Clanwilliam is conservation central

The Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape offer a rugged retreat and opportunity to get back to nature for city slickers in need of respite. One of the most picturesque towns in the Cederberg is Clanwilliam, which also happens to be one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa. It is famous for two things:
1. Clanwilliam Cedar trees, which are on the verge of extinction.
2. Rooibos tea.

The area around Clanwilliam is full of conservation and wilderness projects. For instance, the Cederberg Wilderness Area is currently trying to protect the valuable cedars. It’s also a World Heritage Site owing to its contribution to the Cape Floristic Region and varied natural wild life.
The Clanwilliam Living Landscape is dedicated to the protection of local San rock art. It provides employment to locals by training them up to be tour guides and, in this way, also serves a conservation purpose.
The Pakhuis Conservancy is another locally driven conservation project. A group of farmers banded together to transform overworked farm land into its thriving natural state. You’ll find no end of fynbos, as well as rock climbing and any number of hiking trails.
You can get your fill of water sports at the Clanwilliam Dam.
If you’re of an active/adventurous mien, you might be interested in the Freshpak Fitness Festival. In keeping with the vitality of rooibos, and in celebration of the only rooibos growing region in South Africa, the Freshpak Fitness Festival is a full day of running, cycling and swimming events. There are kiddies’ events for youngsters, as well as individual events, biathlons and triathlons. The festival will be held on 1 October 2011.

If you like your activities more sedate, get to Clanwilliam on 25 August for the annual Wild Flower Show. In addition to the blooms you can see live music performances, enter art competitions, and go hiking. Kiddies’ activities will also be available.