Moravia (B 15)

Name: Moravia

Moravia is in an area where the whole mixture makes for the unique experience that is know as the West Coast http://sawestcoasttourism.com/history.html

Aurora
Aurora means, "The dawning of a new day". If you love to watch the sun rise this is the place to come to. Each dawn bring splendour and glory to this area. It has an abundance of bird life and during August and September the wild flowers unfold and present themselves with splendour and glory, even in the middle of town. The architecture in this town is typical Sandveld with sandstone being the main building materials of the era. Some of the buildings have been declared historical monuments Contact info: Tourism Bureau velddriftoerisme@telkomsa.net

Bitterfontein & Nuwerus
Bitterfontein (Bitter fountain) derives its name from an extremely saline fountain that still exists in the area. Nuwerus (New rest) is derived from the "new resting place" with better water found by the original migrants it was originally called Erdevarkgat and became a staging post for the postal coaches. The surrounding Richtersveld has become world renown for the annual flower displays it offers in the early springtime. The area is renowned for its mutton and this is known locally as Karoo lamb as the area has similar vegetation to the Karoo. In Bitterfontein, an extremely rare green granite is found and this is called Bitterfontein green, this granite is found nowhere else in the world. Bitterfontein also has some cave in which you can see the marble deposits which makes the other form of industry found here. Contact info: Tourism Bureau:-

Municipality Cederberg
The Cederberg Wilderness Area. This is one of the most amazing natural areas on the West Coast. This bio dome is host to a number of unique species of fauna and flora, amongst them the Cape mountain Leopard, 8 endemic fish species, multiple types of Fynbos and reptiles. The nearby caves called the Stadsaal (Town hall) hosts the world famous Elephant drawings. The area is a hikers dream and Cape Nature Conservation has laid out many trails in the area and through the various mountains that make up the Cederberg mountains. Its is advisable that you contact them beforehand to find exact information on which routes are open and the precautions you need to take beforehand. Contact info: Tourism Bureau cederberg@cnc.org.za

Citrusdal
Nestled on the banks of the Olifantsriver that flows through out the area and on the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains Citrusdal (Valley of Citrus) is renowned for the production of Rooibos tea and Buchu it is also an area with an abundance of citrus farms and vineyards. The area is excellent for anyone seeking a peaceful and tranquil place to holiday in, specially for Nature lovers Contact info: Tourism Bureau info@citrusdal.info

Clanwilliam
What makes this town spectacular, is the fact that you travel down this highway and it is Hot and Dry, it runs through semi-desert and you start getting thirsty, then suddenly you come around this turn in the highway and in front of you is this green oasis in the foothills of the mountain. You have never seen green as beautiful as this. A promise of coolness and peace after a long journey is exactly what you find when you enter Clanwilliam. One of the oldest towns in the country it has a full bouquet of culture to enjoy ranging from old historical buildings (7 national monuments) to San rock paintings in the nearby Cederberg Mountains. The Clanwilliam Dam offers water sport for the visitor and renowned as the best place to water ski in the Western Cape. Contact info: Tourism Bureau cederberg@lando.co.za

Darling
Darling is the haven of numerous artists of world renown. The most famous of them being Evita Bezuidenhout, a "lady" who was a prominent member of parliament and ambassador to many homelands in the old South Africa and "she" still regales visitors with "her" tales of days gone bye bye. "Her " shows at Evita's Perron are not to be missed for anything. If it means that you have to stay over a day or a night just to see this show then the hospitality that you will receive from local guesthouses will be well worth it. So come and see why this place is called Darling Contact info: Tourism Bureau info@darlingtourism.co.za Doringbaai
From the mouth of the Olifantsriver southwards for about 20 km you will find a small fishing village where the main fish they catch is crayfish. The coast here offers natural shelter from storms at sea and the local folk will entertain you with sea stories about monster crayfish and shipwrecks around a warm fire as the storms rage about during the winter months. in summer time it becomes a bustle of activity as everyone is catching or selling crayfish. A visit here will stay in your memory for a long time to come. Contact info: Tourism Bureau tourism@matzikamamun.co.za

