Things to see and do in Tulbagh, Tourist Information
CULTURE
OUDE KERK VOLKS MUSEUM COMPLEXHouse Number 1: The Old Church Museum is the oldest cross-form church in South Africa and houses a wonderful collection of Cape furniture.
House Number 6: The Earthquake Museum explores the valley’s history and how Tulbagh was rebuilt after the devastating 1969 earthquake.
House 14: The Victorian exhibition has recently opened to give an insite into Victorian life in the Cape.
Tickets for the complex can only be bought from House 4
House Number 22: The 'Ou Volks Museum'. This Cape Dutch pioneer cottage has been recreated into a quaint home, reconstructing life as it was 200 years ago.
Open 7 days a week. Telephone (+27) 23 230 1041
BUSHMAN ROCK ART CULTURAL TOUR
This 3 hour walking tour by Wethu Experiences, is lead by a specialist rock art guide. In addition to the three rock art sites visited, guests can learn more about the San's lifestyle and traditions. Refreshments are included. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your sunscreen. Contact Pieter at 072 999 4167.
THE HISTORIC BLOCKHOUSES OF THE ANGLO BOER WAR
Historic tours by arrangement to view the surviving English block houses of the Witzenberg valley. The tour also takes in the background of the Anglo Boer War and its effects on the communities of the area. Please contact Natasha on 082 780 75 16
DE OUDE DROSTDY MUSEUM
Built in 1804, the museum has historical Cape furniture, household articles and artwork, with wine tasting in the candle-lit old jail.
jay
Telephone
+27 (0) 23 230 0203
THE CHRISTO COETZEE GALLERY AND MUSEUM
The original mission school of Tulbagh dating from the 17th century has been lovingly restored and now houses the works of famous South African artist Christo Coetzee.
Christo moved to Tulbagh in the 1970s and painted here till his death in 2000.
31 Main Rd, Tubagh
SARONSBERG THEATRE
Two years after restoration and opening, the Theatre has since become the entertainment hub of the town, providing musical theatre, children's theatre, shows for the elderly, drama and live performances by local bands in Afrikaans and English. The Theatre is managed by husband and wife team, who have since expanded into Supper Theatre, serving delicious cuisine paired with award winning Saronsberg Wines. While hot entertainment rocks the rafters upstairs, downstairs you will find a quirky and arty Gourmet Pancake Bar, Cafe Bravo.
Click here for
upcoming performances
23 Main Rd, Tulbagh | +27 (0)23 2301782 | 082 494 7777 |
FOOD & DRINK
Foodies and wine lovers are in for a treat as there's lots on offer in the Tulbagh Valley. Visit our Wine and Dining pages for more detailed information about restaurants and wine estates.Here's a 'taste' of what's on offer...
- Enjoy long lunches and lovely dinners at a different restaurant
every day for a week! - Sample the wines of the Tulbagh Wine Route and its 15 estates, all open to the public for tasting and sales. Many have lovely cellars and encourage picnicking in the grounds.
- Let your taste buds explore the Tulbagh Olive Route and see how olive oil is made at:
Groote Vallei: Award winning olives and oil. +27 (0)23 230 0660
De Heuvel: Olives & oil. +27 (0)23 230 175
Waverley Hills: Organic farm and restaurant. +27 (0)23 231 0003
Bucks Ridge: Olives & oil. +27 (0)23 230 1160 - Enjoy Moniki Chocolates, offering exquisite handcrafted chocolates with coffee or wine tastings on one of the most beautiful farms in the valley. The farm has lovely elevated views over Tulbagh, which you can take in over a cup of freshly ground coffee and a cabernet truffle
www.schoonderzicht.com, , +27 (0)23 230 0673 - Visit Kimilili Cheese Estate during weekday mornings and experience the traditional cheese making process. Afterwards guests can taste and buy these award-winning handcrafted farmhouse cheeses.
www.kimililifarm.co.za, , +27 (0)23 231 1509/3 - Visit Tulbagh Dried Fruit (a working farm) during the week and take a free tour to see how fruit is harvested and dried on mats in the sun. The farm shop sells all local products and delicacies.
, +27 (0)23 230 0960 - Picknikki for lovely pre-packed picnics and a fantastic choice of wine estates on which to enjoy them.
+27 (0) 23 230 1375
FITNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY IN TULBAGH
The beautiful Tulbagh Valley is the perfect place to relax and rejevenate.
VINDOUX HEALTH SPA & GYM
(4 minutes out of town)
Treat yourself at Tulbagh's local spa offering professional and thorough beauty treatments, massage and wraps. Work out or go spinning in a bright and spacious gym, with a good selection of cardiovascular and body building equipment, and a personal trainer to assist you
Click here for a list of treatments and prices
.+27 (0)82 404 7778
CERES GOLF CLUB
Enjoy a 9-holegolf course as well as the joy of living with vast open spaces, water features, a river and breathtaking scenery. Call 023 312 3068 or www.ceresgolfestate.co.zaOUTDOOR ACTION ADVENTURE IN TULBAGH
CERES ZIPSLIDE - ADRENALIN ADVENTURE!
