Wupperthal is a small village nestled on the upper east side of the Cederberg Mountains. Hidden at the end of the twisting Koueberg Pass lies this picturesque Moravian (previously Rhenish) Mission Station. Wupperthal, established in 1830 has a long tradition of small-scale farming and currently grows organic Rooibos Tea. The extraordinary scenery of the Cederberg surrounding Wupperthal is filled with tranquillity. This town is incredibly isolated and simply perfect for a peaceful and relaxing getaway!
The beautifully preserved rugged terrain of Wupperthal and the Cederberg draws those who appreciate nature at its most pristine. The mountains and lake offer a natural arena for the adventurer to get stuck into canoeing, water-skiing; abseiling; river rafting, hiking and climbing.
Due to the rugged terrain, Wupperthal and the Cedarberg Mountains are completely unspoilt by tourism. The mountains are covered almost exclusively by pristine fynbos with some isolated Cedar trees remaining. Some rare fynbos endemics are found here such as the Snow Protea, rocket pincushion and the Clanwilliam Cedar.
The Cedarberg's largely dry and sunny climate make it ideal for visitors in winter and spring when Cape Town, and particularly the Garden Route can be rainy and cool. Though it is hot in the summer, there is always the coast nearby.
Activities
- Hiking
- Bird watching
- Mountain biking
- Rock art
- Sightseeing
- Rooibostea and other farming activities.
- 4X4 Tra-Travallei Route: 3-4 star (9 hours) for experienced drivers. One-way with escape routes. +27 (0)27 492 3410
- Wild flowers & Fynbos Routes +27 (0)27 492 3410
Places to stay
- Enjo. Nature Farm +27 (0)27 482 2869
- Kloofhuis (meals on request) +27 (0)27 492 3410
- Palmhuis +27 (0)27 492 3410
- Khaki Park camp site +27 (0)27 492 3410
Rooibos Tea
The story of Rooibos is a uniquely interesting one. It was the local people who first discovered that the fine, needle-like leaves of the wild Aspalathus linearis plant made a tasty, aromatic tea. Rooibos tea - cherished for its mahogany color, deep aroma, full-bodied taste, and health benefits - is today a very popular drink in South Africa. It is enjoyed hot or iced, with milk or without, even baked into sweets.
The Rooibos Company was privatised in 1993. The industry has grown from strength to strength so that the unique goodness of Rooibos may today be enjoyed by people all over the world. The area surrounding Clanwilliam is the only place in the world where Rooibos is cultivated as an agricultural crop. It is processed, packaged and despatched worldwide and more than 2,000 metric tons of rooibos are expeorted annually.
Seventy-five farmers from Wupperthal and surrounding communities currently participate in a program moving from wild harvesting to sustainable cultivation of a product suitable for export to the world market. Many of these farmers use to gather rooibos in the wild.
Growing rooibos organically is not particularly difficult and brings farmers a better price. As a result, all Wupperthal farmers are now growing rooibos organically.
- Incredibly isolated and perfect for relaxing holidays
- Hiking
- Bird watching
- Mountain biking
- Rock art
- Rooibos tea and other farming activities.
- 4X4 Tra-Travallei Route: 3-4 star (9 hours) for experienced drivers. One-way with escape routes.
- Wild flowers & Fynbos Routes
- Enjoy scones and some tea at Lekkerbekkie eatery
This picturesque place has been a Moravian mission station since 1865, although its origins are actually Rhenish. The name ``Wuppertal" derives from the Wupper River in Germany, from where two Rhineland missionaries, Theobald von Wurmb and Johan Gottlieb Leipoldt (grandfather of renowned writer C. Louis Leipoldt) arrived in the Cape in 1829 to spread the Word among the indigenous people.
The two missionaries settled among the seven Khoikhoi families in the valley and concentrated on their spiritual upliftment as well as to encourage farming. The population swelled shortly after slavery was abolished in 1838 and many freed slaves arrived from nearby farms.
The village today consists of an old thatched Church, a store, and terraces of neat thatched-roofed little cottages and a meandering street with water flowing in furrows. A great deal of productive activity takes place which surprises any traveler descending the steep pass into the valley. Excellent velskoen (known throughout the country) are made and tobacco is dried and worked into rolls (roltabak). The other main products of the area are dried fruit, dried beans and rooibos tea.
