A TOUCH OF LOCAL FLAVOUR
Exploring the Cederberg
DO YOU SOMETIMES WISH YOU COULD ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE FOR JUST A DAY OR TWO TO REGAIN THE COMPOSURE TO FACE YET ANOTHER DEADLINE-DRIVEN DAY? WELL, CEDERBERG PARK KROMRIVIER IS JUST THE PLACE TO DO IT.
The chirping of birdlife and the rustling of leaves as the wind breezes through the trees – these are the only things that disrupt the silence of Cederberg Park.Tucked away in a valley between various mountainous outcrops (note to self: it is preferable to drive here in an SUV or cross-over), Cederberg Park Kromrivier is an idyllic escape from reality.
The park offers “glamping”-style grassed campsites, each with their own bathroom and electric points.There are also the newly-built chalets that offer the best in modern luxury while harmoniously blending into the landscape. Understated, yet elegant, each two-bedroom chalet opens into a common lounge and kitchen area, with an inviting fireplace taking centre stage in the room. Each of the bedrooms not only has its own en suite bathrooms to avoid any awkward bathroom-sharing moments, but they also open onto their own patios that overlook the greater Cederberg Valley. It’s the perfect spot to sit and enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
FOR BUSY BEES
For those “bee-in-my-bonnet” types, there is plenty of activity on the farm and in the surrounding areas.The onsite restaurant offers picturesque views over the mountains and serves the best farm-grown, hearty meals.While waiting for your order, it is well worth popping into the adjacent curio shop that is filled with all sorts of delights.
After lining the stomach, guests can arrange to do a craft beer tasting – the farm produces its own award winning brews – or wine tasting of the farm Kromrivier’s wines.There are also various walking and mountain-biking trials to explore, and the hour-long horse-riding tour around the farm is an experience you simply cannot pass up on!
Once guests have experienced all that the farm has to offer, they can organise a pass through Cape Nature to visit the nearby Truitjies Kraal rock art site.This site, about five minutes’ drive away, offers an easy 30-minute walking trail through some fascinating rock formations, beginning with a cave adorned with various rock art paintings. Rock climbing is also allowed here.
BEHIND THE BUCHU SCENES
Skimmelberg Farm, a little further afield in Citrusdal but also well worth visiting, offers informative farm tours that teach visitors all about Buchu and Rooibos farming. Visitors get the opportunity of a behind-the-scenes look at the miracle plant that has become famous the world over for its medicinal properties. As Buchu is only grown here in the Western Cape, it is definitely something to add to your bucket-list when you find yourself in the area.
First discovered by the Khoisan people in the 1700s, the past 15 years have seen a renaissance of the miraculous medicinal properties of Buchu. As a natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antihistamine, the Buchu plant is great for treating wounds, skin inflammation, and many other ailments. Among just a few of its curative properties,the plant has been scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and help with weight loss. It has anti-aging effects, helps to treat UTIs, and relieves joint pain.
To get your hands on some of this miracle plant, you can purchase various Buchu-infused products at Skimmelberg farm itself. Beyond this, Cape Kingdom also sells a variety of Buchuinfused detox teas, an array of Buchulife lifestyle and health products (including Buchu water, moisturising cream and First Aid Gel, to name but a few), as well as a range of Ricky Litchfield dog products.To find out more, visit www.buchulife.com.
At the end of a day filled with activity, head back to your chalet at Cederberg Park, light a fire in your fireplace, and curl up with a good book and a glass of Kromrivier wine – an idyllic way to recharge and escape from the pressures of everyday life.
For more information, visit www.cederbergpark.com.