Things to Do in Riviersonderend

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

One dark autumn night in the beautiful Overberg town of Napier, three friends got together and started discussing what they could do to bring some extra sparkle to their village. As they sat drinking beer after beer, the answer became obvious. It was staring them in the face. A quality local beer! Napier Bier was conceived that night and over the coming months the three friends set out on their journey to produce such a beer. Brewed naturally on the outskirts of the village, Napier beer has become firmly established as a favourite of locals and visitors alike and is most certainly a case of where 'local is lekker'. Brews now include lager, ale and stout.

Every Saturday morning sees the sleepy village of Napier come alive as the industrious local residents disply their wares at the local market. Goods for sale include jams and reserves, olive products, ceramics, home made ice cream, locally produced cheeses, clothing and much more.

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

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.

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

Take a trip back in time at a South African National Cultural Treasure, the Genadendal Mission Museum. See the country's oldest pipe organ, the oldest fire engine, household implements, books, tools, and musical instruments, and a brilliant example of an original ox wagon. Displays examine the life of Moravian Missionaries in the Cape during the 18th and 19th centuries. Open Monday to Thursday 09:00 – 13:00, 14:00 – 17:00, Friday 09:00 – 15:30, Saturday 10:00 – 02:00 +27 (0) 28 251 8220

Visit the Genadendal Pottery Studio and purchase an unusual ceramic piece or hand-painted tableware. This project of the Genadendal Mission Museum is located on the Moravian Church Square behind the Information Bureau. Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 14:00. +27 (0) 28 251 8291

The Raka brand was named after Piet Dreyer's black fishing vessel. Piet's first love has always been the sea. For some 36 years he braved the storms and challenges of the coast, ever in search of the best catch. It is with this same passion that the Dreyer family now pursue the art of winemaking. With the rich blessing of earth and elements, the help of a dedicated workforce, the enthusiasm of winemaker Josef Dreyer and the advantages of a modern gravity flow cellar, Piet Dreyer produces his award-winning Raka wines. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 16:30 and Saturday 10:00 - 15:00 December to January. Out of season please phone ahead.

The 'warm art of Africa' lives in Bredasdorp! Visit the colourful Kapula Candles shop in Bredasdorp  - the only Kapula store in South Africa. Entrepeneur Ilse Appelgryn started making candles at her home in Bredasdorp with the skill, equipment and inspiration left to her by her Aunt Jo. She called her company Kapula Candles, short for her expression "I'm making a couple o' candles!" Today the cottage industry has grown to a large scale industry, employing many local people and exporting many handpainted products. Definitely worth a visit.

This treasure chest of a museum specialises in shipwrecks along the South African coastline and contains showpieces specific to the Overberg. Three sections make up the museaum – one of which is the Shipwreck Museum. Housed in the old former Independent Church, you will find an amazing assortment of cannons, figureheads, chinaware, coins, ships' bells, buoys and other life-saving equipment. The Old Parsonage, a typical Strandveldhuis (Overberg home), is furnished with articles collected along the coasts. Here too, for safekeeping, is a collection of newspaper cuttings and other trivia salvaged from various wrecks. The Old Coach House exhibits Cape carts, a scotch-cart, two horse-drawn hearses and a splendid old fire engine. The buildings alone are beautifully restored examples of old Cape architecture - well worth a visit! Need to know? Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:45, Saturday from 09:00 to 14:45 and Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30.

Situated in the heart of Bredasdorp, EnviroWines Wine Shop offers exceptional wines produced through environmentally friendly practices and certified by independent environmental auditors. The EnviroWines concept aims to give recognition and publicity to wineries that make a special effort in using sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Adhering to strict criteria, these wine estates receive the EnviroWines certification seal. Along with fabulous wines, visitors will be able to purchase accessories for the wine lover and find some great gift ideas. 28 Long Street, Bredasdorp Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 Saturday 09:00 – 17:00 +27 (0) 28 424 2158.

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.

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.

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.