Ebenaezer & Papendorp
This is where the mighty Olifantsriver mouths into the sea and it forms a natural estuary that is home to many bird species. Soon to be declared a RAMSAR site it is spectacular in its beauty, especially when the sun sets in the evening. Papendorp, right in the mouth of the river is a tiny settlement that makes a living from the nearby farms and from fishing in the estuary. There are still some of the original houses left and they where constructed from the wood recovered from packing pallets. Ebenaezer is a little further up the river and its inhabitants mainly work on the nearby farms. When you visit Papendorp stop and ask one of the locals when the "Papendorp se Orkes " will play again and maybe you will be surprised with a showing by this full brass band practicing. Contact info: Tourism Bureau tourism@matzikamamun.co.za Goedverwacht
Established in 1881 as a Moravian Mission station it originally belonged to a farmer called Hendrik Burger who willed it to his Indian Slave called Maniasa on the day that slavery was officially abolished in South Africa, he asked in return that she and her children remain to take care of him. Her last daughter sold it to the Moravian missionaries in 1888. Recently the old water mill has been restored to working condition. The area is still a mission station and now they have revived the traditional organic farming methods and the fields are once again being cultivated. These organic produce can be purchased at the local mission store. Various hiking trails are on offer to the visitor as well as old historic buildings and a house museum. Contact info: Tourism Bureaugoedverwachtb@telkomsa.net

