Only one place on earth

We love the Cederberg mountains. Two hours north of Cape Town, as Table Mountain and the winelands slip out of view behind us, the African Extracts marketing team heads for the town of Clanwilliam with a film crew.

Heading away from the coast into the mountains and over the Piekenierskloof pass, there’s a world of raw, rugged beauty between two mountain ranges. It’s the Cederberg, home to amazing wilderness area, a nature lovers’ playground and the home of Rooibos.

The Cederberg is the only place on earth where Rooibos grows naturally. Its unique soils and climate give sustenance to this hardy plant that’s prized for its high levels of antioxidants, natural hydroxy acids and minerals. The association of place, this renowned herbal tea and medicinal plant is strong that it’s been recognised with  EU quality policy aims at protecting the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin as well as traditional know-how.  So, like the famous bubbly from Champagne, Rooibos can only come from one place on earth.

A visit to the Rooibos farms, where the plant is harvested by hand, and to the central processing and extraction plant in the country town of Clanwilliam is a must for visitors to this unique region. But marvelling at the red rock formations, witnessing the wild flower show in Spring, hiking or mountain-biking the mountain trails, swimming in clear natural rock pools, relaxing in luxury lodges or sipping a Rooibos cocktail or fine Cape wine also features high on the agenda.

Put the Cederberg on your bucket list of places to visit. For a taste of the Rooibos story, view the film we had so much fun making.

For travel recommendations, visit www.discoverafrica.com/deals

Rooibos is listed under the Protection of Geographical Indication