Many Capetonians hear the words “Breedekloof Valley” and think, “Where is that?” What many don’t know is that this beautiful area is less than an hour away from Cape Town’s bustling CBD, and while a world apart in pace, is beautiful in its simplicity.
We have a tendency to not look beyond areas such as Constantia or Stellenbosch for beautiful vineyards to visit, but the Breedekloof Valley offers some of the country’s most celebrated wines – many of which are from wine farms that may not be commercially known, but are hidden gems.
The air here is clean and still, a great departure from Cape Town’s busy inner city districts. There are many nooks and crannies to explore, and one of the first you should visit is the Mountain Brewing Company.
Beginning as something of a passion project, this brewing company has now grown to be known for their award-winning beers. Their five craft beers have won six national gold medals. The brewery sits perched on the peaks of the Klipbokkop Mountain Reserve – hence its name – and encompasses incredible views of a beautiful dam and the surrounding fauna and flora.
An hour away from the Mountain Brewing Company, nestled among towering mountains and rocky crags, lies another well-kept secret. Container homes have picked up in popularity in recent years, and this is your opportunity to test one out before you invest in your own.
The Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway is an idyllic spot to get away either as a family, as a couple looking for some alone time, or a group of friends looking to reconnect away from the distractions of the city. Here, you can find what are known as Pod homes – another word for container homes – and they are absolutely stunning.
There are three pods available, and each one is decorated according to an elemental theme – fire, air and water. While they were only recently introduced, the pods are wildly popular among those in the area, and its easy to see why.
The pods come equipped with everything you could possibly need to a comfortable stay – a hairdryer, gas stove, temperature control for each room, and all the crockery and utensils you could need. We stayed in the “fire pod”, and it offers the illusion and luxury of a hotel room, but the serenity and tranquility of a mountain retreat.
Each pod also has an outdoor hot tub, which is gas-fuelled, as well as a firepit to enjoy those long summer evenings.
Leaving the pod home is almost a shame, but making your way to breathtaking Bosjes makes up for it.
Situated at the foot of the Waaihoek Mountains, lies this peaceful oasis. Make sure to see the famous Bojes Chapel, which seems to float on water, before making your way through the peaceful garden.
The garden is filled with a variety of plant life, and the sound of the wind rustling through the trees is enough to make you want to never to return to the city.
Built to mirror many aspects of the Bible, the garden has a unique look and feel but not only Christians can find peace here. All the themes it deals with are universal, such as being one with nature and using this power to achieve healing and unity.
The Bosjes Guest House offers each guest a two-course dinner and continental breakfast for each evening they stay over, and there is an apartment or room suited to everyone. Each bathroom houses an exquisite bathtub that will make you want to spend hours rubber-dub-dubbing.
While we love the city life, spending a weekend exploring the Breedekloof Valley is nothing short of tranquil, and will give you a new, refreshed lease on life.
Picture: Bosjes/Instagram