Somerset West is a town about 50 kms from Cape Town. It is included in the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. It is in the Helderberg area and overlooked by the Helderberg (meaning ‘clear mountain’) which is part of the Hottentots-Holland range of mountains. Somerset West lies in the Helderberg Basin, surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains, between the Cape Winelands and False Bay.
CLIMATE
Cape Town has a Mediterranean-style climate with cool, wet winters, and warm, dry summers. The average summer temperatures are 24ºC with January and February averaging 26ºC.
Cape Town’s climate is a collection of micro-climates of which the Helderberg region has more than one. Apart from air pressure, wind and temperatures, the cold current, mountains, and built-environment are additional factors that influence the local weather. Check with the forecasts for the daily weather.
The front view of Table Mountain is famous for its tablecloth, the south-east wind blows cool air off the sea which is forced up over the mountain, this air condenses into clouds which ‘spill’ over the front. The tablecloth is a good indicator that the southeaster (the prevailing summer wind) is blowing and that the beaches along the Atlantic Seaboard are a better bet than those in False Bay.
WHEN TO GO
For beach and sightseeing holidays the summer months are best from October to April, however, in both April and October the weather is variable and unpredictable. Winters are mild with temperatures in the range of 8ºC and 17ºC but winter is the rainy season. There is something to be said for a warm fireside, sipping the Cape’s award-winning red wines, while the wind and rain rage outside. Winter is also whale-watching season. December/January is the time most South Africans take their annual holiday and the summer break for school children, so booking is often essential.
FAUNA AND FLORA
The transition between mountain and flatter land, clearly marks the change in vegetation. There are patches of Afromontane forest in the kloofs of the mountains, on the higher and lower slopes, the fynbos is characterised by large protea bushes and as the land gets flatter so does the vegetation with Strandveld fynbos growing on the ‘Flats’ to the west. There are literally hundreds of flowering species.
Fynbos comprises four major plant groups:
● Proteas: large shrubs with broad leaves
● Ericas: heath-like, low-growing shrubs
● Restios: reed-like plants; are the only group that are found in all fynbos habitats
● Geophytes: bulbs; these include watsonias and disas both of which occur mainly in wetland areas and are prominent after fires.
Fynbos is fire dependent and needs to burn around every 15 years to stimulate new growth and ensure that plant and animal communities remain healthy. If it does not burn in about 20 to 30 years it stops producing seeds which could cause the extinction of some species. If fire is too frequent due to human intervention seed banks are depleted which can change the diversity of plant species in the area.
There are nearly always flowers to be seen. Ask the Fynbos Guy what is currently flowering on the Hottentots Holland and Helderberg Mountains.
The Helderberg region is mostly built up or is covered with wine farms so large mammals are no longer abundant in these regions. Small antelope such as klipspringer, steenbok and Cape Mountain Zebras have been reintroduced into the bigger reserves. There are small interesting and often endemic animals such as mongoose, otters, tortoises, snakes, lizards, frogs and toads which can be observed especially in the nature reserves. It is trendy for large private landowners to form conservancies and or private reserves on their farms.
Reptiles
Look out for the bright blue-headed Southern Rock Agama, the prehistoric looking Black Girdled Lizard and the Cape Skink.
There are some interesting endemic and endangered Amphibians, look out for the Cape Chirping Frog, Cape River Frog, the endangered and the tiny Arum Lily Frog.
Two species of tortoises are common, the Angulate Tortoise and the Parrot-beaked Tortoise.
There are 22 snake species, ten of which are non-venomous, although they can still deliver a nasty bite if provoked. Some of the venomous species include the Cape Cobra, the Puff Adder, Boomslang, Rinkhals and Berg Adder. The good news is it they are mostly shy and will avoid human contact. The one you are most likely to encounter is the Puff Adder which enjoys nice warm spots, such as rocks and pathways (best to keep out of its way).
