- Western Cape
- Grabouw
Grabouw, Western Cape
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Grabouw in the Western Cape of South Africa is situated approximately 65km southeast from Cape Town along the N2 Highway.
Grabouw is a mid-sized town in the “Valley of Apples”, as it is internationally known due to 65% of South Africa’s apple export is produced in this valley. Located over Sir Lowry’s Pass from Somerset West it is situated in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Western Cape, filled with fynbos, fruit, wine and flowers. The locals actually refer to the town as Elgin-Grabouw.
The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and the the Groenland Mountain border the town of Grabouw adding to its already naturally scenic beauty. There are many trails for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching and picnics.
The deli’s, farm stalls and wineries are some of the best you will find!
Places to Visit
Things to do and see:
- Elgin Grabouw County Club in the Kogelberg Reserve
- Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre (contact for bookings)
- Suicide Gorge Hike (only for the very adventurous)
- Blue Rock Cable Waterski
- Waterkloof Wine Estate
- Boland Hiking Trail
- Vergelegen Wine Estate
- Erinvale Golf Course
- Houw Hoek Fly Fishing
- Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum
Choose from accommodation to suit everyone’s style, luxury and comfortable lodges, B&B’s and self-catering.
Climate
Grabouw experiences rain throughout the year, however most rainfall is in the winter months from May to August.
Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 11˚C and 25˚C.
Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 5˚C and 15˚C.
Transport
There are domestic and International flights into Cape Town International Airport on a daily basis. Car rental companies are available for easy access around the area.
Festivals
May – Elgin Cool Wine and Country Festival: a fun filled day of wine, food and entertainment.
October/November – Elgin Open Gardens Festival: 20 open gardens in the Elgin, Vyeboom and Bot Rivier Districts over 2 separate weekends. Some gardens are over 50 years old and worth the visit.
November – Hope Music Festival: Held at the Paul Cluver Amphitheatre, an open air musical festival.
More festivals can be attended in the surrounding areas, see Cape Town and surrounding areas.
History
In 1856, Wilhelm Langschmidt, a painter from Cape Town, settled on a farm across the Palmiet Rivier and opened a trading Store. Being the father of 23 children, the area had an instant population and he named the town Grabouw, after his birthplace in Germany.
The Molteno family joined and bought land in the area. The two brothers eventually turned the Elgin Valley into South Africa’s largest fruit producing area.
Edmond Lombari was another influential resident, he created an apple-juice drink he called “Appletiser” on his nearby farm Applethwaite and introduced it into the market in 1966.
From our gallery
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