Rawsonville, Porterville, Ceres, Wellington, Wolseley, Riebeek West, Mount Bains Private Nature Reserve, Moorreesburg, Malmesbury, Riebeek Kasteel
A beautiful heritage town that blossomed out of an earthquake disaster, Tulbagh is situated in a valley labelled ‘Het land van Waveren’ (the country of Waveren) by a Dutch governor who travelled here in 1699. Waveren was a prominent family from Amsterdam at the time. The governor granted land to Dutch families and a village developed over time.
Tulbagh is named after a later governor of the Cape, Ryk Tulbagh, an intellectual and popular leader with the people. The town is deep in a valley ringed by 5 separate mountains ranges, the perfect environment for the growing of wheat, deciduous fruit and grapevines.
In 1969 Tulbagh experienced a massive earthquake of roughly 4.5 in magnitude (6.3 on the Richter scale), and much of the town was destroyed. It took a few forward-thinkers to realise that a restoration project rather than a rebuild should follow and an entire road of beautiful Cape Dutch-style homes were returned to their original splendour. This road, called Church Street, is today the town’s main attraction and worthwhile visiting.
Top 6 reasons to visit Tulbagh
1. Visit the museum in Church Street to get an insight into the 1969 earthquake disaster and appreciate the restoration work that ensued. An entrance ticket gets you into the magnificent church across the square and a few other homes.
2. Eat lunch under the trees in the courtyard of old slave quarters now occupied by the Paddagang (frog passage) Restaurant. Several giant eagle owls have made their home in the trees and a resident peacock strolls the grounds.
3. Travel a short distance out of town to De Oude Drostdy, the old magistracy that has been restored, still with its original yellowwood beams and period furniture on view. Wine tastings are served under candlelight in a dungeon below the house.
4. Relax and unwind with a fynbos therapy body... Show more
Self Catering places can be found from rural to urban areas and can vary in what they offer. They allow plenty freedom and is a great inexpensive way to spend your holiday. They have been widely classified as a “Home away from home”. This is a good option for guests who don’t mind cooking their own food, and are looking for a more independent and flexible form of accommodation. For budget and large families, we would recommend self-catering for a more personalised experience.
