Riebeek Kasteel, Wes-Kaap

The tiny town of Riebeek Kasteel lies approximately 75 km north-east of Cape Town and only 5 km from its twin town Riebeek West. Together the two towns form part of the Riebeek Valley.

This picturesque village is situated on the slopes of the Kasteelberg Mountains, among rolling vineyards and olive groves. It is believed to be one of the oldest villages in South Africa and the valleys scenery can easily have you mistakenly think you are in Tuscany, Italy. In 2009, the “Rapport” Newspaper named it the third most beautiful town in the Western Cape. During Spring when the peach orchards are in bloom the tranquil town is covered in soft hues of pink and white.

Over the last few years more and more artisits and those preferring alternative lifestyles have moved into the area and a wide variety of art and craft shops and galleries can be found in the Riebeek Valley. If you not in the area for the arts and crafts, the olive growers and wine cellars welcome visitors to taste their produce, including olive oil for those brave enough to try. For the outdoor enthusiast the area offers a few wonderfully hiking trails, game drives, mountain bike routes and even a 4x4 trail.

The little town has a lot to offer whether for a weekend or a weeks’ stay. Relaxation, outdoor adventure, art, wine and a friendly atmosphere – listen out for the “Malmesbury brei”, the distinctive rolling accent of the Swartland and enjoy the hospitality!

There is a range of accommodation on offer from quaint Guest Farms and B&B’s to self-catering and a Hotel.

Places to Visit

Things to do and see

• Mullineux Wine Estate
• Het Vlock Casteel Olive & Wine Farm
• Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate
• Kasteelberg Mountain Bike Route
• Riebeek Valley Museum (De Oude Kerk)
• Pieter Cruythoff Hiking Trail
• Heuningberg 4x4 Trail
• Bartholomeus Klip Renosterveld Reserve
• The Gallery, Riebeek Kasteel
• The Village Market

Climate

Riebeek Kasteel receives approximately 479 mm of rain annually with the majority of its rainfall occurring during the winter months.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 15˚C and 30˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 5˚C and 17˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport . Riebeek Kasteel is approximately 75 km away along the N7 . Car hire facilities are available at the Airport.

Festivals

May – Riebeek Valley Olive Festival: A must for olive and wine lovers! For one weekend only, a number of farms in the area will open their doors to tours and tastings allowing visitors to learn, taste and buy olive-related produce. The Olive Emporium, a grand marquee set up in the centre of Riebeek Kasteel town, offers numerous sampling and buying opportunities for all sorts of deli type treats.

History

Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West were once both a district of the Swartland congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church at Malmesburg . Later, due to a disagreement on where to build their Church, two towns formed when two separate places of worship were built and both towns gained their independence.

Riebeek Kasteel was named after Jan van Riebeek and Kasteelberg Mountain. Farmers established themselves in the Valley in the early 1900’s and the town was laid out around its existing Church and its neighbour the Royal Hotel, the oldest Hotel in South Africa.