Things to do in McGregor

I recently posted a travel feature “McGregor Rediscovered” and promised I would do a follow-up article, featuring fun things to do in and around McGregor.

Discover McGregor

As I mentioned in my previous article a day trip to McGregor or the Langeberg Valley, is simply not enough time to explore this beautiful area! I spent three days there, and we did a lot but still did not get to experience everything.

The area lends its self to spending time outdoors. There are great hiking trails and walks you can enjoy with the whole family.  You can go fishing or mountain biking, to mention but few of the fun outdoor activities available!

Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary ~

Eseljtiesrus is situated just 5kms outside the village, on the road between Robertson and McGregor. I would highly recommend a visit if you have not been and especially if you have small kids.  The sanctuary provides a permanent refuge for abused, neglected and elderly donkeys. Eseltjiesrus gives these animals the opportunity to live out their lives with respect and dignity! Apart from visiting the sanctuary and spending time with the donkeys, you can help support the shelter by adopting a donkey for a year. Contact: Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, PO Box 29, McGregor, 6708, Tel – +27 (0)23 625 1593

Birds Paradise (Robertson) ~

Birds Paradise is an absolute must for bird watchers. They have one hundred species such as Macaws, Hyacins, Conures, Pelicans and lots of waterfowl. You will see birds from all over the world. The walkways take you on a pleasant journey through hundreds of palm trees, past the cages housing exotic birds, monkeys, swans, a Koi pond with running fountain. Birds Paradise has a curio shop on the premises, as well as a fully licensed Restaurant, which is open between 08h30 – 17h00. Contact: Tel 023 626 3926

Robertson Riding School ~

Robertson Riding School If you are an avid rider or have kids, who like mine are horse crazy, then a visit to Robertson Riding School is a must. They offer riding lessons for all ages and outrides through the vineyards, as well as along the banks of the Breede River. Contact: Corné }Instructor} +27 72 291 7631 or Sanet Volschenk {Manager} +27 82 402 7088

Viljoensdrift Boat Cruise ~

Enjoy an hour long meander along the Breede River, while enjoying a sumptuous picnic from the Viljoensdrift Deli. The 50-minute Viljoendrift River Cruise costs a mere R50 for adults, including wine tasting before departure, and R20 for children between 3 and 12 years. The boat which can accommodate 38 people departs daily at 12:00 pm. Contact: Claude Regester at tel + 27 23 615 1017 or email to book.

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve ~

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve is a beautiful, rugged nature reserve in the Breede River Valley, about 15km south of Robertson on the road to McGregor. The beautiful rocky landscape is dominated by patches of succulents, dwarf trees and shrubs. In spring, Vrolijkheid lives up to its name –happiness – as splashes of bright orange botterblom daisies decorate the reserve. There is a conservation fee of R40 for adults and R20 for kids; office hours are 07:30–16:00. Contact: Tel: +27 (0)23 625 1621 and Emergency tel: +27 (0)82 496 2448.

The picturesque Langeberg offers visitors a host of wonderful experiences and one not to be missed – exploring the wine route!

Esona Wines ~

This beautiful wine farm is a definite “must visit”! Esona is a Xhosa word meaning “The very One”. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and overlooking the Breede River, the setting is truly breathtaking! Husband-and-wife owned the boutique wine estate, is maintained by a small team. We enjoyed a vertical wine tasting, in the estates under-ground cellar. A selection of Esona wines from the various vintages were paired with complimentary flavours, to enhance the taste of the wine further. Old Cellar tasting venue hours: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday – Friday), 09h30 – 15h00 (Saturdays), open on all public holidays, except Christmas & New Year’s Day. Contact: Tel Rowan 082 417 5362 or Old Cellar 076 343 5833 or via email.

Van Loveren ~

Another absolute must, to add to your wine route itinerary is Van Loveren Wine Estate! The recently upgraded tasting area is spectacular! As well as Food & Wine pairings (cheese & wine, chocolate & wine, charcuterie & wine, four cousins fan etc.), the estate offers Garden & Cellar Tours, 7.5km. They also boast a Fish Eagle hiking trail (now a full biodiversity interpretation trail), 5.7km Family MTB trail & 15 km MTB trail (bike rental available), not to forget wine tasting! We sat outside on the deck, under the magnificent trees, to enjoy a food & Wine pairing of our choice. The estate is open for tasting Mon-Fri: 08h30-17h00 Sat: 09h30-15h30, Sun: 11h00-15h00, Public Holidays: 09h30-16h30. CLOSED: Good Friday, Christmas Day and 1 January. Contact: Tel: 023-6151505 or via email.

 Christina’s @Van Loveren Bistro ~

After wine tasting at Van Loveren Wine Estate, why not treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at Christina’s @ Van Loveren bistro. Christina’s specialises in thin crust wood-fired Pizzas and Gourmet Burgers. I loved the delicious vegetarian pizza! You can enjoy your meal with a glass of your favourite Van Loveren wine, under the shaded pergola area – what a perfect way to spend the afternoon! Other popular menu-items include freshly squeezed juice, cappuccino’s, salads and sensational sweets. Open Mon & Wed-Fri: 11h00-15h30*, Sat & Sun: 10h00-15h30* (*last orders 15h30). {Please note that Christina’s is CLOSED on Tuesdays.}  Bookings:  Email or 072 604 6275 (Esti)

Tanagra Distillery ~

If you would like to do a bit of a different tasting, then you must pop into Tanagra Distillery. Tanagra on Route 62, located on the road from Robertson to McGregor (approx. 14km from Robertson and 4,5 km outside McGregor). As well as a wine farm, Tanagra is a boutique distillery. They offer a range of Marc (what the Italians call ‘Grappa’ and the German call ‘Tresterbrand’), as well as Eau de Vie, produced in very limited quantities. As well as learning about the process of making Grappa, we enjoyed a tasting of the various Grappas produced on the farm. Tasting is usually available between 9h00 and 17h00. To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to phone ahead Contact Tel 023 625 1780

Strictly Coffee ~

As you know, I love my coffee, so naturally, it is essential to eek out the perfect coffee spot when travelling to any area! Well – Strictly Coffee is the Bizz! Not only is the coffee amazing but the cakes and pastries are to-die-for! I had the lemon polenta cake which was fantastic! This boutique coffee roaster is situated in the heart of Robertson. They freshly roast selected quality coffees, from all over the world. Coffee is “roast-to-order”, ensuring the best fresh coffee, for the discerning coffee fanatic. Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 7 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 2 pm, Sunday: Closed. Location & Contact: 5 Voortrekker Road, Robertson, 6705. Tel +27 (0) 23 626 6691 or via email.

Wahnfried ~

Nicknamed “A Home for Music in McGregor”, Wahnfried is a must visit for music and film lovers! Wahnfried was purchased by owners Michael and Freddie, with the intention of it being used for the benefit of the Village. Their vision for the house was to create a venue for cultural events, such as live music, recorded music and films. The double volume ‘salon’ and offers excellent acoustics. It is furnished with a 1873 Bechstein grand piano, comfortable chairs and a quality film projector system. Films are shown in high definition, the with surround sound. Musical events are held every Sunday and films are presented on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year. For more details on what is showing you can check the McGregor Country Getaways Website. Contact: via email

Visit McGregor

There is so much to do in the area and I have only touched on a few things. Now it is up to you to explore further! I hope you have found this guide on Things to do in McGregor helpful. Please let me know if you have in the comment section below. Please don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!

To book accommodation in the area contact McGregor Country Getaways