Graafwater
In 1910, this was established as a railway station to serve the local area around the Cape Town Bitterfontein line. It became a resting place for many explorers and travellers and a local cave "HerenLogement " (Gentleman's Resting place) still have dated names on the cave walls. This has now been preserved as a local Historical Place. Going from Clanwilliam to Lamberts Bay you will find Graafwater at just the right distance from either to make a Pit Stop. Contact info: Tourism Bureau +27 27 422 1108 Hopefield
Hopefield lies on the banks of the Zoute River and was founded there in 1853 as a church community. This is mainly a farming community. Recently Fossil deposits have been found on the farm Elandsfontein. Here you can explore the old world farming communities at your leisure as there is no rush in hopefield. Contact info: Tourism Bureau vredenburg@telkomsa.netJacobsbaai
If you are looking for isolated tranquillity and peacefulness then come and visit Jacobsbaai. This 2km stretch of seashore offers you an abundance of seafood such as abalone, crayfish, and line fish. Yet a few hundred meters inland and you feel you are in the middle of Namaqualand as the veld unfolds in flowers. Jacobsbaai tends to become a little windy during the October-December Season but the area provides many small coves that give shelter against the wind and allows you to enjoy the area. Contact info: Tourism Bureau bureau@kingsley.co.zaKlawer
Klawer and the nearby hamlet of Traval have in recent years become the centre of a thriving organic wine industry. Located about 3 hours from Cape Town on the N7 highway it is the gateway to the Boesmanland and Namaqualand with places like Vanrhynsdorp; Vredendal; Lutzville and Strandfontein being within easy reach. During the springtime, there is an abundance of wildflowers in the area. Located on the banks of the Olifants River is it an oasis on the doorstep of the semi-desert area to the north. Contact info: Tourism Bureau tourism@matzikamamun.co.za Koringberg
This is a small and peaceful village located about 120km form Cape Town on the N7, just follow the signposts and after 6km you come to this little haven peacefully snuggled against the mountainside. It was originally named Warrens Camp after the engineer responsible for constructing railway bridges in the area. Here time does not matter and the Guinea Fowl and Dikkoppe still walk around in abundance. If peace is what you want then this is the place to come to. Contact info: Tourism Bureau +27 22 423 8024 Lamberts Bay
Lamberts Bay is about 2.5 hours drive from Cape Town and there are various routes that lead to it. This is the Seafood Mecca with Lamberts Bay holding an annual Crayfish festival. A small island just of the coast is called Bird Island and ornithologists from all over the world come here to study sea birds such as Cormorants and Seagulls; Penguins and the famous Cape Gannet. Your visit here will not be over until you have enjoyed a traditional feast of seafood at one of the local open air restaurants. Between Lamberts Bay and Elands Bay, the next town, there is a toll road that runs next to the world famous Sishen Saldanha railway line. This unique toll road is the only gravel toll road in South Africa and is well maintained. Contact info: Tourism Bureau lambertsinfo@mweb.co.za Langebaan
Located on the world famous Langebaan Lagoon this is the meeting place of extreme-water sports enthusiasts, bird lovers, nature lovers and has become the most bustling tourist center on the West Coast. Here you can enjoy value for money with guest houses to restaurants that range from the ordinary to the ultra-luxurious. There are over 300 species of birds on the Lagoon with the Cape Harrier being indigenous and endangered. A visit to the West Coast National Park is a must. Another must see is the Fossil Park where numerous archeological discoveries have been made that is of particular interest in terms of the origins of mankind. The most important of these is Eve's Footprint Contact info: Tourism Bureau lbninfo@mweb.co.za Leipoldville
If you take the road from Elandsbaai to Graafwater you travel through this amazing valley at the top of a mountain range and at the T-Junction you turn into a place called Leipoldville. Suddenly you feel as if you have stepped out of a time machine and you are experiencing history as it happens. Founded in 1905 by reverend Frederich Leipold it is still very much like it was then. This is the centre of an area known as the Sandveld. The sandveld has become famous for providing one of the best potato types in the world. The son of the founding father became famous in his own right as a poet and a writer. C Louis Leipold was born here and his birthplace is still marked as a historical treasure. The other thing that this area is famous for is the abundance of Protea's that are picked on the mountain slopes. Contact info: Tourism Bureau Sandra vd Westhuizen +27 27 412 2116 Lutzville & Koekenaap
If you travel from Doringbaai past Papendorp on route to Vredendal you will come across a small town on the banks of the Olifants River, as you enter this town you need to cross a bridge over the river. At that junction there is an interesting Rock formation called Vlermuis klip (Bat Rock) this town is today called Lutzville but previously was named after this rock. Here you can taste some of the most delightful wines and enjoy the freshest fruit and vegetables. The people are friendly and hospitable and the climate is mild. This all makes Lutzville a worthwhile place to visit. 7Km further on you find a small hamlet called Koekenaap set in a patchwork blanket of farms. Contact info: Tourism Bureau tourism@matzikamamun.co.za Malmesbury
