A mountain bike challenge, agricultural show, spring flowers, country charm – Aurora is a must-visit this September. Just inland from the West Coast town of Velddrif, along a stretch of beautiful country road, lies the picturesque town of Aurora, nestled at the foot of the Piketberg Mountains, only 185 km from Cape Town.
On the 3rd of September, the town will be hosting its not-to-be missed Om Die Berg mountain bike challenge. The Om Die Berg event promises to be a favourite among mountain bike and outdoor enthusiasts, with the routes navigating beautiful farm lands, veld and mountain side scenery. Also taking place in Aurora on the 3rd and 4th of September – and the starting point for the Om Die Berg cycle routes – is the annual Aurora Sandveld Skou.
While in town, be sure to visit the impressive Dutch Reformed Church, and take a trip to McClear’s Beacon, a national monument situated on the farm Klipfontein. Also take a drive up the mountain to the Danielshoogte Private Reserve and experience spectacular views of the valley – on clear days, Table Mountain and St Helena Bay can be seen. In Spring, the flowers here are spectacular as nature unfolds her annual wildflower spectacle.
“This small, once unheard-of gem is a village of hidden surprises where visitors can look forward to breathtaking scenery, beautiful architecture, and a rich and warm welcome from the local community. Added to this is the incredible night skies, the abundant flowers to be found here in Spring, beautiful mountain scenery with dramatic rock formations, and a wide variety of bird life – making Aurora a birdwatcher’s paradise,” says Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of Bergrivier Tourism.
Aurora forms part of the Bergrivier district (alongside the towns of Velddrif, Piketberg and Porterville) – a beautiful area on Cape Town’s doorstep that offers a vast array of activities and accommodation options, as well as some of the most pristine and untouched nature reserves, wetlands, lagoons and more.
For more information visit www.bergriviertourism.co.za