Insects
Insects play an integral role in the fynbos ecosystem either by directly pollinating plants or as a vital source of nutrient for birds and animals. Some are especially adapted to pollinate specific plants. Look out for butterflies such as the Mountain Pride Butterfly that is the exclusive pollinator of a variety of red plants such as the red disa, and the red crassula.
Birds
The many niches and habitats that exist (ocean, shoreline, cliff-face, rocky highland, fynbos, forest and suburbia) contributes to a large species count, as does the geographical positioning at a continent's corner, many vagrants and seasonal visitors can be spotted.
For a full bird list or birding checkllist see the SANparks website or for further information on birding in the Cape, contact: The Cape Bird Club on +27 21 559 0726 or www.capebirdclub.org
Hottentots Holland Mountains, Helderberg Mountain, scenic drives around the coast on the R44. Blue Flag beaches, False Bay.
Steenbras Lookout Point
Take the (R44) Faure Marine Drive out of town and turn left at the first intersection. Follow the road to the look out and enjoy the stunning view over False Bay.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Christmas time
Every December, the town has a decorative display of Christmas lights erected atop the street lights of the Main Road. The Helderberg Lights Festival (aka the Strawberry Festival), a flea market and parade, normally complements these lights.
Steenbras Lookout Point
Take the (R44) Faure Marine Drive out of town and turn left at the first intersection. Follow the road to the look out and enjoy the stunning view over False Bay.
Bikini Beach
Bikini Beach is one of Cape Town’s top beaches and is popular as it is well protected from the wind. The facilities include the public showers, changing rooms, clean bathrooms and a grassy promenade. The beach is also considered safe with regular patrols from a seasonal security guard. The beach slope is steep so waves are large and powerful. Surfers ride the left-hand break off the wall.
Bikini Beach is not really considered a dive site, but suitable for training exercises if the waves are not too big. The beach slopes fairly steeply in the surf zone, then flat sand bottom with reef of small scattered rounded boulders.
Reef dive with shore access
Maximum depth about 3m.
Root44 Market
Audacia Wine Farm on the R44 is the venue for an all-weather weekend market. This is market with a difference and worth a visit. The food market sells gourmet foods, Audacia wines, craft beer, and fresh juices. A wide selection of cheeses, something for vegetarians, meat eaters and those with a sweet tooth.
Housed in sturdy marquees to keep out any rain, traders sell a wide range of clothing, jewellery, homeware, books, furniture, cosmetics and gifts. There is also a designated children’s play area, often live music, plenty of seating and a lawn for your blanket.
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm
info@root44.co.za
Audacia Wines, Corner of R44 & Annandale Road
+27 21 881 3052
Parkrun
ROOT44 is home to parkrun, a worldwide initiative. Enter a free 5km timed run through the vineyards, every Saturday Morning at 8am.
Helderberg Wine Route:
1) Audacia
Audacia is a boutique winery specialising in red wines. It is privately owned. The farm on the banks of the Bonte River at the foot of the majestic Helderberg Mountain. The name ‘Audacia’ is synonymous with a spirit of adventure and boldness. The picturesque farm is the venue the Root44 Market an all-weather weekend market where visitors can enjoy the Cape's finest gourmet food, and Audacia's incredible wines.
info@audacia.co.za
R44, Helderberg/Stellenbosch
General Enquiries: +27 21 881 3052
2) Avontuur
Avontuur Estate, home of Fine Wines and Fast Horses is on the lower slopes of the Helderberg between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Visit the farm for wine tasting, wine sales and a bite to eat in our restaurant.
R44, Helderberg/Stellenbosch
info@avontuurestate.co.za
+27 21-855 3450
3) Bilton Wines
On the picturesque slopes of the Helderberg Bilton Wines offers wine tasting, chocolate and wine pairing, vineyard walks and a jungle gym for children.
