Namaqua West Coast Heritage Weekend

The vibrant spring landscape and warm hospitality will make this weekend affair worth the trip

What better way to welcome the warmer weather and celebrate the rejuvenation of our sprawling daisy landscape than with a weekend away in the Namaqua West Coast? The region will be hosting myriad activities for the Heritage Day long weekend from Thursday, 24, to Sunday, 27 September 2015, that will be ideal for family getaways and those who want to escape the city bustle.

Organised by Namaqua West Coast Tourism, the weekend and the planned events will showcase the stunning region and the friendly residents who live in the area. The two hour drive will certainly be worth it when you gaze upon the Namaqualand wild flowers that are in full bloom at the moment.

The activities you choose to take part in are entirely up to you, and range from historical sight-seeing to hikes and off-road adventures. Visit the quaint vineyards and sample the small-batch premium wines on offer while you soak up the sun.

“We put together [a] programme to give visitors the chance to enjoy the hospitality of the Namaqua West Coast in an intimate way,” says Namaqua West Coast Tourism manager Monika de Jager. “Activities have been designed for small groups, which makes it ideal for families. And if you don’t see any activity that suits you, the tourism office is on hand to advise you on alternatives,” she continues.

ACTIVITIES AT THE 2015 NAMQUA WEST COAST HERITAGE WEEKEND

RE-DISCOVER OLD FARM KITCHEN TRADITIONS: Many of today’s kitchen practices actually originate from old traditions on farms. For example, pickling onions and gherkins is not something us city-slickers do often (if at all). So come and learn from the masters and uncover a few secrets in the process and then sit down to a picnic lunch or wine tasting with a braai.

Learn how to make bone marrow-stuffed fillet from two expert butchers, Stoffel Coetzee and Kobus Nieuwoudt, as they demonstrate how to prepare one of the region’s most tantalising delicacies, and cook it on a braai. The demonstration will take place at the Teubes Family Wines cellar on the R363 near Klawer, so stick around afterwards and sample a few of their wines. If the braai doesn’t float your boat then sink your teeth into some home-made pizzas, tapas or cheese platters.

WATCH BLUE BULLS PLAYER DANIE THIART BAKE: Yes, you read that correctly. Danie loves cooking and baking so head to the ThiArt coffee shop (in the new Maskam Mall in Vredendal) and try some of his cheesecakes and carrot cakes. Thiart will demonstrate how he makes the cakes and tasty treats on sale in his shop.

START A HERB GARDEN: If you consider yourself to have green fingers and would love to start a herb garden of your own then don’t miss this demonstration. Vredendal Nursery owner Alan van Niekerk will host the informative session and share his insights into the medicinal and culinary uses of herbs. Then, grab a piping-hot coffee at the nursery’s The Lemon Tree coffee shop afterwards.

VISIT THE WORLD’S OLDEST NURSERY QUIVER TREES: Vanrhynsdorp is also known as the gateway to Namaqualand, but the small dorpie (300-km north of Cape Town on the N7 to Namibia) is also the home to the oldest nursery bred Quiver trees in the world – plants that are believed to have strong medicinal uses. Following this, visit the old jail, join the local bird club on a bird-watching excursion, or simply sit down and relax at MuisHuis or Skoorsteenjie with a cuppa or a bag of traditional fares.

TRY SHEEP’S HEAD FOR DINNER: Granted, this meal is an acquired taste, but it is extremely popular in the region and is considered a delicacy. This is your opportunity to say you’ve given it a try! Lutzville Vineyards (on the banks of the Olifants River) will be serving the meaty dish at a dinner after a wine tasting session. If you prefer other parts of the sheep, there will be lamb chops on offer as well.

HAVE A TRADITIONAL SNOEK BRAAI IN FRYER’S COVE: The small harbour town of Doringbaai is home to Fryer’s Cove wine cellar, which will be hosting a demonstration on the various ways to prepare and cook snoek. This will be followed by wine tasting and a snoek and sweet potato dinner at sunset. Prior to the braai, visitors can go on a birding excursion to Papendorp or on an ocean fishing experience. The following morning, head over to Strandfontein for brunch at Kommetjie restaurant – prepared by Chef Duncan Womack who trained at Michelin Star restaurants in London.

TICKETS TO THE 2015 NAMAQUA WEST COAST HERITAGE WEEKEND

Ticket prices are dependent on the itinerary choices you make, but range from free to about R250p/p, so consult the Namaqua West Coast website at Namaquawestcoast.com or phone Monica de Jager on +27 (0)27 201 3376 for more information.

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Interested in other regional events around Cape Town? Take a look at our overview of September events in Cape Town and surrounds so you don’t miss a single shindig.

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