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Steeped in nearly three centuries of pastoral history, the Western Cape has a rich heritage, and while its original settlers have long since moved on, their spirit is still evident. Many of the vineyards, currently undergoing a revival, produce some of South Africa's finest wines. Distinctive blends from all the noble cultivars and classic styles may be sampled and most farms readily welcome visitors for wine tasting.
You're in the heart of the South West Cape: the Robertson Wine Route, Montagu (with its hot mineral springs), the Breede River, Bontebok Park, Cape Agulhas, the De Hoop Nature Reserve (offering exceptional whale-watching in season), and the delightful town of Swellendam itself, the third oldest town in South Africa, and well worth exploring. The region offers a vast array of pleasurable pursuits to suit all tastes, within a concentrated area.
How to find us:
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Driving up the Garden Route from Cape Town, continue for approximately 180 kilometres, past CALEDON and through the town of Riviersonderend.
- After Riviersonderend, continue for about 20 kilometres on the N2 until the town of STORMSVLEI. Turn LEFT onto the R317 (sign posted Stormsvlei / Bonnievale).
- Set the trip counter to zero at this point and at 16 kilometers turn RIGHT (sign posted Gelukshoop Pad / Drew).
- At 30 kilometers, turn LEFT (sign posted Drew / Swellendam) and cross the low level bridge over the Breede River.
- Continue straight until you reach a T-junction (36.5 kilometers, sign posted R60 Ashton / Swellendam).
- Turn LEFT onto the R60 to ASHTON.
- At 3.8 kilometers turn RIGHT into our farm gate - sign posted Jan Harmsgat Country House.
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Swellendam
The third oldest town in South Africa, celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1995. This charming town, nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain, is famous not only for its youngberries (braambessies), but also for its eclectic architecture, fascinating past and great outdoor life. The Koornlands River, ancient oak trees and stately, whitewashed homesteads add to its charm.
Only 7 km from the town is the Bontebok National Park. The nearby Marloth Nature Reserve offers day walks and overnight hiking trails through the Langeberg Mountains.
The Robertson Wine valley
The Robertson Wine valley, one of the Western Cape's best kept secrets, embraces the districts of Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson and is less than two hours' drive from Cape Town. It is the home of Champion horses, but it is also known for its abundance of roses, making it truly The Valley of Wine and Roses.
Adorned by the beautiful Breede River and Langeberg Mountains, the Valley's beauty lies not only in its special location, but also in the relaxed hospitality of its people - travelers will visit the wine route and enjoy a sense of discovery.
The Robertson Wine Valley has 32 members, including 11 co-operatives, 14 estates and 7 private producers. These members all produce some of South Africa's finest wines.
Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and natural beauty, is more or less 100 km from Jan Harmsgat Country Guesthouse. A massive lighthouse, built in 1848, is worth visiting, it is still operational today, warning ships away from the treacherous coastline. The powerful lights have a range of almost 60 kilometres, the tower can be visited and there is a museum and a tea room.
Portuguese seafarers named Africa's southernmost tip "Needle Cape" because here their compass needle pointed straight to the north with no deviation.
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