The tranquil dorpie known as the ‘Apple Valley’ is about an hour’s drive from the city of Cape Town.
It has beautiful valleys and the drive to Elgin is nothing short of picture-perfect.
1. Elgin’s epic zipline adventure
Set in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, just an hour from Cape Town, Cape Canopy Tour’s Elgin experience is an exhilarating zipline adventure. The trip begins with a 4×4 ride into the mountains, followed by 11 thrilling slides, some stretching up to 320 metres.
Each slide ends on a platform perched among fynbos-covered slopes and rugged cliffs. A highlight of the tour is the suspension bridge crossing a breathtaking double waterfall. With expert guides ensuring safety and fun, this 4.5-hour adventure is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of Elgin.
2. Hit the trails
Take in the picturesque scenery by exploring the area’s many trails.
Elgin offers numerous hiking, biking and horseriding trails through its picturesque fruit farms and rolling hills, allowing you to reconnect with nature.
With 57 biking trails in the Elgin Valley alone, there is no shortage of options for riders of all levels. Check out all the routes here.
Should you like to take in some fresh air on horseback, there are plenty of horseback riding options, such as the Elgin Grabouw Trails with Horse Riding Cape Town or horseback rides at Long Shadows Farm through the scenic farmlands of the Elgin Valley.
3. Viticulture
Gifted with rich and fertile soil, Elgin is a great place to explore all things wine.
Should you fancy a spot of wine tasting, a visit to one of Elgin’s illustrious wine farms is essential.
Elgin has a long list of wine estates to visit, and each one offers the chance to sample the region’s most popular bottles of vino while dining on perfectly paired tapas or sitting down for a full meal at the on-site restaurant. Try some bubbles at Charles Fox, pull in for a tasting or lunch at Paul Cluver or sit among the oaks sipping your favourite blend at Oak Valley. Almenkerk is also a must-visit, especially if you’re fond of chardonnay.
4. Perfect partners for good wine – olives!
If you are interested in learning how olives are cultivated and cared for, there are plenty of opportunities to gain insight into olive farming and production in Elgin.
Chaloner Olive Farm in Elgin offers a curated tasting experience featuring estate-produced extra virgin olive oils and herb-infused Kalamata olives. Guests can sample six unique tapenades or enjoy a tapenade and wine pairing with Waterford wine and Villiera’s Tradition Brut (for groups of six or more).
Tastings are available by appointment from Monday to Friday.
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Picture: Pexels -
5. Visit the Elgin Railway Market on a vintage steam-train
Take a nostalgic steam-train journey with the Ceres Rail Company to the vibrant Elgin Railway Market.
Departing from Cape Town’s Foreshore, the historic 80-year-old locomotive winds through scenic landscapes, ascending Sir Lowry’s Pass before arriving in the heart of Elgin Valley.
Housed in a 1940s apple warehouse, the market offers a lively steampunk-inspired atmosphere with live music, artisanal food and local crafts. Soak up the market’s unique charm and have some lunch before the return trip to Cape Town.
- Picture: Elgin Railway Market
6. Peregrine Farm Stall
This 58-year-old Elgin farm, Peregrine, offers locally sourced artisanal goods and wholesome, responsibly farmed, fresh produce.
Buy pies, pastries and fresh juice in bulk from the wholesalers at the farm.
You can eat in or get takeaway at the cafe that churns out artisanal foods, fynbos honey, fresh cold-pressed juices and Champagne-style apple cider.
Also visit the wine shop for locally made craft beer, wine and ciders.
Shop at the many boutique stores selling local design and hop into the spot’s iconic double-decker bus – it is packed full of beautiful leather products and unusual interior accessories.
- Location: N2 &, R321, Grabouw, 7160
- Times: Friday – Sunday, 7:30am – 6pm | Monday – Thursday, 7:30am – 5pm
7. Cheverells Farm Stall
Keen to escape to the hustle and bustle of the city? Cheverells Farm, located on an apple orchard in the heart of the Elgin Valley, is a working farm and countryside retreat that specialises in slow living. It’s a whole experience on its own.
The farm’s renovated shed serves as a delightful country café that offers a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu, but the building is also home to a gift shop selling artisanal goods, a wellness studio, and a glass greenhouse nursery.
If you don’t want to leave, that’s okay! Cheverells Farm has two perfectly decorated cottages, offering guests a cosy stay with views of the apple orchards.
You can also design your very own group wellness retreat, which would look something like lazy strolls among the apple trees, meditation mornings, yoga sessions and delicious farm-to-table meals.
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Picture: Wines of Elgin / Facebook
