Towns and suburbs

Riebeek Kasteel

Riebeek Kasteel is a historic Swartland village in the Riebeek Valley of the Western Cape, known for wine estates, olive farms, galleries and views of Kasteelberg.

riebeek kasteel

Riebeek Kasteel lies in the Riebeek Valley in the Swartland region of the Western Cape. The village sits at the foot of Kasteelberg, about 75 km north-east of Cape Town and close to the neighbouring town of Riebeek West. The valley is surrounded by wheat farms, vineyards and olive groves typical of the Swartland landscape.

History of Riebeek Kasteel

Riebeek-Kasteel, together with its sister town Riebeek West, is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. This fertile valley has been occupied for millennia; stone-age tools and Khoisan art found in the mountains around it attest to this fact. In 1661, Jan van Riebeeck sent a group of men on an expedition under the leadership of Pieter Cruythoff. They set off towards Paardeberg, and on February 3rd, they ascended a mountain and saw the Valley. They named the mountain Riebeeck’s Kasteel Berg in honour of the Commander. Riebeek West was established in 1858.  The men reported that the area was teeming with rhinos, lions, zebras, and antelopes.

In the 19th century, two men who would become prime ministers of the country, Jan Smuts and Daniel Malan, were born on the outskirts of Riebeek West.
In 1900, the town of Riebeek Kasteel was laid out around the church and the Royal Hotel, which is the oldest hotel in South Africa.

Church town of Riebeek West

The first settlers arrived in the area in the early 18th century. Riebeek West was established as a parish of the Dutch Reformed Church in 1858.
In 2009, Riebeek Kasteel was chosen as one of the three most beautiful towns of the Western Cape by the newspaper “Rapport”. The other two finalists were Stellenbosch and Clanwilliam.
The Riebeek Valley is known for wheat, vineyards, and olive groves.

WEATHER IN RIEBEEK KASTEEL TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Riebeek Kasteel

Things to do and see in Riebeek Kasteel

  • Bothmaskloof pass
  • In May, the Olive Festival is held in Riebeek Kasteel.
  • The Royal Hotel claims to be the oldest licensed hotel in the Western Cape. It has the longest stoep south of the Limpopo.  The hotel was built in the mid-1800s, and the date inscribed on the gable is 1862; however, the facade we see today was constructed in the 1920s.  It is a national heritage site.
  • Red Ox Monument erected in 1938 to honour the brave oxen of the Great Trek, on the village square. Riebeek Valley Garden
  • The birthplace of General Jan Christiaan Smuts, one of South Africa’s most prominent political figures. The cottage, situated on Bovenplaas (part of the original farm Ongegund), was where Smuts was born on May 24, 1870.
  • The Dutch reformed church dates back to 1856. This national monument serves as a museum and houses some old kitchen implements, farm equipment, sewing machines, carriages and other things that the Voortrekkers who came to the valley might have used.
  • The Swartland Birding Route Info: Swartland Tourism 022448 1545
  • Many years ago, mail was carried by a post cart from Hermon, and it was left under this Olienhout tree. The postmaster would blow his horn to let the local farmers know that the post had arrived.
  • Sadly, the post office tree is currently obstructed by a Telkom line; however, residents are requesting that the line be moved because of the heritage status of the tree.
  • The annual Riebeek Valley Mountain Bike Race is usually held in August or September. 082 523 9804
  • First Fridays Riebeek Kasteel  17:00-20:00. This is an initiative to promote RK tourism and hospitality. With specials and discounts, enjoy what the village has to offer. .073 307 8289
  • Sunshine Simplicities slideshow

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

Useful Numbers

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

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: Riebeek West 022 461 8100
  • Fire: Malmesbury 022 487 9479
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital: Swaartland Hospital 022 482 1161
  • Clinic: 022 448 1348

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Swaartland Municipality 022 487 9400

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: Malmesbury 022 487 9400
  • Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

  • Community & Safety

  • Childline-116
  • SPCA :Swaartland 022 492 2781
  • 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
  • NSRI 087 094 9774

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Post office; Postal agent Posduif  073 440 3805
  • Library: Riebeek West 022 461 2324
  • Local newspaper: Die Courant 022 487 3221
  • Riebeek Valley Radio: 082 560 3634
  • Tourism: 022 001 0096
  • Museum; De Oude Kerk 022 448 1584

  • Schools in Riebeek Kasteel

  •  Riebeek Kasteel primary 022 448 1228
  • Meiring primary 022 448 1393
  • Riebeek Vallei speciale skool 022 461 2241
  • Riebeek Wes primary 022 461 2330
  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

 

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