ATTRACTIONS

Situated between the Doring and the Olifants River, the town is overflowing with natural beauty. The Gifberg, Koebee and Matsikama Mountains offer fascinating rock formations, while Cape fynbos and waterfalls paint Vanrhynsdorp's charming environment. Colourful flowers in winter, the attractive succulent nursery and the Knersvlakte biosphere add their value to the regional flora and make the town a particularly important stopover for Cactus and Succulent enthusiasts.

Many fine rock art sites can be admired in rock shelters in the mountains. Rock-art forms part of a valuable cultural heritage left behind by the San (Bushmen), hunter-gatherers, who lived in the area in bygone days. Law protects rock art and permission is needed to visit the sites. You can arrange for local guides to lead you to these sites. A visit to the local museum and historical buildings will tell you many more entertaining stories, and at the small farming project in Maskamsig, the township area in Vanrhynsdorp, you will learn more about sheep, goats, pigs and vegetable gardens.

Rugged mountains, vast plains, rivers and plenty of open space create the ideal playground for sporting activities such as 4x4 adventures, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, and hiking.

GETTING THERE

Vanrhynsdorp is located 300 km north of Cape Town on the N7 national highway to Namibia. The town may also be reached via the spectacular Vanrhyns Pass on the R27 from Niewoudtville.

Whether you choose to stay in a guesthouse, a hotel, bed and breakfast establishment, the municipal caravan and camping site, or on holiday farms with chalets, Vanrhynsdorp will welcome you with open arms.