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Few industries have been hit as hard by the pandemic as the travel and tourism sector, but fortuitously, it has given a fillip to tea tourism worldwide.
Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says the pandemic turned everyone’s focus to healthier living, which has fuelled a resurgence in tea consumption and exploring the unique regions where tea or tisanes are produced.
“Globally, this trend has led to once dilapidated tea planter’s bungalows and houses being restored and turned into boutique hotels and lodges. Here, tea-lovers can enjoy a tranquil stay, away from the city surrounded by nature, while learning more about their favourite brew.
“Most of these tea estates are 100+ years old, so staying there and learning about its history, tea culture and heritage is a unique experience in and of itself. When you go on a tea tour, a whole new world starts to unfold. It takes you inside a century-old community that has been farming and processing tea for generations.
Few industries have been hit as hard by the pandemic as the travel and tourism sector, but fortuitously, it has given a fillip to tea tourism worldwide.
Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says the pandemic turned everyone’s focus to healthier living, which has fuelled a resurgence in tea consumption and exploring the unique regions where tea or tisanes are produced.
“Globally, this trend has led to once dilapidated tea planter’s bungalows and houses being restored and turned into boutique hotels and lodges. Here, tea-lovers can enjoy a tranquil stay, away from the city surrounded by nature, while learning more about their favourite brew.
“Most of these tea estates are 100+ years old, so staying there and learning about its history, tea culture and heritage is a unique experience in and of itself. When you go on a tea tour, a whole new world starts to unfold. It takes you inside a century-old community that has been farming and processing tea for generations.
Skimmelberg Farm (Clanwilliam) offers regular Rooibos and Buchu tours. Visitors will get to see these two plants as they occur naturally in the wild, how they are organically and sustainably farmed, and enjoy a tea-tasting that’s sure to tantalise all the senses.
Stander says the concept of a Rooibos Route took hold after being inundated by questions from tourists about Rooibos at the local Rooibos Teahouse, a boutique restaurant where tourists can sample more than 100 varieties of Rooibos. “We realised that a route could add significant value to the tourists’ experience, and it has.
“Since 2014, we’ve hosted many local and overseas tourists, and are looking forward to welcoming more to our beautiful region,” she says.
Here’s a list of activities that you can expect along the Rooibos Route:
· Learn how Rooibos is produced – from farm to cup (harvest season only, from December to March). Skimmelberg offers educational Buchu and Rooibos farm tours, as well as tea tastings where you’ll learn about the different varieties and recommended brewing techniques.
· Rooibos heritage tours (history of Rooibos and Clanwilliam town).
· Sevilla Rock Art Tour, which involves a moderate 5 km hike to ten rock art sites dating back to between 1600 and 8000 years.
· Fynbos/flower tour, Biedouw Valley (go in spring when the Cederberg puts on an immaculate floral display).
· Hike, jog, mountain-bike and horse-ride through beautiful, rugged scenery.
· Go stargazing.
· Enjoy a boat cruise on the Clanwilliam Dam.
· Bouldering at Rocklands – a world-class bouldering site.
· Birding.
· Indulge in a Rooibos spa pamper.
· Camp and/or picnic in the Cederberg.
· Mingle with the local community and learn about their life and culture, and how to Riel dance.
· Sup on Rooibos-infused cuisine and sundowners.
The Cederberg is not only home to Rooibos, but is among the best locations in the world for rock art with some 2 500 documented sites.
For more info regarding the Rooibos Route, visit www.rooibos-route.co.za