With its rich history, Cape Dutch vernacular buildings, quaint restaurants and accommodation, breathtaking landscape and multitude of activities, Tulbagh is an ideal escape.
The crisp, mountain air, the warm-hearted welcome of the locals and the relaxed pace of country living make it hard to leave.
Approaching this secluded valley, which is surrounded by the Witzenberg and Skurweberg ranges towering above it, enchantment sets in.
It was probably much the same for the Dutch farmers when they arrived here over 300 years ago and established their last post before entering the wild and unknown interior.
Ironically, a devastating earthquake on 29 September 1969 put Tulbagh back on the map. Restoration to their original Cape Dutch splendour resulted in 32 buildings in Church Street being declared provincial monuments.
It comes as no surprise then that this quiet, tree-lined street is the main historical attraction. A casual stroll will take you back in time, past museums, local crafts and artworks – not to mention a peacock or few.
There is no better way to explore the Tulbagh valley than to hire a mountain bike and set off. If this is not your chosen mode of transport, then put your boots on and head for the hiking trails or go for a gentle horse ride around a fruit farm. For fishing and other water sports, Voëlvlei Dam outside the town is the place to be.
Whatever you do, be sure to work up an appetite because Tulbagh is a food and wine lover’s paradise, showcasing an impressive wine route with a pleasant mixture of old, family-run estates and state-of-the-art cellars belonging to more recent arrivals.
Offering picturesque backdrops of vineyards against the mountains, it’s not surprising that the town is a popular wedding choice for true romantics. Accommodation options are endless, ranging from camping to luxury living, and include B&B and self-catering in the heart of Tulbagh village, on working farms or on some wine estates.
Whether you are looking for culture, adventure, relaxation or just to tickle your taste buds, Tulbagh won’t disappoint.
Text and photos by Dylan Kotze. Taken from the August 2010 edition of Getaway Magazine
| More info on the town of Talbagh | More info on the Breede Valley area |
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