Vredendal

Vredendal has developed around the Olifants River Irrigation Scheme and is the economic centre for the Matzikama region.

Situated 50km from the coast, in the lush Olifants River valley, the area is known for its wine, and is part of the Olifants River Wine Route showcasing the KWV distillery, Vredendal Wine Cellar, Namaqualand Wine Cellar, Spruitdrift Wine Cellar and Stouman’s Private Cellar. The Vredendal region is fast becoming recognized for its exceptional wines which are proving to be winners in both local and overseas markets.

The beautiful Olifants River valley not only offers terraced vineyards, its fertile soil and excellent water support citrus orchards, vegetable farms and high quality fruit production, which is processed into dried fruit and sold to local and overseas markets. Vredendal is also one of the major potato producing regions in the country, boasting excellent quality.

The town is world famous for its annual display of wild flowers, from late July to September. The surrounding rugged mountains transform into a tapestry of amazing colours – a tribute to the Matzikama’s rich diversity of succulent plant species and a sight never to be forgotten.

Local restaurants offer a wide choice of the freshest seafoods harvested at nearby Strandfontein or Doringbaai. This busy country town has all the necessary shops and services, including a modern airfield. The winter rainfall area of Vredendal offers healthy climatic conditions, with an average summer temperature of 31°c and a winter temperature of 19°c. With easy access to highways, Vredendal is the ideal base from which to explore Namaqualand, the West Coast and the Cederberg Mountains.

The annual ‘Rittelfees’, which happens at the end of October, brings together eight towns from the district for music, arts and crafts and some of the country’s celebrities.

From Cape Town take the N27 to Klawer and turn left onto the R363 to Vredendal. The trip is approximately 300kms.

For the ultimate guide on the West Coast, visit ShowMe West Coast.