A new "foefieslide" adventure is situated in the lovely mountains surrounding the Ceres Valley, which is 20 minutes from Tulbagh. Offering 8 slides, totalling a length of 1.4km - this is the longest tour in Africa! The amazing rock formations and river form a perfect backdrop to a fun-, adrenaline-filled adventure!
The Ceres Zipslide is open every day of the year from 8h00 to 17h00. The tours depart every half hour, with the last departure being at 17h00.
079 245 0354 | | www.ceresadventures.co.za
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking trails have been established in the Tulbagh valley and maps are available from reception. Mountain bikes can be hired in the Quarter, and a few of which are so close that they start at the end of the road. Cycle freely through the village, surrounding hills and countryside.
Kluitjieskraal Mountain Bike Route
Permits available, contact 082 835 76 25
Eselfontein farm Mountain Bike Route
Various trails of differing levels available. Maps available on www.eselfontein.com
4X4 TRAILS
Panorama scenic viewpoint offers a dirt track that goes high into the mountain, as well as a 4x4 trail. R50 per car or R80 per 4x4.
+27 (0)23 232 1700,
HIKING
Permits, further information and maps available from Tulbagh tourism.
- Waterfall Forestry Reserve: Easy access and a 15-minute walk to the waterfall and rock pools. Contour trails are easy and offer a great view over the valley. Permit R5. p.p
- Murludi Hiking Trail offers two popular hikes in the Winterhoek Mountains (4 or 10 km) with fynbos, birdlife and small game. +27 (0)23 230 0732 Permit R20 p.p
- Silverfontein Hiking Trail offers a spectacular one or two day organised hiking trails in the mountains above Voelvlei Dam. +27 (0)23 232 0531
- Voelvlei Nature Conservancy has bird and wildlife, as well as lovely fynbos and fantastic spring flowers.
- Jurie Herbst, nature conservationist is a field guide offering guided hiking trails in the valley.
+27 (0)23 232 0925 or +27 (0)79 352 2278
FISHING
Fishing is offered in the valley. Black bass and carp can be caught in farm dames and some natural pools in the mountains.
Silverfontein Bass, carp and trout fishing +27 (0)23 232 0531
Wild Olive Farm dam fishing +27 (0)23 232 1160
HORSE RIDING
Horse About with Jo Lister +27 082 884 9881
Saddle up and unwind while enjoying the scenic Tulbagh countryside on the back of a well trained horse. Our nature trails wind through vineyards and wheat fields along the contour paths at the foothills of the majestic Witzenberg Mountains. Various trail options are offered, which you can enjoy with breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Trail rides and out rides can be tailored to suit everyone, from supervised pony rides for the little ones to half day and full day trails.
Montpellier Horse Riding offers groups or individuals by appointment +27 (0)23 230 0723.
Vroelikheid Riding School offers out rides by appointment +27 (0)23 232 0615.
SHOPPING IN TULBAGH
- Explore the art galleries, antique shops and junk shops, as well as the home industry in Church Street
- Buy a pair of quality handcrafted leather shoes & boots at Tarzan Shoe Factory
- Discover the wealth of home industry and unique boutiques and gift shops in the village
Tulbagh Events
Every year Tulbagh plays host to the following events and festivals:- February
Night Harvesting Festival at Twee Jonge Gezellen Wine Estate - April
Tulbagh Food and Wine Show/Goes Dutch - Mid May
The Shark motorcycle rally - End June
Christmas in Winter festival where we deck the streets with decorations and gluewein is the order of the day. - End July
Crayfish & Wine celebration at Montpellier
- End August
Tulbagh Spring Arts Festival. Celebrating the arts in all its forms including from fine art and sculpture to classical music, visual arts and visiting exhibitions. - September
Tulbagh Horse and Wild Flower Show where the valley showcases two of its prized and most beautiful assets. - December
Summer Elegance at Twee Jonge Gezellen Wine Estate - Last weekend of every month
Farmers Market at Things I Love. Offers tasting of the local wines, olives and produce, with decadent delights, as well as arts and crafts. +27 (0) 23 230 1742
Day trips from Tulbagh
-
Southern Cederberg (7 hours)
Take a circular self drive day trip of the Southern Cedarberg, stopping to appreciate the bushman rock art and awesome rock formations at the Stadsal complex.
-
4 Mountain Passes Drive (4 hours)
The 4 Mountain Passes self-drive via Wellington and Ceres takes in the spectacular Nuwe Kloof, Bains Kloof, Mitchell’'s Pass and Gydo pass mountain pass, stopping for a picnic amongst the rock pools and waterfalls. -
Game Viewing (10 hours)
See the Big Five during a day trip safari in a bushfeld environment at Aquila safari. www.aquilasafari.com
(+27) 021 4998 -
Matroosberg
Get taken to the top of the Matroosburg, the tallest peak of the Witzenburg range - it's our own little Switzerland!
+27 (0)23 312 2282
+27 (0)72 295 2978
TULBAGH MAPS
- Tulbagh Street Map (PDF)
- Tulbagh Area Map (PDF)