Citursdal

Citrusdal between Cape Town and Namibia on the West Coast

Citrusdal is a bustling rural village set amongst lush green citrus orchards, less than two hours leisurely drive from Cape Town on the N7 to or from Namibia. Citrusdal and surrounds have much to offer visitors with unique settings, natural splendour and places with true country hospitality.

Hiking Trails in Citrusdal

• Various trails ranging from day hikes to over-night on farms around Citrusdal. 022 921 3210
• Hiking in the Cederberg Wilderness / Algeria Area. 027 482 2404 / 022 931 2088
• Bakenkop: 2 hours 022 - 921 3431
• Boschkloof Hiking Trails: 1 hour + another of 3 days 022 - 921 3533
• Citrusdal cultural walk to various Rock Painting Sites: 022 - 921 3353 (booking essential)
• Grootberg: 4 - 5 hours 022 - 921 3353 (booking essential)
• Citrusdal morning Mountain Walk: 022 - 921 3353 (booking essential)
• Olifantskop: 2 days 022 - 921 3353 (booking essential)
• Sneeuberg: 3 days 022 - 921 3353 (booking essential)
• Dwarsrivier (Cederberg): various route ranging from 15 minutes to 8 hours to well-known rock formations like Maltese Cross, Wolfberg & Hippo pool. 027 - 482 2825
• Kromrivier (Cederberg): day hikes. 027 - 482 2807
• Sevilla Bushman Painting Trail: Easy walking on a circular trail to view Rock Art. 027 - 4821842

When the early pioneer surmounted the formidable Piekenierskloof in the 1660’s, they glimpsed a valley where herds of elephant roamed freely. They called this fertile paradise the Olifants River Valley, after these noble creatures.

Jan Dankaert and his scouts fist crossed the barrier known today as the Piekernierskloof Pass on 7 December 1660, by following a Bushman footpath. The Piekenierskloof (piekenier means guest armed with a spear) was originally referred to as ‘Grootte Clooff’ derived from the name the Bushman had given it.

In 1725 the first cattle farmers established themselves in the valley. In 1857 Thomas Bain began building a pass to access the hinterland. It was completed the next year and became known as Grey’s Pass.

Citrusdal, a mere two hours’ drive from Cape Town, nestles comfortably in this valley of a thousand faces. Dropped into a landscape of fynbos-clad hills this hamlet is the hub of the farming activities which form the economic backbone of the region. Citrusdal is world renowned for it’s superior quality citrus and for Goue Vallei wines which are produced from the grapes of the valley and outlying farms.

Citrusdal, with it’s surrounding mountains, has become a leader in the fields of eco-tourism and agri-tourism, offering holidays with the emphasis on nature and farming. From here visitors can pursue nature-related activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, horse-riding and rugged 4x4 enduro /exploration trips. It is also an ideal base from which to witness nature’s own spring flower spectable. However, the visitor needs no better excuse to visit Citrusdal than a genuine desire to find peace and quiet.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Clanwilliam 53 km, Piketberg 44 km, Moorreesburg 70 km, Malmesbury 146 km. Cape Town 211 km.

Altitude: 500 m above sea level

Banks: Standard Bank, Absa

HISTORICAL VIEW

Blokhuis

Dating to 1899 (Anglo Boer War).

Citrusdal Museum

Is set in the charming stone building which served as the first church to this hamlet. It guides the visitor back to the earliest man to frequent the valley – the Bushman, with displays of his early tools and utensils.

Craig Royston

Farm shop, teas, cheese meals, wine tasting. Craig Royston, established in the 1800’s, is a living museum on the farm Modderfontein where visitors can sample the unchanged flavour of this old country trading post. The Craig Royston farm shop remains as it was in the old days and the cool veranda still invites weary travelers to stay and refresh themselves. At Craig Royston visitors can see the buildings that housed the early boarding house, the goal, wine cellar, the church, smithy, trading store and post office and view the collection of early memorabilia. Situated just off the N7 near the Citrusdal turn off.

Rock Art Sandveldhuisie

Country shop and tearoom. Also home to the Citrusdal Tourism Information Office. This is a typical early Sandveld dwelling, today a landmark in Citrusdal.

Signal Canon

Dating to 1860.

