- Province: Western Cape
- District; Overberg
- Coordinates:–34.1486111 S- 19.0427778E
- Municipality; Theewaterskloof
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History of Elgin |Things to See and Do in Elgin | Useful Numbers in Elgin
Elgin lies in the Overberg, about 70 km east of Cape Town and just beyond Sir Lowry’s Pass. The valley forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and lies between the Hottentots Holland Mountains and the Groenlandberg. Known for its cool climate and fertile soils, the area around the town is widely associated with apple orchards, vineyards, and farming.
History of Elgin
Originally called Koffee Kraal, this settlement was named after Elgine Herold, who sadly died from a snake bite when she was bitten somewhere near the Palmiet River. The farm Glen Elgin was bought in 1903 by the Italian/South African Molteno brothers, who grew vegetables in the area. They later began growing deciduous fruit, which became a huge enterprise that dominated the fruit industry. In the 1950s, they left their enormous network of farms in trust for the benefit of the workers. James Molteno was rather forward-thinking; he also launched a movement to give the vote to women of all races.
The settlement was an outspan on the Kaapse Wapad (wagon road) to Caledon. The railway line was extended to this area when a suitable piece of land was found on which to build the station. For many years, this railway line was the main way used for transporting produce from the local farms to reach consumers. There are 3 apple picking/packing co-operatives here. The picking season is from January to May. Appletizer, the first apple juice free of additives and preservatives, was launched in 1966 by Edmond Lombardi on the Applethwaite farm. This area produces 60% of the national apple crop! The Elgin Valley is also known for pears, greenhouse-cut flowers and rose growing.
The postal code in Elgin is 7180 (boxes only)
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Things to See and Do in Elgin
- Apple Museum in a house along the Palmiet River was built in 1972.
- Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
- The Cool Wine and Country Food Festival is held annually in April
- Chardonnay colloquium in October
- Along Viljoenshoop Road, Appletiser Road, Highlands Road, and Elgin Valley Road you can see roses blooming in profusion along the fences during October and November.
- Elgin Valley Road
- Every year, during the first two weekends of November, our colourful gardens are open for viewing as part of the Elgin Open Gardens. 082 740 359 / 0021 844 0154 / 078 021 2101
- The beautiful Auldearn gardens are open during the Elgin Open Gardens weekends or for groups by appointment, 021 849 8762 (Jenny Simpson)
Resources
Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
Useful Numbers in Elgin
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities
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Emergency Services
- Police: Grabouw, 021 859 7700
- Ambulance: Grabouw Ambulance Services-028 212 9111
- Fire: Grabouw Fire Station-021 859 5525
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Medical
- Closest hospital; Medical Centre-021 859 2850
- Pharmacy; Grabouw C H C Pharmacy-021 859 130
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Municipal & Utilities
- Municipality; Grabouw-021 859 2507
- Water: 021 859 2507
- Electricity: 021 859 2507
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Transport & Roads
- Traffic department: Helderberg Traffic Department, Strand-021 865 4521
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Community & Safety
- NSRI 087 094 9774
- 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777.
- Childline South Africa: 116
- SPCA: Grabouw Animal Welfare Society-076 549 6601
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Local Contacts and Community Resources
- Museum; 021 859 2042
- Ratepayers association 0827839267
- Post office; Grabouw-021 859 7700
- Post agency: 0218593354
- Library: Pineview Public Library; Grabouw-021 859 2507
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Schools:
- The Closest schools are in Grabouw
Towns in the Theewaterskloof district include: Bot Rivier, Caledon, Grabouw, Genadendal, Greyton, and Villiersdorp
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
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