HISTORY OF FREEDOM FREEDOM ROUTE MEMBERS The area now known as the Dwarsrivier was first set- Banhoek tled in 1842 when two local farmers concerned with the plight of emancipated slaves and the lack of land Alluvia Guesthouse and accommodation that they faced donated 19 Bartinney Wine Estate hectares of land. Clouds Guesthouse Hillcrest Berry Orchard Pniel was established as Samburu Cottage a mission settlement for Thelema Mountain Wine Vine yards landless and homeless Tokara Winery, Olive Shed and Restaurant slaves. In 1843 a trust, a Tree Tops Cottage at Stonebridge church and a school was Zorgvliet Wine Farm & Le Pommier Dwarsrivier Tourism Freedom Route established from financial contributions made by the Kylemore The Dwarsrivier Valley is abundantly blessed by na- Groot Drakenstein farming ture, rich in culture and heritage, and just waiting for community. The name Pn- Alex Lion Chrysanthemum Show Garden you to visit. iel was taken from the Bi- Yvonne Carolissen Upholstery ble story in Genesis 34:30. It Imbali – Live craft and Art Centre (Kylemore High The Dwarsrivier Valley comprises the Banhoek Valley literally means the “face of God” school). and rural towns: Pniel, Lanquedoc, Kylemore and Jo- Kylemore community support group hannesdal and is geographically located between An idealistic 20 year old pastor, Rev Stegmann was Kyle’s catering Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. appointed as head of the mission and remained there all of this life until his death in 1910. In 1843 the neigh- This explored and picturesque valley is home to wine boring farm Papier Johannesdal estates, restaurants, wedding venues, fruit farms and a Moulen, was bought host of cultural tourism experiences. by the trust and a fur- Ashley Mentor Nursery School ther 43 hectares was Moore’s End Guest House Set along the natural routing from Stellenbosch to added to Pniel. The Vuurberg Wine Estate Franschhoek, the valley offers visitors a unique collec- entire area was sub- De Huguenot Estate tion of full or half day tour options as well as compre- divided into plots and hensive overnight B&B packages. granted to emanci- Pniel pated slaves settled A key feature of this Valley is the Freedom Route, on a permanent ten- Boschendal Wine Estate & Resturant unique in its offering and designed to allow visitors to ure basis and could be Histories of Pniel Church / Werf explore the history and stories of freedom as told and inherited by their children. Pniel is today a small village Pniel erfnis en kultuur trust experienced by local communities. Freedom is now where freehold title applies. Winston Stubbs Tours & Transfers expressed as the local communities prepare to build a Dawoe Tours future for themselves using tourism as a major aspect. In 1943, on emancipation day, I December, a century after the slave were emancipated in 1843, a slave-bell Lanquedoc monument was unveiled in Pniel. The bell was erected by the Rhodes Fruit Farms, owners of De Goede Hoop. The History of Sir Herbert Baker Houses “LET FREEDOM REIGN AND THE SUN NEVER SET On 10 September 1992 another monument was erect- Yolanda Cloete community clothing project ON SUCH A GLORIOUS HUMAN ACHIEVEMENT” ed in Pniel at the common in front of the church. This Tavern in Lanquedoc also celebrates freedom from slavery. A fountain con- Groot Drakenstein Prison sisting of a statue of two birds escaping an iron cage Simonduim Country Lodge NELSON MANDELA was erected to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Lekker Wijn Guest House establishment of the church. Solms Delta Wine Estate FEATURES OF THE AREA TOUR OPTIONS TOUR OPTIONS Traditionally an agricultural area, the Dwarsrivier has Freedom Tour Tin Mine Tour seen a significant increase in the value and impor- tance of tourism as the valley’s unique combination of The Dwarsrivier Valley has The scene of one of cultural heritage, natural features and scenic beauty a strong history of freedom! the first scams in South offer a unique experience. The first liberated slaves set- Africa. This option is a tled here in 1843; Nelson walking tour through The valley and towns comprising the area offer a Mandela was released from the fynbos covered hills unique sense of old wold rural community, combined prison not far from Pniel and surrounding the town to with a unique and innovative collection of recreation- the people of this commu- the old mine. al opportunities. nity have built a heritage of freedom for themselves. Guests are exposed Bounded by the Simonsberg to SW and This Tour highlights the his- to the rich biodiversity the Hottentots Holland in the SW, these tory of freedom in this area, of the area before ex- mountains being home to pristine fyn- the changes it has brought about and the future it ploring the tin mine, devoid of any metal. The owner bos, many species being endemic to holds for the community as seen through their eyes. placed coins in the area, hence the scam. the area. R450.00 p/p. (Half day includes soft drinks and light snacks) This tour is ideal for those who wish to experience the The area is also well known for the quality of its birding Should you wish to include lunch for either tour, please add scenic beauty of the area combined with the cultural as it remains a relatively undisturbed natural area. Hik- R220 p/p. heritage of the valley. ing in the mountains is considered of a very high qual- ity with easy access and low usage. Heritage Tour R850.00 p/p. (full day inclusive of picnic lunch) Fishing is available as many of the In addition to the history rivers are perennial and maintain of slavery, the area has a Wine Tour a good flow throughout the area strong architectural herit- whilst mountain biking is also possi- age. A walking tour through Book a wine tour or use ble on the jeep tracks and forestry the town’s streets highlight- a local “hop on guide”: roads. ing the memorial Sir Herbert who will direct you to Baker buildings, sensitive unique estates. Your Tourism has been identified as a major source of eco- church design and other guide will share stories nomics development for the area in the future.The key features of local com- of the valley, highlight- Tours offered in this brochure are all community based munities’ architecture. ing the unique history and designed to ensure that tourism creates opportu- The tour highlights the syn- and feel of the area nities for all those in the valley. theses of the various forms of architecture and how before pointing you in this has been integrated into the development of the the direction of one of Your support is greatly valued and appreciated. community. the many superb lunch options available. The R450.00 p/p. (Half day includes soft drinks and light snacks) valley is blessed by some of the finest and unexplored Should you wish to include lunch for either tour please add estates offering world class wines whose quality is only R220 p/p. surpassed by the hospitality of your host at each es- tate. For more information on tours: Tel : 021-8852476 R450.00 p/p. (Half day includes softs drink and light snacks) Fax : 021-8852471 Should you wish to include lunch for either tour please add Email : [email protected] R220 p/p. Website : www.dwarsriviertoursm.org.za.