Activities in Van Wyksdorp
Discover the quaint, small, rural village, Van Wyksdorp, one of the few village’s in South Africa that is accessed via gravel roads. A hidden paradise in the Western Cape, Van Wyksdorp is off the beaten track and offers a little piece of wilderness for you to explore. With a variety of outdoor activities available in the village or near-by, there’s something here that will suit everyone!
Nestled at the foot of the beautiful Rooiberg Mountain range, spend your time strolling through town, follow the Historical Walk, visit one of the restaurants, browse in the Vanwyksdorp Mall or at Info@Andi’s, or travel further afield and explore hiking trails, olive farms, appreciate the spectacular scenery via a self-drive or a nature drive or treat yourself to a treatment at Rooiberg Lodge Spa.
Learn about History
Learn about History
According to “The Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette No. 7986” the town was founded in 1897, on the farm Buffelsfontein, although there had been a large community living on Buffelsfontein since 1838. At a church meeting held on 27th January 1904, the name Van Wyksdorp was proposed and accepted due to the over 200 residents, with the surname Van Wyk, living in the town and on surrounding farms. Today the population of the village is about 800, of which a few direct descendants of Van Wyk can still be found. Throughout history, the inhabitants of the town have been dependent on the farming of fruit, sheep, cattle, and ostriches, enjoying the constant water output throughout the year, thanks to the mountain spring known as “The Eye”.
Once, during the years of the ostrich boom, Van Wyksdorp was the centre of education in the Little Karoo. The school, built in 1912, had at one time well over 200 pupils, who came in from all the surrounding towns. The railway links to Ladismith and Riversdale caused these towns to grow, whilst Van Wyksdorp slowly shrunk to its present state.
Outdoor Activities:
Outdoor Activities:
For a day trip, visitors have plenty to experience. They can witness farm operations while driving on dirt roads that lead towards other interesting spots or take a walk among nature’s beauty with little to no cell phone coverage!
Help planning routes, including assisting with permission from local farmers to traverse their lands
Guided cycles, ranging from family easy-pedals to more advanced out-rides, in collaboration with Rooiberg Lodge
History rides around the village
Fitness classes at Rooiberg Lodge
An annual fun ride
Please contact Ian via whatsapp on +27 828212510 or Info@Andi’s (Van Wyksdorp Tourism Information) on +27 76 990 3972
Explore the Biodiversity of Van Wyksdorp:
Explore the Biodiversity of Van Wyksdorp:
- Choose to self drive
- Book a Nature Drive experience exploring the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve. Book with Rooiberg Lodge on 028 0500 152 or whatsapp 071 496 8245 . Departures from Rooiberg Lodge and they offer morning and afternoon drives.
- Hiking and walking trails are available at Rooiberg Lodge, Ricky’s Drift and other accommodations. Enquire directly with them for more information.
Witness the beautiful nature of the Little Karoo in it’s purist form,, virtually untouched by mankind. Visit this town for a once in a lifetime experience.
Shopping:
Shopping:
- Vanwyksdorp Mall
- Info@Andi’s (Van Wyksdorp Tourism Information)
- Saturday morning market at Saamspeel Community Park, every Saturday at 10am
- Last Veldwear handmade leather goods (strictly by appointment only)
Other things to do:
- Stargazing
- Spa treatments at Rooiberg Lodge (to view the menu visit the website www.rooiberglodge.co.za)
- Blue Sky Organics Factory Shop for organic olive products
- Tour of Mont Rouge Olive Factory (available midweek and subject to availability). Contact Rooiberg Lodge on 028 0500 152 or whatsapp 071 496 8245
- Tennis at Saamspeel Community Park (enquire at Info@Andi’s)
- Live music events hosted at Dusty Dog Village Pub & Grub and Rooiberg Lodge (follow www.facebook.com/
vanwyksdorptourism for postings about event dates)
Wildlife & Bird Watching:
Wildlife & Bird Watching:
To date, 207 different bird species have been recorded in the area surrounding Van Wyksdorp.
The Van Wyksdorp area provides a great opportunity to view many of the Klein Karoo special bird species in the variety of different habitats on offer. The vegetation in the areas surrounding Van Wyksdorp varies from succulent Klein Karoo habitats, mountain Fynbos, dense lowland shrubbery along drainage lines, Acacia thickets, Renosterveld, montane hillsides, Protea covered slopes and other. Birding is quite diverse in the different habitat zones. (Birdlife South Africa)
For more info, visit the Ladismith Birding website.
Places to Visit in Van Wyksdorp
Situated in the ‘main street of Van Wyksdorp, The Mall is within walking distance of the local superettes and other small businesses in the area.
They also have a covered patio for our shoppers to enjoy even the rainy days and an enclosed play area with swings and a sandpit for the kids.
The Mall sells almost anything you can think of including hardware, clothing, outdoor apparel and shoes, stationery, toys and gifts, and more.
The Lodge is situated in the heart of the Little Karoo, nestled in the foothills of the Rooiberg Mountains, covered in fynbos and Karoo succulents.
Enjoy a nice getaway on the deck overlooking a watering hole. Wine & dine in our thatched restaurant, or under the twinkling Karoo night sky.
We strive to provide our guests with the opportunity to meet new and old friends, exchange stories, and enjoy the spectacular mountain views.
Blue Sky Organics is the trade name for Buffelshoek farm, a certified organic farm outside Vanwyksdorp in the Klein Karoo.
A glowing and verdant example of working with Nature and allowing the already existent incredible and intelligent natural eco-systems to heal.
Van Wyksdorp is an excellent example of landowners living and farming sustainably.
Hike, Swim, Eat! Whether you seek wide open spaces and endless views, or are fascinated by our diverse flora and bird life, you will love walking the well kept trails that take you through the veldt and up into the mountain. Enjoy a gentle stroll, or something more challenging. Afterwards, swim in our natural pool, relax in our gardens and orchards and enjoy tea, coffee or something cold. Light snacks available. Shop in our farm store where we sell our olive oil soap, shampoo and laundry powder as well as a selection of bottled and fresh produce.
Discover Buffelfontein Art in Vanwyksdorp, a historic mud-brick building bursting with creativity. Explore diverse artworks from local and regional talents, including paintings, sculptures, and more. Immerse yourself in live music, poetry, and workshops. Join us for an unforgettable journey into creativity and community.
Places near Van Wyksdorp:
