This community project focuses on job creation for women. Several products are made by unemployed women and then sold in shops. These products include handmade and hand painted items – mugs, bowls, coasters, placemats and so forth, and are sold in Heidelberg shops.

]]> 20.96069908142089844,-34.09122085571289062 "Your place of rest after a long and tiring journey."

The Aan de Kanal Oppie Hoek B&B and Coffee Shop is situated, as its name indicates, on the canal in the centre of the Heidelberg business district. Aan de Kanal offers comfortable rooms, great food and wonderful coffee and cakes. The business also has a curio shop that offers the visitor a chance to browse through quaint country items, souvenirs and country products such as jam.

This B&B offers a range of facilities:

• Safe accommodation and parking;
• Rates include a mighty breakfast;
• Rooms are comfortably furnished;
• Microwave, fridge and coffee/tea for your convenience;
• All rooms have double beds, one room has an extra single bed;
• One room has inside braai (barbeque) facilities;
• Rooms are all en-suite;
• Television in each room;
• Warm blankets; and
• Dinner, lunches and additional cooked meals available.

Aan de Kanal also boasts a steakhouse restaurant and coffee shop adding to making a visit a wonderful country experience.

]]> 20.95709991455078125,-34.09220123291015625 This tea garden itself is on an erf (property) across the river with a vista of the mountain kloof. The colourful flower filled garden is well established with large trees shading the house and patio where refreshments are served. There is tea, coffee, homemade fruit juices, cakes and tarts, as well as light lunches and breakfasts.

There is peaceful tranquillity and an abundance of bird life. The emphasis is on home made, home grown products.

The facility can cater for a maximum of twenty people at a time.

]]> 20.66193962097167969,-34.00371932983398438 Ann van der Walt is an artist resident in Heidelberg. Visit her home to view or buy paintings in oils and watercolour. Landscape, still life, wildlife, flowers and abstracts.

]]> 20.95533943176269531,-34.08771133422851562 This farmstall is a must visit for those passing through the area or for those staying a little longer. The farmstall is easy to find as it is situated on the N2, 3km west of Heidelberg.

The building was originally an old farmhouse and dairy, but is now a colourful building – half coffee shop and half farmstall.
Home bakes, dried fruits and preserves are the specialities here, but there is much more – including biltong and dried meats, fruit and vegetables, and a selection of cheeses.

]]> 20.93989944458007812,-34.11040115356445312 Boosmans Ventures offers day tours of the area (Overberg), E.g. Tradouw Pass, De Hop Nature Reserve, Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, Boosmansbos wilderness area. Grootvadersbosch (with Boosmansbos as part of it) is a world heritage site.

Pierre specializes in Grootvadersbosch day tours in the forest and knows a lot about fynbos). Pierre was a nature conservationist and worked in Grootvadersbosch for thirteen years. He is also a registered tour guide.

]]> 20.83169937133789062,-34.04832077026367188 The Dasjesdrift farm theatre is a beautiful restored manor house on a farm between Heidelberg and Witsand. The architecture, interior and the natural setting creates a haven for people, artists and art lovers. The theatre produces and hosts some of the best “one and two hander” plays in the country. The visitor will also be able to feast on a variety of fantastic homemade breads, jams and local cheese. This is an invitation to “come and experience theatre at its best in the countryside!”

The Farm Theatre offers theatre productions and good countryside food; as well as small walking tracks for leisure walks. Tea is on offer for smaller groups.

The theatre was an old Farm house, dated 1933. “Because the building was in a very bad condition, my family decided to demolish it. But my mother and I jumped in and started to restore it. Later on it became a community project. It gave everyone great satisfaction working on what today is a beautiful theatre.”

]]> 20.88912963867187500,-34.15954589843750000 Die Ou Wawiel (which means ‘the old wagon wheel’ – and referring to the old form of transport in the area) Restaurant is open every day of the week, and – especially for sundowners – until 19:00 on some days. The restaurant food is also available as take-aways.

Some specialities include bobotie (spicy meat bake), mixed vegetables, beet salads, stewed dried fruit, braaivleis (barbecued meat) with pap (porridge), soup and potbrood (steam bread), and sago pudding with custard. Traditional Khoi meals can also be ordered.

]]> 20.65294075012207031,-34.00407028198242188 The Heidelberg Hotel is located in the centre of the village – and is ideally suited to travellers (as it is half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth) and those who wish to stay a little longer (as it is between sea and mountain) alike.

The hotel has a peaceful country atmosphere – and here personal care is paramount. The hotel is fully licensed, is affordable and has safe parking.

]]> 20.95689964294433594,-34.08940124511718750 Heidelberg Info is a one-stop-shop for visitors wanting more information about the area, accommodation bookings or a quick perusal of local crafts and products. The info centre has a beautiful map mural on the wall and a large collection of brochures and information booklets about tourism attractions in the area, as well as pamphlets telling the history of the town. The info centre is conveniently located next to the Engen Garage – just off the N2 national road as one drives past Heidelberg.

