Road Trip to Riebeek Kasteel
Those who know me, know how much I love our South African small towns. Each one has its own unique personality, a list of hidden gems and beautiful scenery.
Riebeek Kasteel has all of these and more.
About Riebeek Kasteel
Situated in the Riebeek Valley, Riebeek Kasteel is one of South Africa’s oldest towns.
Named after the Dutch colonial administrator, Jan van Riebeeck in 1661, it wasn’t until the 1800’s that the town was developed.
This quaint town is well known for its thriving wine and olive industries, vibrant art scene and rich history.
Today, the town has maintained much of its Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture and is a hub for artists, writers and people who seek a more tranquil lifestyle.
With Riebeek Kasteel only 80km from Cape Town, and such a wide and diverse list of things to see and do we decided to do a short two day road trip and discover some of the towns finest, family friendly options.
Road trip to Riebeek Valley- Day 1
We left home on Thursday morning at 7am to fill up our car with diesel, grab coffee at our local Engen shop and headed on the N7 towards Riebeek Kasteel.
The road to Riebeek Valley passes through the little town of Malmesbury and over Bothmaskloof pass, which winds up over the Kasteelberg mountain, offering you stunning scenic views of vineyards and olive groves.
With just a little drizzle and the open road ahead of us , we turned up the music and enjoyed the smooth ride to our first stop …. The Royal Hotel – Riebeek Kasteel.
The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel is a beautiful, old colonial style building with a large terrace area, situated in the heart of the town.
This fully restored historic building, is the oldest licensed hotel in the Western Cape and was built in 1862.
As you enter it’s large doors, you are greeted with a sense of luxury and old world charm. Large lounge, dining and bar areas reminiscent of a time gone by.
The spacious rooms both inside the hotel and in the cottages outside, cater to your modern day comforts, including air-conditioning, wifi and laundry facilities.
The hotel also boasts a wellness centre and restaurant.
We enjoyed a coffee in the dining area, seated next to a warm, winter fire as Brent and Hamish played chess.
Short street
After exploring this timeless hotel, I took a walk down short street and admired some of the local businesses and houses.
Established in 2007, this little street is paved in bricks and an absolute hub of colour, creativity and culture.
Here you will find everything from the Pub with its rustic wine barrels outside to art studios and boutique shopping.
I fell in love with The country chicken farmstall. A small shop decorated in true country style and filled to the brim with local produce.
Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate
We made our way to Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate and learned more about the history of this estate, the du Toit family and the wine and olive products they produce.
Kloovenburg stands at the foot of Kasteelberg and this historic farm (est. 1704) is not only breathtaking, but has a rich history that secures it to the Swartland.
When visiting this picturesque farm you can start your visit at the tasting room which is situated in the beautifully renovated Cellar .
Here you can enjoy a wine or olive tasting, cosy up by the fire with a delicious platter or purchase some fabulous olive and wine products to take home.
If you are visiting with kids their children’s wooden, nature inspired play area and pump track is a must stop.
Here imagination comes to life with a magic door set amidst the trees as your children can enjoy the open air while you enjoy an easy lunch from Kringe Inni Bos.
Kringe Inni Bos
This outdoor, self service restaurant is surrounded by outdoor seating, the children’s play area and offers a covered indoor area with warm fireplace for colder days.
Serving delicious light meals such as wood fire pizza and toasted sandwiches, there is something for everyone.
Het Vlok Casteel
Previously having visited Riebeek Kasteel for the Wine and Olive festival many years ago, I’d bought a few products from Het Vlok Casteel and was eager to return.
Situated on the family farm, Morêster, Het Vlok Casteel is a popular wedding and event venue with its castle design and beautiful big open spaces. 
The shop, which grew from a cottage kitchen in 2000, now produces more than 200 products. These products are produced alongside the seasons produce and each one is handmade, hand bottled and hand labeled.
The store offers tastings of all products and it’s hard not to want to buy it all. They also carry a range of seasonal fruit and olive oil on tap.
Delsma Farm
Then it was time to visit Delsma Farm Wedding Venue where we were being hosted for the night.
With lush green grounds and modern decor it’s easy to see why this is a popular wedding venue choice for so many couples.
Delsma is a working farm which is situated on the banks of the Berg river, just 10 minutes from Riebeek Kasteel.
They offer 7 fully equipped, beautiful cottages as well as dorms for sport groups, swimming pool and an onsite restaurant, Toast.
Our room was equipped with all the comforts we would need. The stunning white and pale decor adding to the whimsical feel of the farm.
A single bed had been added for Hamish who was blown away by the added touch of a few sweets on his bed for him too.
The room was fully equipped with fridge, microwave, kettle, coffee and tea, towels and shower toiletries to ensure that we were comfortable during our stay.
As the sun began to set and the winter chill filled the air, it was time to relax and enjoy a golden hour sunset that shone with fiery orange and red hues in the clear open sky.
