Somerset West is situated in the Western Cape on the edge of

Somerset West is a residential town on the edge of the Cape Winelands dominated by vineyards and the craggy folds of the beautiful Helderberg mountains. At Vergelegen, one of the oldest and most imposing wine estates in the country, the camphor trees have been declared a national monument and the extensive grounds are delightful. Somerset West is a restful area of much greenery and close enough to sea and mountains to allow enjoyment of both.

In 1817 the British Governor, Lord Charles Somerset, granted permission to four farmers, owning different parts of a divided Vergelegen, at the foot of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains, to build a church and a lay out a village around it. In 1819 he also allowed them to name the new village ’Somerset” in his hornour. In 1850 the ‘West’ was added to Somerset to distinguish it from Somerset East in the Eastern Cape.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 48 km

HISTORICAL VIEW

National Monuments

The Old Bridge

Over the Lourens River (1845) and the NG Church (1820), burial site to ‘Onze Jan’ Hofmeyer and other well known South Africans.

NATURE

Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary

Large variety of aquatic birds

Helderberg Nature Reserve

Situated on the outskirts of town, popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Helderberg Nature Reserve, primarily a botanical reserve, is famous for it’s beautiful proteas and disas.

Facilities

The 100 year old oak trees provide shade for several picnic sites. The reserve has a restaurant, called the Duck Inn.

ATTRACTIONS

Country Club Market

A range of quality hand-crafted goods. September to May.

Spookhill

Often generates discussion on whether the fact that cars roll uphill here is an optical illusion or one of the world’s unsolved mysteries.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

The Helderberg Nature Reserve offers a network of day trails, ranging from 3 km to 8 km in length (3-6 hours). Graded easy to difficult. Guides available.

Helderbergplaas Hiking Trail

One or two circular routes. Graded moderate to difficult. Overnight huts available.

Taaibos Day Walks

One day, 11 km circular route. Grading moderate to very difficult. Overnight hut and campsite.

Mountain Biking Helderbergplaas Mountain Bike Trail

An 11 km cycling trail graded as average to very difficult. Overnight facilities available.

Accommodation in and around Ladysmith