A short drive from Cape Town and just over the scenic Sir Lowry’s Pass lies the Elgin Valley, home not only to its vast apple and pear orchards but also to outdoor experiences that attracts travelers from far and wide.
This week on Jetsetting with Janet, host Janet Pillai speaks to four locals about what is on offer in the area.
Trail’s End Bike Hotel
For adventure seekers, the Trail’s End Bike Hotel is the perfect mountain biking or trail running getaway.
Owner of Africa’s first bike hotel, Pieter Silberbauerc said it’s the perfect base to relax, have fun and explore all the delights the Overberg has to offer.
After 30 years of building houses Silberbauer left the industry and brought his passion for mountain biking and tourism to the Elgin Valley and opened the Trail’s End Bike Hotel in 2016.
“The idea is that this is a destination and when people come here they are never bored, there’s always something going on. There’s also so much more in the valley all within bike riding distance,” he said.
PRIZE: One-night stay in an ensuite room for two guests including a healthy buffet breakfast.
Paul Wallace Wines
A little piece of paradise is how Paul and Nicky Wallace describe their family-run business, Paul Wallace Wines.
In 2003, the couple purchased their 25 hectare farm with Paul as a viticultural consultant and Nicky as the admin, sales and marketing coordinator.
“We meet really interesting people and so often people have arrived as complete strangers, and we ended up becoming really good friends with them. You can expect friendly waggy-tail dogs, gorgeous vistas, great wines and we love meeting people so hopefully you leave with a really nice warm, fuzzy, hospitable feeling,” she said.
PRIZE: One-night midweek stay for 4 guests at Paul Wallace Wines plus a complimentary wine and chocolate pairing for 4 pax and two bottles of famous Black Dog Malbec to take home. Value of giveaway: R2500.00
Cape Canopy Tours
Situated in a World Heritage Site within CapeNature’s Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, Cape Canopy Tours allows guests to experience the beautiful landscape from above and gets their hearts racing!
Owner Ryan Larkman said the guides who take guests on the tours not only ensure their safety but also educate them on the biodiversity of the area.
“Ziplining is just a way to see this beautiful location. It’s actually a secondary activity to come in to have a look at the Reserve. So you might be a little bit scared to start, the guides are great, and they will look after you. But then you’ll start to look, you’ll open your eyes, you’ll look to the left, we go over waterfalls, and we go in between valleys. And that’s what’s so special,” he said.
PRIZE: Cape Canopy Tour Zipline Experience for 2 people valued at R2000. Look forward to hours of fun zipping through the World Heritage Site of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, in the Elgin Valley! Includes a scenic 4×4 trip, a fun and safe nature adventure across 13 elevated platforms, a suspension bridge above a waterfall and slides over 330m long!
Elgin & Grabouw Tourism
Monique Walbrugh, Committee member of Elgin / Grabouw Tourism said the Elgin Valley with all it has to offer is the perfect weekend getaway.
“We’re close enough to Cape Town in order for people to enjoy a weekend countryside break without having to spend hours on the road, but at the same time far enough for the area to not be affected by the commercial rush of the more well-known tourist areas,” she said.