Named after a ship that stranded of the coast this town has become a hub of business activity. This is the capital of the Swartland area. The Swartland is named after the now near extinct Renosterbos scrubs that covered the area and today can only be seen as small black patches on hill tops. This is a sad case of progress eradicating environment. The up-side is that this has become the bread basket of South Africa with kilometer after kilometer of wheat fields waving in the summer breezes; it is a true spectacle to see. Contact info: Tourism Bureau swartlandtourism@westc.co.zaMoorreesburg
In the heart of the Swartland lies Moorreesburg. From this district capital it is a mere 40 minute drive to the sea. Moorreesburg is home to one of three Wheat industry related museums in the world and depicts the history of the area that dates back to 1709. This town is a bustling hive of activity with shops and restaurants and of course the flour mills. Come to Moorreesburg and see how bread should be made. Contact info: Tourism Bureau moorreesburg@westc.co.zaPaternoster
In Latin the words Patre Nostre means "Our Father" The locals tell that this is the Prayer that The Portuguese sailors uttered when their ship ran aground here many years ago. Many of the local folk are descendant from them and can rightly be called the Founding Fathers of our town. Paternoster is also known as the Graveyard of ships. In 1899 the SS Ismore, a British troopship, went ashore near Kraletjies Bay. In 1910 the Lisboa steamship ran aground on Soldiers Reef near Paternoster carrying a cargo of bulls, olive oil and wine. In 1930 the SS Malmesbury was wrecked near Jacobs Reef at Paternoster while on her maiden voyage. Contact info: Tourism Bureau vredenburg@telkomsa.netPiketberg
On the foothills of the Piket Mountain lies Piketberg. This unique oasis offers an interesting pit stop for the traveller on the N7 en route to Namibia. The history pours out of every street lamp in this town, with old historical and new buildings nestling side by side to create a picture not soon forgotten by the visitor. Founded in 1880 the town is still going strong. A limestone mine just outside of the town is interesting to visit. On the mountain overlooking the town is a real castle that has now been turned into a conference centre. The town also boasts a Wild Olive tree forest. By arrangement, you can visit the citrus packing plant and watch the fruits being prepared and packaged for export. Contact info: Tourism Bureau tourism@piketberg.comPorterville
Named after Sir William Porter. The original farm belonged to one of the original 1820 settlers called Frederick John Owen who subdivided it into smaller parcels one of which became the town Porterville in 1886. Prior to the arrival of the 1820 Settlers this area was home to the San people and the caves in the Olifants River mountains still have many rock paintings and other artefact of their existence. Porterville is also home of the rarest of flowers the Disa Uniflora. This is the only place where you can still see them in nature; the rarerest of the rare is the Yellow Sulphur Disa, which has only ever been found in a small field near Porterville. The mountains above Porterville often have snow on them; these mountains with the Olifants river running through them offer some of the largest natural rock pools in South Africa. The hot summer wind is ideal thermals for glider pilots and is an excellent way to view the dramatic rock formations in the area. The hiking trail leading to a place called Tronk en Hell, (Jail & Hell) is a worthwhile trip for the enthusiast. Contact info: Tourism Bureau info@tourismporterville.co.zaRedelinghuys
When you leave Elandsbaai you drive past Velorenvlei ( a RAMSAR site and large natural lake in the middle of the Sandveld (semi-desert) a short distance further on you find a sign post that says Redelinghuys. You turn off and a long straight dirt road lies ahead. The drive is worth it because as you enter the small town you understand many things. You understand that here nature rules, that time has no meaning, that you have discovered a small piece of paradise hidden away in the mountains, why artists "hide away" here. The Verlorenvlei (lost marsh) starts here and stretches 30 km to the coast where if empties into the Atlantic Ocean. There are over 280 different species of birds in the area and the flora has to be seen to be believed. The nearby Vegkop (Fighting Mountain) is the site of a famous Anglo Boer war battle. The resettling of the original Fauna is well underway and this town forms part of the Cederberg Reptile Conservatory. Contact info: Tourism Bureau +27 22 962 1650 Rietpoort
28km from Bitterfontein, Rietpoort lies in the middle of the Nama-Karoo. The town is an original mission station and the old church still exists today. The area is also home to Karretjie-mense (cart people). These local folk travel kilometers on donkey carts and if you ask nicely they will take you on an adventure you are not likely to ever forget. The Nama people are unique. Theirs is an extremely hard life, little water and hot sun makes them extremely hospitable and it is known that they will welcome strangers into their homes and treat them like long lost friends. Contact info: Tourism Bureau Municipal offices Saldanha Bay
