Towns and suburbs

Wemmershoek

Wemmershoek is a rural area in the Western Cape between Paarl and Franschhoek, known for Wemmershoek Dam, surrounding mountains and agricultural land in the Cape Winelands.

Wemmershoek is a small rural area in the Cape Winelands of the Western Cape, situated between Paarl and Franschhoek. The area lies at the foot of the Wemmershoek Mountains and is known for the Wemmershoek Dam, which forms part of the water supply system for Cape Town. Surrounding land is largely used for agriculture, including vineyards and fruit farms, with mountain passes connecting the valley to neighbouring regions.

History of Wemmershoek

Wemmershoek is a small village in the Western Cape, most famous for the Wemmershoek Dam on the Wemmershoek River, established in 1957 The area has a rich history, from San and Khoi inhabitants to Huguenot settlers who brought viticulture to the valley. Today, it’s a scenic spot surrounded by mountains and farmland, offering insight into the region’s natural and cultural heritage

 Early inhabitants

Artefacts found in the area show that humans have been present here for nearly a million years. Archaeologists have found hundreds of Early Stone Age hand axes, as well as rare rock paintings hidden in upper mountain crevices. These finds suggest that the mountains were used by early people, possibly including as high-altitude lookout points.

The San were the first known inhabitants of the area. The nomadic Khoi people also lived here, moving between grazing areas with their cattle.

The first recorded European in the Berg River area was Abraham Gabbema, who arrived in 1657 after Jan van Riebeeck sent him to trade for meat with the Khoekhoe people.

Huguenot farmers

Simon Van Der Stel, the Governor at the Cape, could not find farmers prepared to settle in the unknown outlying areas until the French Huguenots arrived. The Dutch East India Company granted them land along the Berg River. The immigration of Huguenots and free Burgers into the area continued for about ten years. Their skill in viticulture produced a wine of superior quality.
An outpost was established near Somerset West in 1679 for wheat cultivation, which was needed, as food production was not enough to feed the growing settler population at the Cape

Wemmershoek Dam

  Independent local municipalities (such as Woodstock and Claremont)  bought up farmland here in 1899 to build a private water reservoir. However, when they merged with Cape Town in 1913, a bitter public referendum erupted. The city’s voters outright rejected building the Wemmershoek scheme, opting for the Steenbras project instead. The valuable land sat idle for half a century until post-WWII population booms forced the city to find the original blueprints and build the dam in 1957. 

 Things to see and do in Wemmershoek

  • Wemmershoek Dam: Main attraction, great for scenic views and photography.

  • Huguenot Wine Region: Vineyards and wine estates are a short drive away.

  • Bainskloof & Franschhoek Mountains: Hiking and nature nearby.

  • Berg River Valley: Scenic drives and rural landscapes

  • The “Wemmershoek Traverse” is a multi-day ridge trail connecting the Franschhoek and Du Toitskloof passes. Within this range sits Wemmershoek Tafelberg at an imposing 1,748 metres,  nearly 700 metres higher than the famous  Cape Town landmark
  • The youth organisation”Wemmershoek Voortrekker Kampterrein sculpted a functional amphitheatre out of the natural mountain slopes. Decades later, these hand-carved earthen stadiums are sought-after remote, rustic bush wedding venues

The license plate prefix for Wemmershoek is CJ, and the post code is 7690 (streets) and 7691 (PO Boxes)

Resources

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

 

 

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Useful Numbers in Wemmershoek

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

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: Franschhoek-021 876 8061
  • Fire: Paarl-021 872 2323
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital; Franschhoek South Clinic021 876 2172
  • Clinic; Groendal Clinic-021 876 3714
  • Pharmacy; Link Franschhoek Pharmacy-021 876 2261

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water; 021 808 8498 / 021 808 8551 / 021 808 8550
  • Electricity: 021 808 8498 / 021 808 8551 / 021 808 8550

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: Paarl-021 807 6284
  • Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

  • Community & Safety

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

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Post office; Franschhoek-021 876 2342
  • Library: Pniel Public Library-021 808 8499

  • Schools in Wemmershoek

  • Schools: Wemmershoek Primary School-0218670166

 

  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

 

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