Flower Power
The Ramskop Nature Reserve and Wildflower Garden on the outskirts of town contain more than 350 species of ‘cultivated’ wildflowers. There are several paths that lead through this little slice of botanical heaven and the reserve offers great views out over the mountains.
During peak season, the local women’s organisation runs a small tea shop at the garden.
Opening times do vary, however, and you should contact the tourist info centre in town for more details.
The big flower event is the annual Wildflower show, held in the old Dutch Reformed Church on the main road.
Hosted by the Clanwilliam Wild Flower Association, this 10-day extravaganza features a variety of enormous arrangements that sees farmers from the surrounding districts display their best flowers for the edification of townsfolk and visitors.
The dates of the show vary, depending on the vagaries of the season, but it usually takes place towards the end of August and the beginning of September.
All in all, about 360 different species can be seen inside the small church, and the associated festivities include concerts, art and food stalls and a street carnival.
Historical Attractions
Initially named Jan Dissels Valley, it was renamed in 1814 after the Earl of Clanwilliam, the father-in-law of Governor Sir John Cradock.
Historical attractions include the St John's Anglican Church, a beautiful dressed-stone building dating back to 1866, and the old gaol, with its simple Georgian façade.
Built in 1808 as detention barracks for the British garrison stationed here, the building was later converted into a civilian gaol and now serves as the town's museum and information centre.
Mountains, Dams and Rivers
Clanwilliam is synonymous with rooibos tea, the Cederberg Wilderness Area and veldskoene (handmade leather shoes).
The town is the centre of a region where farmers cultivate the indigenous rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), the leaves of which are used to make a healthy, caffeine-free tea.
Set against the backdrop of the rugged crags and buttresses of the Cederberg Krakadouw peaks, Clanwilliam lies between the Olifants and Jan Dissels rivers.
These two rivers embrace the town, which forms the centre of the fruit, vegetable and sheep farming region, at the foot of the Cederberg mountain range.
At the Clanwilliam Dam, water backs up as much as 22 km behind the dam wall.
The dam is popular with water sport enthusiasts and is rated as one of the best spots for water-skiing in the Western Cape.
There are also fossils in these ancient mountains and rock art, not quite as old as the hills themselves.
The Cederberg is named for the forests of Clanwilliam cedar trees that were all but exterminated two centuries ago for their fine timber. To...
Originally established in 1725 as Jan Disselsvalleij, Clanwilliam is one of the 10 oldest towns in South Africa. Clanwilliam is the gateway ...