The Dwars River Escape Route
The Dwars River Escape Route was launched in 2003 to support local enterprise. The route honours deep historical roots from Khoi grazing lands and Huguenot settlers, to emancipated slaves, WWII POWs, and Mandela’s release from nearby Groot Drakenstein prison. “Escape” refers to slaves escaping, the POWs escaping and Nelson Mandela’s “escape” from the Drakenstein prison where he spent the last few years of his sentence..
The Dwars River Escape Route stretches from Helshoogte Pass (Stellenbosch Side), Latitude ‑33.92225, Longitude 18.91035 to Groot Drakenstein near Franschhoek. This short but scenic route offers sweeping views of the valley and surrounding vineyards. It winds through the villages of Pniel, Lanquedoc, and Kylemore, offering rich history, cultural landmarks, and welcoming community initiatives. It is a popular route for cyclists, hikers and road trippers. Enjoy the panoramic views as you travel.
The Dwars River Valley was originally allocated to Dutch Free burgher settlers in 1687. They were joined by the French Huguenots. Before them, the land had been used for seasonal grazing by the Khoi herders. The settlers also reared stock, planted fruit trees, vegetables and grape vines. The region had a high proportion of slaves labouring on the land. This was brought to an end only in 1834
The first small settlement is Pniel at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains. It is a historic mission settlement founded in 1843 as a home for freed slaves after emancipation in 1834. Look out for the Heritage Garden and Graveyard, and street art murals. Also, some quaint cafes and farm stalls. You will pass Tokara Wine Estate and Olive Shed..
The Dwars River Escape Route will take you then to Kylemore, which is a quiet village with a strong focus on education, art, sport, and community development. The Imbali Live Craft & Art Centre, where you can find handmade crafts and art by local women. There is a children’s feeding scheme, The Anna Foundation, that works with local schools to empower children through education and sport. You will find Johnson ‘the wire worker’, Tokara Olive Shed, Living Stones, Candles for Africa, that creates handcrafted candles with a strong social mission, plus wineries, restaurants and other small businesses.
The stretch of road features a mix of fruit farms, wine estates, and agri-based businesses, many with farm stalls or tasting rooms open to the public. There are many Hiking and mountain biking access points in the Simonsberg and Jonkershoek ranges.
Next is Lanquedoc is a small community surrounded by farms, where you will find farm stalls selling local produce
Just before the Franschhoek turn-off is the historically significant Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison). The Nelson Mandela Statue marks the spot where Mandela took his first steps as a free man in 1990 after 27 years in prison.
Continue onward to Franschhoek to see more wine estates and restaurants. You can also make a detour to Banhoek Valley for additional food and wine venues.
The Dwars River Escape Route