Toast
For supper we were hosted at the stylish Toast restaurant on the Delsma Farm premisis.
Toast only operate through bookings and offer an upmarket, modern farm-style cuisine for intimate weddings and events.
All the food produced is made from locally sorced products and prime ingredients, enduring that your meal is outstanding.
We enjoyed a steak and chips which was absolutely delicious. Served with a mushroom sauce and paired with a bottle of Riebeek Cellars Pinotage and blue powerade for the 8 year old.
Later that evening, as we snuggled under our warm blankets, filled with new memories I couldn’t wait for day 2 of our trip.
Road trip to Riebeek Kasteel-day 2
Friday morning we woke to a beautiful misty morning at Delsma Farm Wedding Venue and Hamish and I took the opportunity to grab some photos before he said goodbye to Lily.
The Town Square
We made our way to the town Square which has some great artworks, statues and even a basket ball court.
The Swartland Tourism offices can be found in the centre of the town, opposite the square.
Just Bee Collective
We headed there to meet with Just bee collective and learn more about their sustainable bee farming practices.
As a group of passionate, dedicated beekeepers, they promote ethical bee keeping and bee keeping services.
They also host several events like honey tastings and bee workshops.
As I really wanted to learn more about the town, we had decided to explore the two museums.
Oude Kerk – Riebeek Kasteel Museum
The Oude kerk museum, is housed in the original church of Riebeek, which was built in 1856.
Today it offers visitors a fascinating journey through the recorded history of the valley’s heritage from the Voortrekkers to more modern times.
As you enter the large door, you’ll encounter an assortment of wagons, farming tools and antique artifacts that give us glimpse of yester-year life.
You can also find three memorials which stand outside the church:
- To the left, a Memorial for an expedition led by Pieter Cruythoff in 1661
- To the right a Memorial to the Afrikaans language in tandem with the Paarl language Monument, erected in 1975
- To the far right is a monument commemorating Simon van Der Stels passing in 1685
Entry to the museum is free. Donations are welcome.
Jan Smuts Museum
I loved this museum with its old fashioned Cape Dutch homestead, large lawns and heavy set furniture.
The Smuts house museum is situated at the PPC factory in Riebeek West, a short drive from Riebeek Kasteel,on the original Ongegund farm. It is the birthplace of Jan Christian Smuts, born in 1870.
Smuts was a prominent South African statesman, military leader and prime minister of South Africa ( 1919 – 1924 & 1939-1948)
The museum, housed in the simple white washed farm house, commemorates his life and legacy with a rich collection of personal artifacts, memorabilia and historical exhibits that reflect his roles in both the Boer war and World War 1.
The large tranquil gardens and farmhouse give you a glimpse of rural life in the 1800s and depict Smuts love for nature.
You can find a statue of smuts in the garden.
Entry to the museum is free.
History Walk
Interestingly, you can do a history walk through Riebeek Kasteel.
This should take about an hour and fourty five minutes and is a distance of 3.75km. It covers 19 destinations and 32 heritage places.
You can follow the route at rvheritage.co.za
We unfortunately did not have time to enjoy the walk but have this on our to do list on our next visit.
Meerhof Wines
After absorbing a little history we visited Meerhof Wines where I fell in love with the gorgeous views and Hamish spent most of his time on the bright play equipment.
Meerhof wine estate is located on the exact route that Pieter van Meerhof, a member of the Cape Companje, planned. It was here that he pitched his tent and named the area Kasteelberg in 1661.
Today Meerhof offers a luxiourious space to gather with friends and enjoy their fabulous wine or grab a bite to eat.
If you are visiting with children, they have a lovely wooden play area. Hamish spent quite some time here playing with the other kids.
But for me it really was the view. As you look down into the whole valley, you are reminded of just how beautiful Riebeek Valley is.
Don’t forget to grab a selfie at the large yellow frame to remember your visit.
8 Feet Villiage
As we ambled our way out of the valley towards home on Bothmaskloof pass, we popped in for a quick visit to Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate’s 8 feet villiage.
Here you can over look all the natural view of Riebeek Valley, whilst enjoying the warm hospitality if the Swartland.
Our stop was short but I really need an entire day here!
This spot with its stunning views has everything from a deli, restaurant and coffee shop to great wine, olives and beautiful gifts.
You simply can’t visit Riebeek Valley without visiting 8 Feet Villiage.
Nuweplaas Padstsal
Finally it was time to head home but not before we stopped at Nuweplaas Padstal in Malmesbury.
I’d been told how child friendly Nuweplass was and it did not disappoint.
With a large outdoor play area, equipped with swings, climbing frames, tyre cars and a mini track, there is also a mini animal farm and kids can buy feed to feed the friendly animals.
Homemade steak and venison pies were our lunch.
There is a small shop selling farm products and gifts and restaurant here too.
Two days was definitely not enough time for Hamish and I to explore all the hidden gems in this friendly town and I can’t wait to return.
