Things to Do in De Doorns

Part of the Brandvlei Dam, Kwaggaskloof Dam (also spelled Quaggaskloof), is used for long distance swimming as well as water skiing, jet skiing and speed boats. The dam features a club house, launch pad and the setting has stunning views. It's a popular spot for fishing carp, whitefish, bluegills, bigmouth and smallmouth black bass. Quaggaskloof Water-ski Club is 15km from Worcester. Open weekends and public holidays.

Surrounded by the rolling Langeberg mountains in the Breede River Valley and bordered by vineyards and orchards, the new 18 hole Robertson Golf Course on the Silwerstrand Estate opened for play in April 2009. It is the only 18 hole golf course in the beautiful ‘Valley of Wine and Roses’. Described as a fun leisurely course, it is extremely golfer friendly with comfortable walks from tee to green. It has a great mix of long and short holes, with course designer Danie Obermeyer’s signature “rivet faced” bunkers providing punishment for the wayward shot!The tenth (par 4) and 12th (par 5) are expected to be the toughest holes, especially if the North Westerly wind is blowing, whilst the 18th (a par 5) is a rewarding finishing hole.

Go zip sliding away above the Ceres Valley on a unique mountain adventure. This new ‘foefie’ slide experience is situated in the lovely mountains surrounding the Ceres Valley. It’s only a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town, the perfect breakaway from frenetic city life. The Ceres Zip Slide Tour is the longest tour in Africa, offering eight slides, totalling a length of 1.4 km! Amazing rock formations and a river form a stunning backdrop to a fun-adrenaline-filled adventure. Participants are kitted up in full body harnesses with state-of-the-art equipment. Accompanied by two fully-trained guides, they then depart on silent, battery operated carts up into the mountain. A short walk to the departure point at the first slide reveals the breath-taking view of the town of Ceres and the Ceres Valley. This is where the fun begins! Slides vary in length between 110 – 290 m. The highest point above the ground is 40 m. You’ve got to try it! Tours depart every half hour; the last departure is at 17:00. Rate: R400 per person. Price includes beverages during and after the tour. The Ceres Zip Slide operates in most weather conditions. Children from three years can participate. Open daily 08:00 – 17:00. 079 245 0354 info@ceresadventures.co.za

Internationally renowned for exceptional quality and great value wines, Rietvallei is one of the oldest wine farms in Robertson. The family-owned estate has been in the hands of the Burger Family since 1864. Today the fifth and sixth generations of the Burger family, Johnny and his son Kobus, are actively running the estate. Tasting hours and sales: Monday to Friday 08:30 – 17:00 Saturday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 14:00 +27 (0) 23 626 3596 www.rietvallei.co.za GPS: 33°49'36"S 19°58'39"E

The Donkey Sanctuary will warm your heart. The Sanctuary provides a home for abused, neglected and elderly donkeys. Here they can live out their lives with respect and dignity, surrounded by their own kind in a protective and natural environment. You can even adopt one of the donkeys. Facilities include a restaurant, farm stall and kids playground.

Hike along the road to nowhere – The Galg Road. The original pass from McGregor towards Greyton leads up to the mountains and mysteriously disappears at the edge of a steep krantz. Many local stories speculate about the reason why the road was never completed. In 1862 the village of McGregor was officially proclaimed and the land divided into 2.5-hectare plots and sold to 19 farmers who were under the impression that the road from Cape Town would pass through their village. This never happened and neither did the planned road over the mountains through the Boesmanskloof Pass to Greyton – the road simply passes through the village and comes to an abrupt end.

The popular Boesmanskloof Trail winds through the only gap in the rugged Riviersonderend Mountain range. This lovely hiking trail links the quaint little towns of McGregor and Greyton. The route can be hiked either way starting at Die Galg, roughly 14 km from Greyton and McgGregor. It traverses some spectacular mountain scenery with deep rock pools and waterfalls – perfect for cooling off in summer. Perdekop viewpoint offers fabulous views of the steep gorges of the Riviersonderend Mountains and the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. A great diversity of plant species can be seen, particularly proteas and ericas. Between July and October the flowering king proteas are magnificent. Hikers have the option of overnighting at Die Galg – book in advance. Permits are required from Cape Nature for the day trail – wwwcapenature.org.za 0861 227 362 8873.

One of Montagu's most popular and easily accessible attractions is the Leidam. Situated in the heart of the town, it’s well worth a visit. Here you will be able to easily spot a large variety of birds. Frequently residents include Grey heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, African Sacred Ibis and the Common Weaver. The bird count totals 18 local species as well as 52 migrant species. The best time to visit is just before sunset when hundreds of birds fly in to roost in the treetops.

Famous for it's indigenous medicinal plant project, the beautifully restored Joubert House is well worth a visit. The oldest house in the village of Montagu, it bears a rich history and has a rustic yet elegant charm.

The Montagu Golf Club course is a 9-hole country course situated in the picturesque town of Montagu at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains.The well-maintained course is surrounded by typical Klein Karoo vegetation with scenic views of the adjacent farming activities. With fabulous weather all year round, you're assured of an enjoyable Klein Karoo golf experience.Need to know? Montagu Golf Club is open every day. For visitors a reasonable fee is charge. Montagu is a two-hour drive from Cape Town (200 km).

