Every January I write a wish list of possible places I would like to travel to that year. They do not necessarily have to be long holidays or new countries. I am a champion of short breaks and being a tourist in my own backyard. On my list of places to visit in 2012, I thought it was time to re-visit some of the many small “dorpies” (Afrikaans for small towns and a word that is used fondly by most English speaking South Africans as well) that we are so lucky to have in spitting distance of Cape Town. One becomes caught up in the hype of travelling to places further afield and then forgets that we can easily also take short breaks to some amazing place within a couple hours from where we live.
I am not including the very well know places that overseas tour operators recommend and, although our locals will know all of these dorpies, they may not yet have visited them or, at least not for quite a while. This “personal” list is in no particular order and I have already kick started the year by visiting Citrusdal – blogs will follow as I get the chance to visit during the year.
- CITRUSDAL – the start of the Cederburg, 2hrs drive on the N7, (the road to Namibia) over the Piekenierskloof Pass – super views, rolling wheat fields ending in the valley of Citrusdal which takes its name from the green citrus orchards surrounding the town. Lots of activities from the hot water springs, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding or simply relaxing.
- MONTAGU – situated 200kms from Cape Town on the Route 62, the longest wine route in the world…they also have hot water springs, historic buildings, of course wine tasting, nature and mountain hikes and excellent rock climbing.
- DARLING– my favorite dorpie to visit during the spring flower season and of course home to our much loved local comedian Pieter Dirk Uys. As with all these country villages, there is a wide variety of accommodation to choose from and people just seem friendlier and more helpful…they have some good wineries to choose from, a very interesting museum and of course, Evita se Peron which is a must for every visitor.
- GREYTON - a really beautiful village at the bottom of the Riviersonderend Mountain Range, thatched cottages, restored buildings and pretty gardens remind one a little of English villages. Excellent craft market on Sundays especially for antique and art lovers, good short and overnight hiking trails
- MCGREGOR – another picture-perfect village similar to Greyton on the Route 62, in fact you can take a 6hr hike from Greyton to McGregor, they also have an excellent Saturday morning market, well known for their local artists, a lovely place to go to with friends and just catch up as you meander around the village
As I said, this is my personal list for 2012 so don’t shoot me down if your favorite dorpie is not on the list, rather click onto the comment section above and let me know which places you like to visit within 2hrs drive of Cape Town. Do share too with your friends on Facebook or twitter, it may just inspire you to get away for a long weekend or try the road less travelled if you are a visitor from another country. Do also click onto the links ie the names of the towns for more info, just saying….some people are a little more technically challenged than others!
Was just reading another blog about a trip to Cape Town (Nothing but Bonfires)and thinking what a beautiful area it is. I might have to make it down that way sometime!
Hi Jan, I agree, time to book that flight to South Africa, put it onto your bucket list!!!
What about Riebieek Kasteel? Beautiful scenery, art galleries, quaint restaurants, wine farms and there s the Olive and Shiraz festivals each once a year.
Good idea Marie, there are so many, hard to choose, I will keep Riebieek Kasteel in mind too.
Your enthusiasm for travel is infectious,Cynthia. I wish I had time to follow your lead and to even make a list of places I want to visit in 2012. When I retire again, I shall take a page from your book and do more interesting things. Thanks for showing some of us workaholics the way. Best wishes in the New Year.
Hi Pat, it is time you RE-retired….let someone else take over and enjoy life, you deserve it!
I am always looking for nice close little retreats for a weekend away. I have seriously low budget this year for ‘extra spending’ ( just got back from honeymoon and also moved into our first bought home ) so let me know of any affordable romantic retreats we can spoil ourselves with.
Your blog is a great distraction at the end of a long workday to read while waiting for my computer to update/save/reload/create new reports etc… Keep up the fab work!
Don’t worry Hayley, you do not need a big budget, just click onto the places I have listed and it goes through to the tourism websites which have all the accommodation available in each area – there is something for everyone, from self-catering cottages, B&B’s to guesthouses and lodges, even camping in some places.
HI YOU REALLY MAKE ME FEEL LIKE JUST GETTING IN
MY CAR AND DRIVING! THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO AND JUST MAKING IT SOUND AS LOVELY AS I KNOW IT WILL BE. WE ARE VERY PRIVILEDGED TO HAVE SUCH AWESOME PLACES AROUND THE CORNER.
I am glad this inspires you…now don’t just “feel” like it, DO IT!
Cape Town is a beautiful place. It’s very convenient to drive just 2hrs to see another beautiful place. Thanks!
I love visiting small towns, discovering the -isms of the place, the local diner, local artists …etc. These are usually my most favourite places to explore.
Thanks for sharing a few from South Africa Cynthia!
Somerset West and Stellenbosch please! our honeymoon there in 2000 was magical xx
Glad to hear that you choose these lovely towns for your honeymoon, living in Cape Town, I get to visit them regularly as they are only an about 40 – 50 mins away – they are not really “dorpies” though, very bit towns!