Olifants River Valley
The Olifants River Valley lies in the Nama Karoo and constitutes parts of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sandveld, the Knersvlakte and the Matzikama Mountain range. The region gently undulates from peaks such as the Gifberg, Maskam and Koebee to the rich river valley. Scattered among this interesting landscape you'll find the friendly towns of Vredendal, Vanrhynsdorp, Klawer, Trawal, Lutzville, Koekenaap and Strandfontein.
The first thing that strikes the visitor is the prevalent semi-arid character of the land. The river with its extensive canal system is the lifeline of the area, providing irrigation for the production of grapes.
Currently three producers are accredited members of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, namely:
- Kapel with its three different vegetation types; Knersvlate Vygieveld, Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos and Namaqualand Strandveld. Knersvlakte vygieveld is an endangered type of vegetation, due to the abundance of rare succulents found amongst the quartz rocks.
- Fryer’s Cove, which created a fenced, 800ha conservation area, removing all the livestock and reinstating game which used to occur in the area.
- Wilgenhof, where the Van Zyl’s have always been passionate about conservation. Their specific conservation area has a special ‘wilderness’ feel to it and a magnificent view over the Olifants River.