Montagu is muscadel country with the town hosting the annual Muscadel Festival. Muscadel is a sweet, full rounded wine with rich fruit flavours that is drunk on crushed ice or at room temperature. It's definitely worth joining the festive townsfolk who celebrate the muscadel tradition with great country hospitality and style.Montagu Wine Cellar was established in 1941, producing wine of the variety of the day, namely Muscadel. Just grapes of the highest quality with a minimum of 24° B were used. Monis’ marsala and moscato had its origin in this cellar and this special and unique method is still used.Today the cellar makes dry table wines as well, receiving a number of awards. The cellar has several times been the Champion Co-op Cellar of the region and their red Muscadel was already four times chosen for the Nederburg Wine Auction where it was described as "the best wine for the price anywhere in the world". Unlock the ambience of Montagu with a glass of Montagu Cellar muscadel, put your feet up and enjoy the peace and quiet.

If you're visiting Montagu pop into the dried fruit and nut shop. Here you can stock up on all sorts of tasty nibbles. It all started in 1991 when a small fruit drying operation started in Montagu, the heart of thedried fruit "pantry" of South Africa. Since then they have grown to becomeone of the largest exporters in the Little Karoo. Everyday during thesummer months an enormous variety of fruit is prepared and dried to satisfythe requirements of all lovers of dried fruit.

Oak Falls is situated halfway between Greyton and McGregor on the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail. It’s quite feasible to take a picnic and spend the day at this lovely waterfall or cool off in the natural pool if you’re doing the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail. Permits are required from Cape Nature for the day trail – wwwcapenature.org.za 0861 227 362 8873.

Sip soetes and swirl your glass in Montagu’s oldest winery. Uitvlucht Winery is named after the farm Uitvlucht, on which the picturesque town of Montagu was founded. Uitvlucht also happens to be the oldest winery in Montagu. Uitvlucht Winery features a fine selection of sophisticated wines as well as full-bodied sweet Montagu Muskadel and Port for which Montagu has become renowned across the globe. Climb aboard the Muscat Express! Experience a two hour scenic tractor tour through this historical town with a glass of Muscadel in hand. View significant scenery and historical buildings while experienced guides tell all the stories. The highlight of the trip is the winetasting in the barrel aging cellar of Uitvlucht Winery. Here you can experience a candle light wine tasting of Montagu’s famous wines. Need to know? Wine sales and tasting hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8:30am to 1:30pm. Uitvlucht Winery is a member of the Biodiversity Wine Initiative.

Saronsberg Theatre is the warm heart of theatre and music in the Tulbagh Winelands, offering a regular line-up of South African legends and some rising stars. Popular shows and musical favourites are hosted every week, with Blues and Jam sessions taking place on Wednesday evenings. Enjoy a simple meal or a glass of wine with the show. +27 (0) 23 230 1782 www.saronsberg-theatre.com

Even more reason to visit Greyton! Chocolatier Richard von Geusau crafts sublime handmade chocolates from the best Belgian couverture. It’s impossible not to drool while browsing the Von Geusau range of truffles and slabs – spiked with the flavours of roasted hazelnut, almond, pistachio, rose geranium, cardamom, crème brûlée, pear, lemon, vanilla and liqueurs. Need to know? Find the von Geusau Chocolaterie at the Oak & Vigne in Ds Botha Street, Greyton. +27 (0) 28 254 9100 www.vgchocolate.co.za

Something of a Greyton institution, The Inside Story retails an eclectic assortment of old and new. Merchandise ranges from fantastic handmade bath soaps to Indian textiles, scarfs and shawls in vibrant colours to unusual furniture. Artwork by shop owners, Michelle Holloway and Carol Gibbs adorns the walls. The shop's relaxed atmosphere makes browsing a pleasure. +27 (0) 28 254 9827

Situated 125kms from Cape Town, Tulbagh has become a secret find for the avant-garde.  The wine farm, Twee Jonge Gezellen, is in the North-West corner of this intriguing valley, with the vineyards reaching up to the east-facing slopes of the Saron Peak mountain, while the cellar nestles expectantly at the foot of the mountains.

Doolhof Wine Estate lies in a beautiful valley below the Bainskloof Pass and is surrounded by three dramatic mountain ranges. The award winning wines are available for tasting in the "old wagon house" which has been stylishly restored and captures the essence of understated elegance. Several well marked walks leading past the river, the vineyards, orange groves and fynbos rich areas allow visitors to enjoy magnificent views over the Estate. Light lunches and picnics are available.

Genadendal Handweavers started as a job-creation project initiated by The Kraal Gallery, but partnered by the Department of Economic Development, Rotary International, private family trusts and the community. Their mantra is ‘weaving broadens horizons’, evident in the vibrant hues and diverse range of beautifully woven products. The business employs locally trained women to create innovative and desirable items and works of art. 082 433 3540 www.thekraalgallery.com