NATURE

Eco-Tourism

Citrusdal and the Cederberg are leaders in the field of eco-tourism, offering holidays with the empasis on activities related to nature. The surrounding Olifants, Koue Bokkeveld and Cederberg mountains offer ideal opportunities for exploring nature via hiking, mountain biking and rugged 4x4 activities. These activities provide primitive wilderness experiences. Wilderness recreation is fast becoming one of the most desirable ways in which nature lovers choose to spend their free time. The Olifants River and surrounding mountains comprise a number of unique and extremely fragile eco-systems. The Olifants River system has the richest collection of endemic fish species found south of the Zambezi. Amongst them are the rare ClanWilliam Yellowfish (Barbus capensis). The Cederberg is home to a variety of endemic plant species, amongst them the rare snowball protea (Protea cryophila) and the threatened ClanWilliam Cedar (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis). The mountain ranges around Citrusdal form part of the unique Cederberg leopard management area and a conservancy where private landowners and conservation agencies join hands to protect nature. The annual Fynbos Enviro bears witness to the importance Citrusdal attaches to the local flora and fauna and the conservation of the environment.

CEDERBERG WILDERNESS AREA

The Cederberg Wilderness Area lies some 200 km north of Cape Town. This vast area stretches from the Middelberg Pass at Citrusdal to north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam, encompassing some 71 000 ha of rugged, mountainous terrain. The Cederberg was proclaimed a wilderness area in 1973, and as such enjoys high conservation status. The Cederberg is renown for it’s spectacular landscapes and rock formations, as well as it’s namesake, the increasingly rare Clanwilliam decar tree. This wilderness is a popular destination for hardy hikers and mountaineers.

Geology

The Cederberg is part of the Cape Fold Belt and consists mainly of Table Mountain sandstone. Weathered sandstone formations, most notably the Wolfberg Arch and the Maltese Cross, are typical of the Cederberg. The mountains fall within the catchment area of the Cape fynbos region, and are managed as a source of water.

History

San and Khoi peoples inhabited the Cederberg area from early times. European settlers began stock farming here early in the eighteenth century, and in 1876 a forester was appointed to oversee crown land in the mountains. This was possibly the first attempt at conservation in the Cederberg. The campsite Algeria was named by a French nobleman Count de Regne, who was in charge of state forests in the Cape Colony. The mountainous environment and the cedar trees reminded him of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria. From 1903 to 1973 exploitation of natural products was rampant in the Cederberg. Large amounts of cedar wood, rooibos tea, bunchu and rockwood bark were harvested. Farmers even used the mountains to graze livestock in times of drought. Large numbers of cedar trees were chopped down as the wood was in great demand for construction – some 7200 trees were used as telephone poles between Piketberg and Calvinia. Fires added to the destruction and cedar trees are now on the brink of extinction. In 1967 the removal of dead cedar trees was halted, and other forms of exploitation ended in 1973.

Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve

The 12 000 ha Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve is situated on the drier eastern boundary of the Cedarberg mountains. It is managed as an integral componenta of the greater Cederberg conservation area. Obtained in 1995 with the assistance of the World Wide Fund for Nature (SA), this rugged nature reserve includes the famous Stadsaal rock formations and good examples of San rock art. Matjiesrivier occupies a transitional zone between the fynbos and lowland succulent Karoo vegetation types. The drier conditions and fine-grained clay soils of the western slopes of the reserve also support central mountain renosterveld. Renosterveld is dominated by members of the daisy family. Growing on more nutritious soils than fynbos, renosterveld is believed to have supported herds of large game and predators such as lion. However, most renosterveld area have been converted to agriculture. Matjiesrivier is also the hub of a privately run 16 km mountain bike trail an two day scenic route well-suited for 4x4 vehicles. Both routes cross private land forming part of the Cederberg Conservancy and bookings should be made in advance. Bookings for the Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve can be made at Cape Nature Conservation’s Algeria office.

Vegetation

Vegetation in the Cedarberg wilderness area is predominantly mountain fynbos. The lower slopes support laurel protea, silky conebush, sand, olive and yellow daisies, with wild olives and mountain maytenus on the rocky outcrops. Waboom veld also occurs at this lower altitude. The eye-catching purply-blue ridderspoor, rooibos tea and bunchu grow against the lower cliffs. Higher up one finds fynbos restio veld, with red disas in abundance along streams on the plateau. The Clanwilliam cedar grows in the so-called cedar zone against cliffs and overhangs at altitudes of more than 1000 m above sea level. In the wetter ravines red and white alder, yellowwood, hard-pear and Cape beech occur, while wild olive, silky bark and spoonwood prefer dryer kloofs. The endemic snow protea is perhaps the most attractive plant on the highest peaks. It is very scarce, and is only found in a low rate in the wilderness area.

