Things to do near
Rawsonville
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Dams Vleis
in
Worcester (9 km from Rawsonville) Widely considered the prime smallmouth bass fishing venue in South Africa, Brandvlei / Kwaggaskloof Dam is highly sought after by bass fishing enthusiasts.
Brandvlei, also known as Kwaggaskloof Dam, are actually two dams; when the water level is high enough the wall that separates the two are submerged. While not immediately apparent, there are various underwater features that makes this water a great home for bass. Boats are nearly essential and you'll need to read the water well. Bank fishing is possible and can be rewarding.
The complete list of fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, carp, cape witfish, bluegill and gilcristela. Before your trip, watch out for sudden weather changes as the wind can be very unpleasant, and check if they're any water sport events happening, as this can really hamper your fishing activity.
Dams Vleis
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Worcester (14.8 km from Rawsonville) 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.
Hiking Trail
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Paarl (24.9 km from Rawsonville) The Krom River Trail is an easy out-and-return route in the Limietberg Nature Reserve. Start immediately to the left after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel in Du Toitskloof. Look out for the Krom River Trail sign underneath the two bridges. This lovely trail crosses two rivers to the Krom River waterfall and pool.
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Trail
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Paarl (24.9 km from Rawsonville) This out-and-return trail in the Limietberg Nature Reserve starts near the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel. Hikers follow the Elandspad River, a tributary of the Molenaars River in the Klein Drakenstein Mountains. Some sections of the trail meander away from the river, offering awesome views over the valley and mountains.
Along the trail are a number of beautiful pools, including a fabulous swimming spot near the start. The turnaround point is Fisherman's Cave, a great place to have a swim and a picnic. Permits must be obtained in advance from CapeNature.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7 km
Four By Four Trails
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Worcester (25.3 km from Rawsonville) Damon 4x4 Trail is located 10 km from Worcester and named after a notorious sheep thief of the area. The trail is 13 km long with a difficulty grading of 2 to 3. It takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to complete. A maximum of 10 vehicles can utilize this trail at once. The trail runs between the hills of Hangkloof and Boskloof. The best period to enjoy this trail is between July and October when the succulents and aloe are in bloom. Please contact for further information.
Wine Estates
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Franschhoek (26.5 km from Rawsonville) Situated against the Klein Dassenberg mountains, you will find this quaint boutique cellar with its unique character and layout due to its historic origin. Previously a fruit packing shed, the cellar dates back 150 years.The vineyards were first planted in 1994. In 2001 Miko Rwayitare bought the farm and became the first black African to own a wine farm in South Africa.The philosophy is simple, “keep it traditional”. Keeping it traditional allows all the wines to develop as mother nature intended, only when absolutely necessary does the winemaker step in and intervene. This philosophy allows Mont Rochelle to produce wines that are easy drinking, well structured and of high quality that will be fit for any occasion. Quality comes as second nature here and they strive to produce nothing but that.A farm where 16 of the 33 ha is under vine and features sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Included are small blocks of mouvedre, petit verdot, viognier and the newly grafted semillon.The vineyards are situated from 250m to 400m above sea level, which gives a wide range of micro climates.Mediterranean-like conditions found in the western cape means dry summers and high winter rainfalls of 1000mm. The Franschhoek valley also experiences the south-easter which also helps bring in cooler air allowing for a longer ripening period, lending a hand to more physiologically ripe fruit.The 150 year old wine cellar was previously used as a fruit packing shed for the early settlers. Since being converted to a traditional wine cellar they can now process close to 110 tons of grapes in a season, these smaller volumes afford more concentration on quality rather than quantity.Stainless steel tanks aid in the making of the crisp clean whites, while barrels are favoured for the red wine making. There is a winemaker on hand at all times to tend the needs of wine, and often he can be seen crouched in the corner tasting some of the previous vintage.Need to know? Cellar tours: 11h00, 12h30 and 15h00 during the week. For a private tour by the winemaker please make a reservation.Tasting hours:wine tasting is available daily from 09h30 to 18h00. Gourmet tastings:enjoy four of Mont Rochelle’s wines, paired by their chefs as a perfect companion to the daily changing dishes. The tasting staff will explain each pairing to you.
