About Biedouw Valley

Biedouw Valley, Cederberg

The beautiful, fertile Biedouw Valley lies hemmed in by the Biedouw Mountains to the north, and to the south by the Tra-Tra Mountains, just 32 kilometres from Clanwilliam in the Cederberg.

The essence of the Biedouw Valley is captured just after the rains, when it becomes endowed with an array of spring flowers that capture the imagination of many a visitor here. Local farmers restrict their herds from grazing in the valley during the flower season to assist this glory. Yellow-and-white nemesias nestle alongside blue heliophilas, gazanias, mauve senecios and an array of succulent vygies that are enough to take your breath away.

Come here at any other time of the year and the rooibos plant, Aspalathus linearis, which is indigenous to the Cedarberg Mountains and the area around Clanwilliam, dominates the valley. This is the only area in the world where rooibos tea is grown, and it is a much-loved local tea, enjoyed by many.

Head over the Tra-Tra mountains towards Calvinia on the old, seldom used mountain track, where you're assured of seeing very few people and even fewer vehicles, and head off towards one of the best kept secrets of the area - Tankwa Karoo National Park. With landscapes that blow you away, Tankwa is visited by few, and its obscurity makes it all the more pleasurable.

The Cedarberg Mountains and the area around the Biedouw Valley are a joy to explore. Hikes and walks abound and, although very hot during the summer months, the smell of citrus mingled with rooibos and the call of these rugged mountains brings return visitors.