The picturesque Stettynskloof valley, characterised by oaks, orchards, richly grassed areas and the crystalline Holsloot River, has, for many years, been the secret playground of rainbow trout and intrepid fly-fishermen.
This getaway has also enchanted bird watchers, whose meandering hikes accidently lead then into the valley where they could observe feathery folk with outrageously colourful names such as the bar-throated apalis, fork-tailed drongo, Layard’s tit-babbler, Victorin’s warbler and southern boubou.
Over time some families have stumbled upon this hidden gem, just an hour from Cape Town, but they have generally kept it a secret.
Today members of the Stofberg family are custodians of this natural wonder, and offer accommodation at the Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway, which consists of seven campsites and five self-catering cottages.
Besides the fishing, it is a good spot to hike, mountain bike or simply unwind and enjoy the mountain views.
One of the secrets of this spot is that at the top of the valley there is a dam which supplies water to nearby towns. The dam also ensures a constant supply of water into the Holsloot River – perfect for summer dips and trout fishing.
The Stettynskloof valley forms part of the Breedekloof wine region centred on the nearby town of Rawsonville. The region combines wines with hearty country food, mountains, vineyards and sparkling rivers.
The region can be reached from Cape Town along the N1, but with all it has to offer it’s not surprising that many visitors turn their day trips into overnight stays – with Dwarsberg just one of the many accommodation spots on offer.
The Dwarsberg camping sites each cost R510 a night for up to six people. For more than six, you pay R85 per additional adult, R45 per additional child (aged four to 12), with no charge for children under three.
The ablution block has two showers with hot water, two toilets and an electricity point. You need to take along your own tent and an extension cord. Two free bags of wood per night are supplied and there is a portable braai.
If camping sounds too rugged, you could always investigate one of the cottages that boast names such Tant Kappie and Oom Ed. The rates start at R600 a night, which includes the first two people – children under four stay free.
The Tant Kappie cottage got its name from a nickname given to a woman who insisted on walking 15km to church in Rawsonville – and back – solely under the protection of a bonnet or “kappie”. The cottage is close to the river, has electricity and sleeps seven.
The Oom Ed cottage is named after South African television journalist Ed Herbst, a friend of the Stofberg family and major fan of the area’s peace, tranquillity and excellent fly fishing.
Visitors can also explore nearby wineries which range from small boutique producers to estates and large cellars. Those close to Dwarsberg include Avondrood with its excellent viognier and a distinctive sauvignon blanc.
Daschbosch Cellar is popular during the annual Breedekloof Outdoor & Wine festival and is also home to a wine – Nectar de Provision.
For a boutique winery experience, explore Kirabo Private Cellar, just down the road from Daschbosch. The Le Roux family is the fifth generation to farm this land, and the whole family is involved in the wine-making process.
At Merwida Wines the Van der Merwe family has been making wines in the valley since the 1800s.
Lovers of unusual cultivars should enjoy their Barbera – a red wine with rich blackberry fruit and a hint of coffee and spices.
Besides serving a variety of wines, Goudini Wines also has a coffee shop is open daily for light meals. While TCB wines is a fun spot to visit, especially if you love classics cars and Mercs in particular – be nice and TC Botha will show you his collection.
An up-coming event is the annual Breedekloof Soetes & Soup weekend running from July 22 to 23. The wineries combat the wintry chills by serving visitors cups of steaming hot homemade soup accompanied by a glass of soetes (dessert wines) including hanepoot, noble late harvest, red jerepigo and port.
p For more information, visit the Breedekloof Wine & Tourism information office in Rawsonville. Open seven days a week, it offers a selection of the region’s wines for tasting and sales.
See www.breedekloof.com or call 023 349 1791. - Weekend Argus