Animals

Baboons, dassies, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, duiker and grysbok are fairly common here. Although porcupine, honey badgers, Cape clawless otter and aardvark occur here, they are seldom seen. The leopard is the Cederberg’s largest predator and is fairly common although very shy. Smaller predators include African wild cat, lynx, bat cared fox, aardwolf and Cape fox. The small grey mongoose and striped polecat are often seen. Various interesting rodents occur, including the spectailed dormouse. More then 100 bird species occur here with Black Eagle, Rock Kestrel and Jackal Buzzard the most common raptors. The armadillo lizard is one of the endemic reptiles occurring in the Cedarberg. About 16 snake species are found here. The most common being berg adder, puff adder and black spitting cobra.

Conservation Programmes

Cedar trees are dying out despite the protection offered by the wilderness area. A cedar reserve of about 5250 ha was created in 1987 in an attempt to prevent the extinction of these trees. Special measures include more frequent, cooler burning and limiting the extremely hot fires that kill mature trees. Cedars are also being cultivated and each year volunteers help plant about 8000 year old trees in suitable places within the reserve. The wilderness area forms the core of a leopard management area, established in 1988. The area includes private land and is managed in collaboration with the landowners. The aim si to promote the existence of leopards by minimizing conflict between stock farming and nature conservation. Local landowners heave joined Cape Nature Conservation in setting up two conservancies bordering the wilderness area. The Cedarberg and Biedouw conservancies jointly comprise about 312 000 ha of private and state land. Broad conservation goals are achieved by menas of environmental management plans and ecological auditing. Conservancies are also planned for the Olifants River valley and Wupperthal. Conservancies are an important component of the proposed Cedarberg Biosphere Reserve.

A River In Crisis

The Cederberg mountains are the main catchment for the Olifants River system – home to the richest variety of endemic fish species of all rivers south of the Zambezi. These are fish that occur nowhere else except in the Olifants or it’s tributaries. It is also a river system under threat from human activities and infestration by alien species. Excessive abstraction of water, excavations in the river bed, damming, pesticide pollution, the presence of alien fish like bass and infestation by invasive plants such as black wattle and blue gum have contributed to a dramatic decline in the quality of the riverine environment. Degradation is so severe that the eight species of fish endemic to the Olifants River all face extinction. Fish inhabiting the lower, unprotected reaches of the Olifants River system are particularly at risk. These include the Clanwilliam yellowfish, three species of redfin minnow and two of mountain catlets. The conservancies are being used to improve the management of rivers on private land.

Recreation

The solitude and wild grandeur of the Cederberg Wilderness Area offers unsurpassed opportunities for recreation. Activities which are compatible with a wilderness atmosphere, such as biking and traditional rock climbing, are encounraged. Rock surfaces may bnot be damaged. Old waoodcutters paths criss cross the wilderness area and hikers may explore the area at will. A 1:50 000 topograohical map is available from Cape Nature Conservation.

Rock Art

There are hundreds of rocky overhangs and caves with fine examples of rock art. These paintings may be anything from 800 to 6000 years old, and are very sensitive to damage. They are an integral part of the wilderness area’s fascination and visitors should discover tjem for themselves. Rock art is protected by the National Monuments Act, and candals who deface rock paintings face fines of up to R10 000,00 or two years imprisonment , or both.

Algeria Campsite

The peaceful atmostphere of the Algeria campsite has broad appeal. The 48 sites are situated along the banks of the Rondegat River. The Kliphuis campsite in the Pakhuis Pass is on the flower route to the Biedouw Valley and Wupperthal. This campsite has 10 places under shady trees along the Kliphuis River. Seven chalets, ranging from fully equipped to comfortable, basic accommodation, are set close to the Rondegat River. The wilderness area is divided into utilization zones, which helps to maintain the wilderness atmosphere and limit the impact of visitors. There are three blocks of about 24 000 ha each, and numbers are limited to 50 people per block per day. Groups are limited to a minimum of three and a maximum of 12 people per day. Visitors are urged to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Winter access from the N7

The bridge that crosses the Olifants River at Kriedoukrans between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam can be flooded during winter. There are alternative routes to Algeria via Citrusdal and Clanwilliam. In winter contact the reservations officer in Algeria to enquire about the conditions of the Olifants River before departing from Algeria.

