A region epitomising the diversity of the Western Cape, the
Olifants River Valley stretches over 300km from Citrusdal in
the south to Bitterfontein in the north, and from the Atlantic
Ocean in the west to its natural eastern boundary, the mountainous
Cape Fold Belt, an imposing landmass including the spectacular
Cederberg, Gifberg, Matsikamma and Bokkeveld ranges.
The long, fertile valley is extensively cultivated. A remarkable
irrigation system comprising canals channels water to farms
concentrating on citrus, fruit, vegetable and grape production.
The citrus area, between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam, is the third-largest
in South Africa. Through the winter months, the Olifants River
Valley is filled with the heady scent of oranges.
The enlivening aroma of orange blossom in spring and freshly
picked oranges in winter is enhanced visually by the golden
splendour of orange groves lining the river. Wine, too, plays
a big role in the Olifants River Valley's success. The wine
route, from Citrusdal to Lutzville, boasts a proud selection
of internationally acclaimed wines. Yet another crop setting
this wellspring of agricultural riches apart from others, is
the indigenous shrub from which the world-renowned, peculiarly
South African Rooibos Tea is produced.
The Olifants River Valley is known not only for its agriculture.
Its awe-inspiring scenic beauty and the fascinatingly distorted
rock formations of its mountain areas put it in a class of its
own. The Cederberg Wilderness Area is a well-known, extremely
popular and accessible hiking destination. Khoi-San rock paintings,
occur in many places, from the Cederberg to the Koebee Mountains.
Rock lobster enthusiasts flock to the coastal towns of Doringbaai
and Strandfontein each season and thousands of breeding Jackass
Penguins, Cape Cormorants and other seabirds can be seen on
Bird Island off Lamberts Bay.
Beyond the life-giving waters of the Olifants River and just
north of Klawer, is a vast plain, the Knersvlakte. The land
is arid and dry. The Olifants River Valley borders Namaqualand
and shares in the annual, pyrotechnic display of wild flowers.
From the coast to the mountains, the land becomes one under
a mantle of brilliant colour bestowed all too briefly by Nature's
capacity for miracles.
