Tulbagh Snapshot
Tulbagh (100km from Cape Town) comprises two main parallel roads, one an architectural pleasure, the other a sunbaked stretch of buildings plying a dusty commercial trade. The town’s pride and joy is historic Church Street and the long, moody valley – an alternating slideshow of foaming spring blossom, crimson autumn rust and mountains topped with swirls of winter cream. Church Street has the greatest concentration of national monuments in the country (32); most of these were virtually flattened by a devastating earthquake in 1969, but thanks to an impressive restoration effort all are back on their feet and doing a steady trade with local and overseas tourists.
Things To Do
- Strolling down historic Church Street is the standard introduction to Tulbagh. The street is a concentration of Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, beautifully restored after the 1969 earthquake pegged 6.4 on the Richter scale.
- The village is enclosed on three sides by mountains – the Obiqua, Winterhoek and Witzenberg. This translates into good hiking, cycling, horseriding and scenic drives. A walking and cycling map, as well as permits for these activities can be collected from the tourism office on Church Street.
- There are a number of wine cellars in the immediate area, including one or two new boutique cellars. TweeJonge Gezellen and old faithful Drostdyhof are the better-known estates, while Manley Wine Cellar and Saronsberg are among the new contenders. Most are open for tastings during the week and Saturday morning.
- Tulbagh has several coffee shops and dinner options, which tend to come and go with the weather. As there are none of the usual fast-food outlets, we joined the blue-overalled locals at the Vis Paleis for hake/barbel wrapped in brown paper – the name alone deserved a visit.
Guinevere Guest Farm
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Yip, we get it, this isn’t your typical budget getaway. While we know you’re gawking at the nightly rate (R12k per night isn’t exactly BG territory), you need to think creatively on ...
Rate Guide
From R12000 to R18000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Tulbagh Mountain Bungalow
Tulbagh, Western Cape
This stylish and contemporary mountain bungalow certainly leaves no stone unturned when it comes to aesthetics. From its bold lines and swathes of bright colour, oodles of style and mountain views tha...
Rate Guide
From R2450 to R2650, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Eikelaan Farm Cottages
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Eikelaan is for those who like their bread with a thick layer of full cream butter. On offer at this neat working farm with wheat, vines and cattle is a pair of semi-detached luxury units and a newl...
Rate Guide
From R1000 to R1600, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Mont Rouge Cottages
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Our Self-catering riverside Cottages are affordable and spacious, fully equipped with breathtaking mountain views. The tranquility and beauty in and around the cottages will guarantee an unforgettable...
Rate Guide
From R1496 to R3850, depending on unit, guests and time of year
The Boathouse at Oakhurst Olives
Tulbagh, Western Cape
Just 90 minutes from Cape Town and part of the Cape Winelands. This tranquil farming valley is nestled between three mountains, The Groot Winterhoek, The Witzenberg, and the Obiqua. The Boathouse cons...
Rate Guide
From R3000, 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