 700 m after the tunnel on the lefthand side of the road there is a fenced parking area for permit holders. From the parking area the trail leads back towards the tunnel (as for the Elands River Trail); and beneath the two bridges a sign indicates the direction of the Krom River Trail. At this point the trial crosses the Krom and Molenaars Rivers and then leads on for about 2,5 km (about 2,5 hours) to the Krom River waterfall. The first section (about 10 minutes) of the footpath follows the right bank of the Molenaars River in the direction of the old tunnel. When it reaches the Krom River the path follows the right side of the kloof. At the end of the kloof the vegetation becomes thicker and the last section of the path leads through indigenous riverine forest to the first waterfall. Hikers are cautioned when climbing between the first and second waterfalls, and are advised to carry a rope, particularly in winter when the rocks are slippery and dangerous. The second waterfall and large swimming pool are quite spectacular. This trail is very popular, but may be inaccessible in winter after heavy rains.

Donkerkloof

This trail begins in the hairpin bend on the Paarl side of the old Du Toitskloof Pass. From Paarl the parking site is on the left, just before the bend. The footpath begins on the right side of Donkerkloof, and it is 3 km (about 2,5 hours) to the small waterfall. The path climbs steadily through thick indigenous forest, crossing a stream several times. Good walking shoes are necessary as the terrain is quite stony. The forest hosts a variety of birds, and during midsummer beautiful disas and new year lilies bloom on the mountain slopes and alongside the waterfalls. The path ends at the waterfall at the left side of the kloof.

Miaspoort

This trail is on the Paarl side of Du Toitskloof Pass. It leads to the Italian Cross at Huguenot Kop which was erected by the Italian prisoners of war who built the pass; a distance of approximately 4 km (about three hours). It is a long and initially difficult walk as the first two hours are a steep climb to the top of Huguenot Kop. The path becomes easier once on the Kop, but the last section is another steep climb up a neck to the cross at 1318 m. This trail offers unsurpassed views over the entire mountain range. About 1 km further along the tar road from the parking site and start of the trail, a memorial stone looks directly up towards the cross and gives a explanation of it’s history.

Banhoek

This trail is in the Banhoek valley of the Groot Drakenstein mountains, near the small town of Kylemore. It begins on private property and permission to hike and park vehicles must be obtained from the landowner. It is about 4 km from the parking area to the waterfall (about 1,5 – three hours). The first two kilometers are on private land. From the reserve boundary it is a further 1,5 km climb to the mountain club hut. Near the hut there is a well preserved piece of indigenous forest known as Dasbos. From the hut the path follows a low contour to the waterfall. Hikers should be careful if they climb from the cave to the highest waterfall as the rock can be very slippery. The path offers a wonderful view over the Kylemore valley and the Jonkershoek mountains.

Mont Rochelle

This trial is in the Franschhoek Pass, and traverses the Mont Rochelle. Nature Reserve is managed by the Franschhoek Municipality, but Perdekop and Observation. Point are within Limietberg Nature Reserve. From Franscchoek the entrance of the reserve is situated above the second hairpin bend in the pass, on the left past the Catspad monument. The Catspad Hiking Trail (not described in detail here) which follows the original toll road between Franschhoek and Villiersdorp is also a popular trail which starts on private land and leads through Limietberg and Mont Rochelle. A permit for both the Mont Rochelle and Catspad this is required from the municipality. The trail to Perdekop is about 7,5 km and takes between three and four hours there, and 2,5 hours back. It leads from the houses at Mont Rochelle, climbing steeply to a contour and then high above the river. On route hikers have a view over the Waterkloof Dam and the Villiersdorp valley, and once at Observation Point (1056 m) one has a view over the Wemmershoek dam, and valley. Before reaching Observation Point a cairn indicated a neck where the path climbs steeply up to Perdekop, leading above deep kloofs on the left side. Once the plateau has been reached the path to Perdekop is relatively easy. The route is through particularly beautiful fynbos.

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