Open 7 days a week 10am to 5pm
Annandale Road
info@biltonwines.com
+27 21 881 3714
4) Eikendal
Eikendal welcomes visitors to wine tasting, cellar tours, walks in the vineyards, to eat at their restaurant
Do some fly fishing or grape picking and visit the Cheetahs. They have a jungle gym outside by the lawns, so bring the little ones and enjoy a lovely alfresco lunch from the restaurant.
Walking
Take an amble through the vineyards and enjoy the scenic views and birdlife, there are two marked routes you can follow.
Grape Picking
During harvest time in February and March visitors can observe the grape picking in action from a tractor ride. Or take part in picking the grapes (seasonal). Advance booking necessary, enquire at the tasting room for schedules.
Groups of 10 – 20 persons over the age of 18 only.
+27 21 855 1422
nfo@eikendal.co.za
Fly fishing
Eikendal’s two dams are stocked with all popular angling species. They have a fully equipped fly fishing store on the farm to kit out visitors for a spur of the moment afternoon of fly fishing.
flytalk@telkomsa.net
+27 21 855 2646
Cheetahs
Eikendal has made land available to a group of hand-raised cheetahs in the care of the Cheetah Outreach Programme. Learn more about these incredible cats and Anatolian Shepherd Guarding Dog Project from a distance, or get up close and personal and even step inside an enclosure.
Entrance donations help fund the Cheetah Outreach Programme.
cheetah@intekom.co.za
+27 21 881 32 42
Cucina di Giovanni Restaurant
Open Tuesdays – Saturdays for lunch and dinner
Sundays for lunch only
info@giovannicapetown.co.za
Wine Tasting & Sale are open in summer (September to May):
Monday to Saturday from 9.30am – 4.30pm
Sunday/Public Holidays from 10am – 4pm
Cellar Tours: Monday to Friday 10am and 4.30 pm by appointment
Wine Tasting & Sales are open in winter (June – August)
Monday to Sunday from 10am – 4pm
Cellar Tours: by appointment
Public Holidays closed: Easter Friday, 25 December and 1 January.
info@eikendal.co.za
R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West.
+27 21 855 14 22
5) Ernie Els Wines
As a leading South African ambassador and one of the most recognizable faces in the world of sport, Ernie Els has had extraordinary golf success and uses the same qualities to produce fine wines at Ernie Els Wines.
Experience their wines within a breath-taking setting, surrounded by mountains and vineyards. Gaze across to Table Mountain, relax and enjoy our wines and food.
Wine Tasting
Visit our winery and take a peek into our impeccable cellar and view some of Ernie's finest golfing achievements in our Trophy Room.
Open Mondays to Saturdays: 9am – 5pm
Chipping Competition
Step onto the tee-box and take up the challenge! There is a fun chipping competition on the last Friday and Saturday of each month – great prizes for the master shot!
.
Ernie Els Lunches
Enjoy a carefully crafted light meal on the estate
Fridays and Saturdays our menu includes a Chef's Special.
Open
Tuesdays to Saturdays: 12h00 – 3pm
6) Guardian peak
The Guardian Peak Winery and Restaurant opened in December 2005, and since been a popular destination for a wine lands lunch. Dinner is also served in the restaurant serving bistro-style food with an emphasis on prime-quality steaks. Wines from their greater portfolio are served.
Lunch is served every day from 12:00 to 15:30
Dinner is served on Wednesday to Saturday from 18:30 to 22:00
Reservations
+27 21 881 3899
The winery is open for wine tasting:
Monday to Saturday 09h00 – 17h00
Sunday 11h00 – 17h00
info@guardianpeak.com
+27 21 881 3899
7) Ken Forrester Cellar
On the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. Ken Forrester creates a range of handcrafted, individually made wines that suitably complement a wide variety of food styles and provide excellent value.