]]> 20.96360015869140625,-34.09590148925781250 Lismore Farm has been in the Barry family since 1844, before which it was used as a horse-breeding farm for the Dutch East India Company. A post office trading post was established where transport riders exchanged horses. In later years Thomas Barry planted and grew tobacco. The first cold storage plant and rooms in South Africa were erected on the farm and can still be seen today. Cigars were produced (the holders in which the cigars were made and the certificates dating back to that time can be seen on request). The enterprising Thomas Barry laid a pipeline through the farm and erected a Pelton wheel driven by water. Lismore Farm had electricity before the town of Swellendam.

There is an option of two accommodation venues at Lismore. The Lismore mountain cottage is set on the tranquil slopes of the Kleinberg and overlooks the green fields of the farm. It sleeps eight people and has two bathrooms. The Lismore log cabin is built from solid logs and is situated on the edge of the river. It too, like the mountain cottage, is placed at the foot of the mountain with a view of the green fields of Lismore. The cabin sleeps six people with two bathrooms. Both cottages boast gas lamps and candle light. Guests only need to bring bedding or ask for it when booking (pillows are provided). A bag of wood and a bottle of fresh farm milk are also provided at arrival.

Various activities are on offer on Lismore Farm, including swimming, fishing, hiking and cycling. Bird-watching is also a pleasant pastime. Horse-riding can be arranged, but guests are also welcome to simply wander around the beautiful farmlands or relax at the cottage. With luck, one might see the very scarce and very shy bushpig.

]]> 20.68350028991699219,-34.00339889526367188 Langeberg Cottage is situated on one of the most scenic farms in the Heidelberg area. The farm, Dun Donald, is part of the Grootvadersbos Conservancy, and from the year 2000, the owners felt the need to share their beautiful farm with visitors.

The cottage is fully equipped and has under-floor heating. It has two bedrooms, but can sleep up to six people. It is the ideal breakaway for a weekend or for a mid-week escape from the office. Activities on the farm include hiking, fishing and mountain biking. The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is less than 10km from the farm.

]]> 20.75480079650878906,-34.00939941406250000 This shop stocks a wide range of unique handmade and hand painted items i.e. bowls, platters, linen, zulu bead jewellery, etc.

Visitors are welcome to sample the delectable menu of light meals or simply something from the deli. Finish off the meal with freshly ground coffee and cake.

“For something healthy to eat or different to take home, try Olienhuis Trading.”

]]> 20.96067047119140625,-34.09461975097656250 There is a farm in Africa… Skeiding… Close to the N2 and half way between Cape Town and Knysna Skeiding is a 1200ha working farm with free range ostriches, dairy, Dohne Merino sheep and wheat. The farm’s natural method of ostrich farming is distinctive – as the birds are allowed to range freely and raise their young themselves, nurturing them under their big wings. Free-range ostrich farms are a totally different experience to the commercial farms in the Oudtshoorn district.

Guests can experience farm life at its best on a farm tour with Neels Uys – feed the ostriches, visit the wheat crops, visit the dairy for fresh warm milk, experience the love and respect between working dog and farmer herding sheep. Alternatively visitors can experience the nature on the farm and bird-watch – see flocks of blue crane. Guinea fowl and pheasant hunting is another possibility for the brave of heart. Walking the many ravines on the farm with Neels is truly an experience as he can offer a fascinating insight into the vegetation and other interesting points.

In the traditional Cape Dutch farmhouse, visitors can experience real South African hospitality. A crackling fire and dinner at the family dining table completes the experience of this special part of Africa. Visitors can either stay in the main homestead (en suite rooms) or in two Cape Dutch style cottages that sleep four people. Self catering is welcome, and all rooms have heaters, electric blankets, tea/coffee facilities, hair dryers, gowns and slippers.

Within 40km of Skeiding are a number of adventures:

The Pont at Malgas on the Breede River (a delightful reminder of a quieter time – the pont has been carrying people, livestock and vehicles every day since 1860);
Witsand for whale watching (the highest concentration of Southern Right Whales on the Southern African coast congregate here during the breeding season of June to November); and
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve (also on this route, this nature reserve is famous for its wilderness and indigenous forest).

]]> 20.80610084533691406,-34.08039855957031250 Louise explains their business in her own words:

“Star Nation Art Studio is my husband and my business. We are both artists – Andries does metal smith work, and I do fine arts and crafts. Our studios are open to the public and we are in the process of opening a small art gallery and tea garden for local arts and crafts in an old historical church school, which is also on our premises. Art classes are available, as well as community craft projects and team building weekends for corporates”.

The studio is situated on the premises of one of the oldest buildings in Heidelberg. Three resident artists are at work and in the future the community project and local artists’ work will be on display in the small old church school.

Works on display include:

Community craft;
Fine arts;
Black and metal smith work; and
Glass and mosaic work.

]]> 20.96069908142089844,-34.09122085571289062 Suurbraak was a mission station enfolded by the Langeberg Mountains. The village is well worth a visit as many of the original houses and buildings remain. Off the main town square are the original church, parsonage and school – built by the London Missionary Society between 1828 and 1848.

