Citrusdal is often dubbed the ‘gateway to the Cederberg’ and is surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of the Koue Bokkeveld and Swartberg mountain ranges. The community of Citrusdal survives primarily on farming and the town lies amdist an expanse of citrus orchards and a sea of rooibos and wild flowers. The fertile valley of Citrusdal is fed by the Olifants River year-round, and it is the river that enables the town to crown itself as the citrus-producing queen of South Africa. The surrounding areas of Citrusdal are very popular with hikers and mountaineers, and Citrusdal is within close range of some of the Cederberg’s most popular hiking trails. Lying closer to Citrusdal, the Cederberg Winery and Dwarsrivier Farm (also a popular astronomical observatory) offer shorter, more relaxed trails for the whole family. If you get a moment in Citrusdal (which, no doubt, you will) visit the oldest orange tree in the country – it is 250 years-old and stands on the Hexrivier Farm in the Citrusdal valley.
Getting there: from Cape Town, follow the N7 going north, up and over the Piekenierskloof Pass and wind down into the town of Citrusdal.
For more information about this area, visit ShowMe Swartland or ShowMe Cederberg.
