Explore a myriad of wonderful things to do in Tulbagh, a town known for its intriguing history and diverse offerings.
From being the site of South Africa’s largest recorded earthquake in 1969, shaping its distinctive landscape, to being a fertile valley yielding top-notch wines, olive oil, and 70% of local plum production.
Tulbagh’s charm extends to its wine farms, inviting hiking trails, and enlightening museums that narrate its 324-year-old history. Experience the allure of this remarkable destination through its seismic past and rich heritage.
Also read: 10 Things to do in Oudtshoorn
1. Montpellier Wine Estate
Experience the legacy of Montpellier Wine Estate, founded in 1714 by French pioneers from Montpellier, France.
Proudly celebrating its 300th anniversary, this Cape Dutch gem has a storied heritage in winemaking, crafting authentic wines that mirror the Tulbagh Valley terroir. Beyond its wines, Montpellier offers a serene escape and an exquisite event venue. With a quaint hillside chapel, Cape Dutch homestead, and expansive grounds, it offers stunning mountain views for memorable gatherings.
Indulge in wine tastings amidst the garden or the charming glass house. Are you a dog lover? Take full advantage of the dog-friendly environment where the estate’s owners’ dogs also roam free. Explore their many blends, including Spyseniersberg, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Address: 2 Jonge Gezellen Road, Tulbagh
Contact: 082 334 4334
2. Waterval Nature Reserve
A 13-minute drive from Tulbagh, Waterval Nature Reserve is a tranquil retreat.
Embraced by mountains on 3 sides, it shrouds the Klein Berg River. Steeped in a 300-year legacy, Tulbagh sprouted through Dutch and Huguenot pioneers’ toil, led by the Dutch Colonial Government. Land van Waveren was named in 1699, a homage to the Oetgens van Waveren lineage.
Historic charm adorns the area, showcasing Cape Dutch, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, like the timeless Oude Kerk from 1743. Be sure to venture into the reserve’s hidden treasures, unveiling hidden pools.
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, Closed
Address: Located in the Tulbagh Wine Valley between Tulbagh and Wolseley and at the foot of the Winterhoek Mountains
Contact: 023 004 0857
3. Pioneer House Museum
Step into history at the Pioneer House Museum on Tulbagh’s iconic Church Street. This gem comprises 3 structures and was built after a significant quake in 1969.
Discover Cape furniture and colonial treasures in House Number 1, the church building. House Number 6, the Earthquake Museum, unravels Tulbagh’s journey post the earthquake. Venture to House Number 22, the Ou Volks Museum, to relive life in a restored Cape Dutch cottage.
This museum offers glimpses of bygone eras. Embrace the allure of the past framed within these historic walls.
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Address: 22 Church St, Tulbagh
Contact: 023 230 1041
4. Duikersdrift (Buchanan’s Brewery)
Indulge your taste buds at Buchanan’s Brewery in Duikersdrift, where the beer variety rivals fine wines.
Buchanan’s breweries use traditional ingredients, including malts, barley, and yeast. Duikersdrift offers ales and lagers, each with unique characteristics.
Ales use bakers’ yeast, older processes, warmer fermenting, robust flavours, and higher alcohol. Lagers employ cold-adapted yeast, slower process, crisper taste, and clearer appearance.
Ales come in porters, stouts, and pale ales are available in fruitier, richer, and bitter flavour profiles.
Lagers include pale, dark, and pilsner flavours. Enjoy Duikersdrift’s diverse beer symphony!
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 11:00 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Address: Duikersdrift Farm, Duikersdrift
Contact: 060 555 2943
5. Silwerfontein Hiking Trail
Embark on a 2-day adventure through Silwerfontein Hiking Trail’s natural wonders, 30 minutes from Tulbagh.
Day 1 unveils a captivating journey from lush forests to rocky landscapes, greeted by vibrant protea fields.
Make your way up Saddle which has an elevation of 604 metres, and turn left toward Ontongskop, with king proteas along the trail. You are set to reach the cave after 4 hours.
The second day starts at the shelter, reaching Ontongskop’s peak, descending gullies, and taking a path to Beacon Peak, with an elevation of 622 metres. Wind through a protected plateau, then return to base camp. Remember, no fires in the forest. Follow markers closely, bring essentials, and if you aren’t fit enough for this arduous trek, don’t participate.
