The holidays are around the corner and many South Africans are planning where they will stay, and play, this year for their annual getaway.
The Bergrivier region, and the beautiful towns situated within it – which are right on Cape Town’s doorstep – offers something for everyone this December, and is also close enough for day-trippers to enjoy. There is a vast array of activities and accommodation options, as well as some of the most pristine and untouched nature reserves, wetlands, lagoons, mountain landscapes and more.
The towns of Velddrif, Piketberg and Porterville in the Bergrivier district are perfect destinations to visit this holiday.
The hugely popular West Coast village of Velddrif is one of the post popular bird-watching sites in South Africa, and the estuary is rated as one of the most important birding areas in the world. Velddrif offers a myriad of water-sports, including skiing, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, boating, stand-up paddling and more. Fishing enthusiasts will be rewarded as the river holds an abundance of fish species. The Fisheries Museum is well worth a visit to find out about the colourful history of the fishing industry along this coast. The area also offers 4×4’ing, hiking, mountain climbing, and a shooting range at nearby Klein Tafelberg.
A boat cruise up the river on the Cracklin Rosie, or with Knot Xtreme, is a must-do experience, and Bokkomlaan – the oldest road in the town that snakes up the edge of the Berg. Bokkomlaan is named after the salted mullet strung into bunches and hung to dry like biltong. It is the signature local delicacy in this area. Velddrif is a foodie’s paradise and some recommended experiences include wine and biltong tasting, Bokkom tasting, a craft beer tasting, gin tasting, and an artisanal cheese tasting.
Outdoor enthusiasts are also in for a treat with a visit to Porterville, which offers a variety of hiking trails to fascinating destinations like De Hel (the hell) and De Tronk (the jail). There is also an uphill waterfall trail dotted with 22 waterfalls snaking their way down the mountainside, interspersed with crystal clear pools for a cooling dip. Mountain-bikers will love the many trails that wind their way through the surrounding countryside.
Whether it is birdwatching, river cruising, canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding, shopping, enjoying delicious food and great wine, gin-tasting, or just relaxing and re-energizing in nature – there is so much to do in the Bergrivier area that visitors are truly spoilt for choice, which is great news for people looking for something to do this December.
For more information visit www.bergriviertourism.co.za
