Where is the Tulbagh Valley? The valley has of course existed for eons and has no doubt been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous San and Khoi peoples. The area was known to be verdant and in it's natural and unspoiled state, was the home to so many of Africa's wild animals living in what was their natural habitat. It was only after the Dutch Colonial era when this all changed, after modern day hunters 'discovered' the area. It is said that initially the hunters established a trading/replenishment post in the area where the present Tulbaghweg settlement and where the old railway station is now situated. There was apparently a flourishing trade in animal skins, meat and elephant tusks etc. until of course the area was denuded of most, if not all of the indigenous animals. The indigenous flora has also suffered from the onslaught of human habitation and certainly not many indigenous trees and natural fynbos exists anymore. Thankfully the flora and fauna is now protected in the areas under the administration of Cape Nature Conservation (mountain reserves).

It was only about 300 years ago when, after a land grant by the Dutch Colonial Government to a more or less equal number of Dutch and Huguenot settlers to settle the area, was the town of Tulbagh founded. The town developed slowly and over time and many notable examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Edwardian houses and other buildings such as Die Oude Drosdy (the original colonial Magistrate's complex) were built in the valley. Many of these lovely buildings were destroyed in an earthquake in 1969 but quite a number did survive the catastrophe. Many notable examples of the Cape Architecture of the time still exist on farms throughout the valley although in some cases they have been altered or repaired and also modernized. The authentic buildings are sadly few. In the famous Church Street however, all the houses in the street were restored to almost original condition after the earthquake.

Church Street is now graced by the largest number of original Cape- Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian National Monuments in one street in South Africa and is a major tourist attraction of the town to the present day. To take a walk down Church Street is akin to walking through a page in history.

This Tulbagh Information site has been designed to provide a frequently updated Information site for the whole community of the Tulbagh Valley and for tourists and Tourism in general. It offers a means of identifying each to the other, increasing communication between the Community and for visitors and others elsewhere wishing to make local contacts and to benefit from local info. A valley where wine is made to enjoy, property is still affordable and where there are great places to stay in varied selected accomodation establishments all over the valley.

What makes it all happen? What is the attraction? What is the magic that tourists and residents alike find so appealing? This lovely secluded valley is simply a delight to experience and especially the farms and the general countryside in all seasons! The valley is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate and it is a winter rainfall area. Wine, olives, fruit, wheat, meat products, vegetables, canned fruit products, organic commodities and leather shoes are but a few of the products produced here.

Learn all about this wonderful innovative and industrious community! Make contacts for exports and property investment opportunities.

This is a closely knit and cosmopolitan community that is well structured and organised.
We know what we have and it is for you to experience! Think about life on a wine, fruit, or olive farm then think about the Tulbagh valley! Plan your wedding or conference here! Join in our wonderful annual events!

Meet the people and discover their warmth and hospitality for this is the accommodation destination for the tourist looking for a place to stay whilst touring the Western Cape.

Sample the cusine and one of the numerous restaurants for a real treat in good food and ambiance!

View the famous Historic Church Street with it's Cape Dutch Architecture, do some Bird Watching, Wine Tasting, Horse riding, Jogging, Mountain Climbing, Hiking, 4 x 4 Off-roading and Mountain Biking. If you are doing a tour on the famous Route 62, pop in to Tulbagh as we are on that Route. Come for the weekend, come for the week, come for good!

The demand for accommodation is increasing steadily as a result of the valley becoming a chosen weekend retreat for Tourists and the city dwellers of Cape Town, a country Wedding venue and a central base destination for overseas and local travelers wishing to tour the Winelands. There are excellent places to stay at in the Tulbagh Valley and including Mountain and Farm Cottages, on Wine Estates, as well as Home Stays, Guest Houses, Guest cottages, Chalets, Caravan Parks, Camping grounds, Country Inns and Backpacking Hostels in the Valley.

The site is intended to compliment the efforts of individuals, organisations and others in promoting Tulbagh and the Valley, the Winelands / Boland and it's community as well as Rocky Valley Properties and their wonderful portfolio of Country Property / Real Estate countryside investment products all over the Country.

Article from: www.tulbagh.net