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Driving from Cape Town, travelling north on the N27, the Olifants River Valley is the countryside that stretches north from Citrusdal (citrus fruit farming country) to Namakwaland in the far North of the Northern Cape. Once you have mastered the steep Piekenierskloof Pass and the first range of the Cederberg Mountains, the valley of the Olifants River lies open before you. A natural boundary is formed by part of the Cape Fold Belt including mountain ranges such as the Cederberg, Gifberg, Matsikamma and Bokkeveld mountains which all have fantastic sandstone rock formations. The Olifants River Valley, whose name is derived from the vast herds of elephants that roamed here over 300 years ago by the first pioneers who explored the region, has a unique beauty of its own. The Olifant's River meanders through the valley bringing life to the otherwise dry surrounding area. Without the river this beautiful world of green, the heavy fragrance of the citrus groves that greet you as you drive along, the proud farming community with the renowned Groen Vallei wines would cease to exist. Attractions abound in this region. Take for example the Cederberg Wilderness area, San rock paintings, the Clanwilliam and Bulshoek dams, Bird Island at Lamberts Bay, the Olifants River Wine Route which is producing some fine white and red wines and many other intriguing and historically interesting places to go and things to see . You can roam through the old missionary towns and stations and explore the regions historical heritage or roam through the fynbos. Savour a cup of delicious tea from the unique Rooibos Tea plant, buy a pair of handcrafted leather shoes, or visit the succulent nursery and Knersvlakte at Vanrhynsdorp as well as view its wealth of flora. There are many beautiful villages hidden away, that offer warm hospitality to visitors. You can travel around the region for days and days and never get bored.
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