The appealing town of Vredendal, or valley of peace, lies in the Olifants River valley on the west coast of South Africa. This lush, irrigated farming town is mostly visited during the wild flower season, however, there is much to do here and a layover is advised.
Thanks to an efficiently designed irrigation system with water fed via canals from the Bulshoek Dam, Vredendal is an important wine, fruit and wheat farming region. Marble is mined here too, as is limestone.
The climate in Vredendal is hot in summer and cool in winter. On the 27th October 2015, Vredendal recorded the world’s hottest day in that month at 48° Celsius, a unique occurrence. Rainfall occurs during winter.
Vredendal is a preferred destination for visitors to the region, the town being close to beaches, central to the region’s wine route and a hotspot for wild flower viewing in spring.
Top 6 reasons to visit Vredendal
1. Early spring brings masses of wild flowers to the region, the colours and varieties a magnificent spectacle. Visitors wanting to see the show are advised to book their accommodation well in advance.
2. Enjoy a day of wine tasting along the Olifants River wine route. Vredendal has the largest wine cellar in the country and is a good place to start your viticulture journey.
3. Hire a rod and go fresh water fishing on the Olifants River. Note that the sawfin is endangered, if caught, please release.
4. Visit Papendorp to view the migratory birds on the island and at the river mouth. Watch the local fishermen make their nets by hand and residents harvest salt. Try a dried fish snack called Bokkoms.
5. The beach at Strandfontein is popular for swimming and surfing. Dolphins are regularly seen here and whales pass the bay in late winter. Lifeguards patrol the beach during school holidays.
6. Hike the Gifberg (poison mountain) to appreciate the pristine fynbos, the weathered rock formations, rock pools and ancient San rock art sites.
Transport
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 306km from Vredendal. There are many rental agencies in Cape Town city centre and at Cape Town International airport to hire a vehicle, or you could order a rental online. Several shuttle service companies operate out of Cape Town, however, you would need a hired vehicle to best enjoy your visit to Vredendal.
Did you know?
The bright pink soccer ball sized candelabra flower appear in the fields around Vredendal towards the end of summer. When it dies, it becomes tumbleweed that the local Afrikaners call perdespookbossie (small bush that frightens horses).
Although Vredendal is some way from the coast, the town has a kelp (of the giant brown seaweed type) industry. The kelp is collected from beaches, dried and ground into powder for shipment to various international destinations. It is used as both a colourant and food additive.
