Citrusdal Snapshot
Hanekom, Van Zyl, Valencia and Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos tea to the uninformed) are the dominant species in this little town set invitingly on the far side of Piekernierskloof Pass. In contrast to its namesake, the fragrant Citrusdal Valley, the town of Citrusdal is as the name suggests: you know, a little dull. It serves mainly as an economic hub for the region’s farmers who spend a lot of time gazing at their Navels (and Valencias), in an ongoing quest to satisfy the fussy overseas customer with the perfect orange. So while the town itself is not the place to base yourself, the comely valley stretching out for miles on both sides most definitely is.
Things To Do
- Physical exertion in and around Citrusdal involves hiking, biking, skydiving, canoeing on the Olifants and eyeballing rock paintings. The jacked tourism office will be able to point you in the right direction for most of these activities.
- Citrusdal is your gateway to the southern Cederberg and the outdoor pleasures found among its craggy folds. Before heading out to the area do yourself a favour and purchase Peter Slingsby’s excellent, Cederberg – The Map. Whether hiker, biker, rock-arter or casual tourist passing through the area, you will find this annotated map extremely user-friendly. Available from Exclusive Books in and around Cape Town.
- The town once had 11 possible mountain bike routes traversing cultivated farmland and fynbos mountain. Most have long since fallen into disuse, but, if interested, contact the tourism office for an update of where you can and can’t ride.
- The Baths is blissful therapy after a hard day’s slog on bike or foot. Day visitors are permitted and there is a hot- and cold-water pool, as well as several indoor jacuzzis.
- If you have time, explore some of Citrusdal’s tar and dirt byways, among them the Paleisheuwel mountain drive leading off Piekernierskloof Pass, and the dirt road to Ceres (R303), which cleaves a wondrous path through the Koue Bokkeveld.
- The Uitspan Coffee Shop on Voortrekker Weg is a good bet for coffee and light meals. It shares space with Citrusdal’s tourism office and dishes up light day fare, including omelettes the size of carpets and decent burgers. Dinner is limited to Patrick’s, a local flavour of the day and owned by a rosy-cheeked Irishman with an Afrikaans accent. Popular for steaks, pizzas and other satisfying 70’s throwbacks like avocado ritz and garlic snails.
Petersfield Mountain Cottages
Citrusdal, Western Cape
Both Dassieklip Luxury Farm Cottage and De Kom Mountain Cottage have become something of legends on the self-catering map – thanks in no small part to a mix of great setting, attention to detail...
Rate Guide
R275pp - R500pp (4-6 guests) and R500pp - R700pp (2 guests) depending on unit, days of the week and holiday season.
River Farm Cottage
Citrusdal, Western Cape
If seclusion, off-the-grid living (no Eskom), and total escape from humanity are high on your wishlist, then River Farm Cottage has your name written all over it! This wonderful cottage sits in the s...
Rate Guide
R1400 nightly for the cottage.
Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
Citrusdal, Western Cape
Part of a 270ha farm near Citrusdal, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat lies in a gorgeous valley that drops down to the banks of the Olifants River. With rugged mountain peaks and swathes of fynbos on ev...
Rate Guide
From R1900 to R3300, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland