Riversdale

in the so-called grassveld of the winter rainfall area.

Riversdale Riding School

Riversdale lies on the coastal strip between the Lnageberg Mountain Range and the sea – in the so-called grassveld of the winter rainfall area. The abundance of flora earned it the name ‘Floral Paradise of the Garden Route ‘and it is a favourite destination for nature lovers, especially fynbos enthusiasts. Guided tours are offered to various fynbos export farms, while scenic areas such as the KOrente / Vette River Dam offer peace and tranquility. The region offers a wide choice of hiking trails, while the adventurous tourist can explore exquisite mountain scenery with activities such as 4x4 routes, abseiling alongside waterfalls and horseback safaris at the popular Mont Blanc Adventure Farm. The town is guarded on the northern side by the towering Langeberg mountains with the landmark ‘ Sleepring Beauty’ peak that never fails to capture the imagination. A scenic route through Garcia Pass brings you to the Klein (‘Little’) Karoo and the interior. Several seaside towns are located within a few kilometers of Riversdale. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage, especially in the fields of art and literature. Impressive examples of South African art can be viewed at the Juluis Gordon Africana Centre, which houses a private collection of antiques and art works. A variety of accommodation establishments to suit every taste and requirement is available.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 300 km, Swellendam 80 km, Mossel Bay 89 km, George 143 km

Climate

The climate is moderate with rainfall throughout the year.

HISTORICAL VIEW

Julius Gordon Africana Museum

Home to a precious collection of furniture and paintings

NATURE

Gouriqua / Reins Nature Reserve

Rich in birdlife and rare flowers species.

Sleeping Beauty Mountain Peak

Various hiking trails with overnight facilities

ACTIVITIES

Abseiling / Rock Climbing

Abseiling Riverdale

Corrente River Dam

Favoured for picnics and water sport

Hiking

Kristalkloof Hiking Trail

Starting Point: Kristalkloof, Garcia Pass. End: Circular Route. Distance / Duration: 20 km / 8 hours, (alternative 2 day route). Rating: Easy. Permit: manager, Tourist Camp. Features include beautiful fynbos.

Mont Blanc Adventure Trails

Starting point: Mont Blanc Adventure Farm. End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 60 km in total. Various circular routes can be followed – discuss your preferences, and establish a route specifically suited to your needs. Permit: Required. Features include magnificent mountain scenery, waterfalls and pools, indigenous forests, San (Bushman) drawings. On request, routes can be tailored to include abseiling and / or rock climbing.

Rooiwaterspruit Hiking Trail

Starting Point: Sleeping Beauty Trail. End: Rooiwaterspruit. Distance / Durateion: 23 km / 5 hours. Rating: average. Permit: Manager, Tourist Camp. Features include rich variety of mountain fynbos.

Sleeping Beauty Hiking Trail

Starting point: Tolhuis. End: Old School Building. Distance / Duration: 13 km / 4 hours (an alternative 5 day route of 23,5 km). Rating: Average. Permit: manager, Tourist Camp. Features include yellowwood forest and fynbos.

Horse Riding

Mont Blanc Adventure Farm

Kweekkraal Guest Farm

Gymkana Club

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Mont Blanc Adventure Farm

Kweekkraal Guest Farm