Ken Forrester Tasting Room
Enjoy a personalised tasting experience. Visit the tasting room with marvellous views of the Helderberg Mountain and enjoy cheese platter in the tranquil setting under the oak trees with views of the vineyards and Helderberg Mountain.
Open Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Closed: Good Friday, December 25, 1 January
After hour tastings at 96 Winery Road Restaurant.
96 Winery Road Restaurant
Open: for lunch Monday to Sunday
Dinner Monday to Saturday
Just 1km away from the Ken Forrester Cellar
Scholtzenhof Farm, 96 Winery Road
tasting@kenforresterwines.com
+27 21 855 2374
8) Lourensford
A magnificent estate nestled in the fertile bowl of the Helderberg Mountains. Lourensford Estate, founded in 1700 creates wines that are well-recognised icons of true style and sophistication. Other than the winery and the tasting the estate includes a Montessori School, Art Gallery, Coffee Roastery, Frans Groenewald Art Studio, a Cheesery and Africapass (a tour operator).
Wine Tasting & Winery Tours at Lourensford Wine Estate
This magnificent property is steeped in history dating back to the time of Willem Adriaan van der Stel in die 1700s. Today it boasts one of the most technologically advanced cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, making use of gravity flow to enhance the winemaking process. This feature is available to the public for viewing by appointment.
Wine Tasting
Includes:
Standard Wine Tasting option,
Chocolate and Wine Pairing
Turkish delight and Wine pairing
Kiddies Grape Juice tasting paired with cheddar biscuits, a sweet biscuit, cheese and a chocolate covered marshmallow.
The Millhouse Kitchen
The Millhouse Kitchen has a neighbourhood feel where enjoy rustic French and Italian dishes.
They make fresh pasta, bread and wood-fired pizzas daily. There is a lighter menu for in between hours.
Children are always welcome and will have their own specially designed menu.
+27 21 847 0030
info@millhousekitchen.co.za
Lourensford Harvest Market
Local vendors sell fresh organic produce to eat and original pretty things all handmade.
Open every Sunday 10am – 3pm
Aleit & IS Art Gallery
The collections include works from more than 25 South African artists. The pieces display the use of various mediums – from acrylic or oil on canvas, bronze, resin, porcelain, ceramic, lithograph prints, and more.
Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm
The Coffee Roasting Co.
Go on a journey of discovery. Visit the roastery to watch coffee being roasted and receive advice from the roasters. Purchase Coffee roasted-to-go.
Open seven days a week from 9am – 5pm
Frans Groenewald Art Studio
Branded as Flambe, and in Amsterdam branded as Vespaghetti. Frans has a quirky, tongue-in-cheek refreshingly humorous approach to everyday scenes.
Open daily during the week, please confirm when making a planned visit.
Healey's Cheese
Healey's of Troutbrook farm have brought their cheese making skills Lourensford Wine Estate. They make genuine naturally matured, traditional farmhouse cheddar without flavour enhancers, artificial colouring or preservatives.
info@lourensford.co.za
+27 21 847 2333
9) Morgenster
Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate in Somerset West is one of the oldest in the region. It is a thriving olive and wine farm dating back to 1711, producing internationally acclaimed Bordeaux-style wines and extra virgin olive oil of astounding quality.
Visitors to the Estate's stylish tasting room, which is set against the Schaapenberg and overlooks a wetland and the Helderberg, can enjoy a wine tasting experience unique in South Africa. The beautiful wetland beckons numerous water- and reed-birds and the riveting cry of the African Fish Eagle can sometimes be heard.
Open every day 10am – 5pm
Closed: Good Friday and 25 December
95 at Morgenster
95 at Morgenster perfectly combines good food with the finest wines. The beautiful natural surroundings of the restaurant top the overall experience.
