TOUWS RIVER Attractions

Western Cape Destinations

Touws River, Karoo

Touws River, Klein Karoo

The pretty little railway town of Touws River, between Barrydale and Ladismith in the little Karoo, lies some 185 kilometres east of Cape Town. Touws River is set on the fringes of the Klein Karoo, basically a valley sandwiched between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains, which in turn separates the Little Karoo from the Garden Route’s coastal strip.

The town, built on the banks of the Touws River, is one of few towns this close to Cape Town to have escaped, for the most part, the overexcited exodus of Capetonians to ‘weekend’ homes in villages within easy reach of city living - possibly because the N1 passes through it. Calling it a ‘railway’ town is something of a misnomer however, as though it began its life as the first major staging post, locomotive depot and marshalling yard after Cape Town, its beautiful setting at the summit of the Hex River Mountain Pass belies this polluted image.

Touws River, Klein Karoo

'Touws' is the Hottentot word for ‘gate’ and the town is regarded as the gateway to Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, and as a ‘doorway’ to the Karoo. The town is also on the national flower route, which, between July and September, is alive with the vivid shades of Karoo flowers. Touws River is also home to the Cape’s famous fynbos, succulent Karoo and rare renosterveld vegetation and its wide spaces and beautiful views make it a wonderful space in which to unwind.

Visit the steam engine graveyard, the Loganda pillars, used for astronomical calculations in the 1880s, and the Kaggakamma reserve to the north of Touws River, where ancient San painting sites are said to be 6000 years old.

Featured Attractions in (or near) Touws River

Aquila Nature Reserve

Aquila is a private Nature Reserve lying outside the town of Touwsriver; just less than two hours drive from Cape Town along a particularly scenic route on the N1. The reserve is named after the Black Eagle found in the area that is today rarely encountered and regarded as an endangered species. Aquila, whilst ... more information

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Things To Do in Touws River

Game Viewing at Aquila Game Reserve

Where: Touws River
How much (per person): R1001 to R1500

A representative of Aquila Private Game Reserve will meet you at your hotel, travel via the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass and endless winelands ... more information

On Holiday in Touws River

• Touws River Accommodation
• Barrydale Accommodation
• Ladismith Accommodation
• Karoo Accommodation
• Western Cape Accommodation

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Touws River

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