Nieuwoudtville
Nieuwoudtville, originally a farm established in 1897, is a small peaceful town that lies on the Bokkeveld Escarpment in the Northern Cape of South Africa. Also known as the “Bulb Capital of the World”, the town showcases a large bulb and wild flower concentration and is thus a popular stop for botanists and researchers. In addition, Nieuwoudtville lies between four different vegetation areas, Cape Fynbos, Hantam Karoo, Boesmanland and the Knersvlakte making the town a biodiversity hotspot.
In addition to its botanical value, the small town is rich in settler history and early indigenous culture, which can be witnessed through ancient rock art in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve and on various farms around Nieuwoudtville.
Small scale farming is the common economic activity in the area, and the rooibos tea that is farmed in the surrounding area is of the finest quality.
Popular attractions include, the Neo-Gothic Sandstone Church (National Monument), local Historical Sandstone Ruins, Quiver Tree Forest (Aloe Dichotoma); Glacial Pavement; abundant Rock Art; the local Bulb Nursery; Nieuwoudtville Wild Flower Reserve; Hantam National Botanical Garden; Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve and the Nieuwoudtville Waterfall Reserve.
Along the Route
The Rooibos Heritage Route is a vision of tranquility, majestic mountain ranges and picture perfect landscapes. It is a journey filled with history, cultural values and warm welcoming hearts.
More commonly known as the Moedverloor Route to locals, this dirt road links Nieuwoudtville to Wupperthal along a scenic drive between the Suid Bokkeveld and the Cedarberg Mountains. The route lies between two Biodiversity hotspots, and the transition between this Fynbos and Renosterveld of the Cape Floristic Region and the Succulent Karoo provides an interesting sight.
The route lies amongst various farms where small scale farming is practiced, mostly rooibos farming. The farmers and their families welcome all passing visitors with a friendly wave and a chat with those eager to enquire about the uniqueness of the area. Visitors have the responsibility of opening and closing the farm gates on the various farms passed on the route, this provides a feeling of unity with the landscape, encouraging visitors for a return visit. Wupperthal and Nieuwoudtville offer talks and tours which demonstrations the production of rooibos tea from start to finish.
The route is filled with the history and culture of the locals, evident in the homesteads, various structural remains and the interesting farm and area names along the road. The donkey cart is a common sight on the route closer to Wupperthal and remains the main mode of transport in the area. The route offers various activities to be engaged with the local culture and traditions.
The geological significance of the area adds structure to the unique beauty of the Rooibos Heritage Route. In addition, the flower season covers the area with a blanket of colors which can be admired from the various outlook spots, especially while descending into Biedouw valley.
Wupperthal
The Moravian town of Wuppertal lies nestled between a very rugged wilderness, 72km southeast of Clanwilliam and 250km from Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa.
In 1865, Wupperthal became part of the Moravian church and currently consist of 13 outstations: Langkloof, Eselbank, Kleinvlei, Martiensrus, Langbome, Beukeskraal, Brugkraal, Grasvlei, Witwater, Heuningvlei, Suurug, Menskraal, Prinsekraal, Nuweplaas, Agterfonteinskloof and Heiveld.
The main attractions of the town includes the large Church which opened in 1830, The Shoe factory which is well known for manufacturing authentic leather “veldskoene” and the Church bells which was erected in 1899 as a gift from the people of the town Wupperthal, in Germany. Wupperthal has a long history of small scale farming and houses the Wupperthal Original Rooibos Cooperative, supporting organic Rooibos cultivation.
The charming and serene town lies in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains offering wonderful hiking and 4x4 trails. The beauty of the town and its natural surroundings is complimented by the friendly faces and open hearts of the community. The residential area of the town consists of a series of three terraces of neatly thatched cottages which contributes to its uniqueness.
