THREE THINGS TO DO
DRINK A TOAST Wildekrans This lovely spot is on the R43 just outside town. You can do wine tasting and horse riding (from R150 per person for a half-hour ride; book in advance). Contact: 028 284 9902
Gabriëlskloof Turn onto the N2 in the direction of Caledon; about 5 km further you’ll see the sign for this winery on your right. The winery is high on a hill with panoramic views of Bot River and the valley. The wines are priced from R100 per bottle for the Estate Range, which is great value for money. Contact: 028 284 9865; gabrielskloof.co.za
Beaumont Family Wines Go for the cosy atmosphere and, if you’re lucky, you’ll see the historical watermill in action. Contact: 028 284 9194; beaumont.co.za
For a complete list of wine farms in the area, visit botriverwines.com
HIKE AND RIDE Groenlandberg Conservancy, just outside town, has a network of hiking and mountain-biking trails through various farms and reserves ( groenlandberg.co.za). A number of day trails start at Beaumont Family Wines: Raoul’s Koppie Circuit (2 km), Baviaanskloof Circuit (7 km) and Watchtower Peak Trail (11 km). Download a map at beaumont.co.za. Let them know at the farm office before you start your hike. The Green Mountain Trail is a four-day slackpacking trail (34 km) that starts in Elgin and ends at Beaumont Family Wines. You overnight in guesthouses, eat good food and taste wine along the way – rates from R10 600 per person ( 028 284 9827; greenmountaintrail.co.za). PET A CHEETAH A walking tour at Cornell Skop lasts about two hours and you’ll get close to various wild and farm animals (R700 per person). The full tour, where you can see the cheetahs out on their daily run and watch the lions from a lapa (good photo opportunities) lasts longer and costs R1 500 per person. Booking is essential; discounts for children. Contact: 079 065 0215; 082 881 3870; cornellskop.co.za Manny’s The specialities at this no-frills restaurant on the town square are Portuguese dishes like peri peri chicken, prawns, espetada and milho frito (literally, fried mealie meal). If you’re feeling less adventurous, order a burger, ribs or a T-bone steak. Good service and reasonable prices. Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 9.30 pm; closed on Sunday. Where? 15 Main Road Contact: 028 284 9777; mannyskitchen.co.za
The Shuntin’ Shed Pizza is the most popular dish at this restaurant next to the railway line (including the legendary breakfast pizza). Over weekends, local musicians perform here. Opening times: Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 4.30 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11 am until late; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. Where? Bot River Railway Station Contact: 028 284 9443; 082 083 4466; shuntinshed.co.za
Fiore This impressive nursery and decor shop also has a neat restaurant that