When was the last time you took a road trip to somewhere new? We all have favourite spots that we enjoy visiting repeatedly, myself included. South Africa offers local and international travellers an astounding number of things to see and do in every corner of the country. So how do you choose where to explore next?
If we played the travel version of the children’s game, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, I don’t think we would run out of attractions, activities, and places to visit in this diverse and beautiful country we call home. This is where I come in, lovely people. I do the hard graft for you. Travelling around South Africa and generally having a good time isn’t exactly hard work, but someone’s got to do it! 😉
Situated about 110km from Cape Town, the lovely town of Worcester includes the Nuy Valley, De Doorns and the R43 area. Known for their award-winning value-for-money wines, world-class olive products, breathtaking landscapes and warm country hospitality, these are some (there are many more!) of the interesting and fun places we explored on a recent visit.
Daly Bread @ Q-Square
Our early arrival in Worcester coincided perfectly with breakfast time, and we were more than ready for a warm cuppa and a hearty meal.
Meeting up with our lovely hosts from the Worcester Wine & Olive Route and other media sponsors, we eagerly tucked into freshly baked light, buttery croissants filled with bacon and scrambled eggs.
A heavenly pastel de nata (a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry dusted with cinnamon), along with a steaming cappuccino (one of the best!), was a delicious welcome to Worcester.
You’ll find Daly Bread in the upmarket lifestyle centre, Q-Square Shopping Mall in High Street. This quaint little bakery is very popular, so make sure you arrive early or phone ahead to order your favourite freshly baked artisanal bread, pastries, honey and other eats and treats.
Overlooking a tinkling fountain on one side and a kids’ play area on the other, sitting down to a leisurely breakfast while you watch the world go by comes highly recommended.
Contact:
Tel: 064 967 3803
Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
Did you know that the original garden was established in 1921 on 20 morgen (17-21 hectares) of land near a railway siding at White Hill, 5km east of Matjiesfontein? It soon became evident that due to a lack of water and the re-routing of the national road, White Hill was not a suitable site for the garden anymore. Read more about the garden’s fascinating history.
I’m afraid to say that I wasn’t aware of this unique garden’s existence until I received my itinerary. But that is what travelling is all about – discovering and exploring new places and spaces. Celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, we enjoyed an informative and interesting Garden Tour led by Ricardo, the Garden’s curator.
Lying at the foot of the Hex River Mountain range, the tranquil 154-hectare garden is home to a glorious display of arid and semi-arid plants found in Southern Africa. Surrounded by nature’s beauty and bounty, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends.
Three trails allow for exploration of the natural areas, while winding pathways, some with scenic views over the town of Worcester and surrounds, invite you to walk through and admire the cultivated beds.
The expansive lawns are ideal for a relaxed picnic beneath the trees. Take a bit of Worcester home with you by visiting the water-wise plant sales nursery and purchasing a few plants. The indoor succulent collection was an absolute delight. I had no idea that there are quite so many succulent varieties to be found!
The botanical garden is also home to several interesting animal species, such as the dassie, Cape grysbok and caracal. Reptiles include the Leopard tortoise and Robertson dwarf chameleon. Bird lovers will enjoy the Desert Birds 1km trail and are in for a treat with ninety-five bird species identified in the garden so far.
The family-friendly Kokerboom Restaurant will take care of any hunger cravings. Kids can run around the large lawns or play on the jungle gym while you peruse the extensive menu which offers something for everyone. The restaurant proudly supports local wineries such as De Wet, Aan de Doorns and Stettyn Cellar.
This nature lover’s paradise is a must-visit. Open every day of the year from 07h00 – 18h00, the entrance fees are very reasonable.
Adults: R35 / Students: R15 / Pensioners: R25 / Children: R10
Free entry for botanical society members and persons with disabilities.
Only service dogs are allowed.
Guided tours incur an additional cost.
Contact:
Tel: +27 (0)23 347 0785
Email: karoo-desert-nbg@sanbi.org.za
Worcester Museum – Kleinplasie Living Open Museum
Step back in time at one of Worcester’s local institutions, Worcester Museum.
A cultural history museum with a strong focus on agriculture, the Kleinplasie Living Open-Air Museum has been developed with structures forming a traditional Cape farmyard. The interactive live demonstrations are a wonderful way to experience a bygone era.