The end terminus of the world famous Saldanha-Sishen iron ore railway line, Saldanha is home to large steel industries. The port of Saldanha Bay is the deepest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere and is naturally protected by being located in the Langebaan Lagoon. The fishing harbour on the other side of the bay is home to some of the biggest fishing factories in South Africa. The hills above Saldanha Bay offer the most amazing views of the bay and the Atlantic ocean on the other side. Saldanha bay is also home to South Africa's Military Academy and the SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve offers some of the most amazing floral displays on the West Coast. Contact info: Tourism Bureau bureau@kingsley.co.zaRiebeek West & Riebeek Kasteel
These two towns are small towns just north of Malmesbury in the Riebeek Valley. They are home to Vineyards and wine farms as well as an Olive Oil industry. The area also has wheat farms and is home to a number of artists of world renown. Every weekend is a party in these two towns due to its close proximity to Cape Town and regular crafter's markets are being held in the town squares. This town is also the Birth place of General Jan Smuts and the famous Alsverloren Wine Estate Contact info: Tourism Bureau swartlandtourism@westc.co.za St Helena Bay
This is the landing place of the great explorer Vasco De Gama who is said to have actually discovered the Cape. Today it is one of the biggest fishing harbours on the West Coast and is home to many fishing related industries. A small town in a thin strip alongside the mountainside, St. Helena Bay offers the visitor Dolphin and Whale watching opportunities. This is possible here all year round. Contact info: Tourism Bureau vredenburg@telkomsa.net Strandfontein
This town have to be experienced to be believed. You leave Doringbaai and 20km later, there is just a small signpost that says Stillbaai, no town no nothing, but you can hear the sea, so where is this town? You drive down the road and suddenly the earth drops away and on the cliffs is located this small and picturesque village, all the houses look out over the sea. A luxury caravan park and numerous guesthouses make this a pure holiday destination. Contact info: Tourism Bureau tourism@matzikamamun.co.za Vanrhynsdorp
Through the Boesmanland runs a small river called Troe-Troe, the local folk says that the Troe-Troe never runs it occasionally crawls. On the banks of this river and in the foothills of the Maskam Mountains you find a unique town called Vanrhynsdorp. Vanrhynsdorp previously called Trutro was renamed after the Van Rhyn Family who contributed much to the local community. For the explorer, this town makes an ideal base as it is in close proximity to 10 other towns. It is close to two distinct mountain ranges. Three Botanical Kingdoms converge here namely the Nama-Karoo vegetation, the Knersvlakte succulents and the Cape Fynbos in the mountains. Vanrhynsdorp is an interesting place at night as it offers some of the clearest sky-scapes in South Africa. Contact info: Tourism Bureau vanrhynsdorp@matzikamamun.co.za Velddrif, Laaiplek & Port Owen
Laaiplek got its name from the fact that the old Portuguese Fisherman who used to fish the area discovered that they can actually sail up river and there found a safe harbour to offload their cargo's. The town of Velddrif today is home of a unique industry only found here namely the Bokkom industry. Bokkoms are dried Harders a local fish. It's a salty but tasty side dish, that for years was a staple food of the area. Port Owen is a yachtsman's paradise as it offers a safe marina and tranquil sailing environment. The Berg River is navigable for at least 40km from the mouth. This area forms part of the Berg river Estuary that is due to be declared a RAMSAR site, due to the unique bird life and marshland eco-systems. This area is rapidly developing in a tourist haven as it offers natural beauty that is outstanding and something that begs experiencing. Contact info: Tourism Bureau velddriftoerisme@telkomsa.netVredenburg
Vredenburg is one of the Economic and business hubs on the West Coast and offers infrastructure to all the surrounding towns. Vredenburg has all the banking and business facilities you may need. The town derived its name from being the place where peace was finally established between two feuding local farmers. Contact info: Tourism Bureau vredenburg@telkomsa.net Vredendal
Located on the banks of the Lower Olifants River the town is the Economic centre for the upper West Coast area. The irrigation schemes along the banks of the river allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables, and is also the centre of a fast developing Organic wine industry. The town offers all year round tourism opportunities, because the weather here is always mild. Shops in this area offer a unique shopping experience as the are largely small shops where you will be amazed by the hospitality of the local inhabitants. Contact info: Tourism Bureau tourism@matzikamamun.co.zaWittewater
This is another Moravian Mission Station located on the other side of the road from Goedverwacht. Wittewater was founded because the early missionary J.W.A. Scholtz, could not stay on Goedverwacht due to the fact that it belonged to slaves. In 1895, the Moravian Mission Church bought the farm Wittewater and the whole area is served from her until today. Contact info: Tourism Bureau +27 22 912 4210 (Church Office) Wupperthal
75km from Clanwilliam, this is another Moravian Mission Station. Wupperthal is home to the oldest working shoe factory in South Africa. Historically know for its stack farming that is still practiced today. Established in 1830, this town offers absolute tranquillity to the visitor. When here you have to experience the organic Rooibos tea that is grown here. Contact info: Tourism Bureau +27 27 492 3410 (Church Office) Yzerfontein
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