The village is also well worth visiting for day trips as the area is rich in Fynbos and birdlife and hikers and mountain bikers are welcome. Discos, dramas and music evenings are held regularly in the town, and the town has a number of festivals throughout the year.

Visitors should contact the Suurbraak Tourism Bureau for information about the attractions or events in the village. The bureau can also arrange accommodation and guides for village or nature tours. Tours can be on foot, on horseback on in a horse cart. Teas, picnics and other refreshments can also be arranged. Click here for the selection of trails in and around the village.

Walking, biking or horse trails in Suurbraak:

River Walk – An easy flat route that runs parallel to the main road. Swimming, picnic and braai (barbecue) spots can be found at ‘Grootgat’ and ‘Boeregat’. This is an easy ‘away from it all in one minute’ walk.

De Oude Meulen Hiking Trail – The Meuldam is a natural rock pool in the kloof across the river, where the town’s water supply is collected and piped underground to the reservoir. Breathtaking scenery, interesting vegetation, ancient fruit trees and oaks, abundant wildlife and birdlife are the attractions on this trail. The walk is approximately 60 minutes.

Fynbos Route – This is a minimum two hour walk up the mountain above the pine forests, where a field of proteas awaits. This trail gives spectacular views of the village while walking waist deep in Fynbos. Mountain streams of the purest water are plentiful. This walk is quite a climb and has a sharp descent on return.

All the above trails are also excellent mountain biking trails. Community guides are available as pathfinders.

]]> 20.65290069580078125,-34.00410079956054688 This backpackers centre (that is run by the church) has accommodation for fourty people, a fully equipped kitchen and a conference hall. Breakfast, lunch and supper can be provided on request.

Suurbraak is the ideal venue for a conference as it is located in a natural surrounding and is close to many tourist attractions.

]]> 20.65290069580078125,-34.00410079956054688 Frieden River Lodge is an exclusive guesthouse close to the N2 – Heidelberg.

A perfect stopover halfway between Cape Town and Knysna, where visitors can experience true country hospitality. Uncle Happy’s is situated on the banks of the Duivenhoks River, in a peaceful surrounding, with magnificent views over the golf course and mountains.

Frieden River Lodge offers:

Luxury accommodation with four comfortable en-suite bedrooms, perfect for honeymooners;
A spacious lounge with a cosy fireplace for winter evenings;
A fully equipped kitchen;
A patio and wooden deck on the river, where visitors can relax or enjoy sundowners;
A beautiful garden with a wide variety of birds;
Braai (barbeque) facilities – evening barbeques by arrangement;
An ideal venue for weekend getaways;
Conference facilities for up to thirty people;
Delicious country breakfast; and
24 hour coffee/tea.

The golf course is also nearby and visitors are met with a complimentary drink on arrival.

Uncle Happy built the house in 1984. He and his wife lived there for eighteen years. Uncle Happy died in 2002, we bought the house from him and renovated it into a guesthouse. The doors of the guesthouse opened in January 2005.

]]> 20.96216964721679688,-34.08740997314453125 Westfield Holiday Farm is the ideal breakaway where one can enjoy the sunshine of the lovely temperate South Coast, where one can stroll across the sand dunes and revel in the variety of birds and Fynbos on display.

Accommodation at Westfield is in tastefully furnished chalets situated on a hillock with a brilliant all round view of Witsand (which literally means ‘white sands’) and surrounds. The chalets have an open-plan lounge/dining area. Bedding and laundry facilities are provided.

Whale-watching season extends throughout the winter and early summer at this prime spot along the renowned Whale Trail.

Westfield also has a 4x4 Nature Trail for quads and 4x4's. For the adventurous they have a 4x4 and quad trail on the sanddunes of the farm close to the sea. There is a guide to escort you onto the dunes for a very excitng challenge.

To organise this contact our guide Marius Heyneman cell +27 82 859 3390.

]]> 20.84510040283203125,-34.37630081176757812 Willowtree Cottage is over 100 years old and was renovated during the latter part of 2002 to give it a home from home atmosphere. It is situated on the outskirts of the town of Heidelberg and is named after the large willow that grows next to a dam close to the cottage.

The cottage offers accommodation for four people – it has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a comfortable lounge (with television) and a fully equipped kitchen. Linen is supplied.

The cottage is an ideal stop for travellers or those wanting a break from the city, as it is only 300km from Cape Town and on the Garden Route. Here one can enjoy a day or more of tranquil delight in pleasant surroundings.

Witsand on the Breede River is a mere 37km away for those wanting a little fishing or a beach visit. The indigenous forest at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve nearby can be explored on day hikes or mountain bikes and is a birders paradise.

Horse riders, golfers, bowling enthusiasts and wine lovers will all find their favourite pastimes at reasonable prices in the area.

]]> 20.95689964294433594,-34.09690093994140625 OpenAfrica.org

]]> 20.64562034606933594,-34.00347137451171875