Villiersdorp, Villiersdorp

Lying in the centre of a flourishing apple-growing region, which also happens to produce grapes, onions, peaches and apricots, it's not hard to imagine Villiersdorp's prettiness and its attraction to visitors. Villiersdorp lies between the N1 and the N2 on the R43 in the Cape Overberg Region, in a valley accessed by one of four spectacular mountain passes.

Nature lovers can take a guided walking, cycling or driving tour through Villiersdorp and see mountain passes, historic farms, rivers, dams and other points of interest. If you have never seen or hugged an Alpaca, now is the time. A breeding farm just outside town fleece these spitting South American creatures who, quite possibly, inspired the mullet-hairstyle in the 80's. Their wool is used to make cuddly soft non-allergenic garments that are well worth investing in.

The local tourism centre has a small museum that is crammed with a collection of artefacts highlighting interesting stories about the history of Villiersdorp. This building is also the hub for markets that showcase the work of the areas talented artists, of whom there are many.

Another major attraction is the Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest dam in the region and main source of water to Cape Town, which offers some excellent fishing and water sports.

Between Villiersdorp and Grabouw, the town due south of the Theewaterskloof Dam famous for its apples, lies the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve, which has small populations of rhebok, klipspringer, duiker and grysbok, and plays an important role in the protection of mountain fynbos.

It is the collection of old Victorian houses, cottages and smallholdings, enhanced by its thriving artists' community, who have been drawn here largely by the peace and beauty of the surrounds, that give Villiersdorp its character. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time of year in Villiersdorp as the many tree-lined avenues are heavy with leaves of every colour, and in October, at the end of the winter fruit season, Villiersdorp celebrates its annual harvest festival.