Hiking Trail
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Bainskloof (26.9 km from Rawsonville) The Happy Valley Trail in Bainskloof is an easy out-and-return route that offers some lovely rock pools and is fantastic for families. The trail starts at Eerste Tol and follows the Limietberg Trail up to Junction Pool. Along the jeep track is the 1895 Witte River disaster monument and interesting relics of an old house. Junction Pools marks the end of the trail.
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Trail
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Bainskloof (28.3 km from Rawsonville) Graded moderate to tough, this linear trail appeals to adventurous hikers. Demanding sections involve boulder hopping down the riverbed, swimming and wading through pools near Tweede Tol.
Start at Eerste Tol in the Bainskloof Pass and follow the Witte River until the finish at the Tweede Tol picnic site. Plan to leave a vehicle at the start and at the finish.
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (steep ascents and descents)
Distance: 8 km
Warning: Do not attempt this trail after heavy rain when there is the hazard of the Witte River flooding.
Hiking Trail
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Bainskloof (28.3 km from Rawsonville) The out-and-back Bobbejaans River Trail starts at Eerste Tol parking area and descends over the Witte River. In winter this river may be dangerous to cross and the trail could be closed. A quick climb out of the gorge brings hikers above the Bobbejaans River and eventually to a beautiful waterfall and pool. Look for a turnoff after a few km to the swimming spots. Spectacular disas bloom in the ravine during summer.
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Trail
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Paarl (29.4 km from Rawsonville) The out-and-return Miaspoort Trail climbs up steeply to the top of Huguenot Kop. It starts on the Paarl side of the old Du Toitskloof Pass and leads to the Italian Cross, erected in 1945 by Italian prisoners of war who built the historic road. The views are amazing.
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8 km
Wine Estates
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Wellington (29.9 km from Rawsonville) 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.
Hiking Trail
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Franschhoek (30.4 km from Rawsonville) Cat’s Pass Trail starts with a steep 2.5 km ascent of the old Cat’s Pass in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Built in 1819, the route offers stunning views of the fynbos reserve and Franschhoek Valley. From the summit, the trail then descends for 8 km.
Historic points of interest include Muller’s Bridge, Jan Joubergat Bridge, the Cat’s Toll House and the old outspan, the resting place for travellers and their oxen. The trail is clearly marked and well maintained. Permits and maps are available at the Franschhoek Tourism Office, the Protea Hotel or the Huguenot Museum.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is part of the UNESCO declared Boland Biosphere Reserve. The remarkable diversity of fynbos includes beautiful proteas, pincushions, ericas, bulbs and restios.
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (steep ascent)
Distance: 10.5 km
Hiking Trail
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Franschhoek (30.6 km from Rawsonville) The out-and-return Perdekop Trail starts at the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve office and climbs up a kloof to the Wemmershoek Peak lookout. From here the climb continues to the summit of Perdekop. Although this is a steep route, the views are well worth the effort.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is part of the UNESCO declared Boland Biosphere Reserve. The remarkable diversity of fynbos includes beautiful proteas, pincushions, ericas, bulbs and restios. Permits and maps are available at the Franschhoek Tourism Office, the Protea Hotel or the Huguenot Museum.
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Trail
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Franschhoek (30.8 km from Rawsonville) Dutoitskop Trail starts at the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve office on Franschhoek Pass. The out-and-return route climbs 700 m up to the summit of Dutoitskop. From here, the awesome views extend over the Franschhoek Valley and Wemmershoek Mountains.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is part of the UNESCO declared Boland Biosphere Reserve. The remarkable diversity of fynbos includes beautiful proteas, pincushions, ericas, restios and bulbs. Permits and maps are available at the Franschhoek Tourism Office, the Protea Hotel or the Huguenot Museum.
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12 km
Galleries and Museums
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Villiersdorp (31.4 km from Rawsonville) The Tractor Trekker Museum houses a world-renowned collection of privately owned tractors and engines. No longer limited to tractors, the museum has broadened its exhibits to include stationary engines, trucks, bakkies (pick-ups), and farm and household utensils. The extensive collection of privately owned vintage tractors date to 1920 and are beautifully restored and in running condition. The museum can be found behind the Kelkiewyn Restaurant.