Clanwilliam Coolth
November 9, 2007
And so, on to Clanwilliam.
The original plan had been to overnight in Citrusdal, languishing in the Baths. When they finally responded to the barrage of emails and calls, it was to advise that they were fully booked. At which point we thought we'd try the Tree Tops option, but, despite all the emails sent, the voicemails and smsses, we're still awaiting a response. Clearly not too keen on business, then...
After rather flat responses in Citrusdal, we decided to go further north rather to the foot of the Cederberg, and to overnight at Clanwilliam instead.
The drive up along the N7 is splendid, moving from the grainfields of the Swartland into the more rugged citrus and rooibos ("red bush", or bush tea) growing areas, along the course of the Olifantsriver (Elephant's River). Passing through towns such as Malmesbury, Mooreesburg and Piketberg, and passing close to Citrusdal, the N7 finally cruises into Clanwilliam dusty, thirsty, and a little whacked.
We chose to stay at the Elephant's River Guest House, and after checking in, strolled around the town looking for a pub to slake our thirst, and a tourist info place for a map of local walks. It was there that I discovered that Tolla van der Merwe was a local icon, proudly claimed as a hero - I'd always considered him a cultural embarrassment, but clearly not everyone shared my view on that.
That evening we dined at the Olifantshuis (Elephant's House) before returning around the corner to our welcoming bed.
The original plan had been to overnight in Citrusdal, languishing in the Baths. When they finally responded to the barrage of emails and calls, it was to advise that they were fully booked. At which point we thought we'd try the Tree Tops option, but, despite all the emails sent, the voicemails and smsses, we're still awaiting a response. Clearly not too keen on business, then...
After rather flat responses in Citrusdal, we decided to go further north rather to the foot of the Cederberg, and to overnight at Clanwilliam instead.
The drive up along the N7 is splendid, moving from the grainfields of the Swartland into the more rugged citrus and rooibos ("red bush", or bush tea) growing areas, along the course of the Olifantsriver (Elephant's River). Passing through towns such as Malmesbury, Mooreesburg and Piketberg, and passing close to Citrusdal, the N7 finally cruises into Clanwilliam dusty, thirsty, and a little whacked.
We chose to stay at the Elephant's River Guest House, and after checking in, strolled around the town looking for a pub to slake our thirst, and a tourist info place for a map of local walks. It was there that I discovered that Tolla van der Merwe was a local icon, proudly claimed as a hero - I'd always considered him a cultural embarrassment, but clearly not everyone shared my view on that.
That evening we dined at the Olifantshuis (Elephant's House) before returning around the corner to our welcoming bed.
Elephant River Guest House is conveniently close to the town without being surrounded by noise and bustle. Situated in a large garden, the Guest House consists of a main house and several garden chalets. We stayed in a chalet with an imposing brass bed draped in mosquito nets.
In keeping with its elephantine name, Elephant River Guest House has a colonial theme, with careful touches and a discerning eye. Pith helmets would not feel out of place, and were conspicuous by their absence from Georgina's impressive hat collection.
Clanwilliam can get seriously hot, and the chalets have been designed for coolness, minimising the light and maximising the airiness. The swimming pool no doubt gets its fair share of action.
Breakfast in the main house is a substantial affair, prepared to your specification, and inclined to induce somnolence in the summery sun filtering through the trees rather than the energetic impetus we struggled to muster for walking.
In keeping with its elephantine name, Elephant River Guest House has a colonial theme, with careful touches and a discerning eye. Pith helmets would not feel out of place, and were conspicuous by their absence from Georgina's impressive hat collection.
Clanwilliam can get seriously hot, and the chalets have been designed for coolness, minimising the light and maximising the airiness. The swimming pool no doubt gets its fair share of action.
Breakfast in the main house is a substantial affair, prepared to your specification, and inclined to induce somnolence in the summery sun filtering through the trees rather than the energetic impetus we struggled to muster for walking.
Elephant River Guest House