ATTRACTIONS

Citrus Festival

Each year Citrusdal plays host to the Citrusdal Festival and Mountain Bike Rally which attracts many thousands of festival-goers and mountain biking enthusiasts. Book early for this event.

Fynbos Enviro

(15 August – 15 September) Citrusdal pays tribute to the beautiful fynbos growing in the area, by hosting an informative ‘flower show with a difference’, designed to satisfy conservationists and nature lovers alike.

Goede Hoop Citrus Co-op

Citrusdal produces the most delicious sweet and juicy oranges for the local and international markets and is recognized as the largest citrus producing area in the Western Cape. Like it’s counterparts on similar degrees of latitude (32-35 degrees). Citrusdal is blessed with high rainfall and an abundance of sunshine, both essential ingredients for producing high quality citrus. All products sold under the Citrusdal lable are guaranteed to be either choice or export quality fruit. The Olifants River Valley produces approximately 95 percenet of the Western Cape’s crop. A sunstantial percentage of this crop is exported, mainly to Europa and Japan.

Goue Vallei Wines

Harvest time is a picture book scene. Trailers loaded with red and white grapes weave their way from vineyards on outlying farms to the cellars where they are transformed into award winning wines which are marketed both locally and internationally. Goue Vallei wines can be sampled and purchased locally.

Organised Tours

Citrus Co-op

Goue Vallei Wine Cellar

Rose Tunnels and Gardens

Bushman Rock Art

Rooibos Tea Farm

The Baths

The baths with it’s natural hot springs (43°c), is situated only a hour’s drive from Cape Town on a citrus farm in the Olifants River Valley. Established in 1739, the self catering resort with handsome stone Victorian-style buildings maintains an old world charm in a scenic, rural setting. Guided farm tours take visitors orange picking and to the Bushmen paintings. A shop on site sells self catering necessities and farm honey.

Accommodation

There are five fully equipped chalets quietly tucked away in a kloof on their own with jetmaster fireplaces and individual braai area, accommodating from six to ten persons. A Victorian building has six fully equipped flats with antique oak furnishing. It shares an outside gazebo braai area and accommodates from 2 – 4 persons. ‘Dwarsgebou’ has 6 duplex flats for the family, with the kitchen and main bedroom downstairs, bathroom / toilet and second bedroom upstairs. The building has a central function hall with fireplace, and a communal gazebo braai area and accommodates from 4 – 6 persons. There are 15 well shaded caravan and camping sites with ablution facilities and electrical points. In addition to the hot and cold water swimming pools and spa baths, recreational facilities include tennis courts, trampolines and a small children’s playground.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

The area offers a range of hiking opportunities which cater for all tastes.

Cultural / Historical

Follow the Grey’s Pass, built by Thomas Bain in 1857, and view the cottage where he lived while building the pass.

Nature Hikes

Hiking trips into privately-owned nature areas. Take an easy walk along the lower slopes of the fynbos-clad mountains, or a casual stroll through the orchards.

Private wilderness experiences

The Cederberg wilderness area offers the true nature lover a unique wilderness experience.

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Citrusdal’s mountainous farms and country lanes offer the ideal challenge to the mountain biker. Geode Hoop Co-op, organizers of the annual Citrus Festival mountain bike rally, have plotted routes which offer a range of rides, guaranteed to satisfy both the enthusiast and the biker who is looking for a gentle country pedal.

Scenic Drives

For those lazy days when a quiet country picnic or sumptuous meal is the most strenuous activity you can contemplate, choose from one of Citrusdal;s many scenic drives. From the breathtaking Paleisheuwel drive with it’s picturesque fruit farms and it’s view over the rolling wheat fields of the Swartland, ot the steep, twisting Middelberg Pass that leads you through the Koue Bokkeveld to Ceres; or perhaps the gentler country drives into the ‘Bo-River’ or past the historic Baths hot springs – in whichever direction you choose to journey, you will find natural beauty to feed your soul.

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