Opening times: Arrange hikes by appointment
Address: Silwerfontein Off R44 between Hermon & Gouda,
Gouda
Contact: 079 500 1906
6. Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa (Spa treatment)
Discover tranquillity at Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa in Tulbagh. Tailored natural therapies embrace unique and relaxing treatments, guiding you towards mind-body harmony.
Qualified therapists are trained to channel boundless energy, focusing solely on rejuvenating you. Surrender to their skilled hands, melting into serenity.
Indulge in Fynbos-infused treatments, with sessions geared toward activating various bodily senses. Elevate your indulgence with steaming hot tub soaks and Himalayan salt therapy.
Expectant mothers can find solace in expert care, pampered in pregnancy-safe luxury.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Address: Twee Jonge Gezellen Road, Tulbagh
Contact: 072 698 0623
7. Readers Restaurant (Tulbagh)
Situated on Tulbagh’s historic Church Street, Readers Restaurant offers a myriad of flavours locally sourced flavours. Amidst favourites like chicken pie and a rack of lamb, Carol’s ice cream is a show-stopper.
A wine list embracing Tulbagh’s finest cellars echoes the heartbeats of the region’s finest wines.
Salads with almonds, parmesan, and camembert cheese take a nutty plunge, while soup and soda bread offer warm and flavourful options.
Watermelon pizza (you read that correctly) intrigues along with kudu carpaccio. Lunch unveils only the finest bobotie with a salad and quiche with chips. Mains delight – from brandy-soaked pork loin chops to steak’s caper symphony. Minted pesto compliments lamb kebabs, while trout with ginger and wasabi offer something unique. BLT cheeseburger boasts bacon, lettuce, and tomato at Readers Restaurant, nature and flavour fuse.
Opening times: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday, 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm; Tuesday, Closed
Address: 12 Church St, Tulbagh
Contact: 023 230 0087
8. Ceres Zipslide Adventures
Prepare for an electrifying adventure at Ceres Zipline, a 25-minute drive from Tulbagh.
Brace yourself for 1.4km of pure adrenaline rush through 8 thrilling slides ranging from 100 m to 290 m. This eco-adventure is the epitome of safe, high-speed excitement. Nestled in the Schurweberg Mountains beneath Koekedouw Dam, make Ceres your playground.
Gear up in full-body harnesses, guided by two professionals, launching you into the mountains. Sip on a refreshing drink during and after your tour. Climb aboard the zipslide taxi/bus, a quick ride (just 5 km) to mountain heights. Tour duration adjusts to group size.
Don’t let the weather or no group size hold you back from this experience. Even 3-year-old kids join this incredible journey.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Address: 1 Voortrekker St, Ceres
Contact: 079 245 0354
9. Tulbagh Tractor Ride
Take the leisurely Tulbagh Tractor Ride, a journey unlike any other. Climb aboard a charming tractor and travel through time as you ascend the Oudekloof pass, a path steeped in history.
With picturesque stops dotting your route, the adventure unfolds with tales of old. Take in the awe-inspiring views of Tulbagh Valley and the Swartland throughout the ride. Bird enthusiasts find joy in spotting the fynbos seven, a haven for avian admirers.
Witness the splendour of proteas and fynbos, a floral delight accompanying sips of fine wine and delectable snacks.
Opening times: Book in advance for tractor rides
Address: Oudekloof Farm, Tulbagh
Contact: 082 440 9459
10. Anglo Boer War Blockhouse Tulbagh
In times past, a Anglo Boer War Blockhouse stood, a fortress that signifies a critical historical artefact in South Africa.
It became a solitary structure, rising to shield distant enemies. Amidst the Boer War, British hands crafted many of these forts, guardians of lands secluded. Their duty was safeguarding rails and spanned the vast British warcraft, like this Tulbagh Blockhouse, nestled by the railway.
Tulbugh boasts two such bastions, meticulously preserved. Erected amid the Anglo-Boer War, this fortress stood as a military lookout over the adjacent rail bridge.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, All hours
Address: Scenic Cape Route 62 toward Tulbagh
Contact: 072 999 4167
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