See how coffee was traditionally made and how waterpower was used. Try your hand at candle making or baking bread in an outdoor brick oven. The museum is undergoing restoration of some of its buildings, so you may not get the full experience. It is still worth a visit, especially if you have young children. There is plenty to keep kids entertained, including donkey-cart rides.
If you consider yourself hardcore, a tasting of witblits will have you breathing fire in no time! It isn’t referred to as “firewater” for nothing. The high alcohol content delivers a strong punch that feels like fire.
Free entry on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Booked school groups are free. Guided tours are available upon request and are recommended.
Adults: R15.00 / Children: R5.00
Contact:
Tel: +27 (0) 23 342 2225/6
Nuy Valley Guesthouse
If it’s a relaxing getaway you’re looking for in the most exquisite surroundings, the Nuy Valley Guesthouse fits the bill perfectly. While the rooms are adequate and comfortable, some with their own patios and braais (BBQ), the lush and tranquil garden is the star attraction.
Owned and managed by the Conradie family, the guesthouse is surrounded by a spectacular “Garden of Eden”, with the magnificent Langeberg Mountains serving as the scenic backdrop. The ambience is quite magical and is the ideal place to rest and take a break from busy city life.
Towering palms, fragrant flowers, water fountains, sweet birdsong, soft green grass that invites you to take your shoes off and really feel the earth beneath you will have you feeling relaxed in no time.
Feel at one with nature as you explore the gardens and the Victorian Manor House built in 1871. Enjoy a walking trail through the vineyards and taste award-winning wines at Conradie Penhill. You can also stock up on delicious olive products from Willow Creek Olive Estate and Lions Creek Estate.
Contact:
Tel: 023 34212 58 l 060 708 7792
Email: info@nuyvalley.co.za
Nuy on the Hill Restaurant
This is one place you simply cannot miss out on when driving along the R60 between Worcester and Robertson. Perched on a hill with breathtaking Nuy Valley views, Nuy on the Hill is a delightful family and pet-friendly venue with a modern wine tasting room, a fabulous restaurant and deli run by owners Danette Thompson and Chef Wilna van der Westhuizen.
I have been here several times and have enjoyed each experience. Whether you sit inside or outdoors on the spacious lawn area, you’ll have the best valley views. Breakfast was a glorious affair, followed by a gin tasting. Along with their extensive wine range, Nuy Winery also produces two gins and a brandy. Bookings are essential, especially for lunch, as this popular spot is always busy.
Contact:
Tel: +27 (0) 23 347 0272
Email: onthehill@nuywinery.co.za
Stettyn Family Vineyards
Steeped in rich history and tradition dating back to 1714, the farm on which Stettyn Cellar is situated was acquired by the Botha family in 1818 and has been in the family for 8 generations.
My first visit to Stettyn Family Vineyards in November 2020 was such fun, so I was excited to visit them again. We hopped into various 4×4 vehicles for a farm tour, driving past rows of citrus trees and farm dams before stopping at an open field with stunning mountain and valley views. Sipping on their sublime Babelki, a Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Brut, we took in the views while spotting eland, springbok and bontebok nearby.
Back at the Tasting Room, Annelien, the Sales and Tasting Room Manager, wowed us with generous Winter Cheese platters. These delicious platters include artisanal cheese, charcuterie, bread, relishes, olives, and cute little cups of homemade soup. Yum!
Annelien has a wicked sense of humour and had us in stitches with her jokes and stories. Relaxing with a glass of our favourite Stettyn wine, lunch was a leisurely affair and we found it quite difficult to leave. You arrive as guests and leave as friends. Don’t forget to stock up on their award-winning wines. Their wines offer great value for money and excellent quality.
Over the next four months, their Tasting room will operate a bit differently as it undergoes a “wine lift”! Wine sales and tastings will operate as per usual, but unfortunately, no cheese platters will be available. Deli products will be available to enjoy with your tasting. I’m told that the renovations are going to be incredible, so keep an eye out on their social media pages for updates. A visit in the meantime is a must!
Contact:
Tel: 023 340 4220
Email: info@stettynwines.co.za
Disclosure: I was invited by the Worcester Wine & Olive Route, Cape Winelands District Municipality and Worcester Tourism as part of a media tour. Thank you to everyone for your wonderful hospitality and generosity. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to. All prices were correct at the time of publishing.
Yours in Travel, Food & Wine
xoxo
Until the next adventure!
