My favourite little town

 The Riebeek River

 Before I started working at PPC Cement, I never knew about the quaint town just outside Malmesbury and about 75km outside of Cape Town called Riebeek. The Riebeek Valley is  made up of Riebeek West & Riebeek Kasteel. I'm still not 100% sure why there is the separation between the two areas of Riebeek however the entire valley is absolutely magical. As one approaches Riebeek you drive down a steep hill which overlooks the Riebeek Valley, one needs to put your foot on the brakes to slow down slightly as you are mesmerised by the view which can cause you to lose focus on the road. I have been to Riebeek numerous times over the past few years mainly for work purposes as PPC have a factory in the town, but each time I drive down the steep hill, I am amazed at the beauty of this town.

View of the Riebeek Valley

Riebeek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa.  According to wikipedia "during 1661 Commander Jan van Riebeeck initiated an inland discovery expedition under the leadership of Pieter Cruythoff. They set off in the direction of Paardeberg and on 3 February 1661 they ascended a lonely mountain and came upon the fertile vista of the Riebeek Valley." Riebeek is filled with history, one can definitely gain much insight into a bit of SA history by visiting this town as Smuts Cottage is open to public which is located on the PPC site. Smuts Cottage is the birthplace of General Jan Christiaan Smuts. General Smuts is remembered in history as a statesman of universal stature, a soldier, botanist and philosopher. On an international level he became a major figure and earned the respect and admiration of other world leaders and rulers. PPC Cement decided to restore Smuts House in order to savour the history as well as provide the public with the opportunity of the visiting this historic place. 

The Riebeek Valley is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway whether you want a quiet few days or an activity filled weekend away. This special town is known for its olives, there are a variety of places in Riebeek where one can get products made with olives. My favourites include the Olive Boutique which offers olive soap and beauty products. Het Vlock Casteel is a gem for wine tasting, olive oil glass tasting, Môrester vino & fruit tours. One can sample award winning olives, olive oil, jams, chutneys, chocolate, preserves, salad dressings and shiraz wine vinegar. My favourite is definitely the peach jam and olive oil however I have been told that the olive fudge is a must. There are a number of quaint restaurants however Cafe Felix is one of my must go's when I'm in the valley, the food is inspired by french and italian flavours. The restaurant is situated on the main road and the building dates back to the 1860's, as it first started out as a tobacco barn. De Langenhof is a quaint guest house in Riebeek which is my must stay guest house. Its quiet, warm and beautifully decorated which a touch of country. One can sit on the veranda with a glass of wine, listen to birds and drift away into the magical town of Riebeek which is my own little discovery.

                                                                De Langenhof Guest House

                                                           Olive Oil Tasting at Het Vlock Casteel

Pictures from the Het Vlock webiste & Riebeek Tourism website