• Province: Western Cape
• District: West Coast
• Coordinates:32°35′22″S 19°00′53″E
• Area:4.70 km2
• Municipality: Cederberg

Citrusdal lies approximately 160 km north of Cape Town on the N7 highway. The town is positioned in the Olifants River  Valley at the base of the Cederberg mountains. Citrusdal serves as a service centre for surrounding farms and is a gateway to the Cederberg wilderness areas.

History of Citrusdal

The town of Citrusdal was born when the Dutch Reformed Church established a congregation there to serve the upper Olifants River valley. A town council was established only in 1957.
In 1660, Jan Van Riebeek sent a party to find a way over the mountains to the North and to Monomatapa. The local Bushmen showed the party the way, and when the group saw about 300 elephants on the riverbank, they naturally named the river “The Olifants River”

The farm Modderfontein was established in the area and granted to Jurgen Hanekom, where he farmed cattle to supply the VOC and the settlers in the Cape with fresh meat. The buildings on the farm, dating back about 300 years,s are still standing today.

• In 1855, Thomas Bain, with convict labour, built Grey’s Pass to replace the “breakneck” pass that had been used since 1660. It was completed in 1857. The property was sold to James McGregor in 1903, and the baths are still in the hands of his descendants. Testimonials about the healing powers of the springs are engraved on rocks in the area

The hot baths in Citrusdal at 43 degrees are said to be radioactive. They are to be found in a wooded ravine just south of Citrusdal. These springs have been known about since at least 1739. It was proposed that a homestead and huts were to be built there. These were completed in 1742
Citrusdal is known as the “Gateway to the Cederberg” It boasts fragrant citrus orchards and fields of wild Cape flowers. It is the third largest producer of citrus fruits; the long, hot summers yield up to 10 hours of sunshine a day, and winter rains and sandy soil combine to produce a large and sweet fruit.

The license plate prefix in Citrusdal is CAR. The postal code for Citrusdal is 7340 (Streets and Boxes)

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WEATHER IN CITRUSDAL TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Citrusdal

Things to See & Do in Citrusdal

• -The Cederberg Observatory offers hikes in the area, but its main feature is naturally the observatory. with a 16-inch telescope that offers magnificent views of the starry sky..
• The original canon that was used to signal the arrival of ships in Table Bay is on the school grounds.
• The Boerhuisie in town reflects the earliest building style of the district. The floor is made of peach pips.
• Two million cases of citrus fruit are packed for export from May to October.
• The signal cannon was on the summit of Pieknierskloof in 1759. It is now mounted on the grounds of the local high school.
• The oldest orange tree in the country is on the farm Heksriver. It was destroyed by a fire in 1925, but it produced new shoots the following year. It still bears fruit today
• Citrusdal Organic Market, held every Saturday
• Soldaatkop is a rock formation that can be seen when travelling back to Clanwilliam on the back road of the R364.
• 
• Wolfkop Nature Reserve trail
• Elandskloof pass
• Piekenierskloof pass
• Citrusdal Funduro- at Bydidam- 079 247 2394
• Mount Ceder Olive grove Cycle Route

Useful Numbers in Citrusdal

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around

• • Emergency Services

  • Police: 022 921 8406
  • Fire: 022 433 8700
  • Ambulance:022 921 2210

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital; 022 921 2153/4/5
  • Pharmacy;022 921 2614

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Municipality 022 482 8000
  • Water: 078 828 7890
  • Electricity: 082 907 9494

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: 022 482 8016

  • Community & Safety

  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
  • Childline South Africa: 116
  • SPCA: animal rescue 022 921 2702

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Museum; 022 921 3210 Corner Kerk & Muller Streets
  • Tourism; 022 921 3210
  • Home affairs; 022 921 2429/ 2037
  • Post office;022 921 2250
  • Library:022 921 2181

  • Schools in Citrusdal

  • Citrusdal primary-022 487 9400
  • Olifantsvallei Primary School-022 921 2100
  • Citrusdal Secondary School-0229212100
  • Cederberg Akademie-022 921 3104
  • Pomario Private School-022 125 0561
  • Kweekkraal NGK Primary School-087 020 0042
  • Paardekop NGK Primary School- 0229213981
•  Towns in the Cederberg district include: Clanwilliam; Elands Bay; Graafwater; Lamberts Bay; Porterville; Redlinghuys; and Wupperthal
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  Frequently Asked Questions

  Where is Citrusdal located?
  Citrusdal is in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, about 170 km north of Cape Town along the N7.

  What is Citrusdal known for?
  The town is known for citrus farming, natural hot springs, mountain scenery, and outdoor activities in the Cederberg.

  Are the Citrusdal hot springs open to visitors?
  Yes. Citrusdal has hot spring resorts that offer day visits and accommodation. Availability may vary seasonally, so check ahead.

  What outdoor activities are available?
  Popular options include hiking, mountain biking, trail running, 4×4 routes, river swimming in summer, and exploring nearby mountain passes.

  Is Citrusdal suitable for families with children?
  Yes. Many farms, resorts, and outdoor areas are family-friendly.

  Does Citrusdal have medical and emergency services?
  Yes. Citrusdal has a clinic, pharmacies, a police station, and access to regional emergency services.

  What is the best time to visit?
  Spring (for wildflowers), summer (for outdoor activities and stargazing), and winter (for hot springs).

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