Vanrhynsdorp has some beautiful old buildings such as the Old Goal next to the tourist information office. The Troe-Troe Zending Hetgesticht established by the Moravian Missionary Society in 1751 now houses the Trutro 1751 Politstatie.
Latsky Radio Museum in Church Street has a collection of old valve radios, some dating back to 1924. The Van Rhijn Museum in Van Riebeeck Street displays a diverse selection of vintage furniture, photos and antique household goods.
Head out of town onto the Knersvlakte for hiking such as the world’s only quartz succulent trail, go mountain biking, or into the mountains for rock climbing and to see the beautiful Ouberg Waterfall and some stunning rock art sites - permits may be required for this. Hiking along the Quarzite trail is a guided outing - ask at the Kokerboom Nursery in town.
The dramatic Van Rhyns Pass that crosses over the imposing Bokkeveld Mountains between Vanrhynsdorp and Nieuwoudtville offers a commanding view over the Knersvlakte from the famous 180° hairpin turns near its summit. Another pass to consider - a 4x4 vehicle is best - is the Gifberg Pass between Maskam, the mountain ‘behind’ the town and the Gifberg, further west.
On top of the Gifberg are rooibos tea farms. Ratelgat, a cultural heritage centre near Vanrhynsdorp is considered the Griqua nation's spiritual home. They are the descendants of the Grigriqua, a nomadic tribe of Khoi pastoralists who once roamed the Matzikama Region around Vanrhynsdorp and Vredendal. Guided walks can be arranged from the tourist information centre in Vanrhynsdorp.
Mountain Biking Routes
Vanrhynsdorp offers excellent cycling opportunities. Some easy cranking can be had along the dirt roads in and around the village, but those looking for something a bit more strenuous and challenging should head into the Matsikamma Mountains.
Gifberg Holiday Farm is located on the top of Gifberg, only 29 km from Vanrhynsdorp, and is an excellent base from which to explore.
Explore along the Ouberg Road with a punishing 3 km ascent to very near to the highest point of the Matsikamma ranges where the reward will be a breathtaking panorama.
Kokerboom Nursery
The succulent nursery in Vanrhynsdorp has hundreds of species of indigenous succulents of which about 50 are endemic to the area. The quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma) is one of South Africa’s indigenous plants, which grows in abundance in the Karoo landscapes.
The Kokerboom Nursery in Vanrhynsdorp was established during a time that a major highway was being built, destroying millions of succulents in the process.
At the nursery, there are three subspecies of the quiver tree, which have various characteristics and applications. These trees and the many succulents here are adapted to the heat of the Nama-Karoo while retaining a unique prettiness.