Open for lunch between 12:00 and 4pm
Vergelegen Avenue (off Lourensford Rd), Somerset West
info@morgenster.co.za
+27 21 852 1738
10) Vergelegen
The Vergelegen (‘situated far away’) Wine Estate lies just outside the Somerset West. The buildings on the estate are fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The 18th-century farmhouse built in the historic Cape Dutch style by Willem Adriaan van der Stel, governor of the Cape and son of Simon van der Stel. Willem Adriaan was later sent back to Holland after being charged with corruption and cruelty towards local Dutch farmers. The farm has now been restored.
In 2004 a 10-year alien clearing programme restored 2240 hectares of the Estate to a pristine example of the Cape’s natural flora and fauna.
Vergelegen is a place to spend quality time. The experience includes wine tasting and cellar tours, Camphors at Vergelegen Signature Restaurant, Stables at Vergelegen Bistro Restaurant and the Picnic. There are also garden and heritage tours.
Wine Tasting and Sales
Be assured of a warm welcome at the Vergelegen Wine Tasting Centre where our knowledgeable wine advisors will be happy to guide you through Vergelegen’s range of award-winning wines.
Wine Tasting is open daily for 09h30-16h30
+27 21 847 2122
Cellar Tours
The Cellar Tour departs from the Wine Tasting Centre daily at 11.30am and 3pm
Booking is advised.
+27 21 847 2122
Camphors Restaurant
The Camphors at Vergelegen is their signature restaurant and takes its name from the ancient giant camphor trees planted in 1700. The restaurant overlooks expansive lawns and beautiful trees complementing the overall dining experience and creating an ambiance never to be forgotten.
Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch (12:00 to 3pm) and dinner on Friday and Saturdays 6.30pm to 9pm
+27 21 847 2131
Stables Restaurant
Enjoy a relaxed dining experience at the Stables at Vergelegen. The bistro style restaurant is a warm and family-friendly dining experience.
Open daily 9.30pm to 5pm (kitchen closes at 3.30pm)
+27 21 847 2156
Picnic at Vergelegen
The Camphor Forest plays host for a white-tablecloth picnic. Offering guests a beautifully shaded and tranquil environment in the remnants of Van Der Stel's Camphor forest. Picnics (weather permitting) are available daily in summer (November to April).
Collection of baskets 12:15 – 1.30pm. Closes at 16h30
+27 21 847 2131
Garden Tours
Like the buildings, the gardens reflecting the best from all the historic periods of the past 300 years. No matter time of the year you visit Vergelegen, there is always something interesting to see and visitors will have the opportunity to meander through 17 unique gardens.
Tours leave from the tasting room daily at 10am (1 hour). Please book.
+27 21 847 2122
Significant Trees
As well as extensive gardens, Vergelegen is home to many significant trees, the most important of which are:
● Five historic camphor trees, ‘guarding’ the historic Vergelegen Homestead, believed to have been planted in 1700 by Willem Adriaan van der Stel and declared National Monuments in 1942; the other camphor trees on the Estate are all seedlings from these five magnificent specimens;
● Old English Oak, over 300 years old and believed to be the oldest living oak tree in Africa;
● White Mulberry dates back to 1700 and the only surviving relic of van der Stel's attempt to start a silk industry in the Cape;
● The "Royal" Oak, planted in 1928 from an acorn originating from the last of King Alfred's oak trees at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
Nguni Cattle
The Estate is a registered Nguni Stud Farm with a herd of 150 to 200 cattle.
Nguni are favoured for their multi-coloured hides and as a hardy breed for optimal beef production under harsh African conditions. They are both grazers and browsers, require little maintenance and calve easily. The Vergelegen cattle are free range, grazing on a kikuyu and clover mix and the breeding focus is on colour and temperament.
Bontebok Herds
From 17 individual animals in the 1800s, this threatened species has increased in number to 1950. A reserve for the Bontebok and visitors can privilege of seeing this antelope with its distinctive white patch around its tail.
