Napier, Cape Agulhas

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Napier, Cape Agulhas

Napier
Napier, Cape Agulhas

The road to Napier takes you through never ending fields of wheat and barley, where the endangered Blue Crane can often be seen gathered together in large flocks. Napier is situated under the Soetmuisberg, surrounded by rolling wheat and barley fields, at the southern-most region of Africa.

Napier is known as a village with the old world charm. Century old cottages blend with modern houses resulting in a delightful rural atmosphere. Napier was established in 1838, when Michiel van Breda and his neighbour, Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl could not agree where the church of the community should be. Resulting in two separate churches, and two separate towns, Bredasdorp and Napier were established.

Napier was named after the then Governor of the Cape, Sir George Napier. At the turn of the century miners searched for gold on the farm Hansiesrivier. The Napier Gold Mining Company was established, shares were issued but it had a very short existence. At present the town has a population of 2 554 and possesses a substantial Dutch Reformed Church and a street lined with stores and places of business. Considerable quantities of strawberries are grown in the district in the early summer.

Roadside shop in Napier
Napier's Dutch Reformed Church has rather unusual architecture and a teak interior. One of the first buildings in Napier, the Feeshuis, was restored in 1988 to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary. The Feeshuis was first used as slave quarters and then as a wine cellar.

Other interesting historical structures are the Kakebeenwa monument commemorating the Ossewa Trek and the watermill and sundial at the municipal offices. Annual events include a "Patatfees" (Sweet Potato Festival) which is held every June and "The toughest race, with the warmest heart" - The Caltex Voet Van Afrika Marathon (commonly known as The Voet) is held in October.

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Napier Reviews

average visitor rating: 5/5"I'm biased - I live here, but 13 years ago stopped for tea ... bought a home ... still here and want to be here forever! Country 'feel' but close enough to ..." - Rob Harris, Napier

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Visitorials: We Love South Africa

Napier Visitorial

I Love Napier because ...

Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa

We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Napier. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Napier because ...

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Napier

Agulhas National Park

Lying in what is known as the Agulhas Plain at the southernmost tip of Africa is the Agulhas National Park, just 45 kilometres from the popular village of Gansbaai. This might be the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, but the Agulhas National park’s focus is on some of the most splendid ... more information

Cape Agulhas Wine Route

Elim is something of a phenomenon as its unique ‘terroir’ has caused much excitement in the wine community worldwide. The cool and strong winds that prevail - south westerly and south easterly - have the effect of providing a very cool ripening season, perfect for Sauvignon Blanc and promising for ... more information

De Hoop Nature Reserve

The De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It is a favourite destination for hikers, cyclists, bird watchers and during the winter and early summer months, whale watchers. The entire length of the De Hoop coast is ... more information

Heuningberg Nature Reserve

If you are in pursuit of the Bredasdorp Lily then a trip to the Heuningberg Nature Reserve, set on the slopes of Heuningberg (Honey Mountain) south east of Bredasdorp, is a good place to start, particularly as the core of the reserve started its life as a wildflower garden. Today the over 800 hectare nature reserve ... more information

Rasperpunt Hiking Trail

More commonly known as the Agulhas walking trail, because it takes place within the Agulhas National Park, the Rasperpunt hike begins just west of the famous Agulhas lighhouse - the reason so many visitors come to L'Agulhas in the first place. Actually the Rasperpunt Hiking Trail is a circular trail that ... more information

The Whale Trail

The Whale Trail is not a new trail, having been around since about 2002, but it has become extremely popular. Nonetheless, the five-day Whale Hiking trail must be one of South Africa’s greatest selling points. It is truly a unique experience, perhaps comparable with the likes of the Otter Trail that rates as one of the ... more information

Tip of Africa Route

Based on the Overberg Tourism map, the Tip of Africa Route starts in Cape Town, where you take the N2 via Grabouw and Caledon to the pretty town of Napier (make sure to stop off at the Napier Farmstall en route), after which you have a couple of choices - Option One: You can take the R316 to ... more information

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Things To Do in Napier

The Fox Pub & Restaurant

Where: Napier
How much (per person): On Request

Do you love a proper English roast lunch but cant find one this side of the Cotswolds?! Well look no further than The Fox in Napier. This ... more information

Moerse Farm Stall

Where: Napier
How much (per person): On Request

Stop off at the 'Moerse Padstal' on the main drag in Napier and stock up on 'warm sexy bread' and all the good things you expect to find at ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Napier

Napier Patat Festival

Location: Napier
Duration: 3 days

More Information

event starts: 15 June 2012
June
event starts: 16 June 2012
June

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South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. To start planning your holiday click here to find accommodation in South Africa. Enjoy your stay in Napier!
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