Come to the Breede River Valley for a wild spring break!
The charming historical town of Tulbagh is in the winelands
of the Boland in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Part of the
Witzenberg municipal region, immediate neighbouring towns are Gouda, Wolseley,
Ceres and Prince Alfred's Hamlet. Towns such as Wellington, Malmesbury, Paarl,
Franschhoek, Riebeek Kasteel, Piketberg, Porterville, Rawsonville, Worcester
and Stellenbosch are within three quarters of an hour's drive from the valley
and Cape Town is only 120km distant.
The valley was first discovered by European settlers in 1658
and land grants were made to 14 farming families in 1700. The town itself was
developed in 1743 when the museum church was built. Post the 1969 earthquake
every historic home in Church Street was painstakingly restoredto its original
glory. These 32 buildings now constitute the largest concentration of National Monuments
in a single street in South Africa.
The town is situated at the northern end of the beautiful
Tulbagh valley, which is almost completely surrounded by majestic mountain
ranges - the Obiqua mountains to the west, the towering Winterhoek on the northern
end and the Witzenberg on the eastern side. The Great Winterhoek mountains
tower 2077m above sea level and are picturesquely snowcapped in winter.
Diverse flora is abundant throughout the valley and in the
mountains. Proteas grow wild, as do herbs such as Buchu. Spring brings on a
multitude of wild flowers which, coupled with the blossoms of the fruit trees,
makes for a glorious show. This fertile valley produces some of the country's
best red and white wines, olive oil, peaches, grain, pears - and 70% of the
country's plums!
Tulbagh is a wonderful country holiday destination -
tourists are actively welcomed by the warm and friendly local people. The
valley is a wedding and conference location, with all the facilities available
to make for a most memorable occasion.
Every year the town hosts an annual Wild Flower Exhibition
showcasing their rich endemic flora as well as the National Horse
Championships.
Mosey around various exhibitions, art and craft stalls, food
stands groaning with local fare and slake your thirst at the wine and beer
garden. There’s entertainment for the whole family so pack them in the car and
jol together in Tulbagh this spring.
