Make this your base and explore beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, world-renowned wine routes, the Karoo and the Mother City, all within an hour or two’s drive from the valley. A wide range of choice in accommodation, places to eat and drink, opportunities to do a bit of retail therapy or taste the delicious local wine, olives and other products.

Riebeek Kasteel is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, situated at 80 km north-east of Cape Town. During 1661 Commander Jan van Riebeeck initiated an inland discovery expedition under the leadership of Pieter Cruythoff. They set off in the direction of Paardeberg and on 3 February 1661 they ascended a lonely mountain and came upon the fertile vista of the Riebeek Valley. They named it Riebeek Kasteel, in honor of the Commander.

Riebeek West is the sister town, 5 kms away from KastIn the 19th century both Jan Smuts and Daniel Malan were born on the outskirts of neighbouring Riebeek West, both later becoming prime ministers of the country.

10 km from the Riebeek Kasteel is the little town of Hermon. Of Hebrew origin, the name means ‘elevated, ‘exalted’, the reference being to the biblical Mount Hermon (Deut. 3:8, 9). It is one of the towns that make up the Riebeek Valley.

Thank you to Chris Wright for the use of his maps.