The December holidays are here, a time when families traditionally pack-up and jet off for a nice long getaway. However, budgets are tight for most, these days, and many families are possibly planning a staycation this year.

The good news is that there are a multitude of fabulous and affordable things to see and do in the Bergrivier region.

“The Bergrivier region, and the beautiful towns situated within it, offer something for everyone this December, and all close enough for day trippers to enjoy,” says Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of Bergrivier Tourism.

Perfect road trip destinations to visit this holiday

The much-loved West Coast village of Velddrif offers a huge amount of water sports to be enjoyed, including skiing, sailing, canoeing, boating and stand-up paddling – the list goes on!

Fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat as the river holds an abundance of fish species (the Fisheries Museum is also well worth a visit to find out about the colourful history of the fishing industry along this coast).

A boat cruise up the river is a must-do experience, and Bokkomlaan – the oldest road in the town that snakes up the edge of the Berg River – is a great place to relax and watch the tide come in while sipping artisanal coffee or a cocktail and keeping an eye on the abundant bird life.

Also visit the eclectic shops dotted along this quaint dirt road, which is named after “Bokkoms”, the salted mullet strung into bunches and hung to dry like biltong. A local delicacy in this area.

Velddrif and the nearby areas of Laaiplek, Dwarskersbos and Aurora offer some great budget-friendly camping sites for a short break from your staycation plans. Options on the banks of the Berg River include the Kliphoek River Resort, which has camping sites and chalets, Knorvarkie with campsites, caravans and two glamping tents, and Kuifkopvisvanger, a working farm with cottages and camp sites.

In Laaiplek the Stywelyne Beach Resort offers chalets and camping facilities right next to the beach; as does the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort in Dwarskersbos.

Kapteinskloof

Moving inland a bit is Daniels Hoogte, with beautiful views of the Aurora Valley. This private reserve, which offers camping (with an option to camp in a cave) and self-catering accommodation, hosts myriad fauna and flora to be appreciated, and if you enjoy a scenic walk or a more rigorous hike you can look forward to exploring the natural surroundings, many rocky outcrops and rock-art paintings. You can then cool off in one of the dams. Kapteinskloof Guest Cottage is another highly recommended stay, situated on a smallholding between Piketberg and Velddrif in the beautiful valley of Kapteinskloof. It is one of the oldest original homesteads in the area, which dates back to 1831.

Further inland from Velddrif and Aurora is the town of Piketberg. This historic village offers abundant outdoor activities, good food, good wine, attractive architecture, warm country hospitality and rich heritage.

The self-guided Piketberg Historical Route (which can be done on foot) is the best way to experience the town. For wine lovers a visit to the local winery, Org-de-Rac, is highly recommended.

There is a wealth of activities to enjoy while visiting Piketberg, among these is horse riding as well as hiking in stunning terrain overlooking the valley.

The Retreat Guest Farm, which offers a range of accommodation options, has a scenic 1,5 km hiking trail, which ambles through a lush indigenous Yellowwood and Kliphout forest as well as past some awe-inspiring rock formations with centuries-old rock paintings. Other things to do include mountain biking, trail running, bouldering and rock climbing, bird watching, swimming, kayaking, star-gazing and relaxing.

More top recommended spots to stay in and near Piketberg, which won’t break the budget include Dunn’s Castle, which presents a selection of cosy rooms adorned with charming Victorian touches.

There’s Die Ark Camping near Koringberg, which offers a fabulous farm stay with fishing, canoeing, swimming, tractor rides, 4x4ing and more; the Sandveld Dorpshuys in Redelinghuys, which has a mini-animal farm and kiddie’s playground and pool. Kardoesie on the N7 just outside Piketberg is a farm stay with a restaurant, shop, swimming pool and paintball, Kruistementvlei in Piket-Bo-Berg, which is situated in the mountains above Piketberg, Pomona is also in Piket-Bo-Berg, Kleine Paradys in Piketberg has camp sites, glamping and cottages, with guests able to enjoy fishing, a heated pool, kids play area and farm animals. Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort is also a much-loved venue for families looking to relax and have fun, with its top-notch restaurant, stunning views, swimming pools, zip-lining and more.

The third in the trio of highly recommended towns to visit this holiday is Porterville, a quaint village nestled at the base of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area.

This beautiful town has now been dubbed one of the most desirable and popular country towns in the Western Cape. For foodies there is a range of coffee shops, restaurants and eateries.

Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat with a visit to Porterville, which offers a variety of hiking trails to fascinating destinations such as De Hel (the hell) and De Tronk (the jail). There is also an uphill waterfall trail dotted with 22 waterfalls snaking their way down the mountainside, interspersed with crystal-clear pools for a cooling dip. Mountain bikers will love the many trails that wind their way through the surrounding countryside.

For those keen to test their adrenalin levels there are companies that offer tandem paragliding and hang-gliding experiences. Bird watchers can also expect to find an abundance of feathered friends. Anglers can throw a line in the area and, for golfers, Porterville offers a scenic golf course with a beautiful mountain backdrop.

There is also an artisanal gin distillery in the mountains above the town, and Porterville is home to myriad artists, so visitors can view and purchase paintings, ceramics, sculptures and much more!

porterville camping

Some of the top camping spots in and around Porterville include Cedar Peak, which boasts fabulous secluded glamping pods in the mountains above the town, popular Beaverlac with camping sites as well as timber or stone cottages near mountain streams and rock pools, the Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve with spectacular hiking trails and rock formations, and 22 waterfalls with caravan and tent sites as well as cottages.

Whether it is birdwatching, river cruising, canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, shopping, enjoying delicious food and savouring great wine, gin tasting or just relaxing and re-energising in nature, there is so much to do in the Bergrivier area that budget-conscious visitors are truly spoilt for choice, which is great news for families looking for something to do this December that is close to Cape Town.

All of these towns promise a great road trip escape for the entire family and memories to be made over the festive season.

For more on where to stay, eat and things to do visit bergriviertourism.co.za.