Originally established in 1725 as Jan Disselsvalleij, Clanwilliam is one of the 10 oldest towns in South Africa. The name was changed to its current Celtic sounding title by Sir John Cradock in 1814, who was trying to curry favour with his father-in-law, the Earl of Clanwilliam.
This once-sleepy farming town is the centre of South Africa's Rooibos (Red Bush) tea industry. A fragrantly aromatic brew, rooibos is actually a species of Fynbos that is endemic to the area and there are several farms in the vicinity that offer tours of their facilities.
Clanwilliam is the gateway to the northern Cedarberg, as has been described above, but it is also an increasingly popular tourist destination in its own right with lots of shops, restaurants, guest houses and a large dam that is highly favoured by water sport enthusiasts.
Visitors to Clanwilliam can embark on a rooibos tea tour, or visit the Englishman's Grave. Various historical buildings can be viewed. Klawer was named after the wild clover growing in the area. During the flower season, the area is a kaleidoscope of colour. Visitors can go on a hiking trail along the Doring River, as well as on a river-rafting trail.
Vanrhynsdorp houses the largest succulent nursery in South Africa. The Latsky Radio Museum houses a collection of old valve radios, some of them dating back to 1924. Birdwatching, mountain biking, day-walks, hiking and 4x4 trails abound.
Historical Fact – The first coloured man to get a degree at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Harold Cressy, studied at the Clanwilliam mission school. - Ann Gadd
By David Fleminger
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