Heritage Sites
Vergelegen's heritage core comprises the Homestead, Library, Mill Ruins, Slave Lodge site and surrounding gardens. The Homestead, dating back to the 1700s, with each room authentically furnished, reflects over 300 years of Vergelegen's existence. The Homestead also houses an Exhibition Corridor, comprising a series of pictorial panels detailing the various eras of history and significant visitors to the Estate.
The Library at Vergelegen, originally a winery built in 1816, was converted to a Library and is home to a priceless collection of Sir Lionel Phillips books including ancient and modern history, travel journals and a small collection of Afrikana and French volumes.
Vergelegen Estate is open to visitors Monday to Sunday from 9.30am – 5pm (last entry to the property at 16h00).
11) Waterkloof
Waterkloof is a modern wine farm on Schapenberg (Afrikaans for ‘Sheep Mountain’) farm is between the Hottentots Holland and Helderberg mountains. Its highest point is 300 metres above sea level and a lookout point allowing the Cape Colony Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel to identify visiting ships, giving him time to race into town and sell his produce before the competition could. The estate offers wine tasting and sales, a restaurant and is a venue for weddings and other events.
Sir Lowry's Pass Road, Somerset West
+27 21 858 1292
The Tasting lounge
Take in the views over the surrounding Schaapenberg Hills and the waters of False Bay down below. The Main area showcases the Old World-style wines with tall glass walls allow for views of both the working cellar and the farm below, while raw concrete columns frame artworks from well-known South African artists.
Cellar tours for can be arranged by appointment at no extra cost.
+27 21 858 1292
zandri@waterkloofwines.co.za
Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sundays 11am – 5pm
Waterkloof Restaurant
A modern space featuring spectacular vistas, Waterkloof Wine Estate’s signature restaurant is literally taking quality Winelands dining to new heights. Gorgeously appointed in a glass promontory, the restaurant extends from the chic wine tasting lounge and gravitational cellar.
Open for:
Lunch Monday – Sunday: Kitchen opens at 12h00 and last orders 2pm
Dinner Monday – Saturday: Kitchen opens at 7pm and last orders 9pm
The restaurant will be closed on the 25th December and 1st January
+27 21 858 1491
12) Webersburg
Webersburg is a historic Cape Dutch homestead and boutique winery nestled on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. Offering accommodation, a venue for weddings and conferences, Restaurants
The Private Family Cellar
Webersburg has a unique dining experience in our maturation cellar. The private family cellar is open for exclusive food and wine pairings. Experience a captivating winemaker-led tasting of our special wines to intrigue your senses together with the delectable course paired with each wine.
Bistro
Enjoy seasonally inspired dishes at our Bistro while looking at beautiful views of the mountains, vineyard and dam.
Open daily for lunch from Monday to Sunday 12:00 – 3pm
Wine tastings are available in the Bistro from 9am – 5pm
Closed on Tuesdays.
+27 21 8813636
info@webersburg.co.za
CAPE WINELANDS WALK (Somerset West to Stellenbosch)
This 7-day 100km walk is selfguided, and fully catered. It takes you through winelands and local reserves with breath-taking views. The walk follows country roads, farmland tracks and mountain paths through some of the most scenic parts of the country. Stay and dine in guest houses en-route.
The walk starts in the Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West through the vineyards of Lourensford Estate and heads northwest towards Dornier Wine Estate and the Blaauwklippen Valley. The hike continues into the Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch via Vriesenhof Wine Estate and the Coetzenburg playing fields and then into the Jonkershoek State Forest. A walk through the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is optional as is the Panorama route. The last day's route is through the historical university town of Stellenbosch.
There is a shorter version over four days.
Start: Somerset West
Finish: Stellenbosch
Duration: 100 km over 7 days, roughly 10 km to 19 km per day
Fitness: moderate
Booking is required. +27 21 852 5937 or +27 82 888 1585
Heathersage Farm
A community-driven market that showcases everything local. From food, clothing to music and good wine. Bring a blanket and picnic. The market runs every second and last Sunday of the month from 9am to 2pm.
