Nestled on the banks of the Olifants River, less than two hour's drive from Cape Town on the N7, lies Citrusdal. Set amongst green citrus orchards and vineyards at the foothills of the majestic Cederberg Mountains, Citrusdal is the centre of the Western Cape citrus industry and part of the Cederberg region within the West Coast.
Citrusdal is world renowned for its superior quality citrus fruits, wines and herbal fynbos products such as rooibos tea and buchu. Holidaying here is an exhilarating experience for those seeking peace and quiet or pursuing nature-related activities, such as hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 routes.
Places to stay include:
- The Natural Hot Water Springs Resort
- Citrusdal Caravan Park & Chalets
- Citrusdal Country Lodge
- Bydidam
- Starry Nights
- Olifantsrus Farm Guest House
Mouton Citrus
Operating just outside Citrusdal, Mouton Citrus is one of South Africa's leading growers and exporters of top quality citrus fruit and Rooibos Tea. Their farms are situated along the Elephants River and flanked by the imposing Cederberg Mountains. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cold, wet winters, making it ideal for the production of novel varieties and citrus of the very highest standards. The region is free of phytosanitary citrus pests such as Citrus Blackspot, Greening and Citrus Canker.
Their products include:
1. Easy Peelers: Minneolas, Late Mandarins which include Nadorcott/Clemengold, Orr and Morr types), Mid-season Mandarins (Nova and Fairchild), Clementines and Satsumas
2. Oranges: Cara Cara, juicing oranges (Valencias and Midknights), and Navels (popular dessert fruit)
3. Lemons: The Eureka variety is the world's most widely grown lemon, originally from California. Has a high juice content and high acidity level
There are no tastings available but products are widely distributed across South Africa in most retail stores.
Carmien Tea (Partner company of Mouton Citrus)
Since the deregulation of the Rooibos industry in 1993, Carmién Tea has established itself as producer and supplier of quality packaged retail Rooibos tea products in South Africa. The company is also a successful bulk tea exporter and private label packer to many countries around the globe. Carmién Tea secures the best quality organic and conventional Rooibos from prime growing areas such as Piekenierskloof, Nieuwoudville, Wupperthal and Gifberg. The Carmién Rooibos range is available in organic (bio) and/or regular (conventional) products and is produced on Fairtrade principles. Carmién Tea offers superior quality products at competitive prices, direct from the farm, to their customers whilst ensuring total food traceability in the food chain.
--Interesting fact: The narrow 60 000 hectare belt along the West Coast of South Africa is the only place in the world where Rooibos tea can be grown. This area is also one of the world’s six Plant Kingdoms. The typical Mediterranean climate, ideal temperatures, rainfall and sunshine, offers the natural terroir needed for Rooibos to be cultivated in harmony with nature. The sandy slopes and undulating valleys of the rugged Cedarberg Mountain Range provide the perfect habitat for Rooibos
--Experience: Tea, food & Wine pairings:
Book your Carmién Tea, Food & Wine Pairing now at:
Unit 32, Northgate Business Park, Brooklyn (Cape Town)
sales@carmientea.co.za
+27 (0)21 510 2685
In the Citrusdal area, join us at the first stop on the Rooibos Route and enjoy this tasting experience at:
Hebron, Citrusdal, South Africa
admin@hebron.co.za
+27 (0)22 921 2595 / +27 (0)22 921 2581
--Experience: Carmien Tea, Farm Tour - +27 22 921 9800
Natural Hot Water Springs
The Baths, with its Natural Hot Water Springs of 43º Celsius, is situated only two hours drive from Cape Town on a citrus farm in the scenic Olifants River Valley, near the town of Citrusdal in the Western Cape of South Africa. Established in 1739 this self-catering resort, with handsome Victorian-style stone buildings, maintains an old world charm in a scenic, rural setting. The hot and cold swimming pools, natural rock pools and all the private, hot, mineral spring water baths have spring water from the source.
- Citrusdal is world renowned for its superior quality citrus fruits, wines and herbal fynbos products such as rooibos tea and buchu.
- Holidaying here is an exhilarating experience for those seeking peace and quiet or pursuing nature-related activities, such as hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 routes.
- See San Rock Art (at The Baths, or Stadsaal Caves)
- Visit the Piekenierskloof Wine Company
- Visit Bydidam for horse riding, swimming, tennis and squash
- See the oldest orange tree in South Africa on the farm "Heksrivier" in the Citrusdal valley (over 160 year old and still bears fruit)
- Visit the Golden Valley Wine Cellar (Taste and buy)
- Go back in time at the local museum situated in the original church building
- Enjoy the farm stalls which sell fruit and home-made products
- There are numerous well marked day hikes including the popular and spectacular Wolfberg Arch, Wolfberg Cracks and the Maltese Cross.
- Tea, food and wine pairing at Carmien Tea (famous for Rooibos tea) or farm tour
- Visit the Citrusdal Museum which explains the early pioneer days and Khoisan heritage
- Hebron Wine & Rooibos Tea Tasting / Food pairing
- Tierhhek wine tastings by appointment
- See the incredible carpets of Namaqualand daisies around August into the first week of September every year
But what many people are not aware of is that before Citrusdal came into being, circa 1918, there was an established village at the foot of what is now known as the Piekenierskloof Pass on a farm called Modderfontein.
The old farm dates back to 1725 when it was established by the Dutch East India Company to supply meat to the company in what was a relatively inaccessible valley.
All that changed in 1855 when the famous pass builder, Thomas Bain, started work on the 12km Grey's Pass (later renamed Piekenierskloof Pass) with the help of 100 convicts. The cottage that Bain lived in while working on this project can still be seen on the farm, along with the remains of the old pass, which is in remarkably good repair.
