Situated at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountain Range, the small town with the same name has become a popular pitstop for those travelling to and from the Garden Route. Almost missed as you make your way along the N2, this tiny town offers a great deal more than the great baked goods it has become known for.
When travelling past again, do yourself a favour and take a minute or two to discover what this beautiful little town has to offer. We’ve put together a short list of 5 unexpected things to do in Riviersonderend. Enjoy:
1) Take a Historical Hike
The beautiful and historical is combined in the exciting Kleinbergie Hiking Trail near Riviersondered. Don your hiking boots and discover the rugged landscapes while also learning more about the town’s intricate history. The trail takes you past the canons used in the signal system which was used to call residents to military service in the area.
2) Party at a Festival
Join one of South Africa’s top musical festivals just outside of Riviersonderend, Vortex. An open-air music delirium is hosted on a beautiful farm just outside the town and stretches over a full weekend. Let your mind relax and your feet do the work to the rhythmic sounds of world-class DJs.
3) Go kloofing
Hidden in the nearby Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve lies a wonderful world of adventure waiting to be explored. Within the Reserve you can find the Suicide Gorge and Riviersonderend kloofing trails which allows you to immerse yourself in nature in the most extreme way. The Riviersonderend Route is for those who would prefer a more meagre challenge, starting off with a 4km hike and then a roughly 6km kloofing section. Are you ready?
4) Enjoy Home-Baked Goodness
The popularity of the town as a pitstop for travellers has spawn a thriving foodie industry in the small town. The local eateries pull out all the stops with their lovely light meals, succulent snacks and delicious delicacies. From restaurants to cosy coffee shops to homely bakeries, this little town as the right recipe.
5) Learn about the Birds and Bees
The stunning landscapes and almost untouched surrounding areas make for the perfect habitat for an array of wildlife in the area. The nearby mountain ranges which give way to rolling fields of flowering canola and then on to the meandering river offers a unique hub for these creatures. The River and its surrounds is said to be home to almost 65 different species of birds including Eagles, Kingfishers and the endangered Blue Crane.
Riviersonderend is truly one of those uniquely Overberg towns with so much to offer. So why not put up your feet and savour your stay in the town where the good life never ends.