15 Gordon Road, Somerset West
+27 21 851 5076
Cheetah Outreach
The Cheetah Outreach programme uses hand-reared cheetahs as ambassadors to create awareness, educate and raise funds for this endangered species. Seeing a cheetah, the planet’s fastest land-based mammal, up close is special at any age.
You can:
● view these magnificent cats
● listen to a talk
● watch the predators at full sprint
● pet the cheetahs’ soft fur via one of the animal encounters
● you stroke the fluffy cheetah cubs (when available)
● encounter with the sanctuary’s meerkats and bat-eared foxes
You can also volunteer for more cheetah rearing time.
NOTE: It is possible to pay just the gate fee and view the cheetahs without the animal encounters which cost extra.
Open Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Cheetah encounters take place between 10am – 1pm and again from 2pm – 5pm.
Paardevlei, Somerset West
+27 21 851 6850
Helderberg Nature Reserve
The reserve in on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Somerset West. Several walking trails, great birding, some Bontebok and look out for the tortoises. There is a picnic area, information centre and gift shop, cafe and a small museum in the Herbarium. Summer concerts are also held on Sundays.
NOTE: This reserve has a “no-bin policy” and all visitors must take their rubbish home with them – please do not litter.
Verster Avenue, Somerset West
Open 7 days a week:
Dec– Feb 7.30am – 8pm
Mar & Nov 7.30am – 7pm
Apr-Oct 7.30am – 5.30pm
+27 21 444 9744
HelderbergNature.Reserve@capetown.gov.za
Somerset West Golf Course
Somerset West Golf Course has its own Masters champion. This is a solid test of golf, but as friendly as any in the Cape. Nestled between the glorious Helderberg and the blue waters of False Bay, Somerset West offers a club-house, a well-stocked golf shop and a restaurant and bar.
Erinvale Golf Club
The exclusive Erinvale Golf Club is in the middle of the Erinvale Estate in Somerset West, at the foothills of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains. These majestic mountains and views of the ocean make this golf course a popular choice. Designed by Gary Player this course has hosted the World Cups and Open Championships.
+27 21 847 1144
Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary
As home to the greatest diversity of exotic bird species in the country, Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary boasts several impressive avian species, including the Ethiopian snipe and a mute swan. This natural wetland attracts ornithologists and wildlife photographers who want an authentic experience within a natural environment. The bird hide is popular to view birds without disturbing them. Once the wastewater treatment works, the wetland is now a conservation area. Unfortunately, due to its isolated location, the Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary is sometimes vandalised so visitors are advised to travel in groups.
Broadway Boulevard, Somerset West
+27 21 855 3945
Lwandle Township Walking Tour
The guided tour starts at the Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum and visits the Hector Peterson Library, Hostel 33, the Betheli Crèche, the Town Square, the 'Eiffel Tower', shops, homes, a tavern and finally the Arts and Crafts Centre. Lwandle Township is between Gordon’s Bay and Somerset West.
Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum, Old Community Hall, Vulindlela Street, Lwandle
By arrangement, please contact us.
+27 21 845 6119
- Infamous Helderberg Wine Route with over 10 destinations!
- Township walking tours
- Bird sanctuary
- Golf Clubs (Somerset West and Erinvale)
- Cheetah Experiences
- Helderberg Nature Reserve
- Helderberg Farm (Bring the family)
- Heathersage Farm
- Cape Winelands Walk
A cattle post was established here by Dutch soldiers in 1672 around which a town developed first called ‘Tweederivier’ (Second River). Somerset West was founded in 1822 on part of the historic farm, Vergelegen (meaning remotely situated) and named after Lord Charles Henry Somerset (an English Governor in the 1800s). In the 1830s, Sir Lowry's Pass, named after later governor Sir Lowry Cole, was constructed to link the town with outposts further east over the Hottentots-Holland mountains.
