Riebeek West, Swartland
One of two comparable towns lying in the stunning Riebeek Valley - Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel - with views that have had many a day tripper making rash decisions to relocate, Riebeek West might be regarded as the Cinderella of the two, but has its own draw cards - beautiful old Victorian houses, peace and quiet, and easy access to local vineyards.
The Valley has become the mecca of artists, alternate life-stylers and young self-sufficients who work from home and commute to Cape Town, which is only an hour away.
This is the scene of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields, where an annual olive festival and a vibrant community have added to the town’s appeal and predictably resulted in estate agents calling it ‘the new Franschhoek’.
The imposing mountain, after which the valley is named, was called Riebeek’s Kasteel way back in 1661, in honour of the then governor of the Cape. Huguenots settled here and inevitably planted vineyards in what is still a wine growing region today, whilst wealthier farmers retired in Riebeek Kasteel.
Riebeek West is all about a laid-back way of life, bread, olives and, wine. A slightly bohemian atmosphere has only contributed to the valley’s appeal. That, and the tranquil existence that offers a unhurried pace and a place to get away; to slow down.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Merindol Manor
Merindol Manor is one of the oldest houses in the Valley. All rooms at Merindol Manor have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Views of th...
Brambleberry Farm
Brambleberry Farm offers four double bedrooms, each with an en-suite. Two rooms are in the main house and two rooms are downstairs. These two hav...
La Terrazza
Welcome to La Terrazza, a tranquil retreat, nestled in the heart of Riebeek West, Western Cape. Our guest house offers a blend of modern comfort ...
Schoemansrus Guest House
Located in the Swartland town of Riebeek West, Schoemansrus Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation. The guest house is set in a large...
1 Royal Street Guesthouse
1 Royal Street Guesthouse in Riebeek Kasteel is a unique and charming boutique guesthouse nestled in the heart of one of the oldest and most hist...
Riebeek Valley Hotel
Riebeek Valley Hotel is a tranquil and romantic country retreat with vistas of picturesque vineyards, olive groves and majestic Kasteelberg Mount...
Klipdrift Farm Stay
Klipdrift Farm Stay offers self catering Swartland accommodation on a working farm. It is located 16km outside of Riebeeck West, in the Swartland...
Things to do in the area
Allesverloren Wine Estate
Allesverloren dates back to the the 17th century and is one of the oldest estates in the Swartland. The Malan family have owned it since 1872 whe...
Short Street Market
This market might be on Short Street but its by no means short on stalls, atmosphere or fun! The Short Street Market takes place on the last Satu...
Pulpit Rock Winery
In 1918 Grandpa Brink was offered a job as winemaker of Groot Constantia which he declined as wasn’t the right time and the family longed to make...
Du Vlei Farm Stall
The Du Vlei farmstall and restaurant is situated between Riebeek Kasteel and Hermon on the R46.Breakfast and lunch are served daily from 08h00 un...
Mullineux Winery
Mullineux is world-renowned as fine wine producers, while defining Syrah and Chenin Blanc through the lens of the Swartland appellation of South ...
Pieter Cruythoff Route Trail
Start: stile to the north of the memorial on Bothmanskloof PassFinish: back where you startedDuration: 2, 3 hoursFitness: moderateOur tip: you sh...
Carl Thunberg Route
Start: Pulpit Rock Winery, north of Riebeek West on the R311Finish: back where you startedDuration: 2, 3 hoursFitness: moderateOur tip: you can g...
The Village Market
This is a true Village market offering handmade and home grown crafts and foods. Baskets leave laden with a multitude of delicious goodies to eat...
Noteworthy attractions
Swartland Wine Route
Meaning ‘black country’ and named after the indigenous Renosterbos, which turns a dark colour at a certain time of the year, the wine route exten...
Dasklip Pass
Near the town of Porterville you will find Dasklip Pass, famous for its launching pad for experienced hang-gliders. Local paragliding championshi...
Darling Renosterveld Reserve
Situated in the village of Darling, the Renosterveld Reserve, which you will find at the top of the village on a hill just behind the Darling Pri...
Tienie Versveld Reserve
The Tienie Versveld Reserve lies just outside Darling en route to Yzerfontein, part of a farm that was donated to the National Botanical Society ...
Berg River Region
North of the Berg River lie the little towns of Piketberg, Porterville, Wittewater, Goedverwacht, Veddrif, Aurora, Eendekuil and Redelinghuys. Kn...
Bartholomeus Klip Renosterveld Reserve
On Bartholomeus Klip's grassy plains you will find wild animals in one of the last spaces, so close to a city, that still allows for game to free...
Bothmaskloof Pass
Bothmaskloof Pass connects the towns of Malmesbury and Riebeeck Kasteel on the R46. Sometimes also known as Bothmanskloof, the pass takes one ove...
Nuwekloof Pass
The Nuwekloof Pass connects the town of Tulbagh with Riebeek-Kasteel and Wellington. Historically it has been called the Oudekloof, Tulbaghkloof ...
Verlorenvlei Heritage Settlement
What was once a thriving little hamlet on the shores of Verlorenvlei (40 buildings or ruins were still in evidence in 1992) is only a few survivi...
Find accommodation in Riebeek West
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Swartland Accommodation / Riebeek West Accommodation