The historical town of Tulbagh in the Western Cape is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. Despite this grand old lady’s age, there are a number of things to do in Tulbagh to keep visitors entertained and happy. From beautiful wine estates to quirky stores and unique accommodation options you’ll certainly have enough to keep you busy in this small town. But perhaps the most interesting attraction this year is the Day At The Duck Race that will be coming your way in September!
Day At The Duck Race
The inaugural Day at the Duck Race is happening on 14 September 2019 at Essere Lodge in Tulbagh. This family-friendly event promises to be loads of fun as it involves ‘racing’ toy rubber ducks down the Little Berg River to a finish line and gumboots are therefore essential. To make things even more interesting, you can even decorate your duck so as to easily recognise it during the race down the river. The foster parent of the winning duck will receive R5000 in prize money! Proceeds from the money raised at the Day at the Duck Race will go to CHAIN Boland, a pro-life animal rescue organisation that services the Witzenberg Valley, with the aim of sterilising 100 animals.
On the event day, you can look forward to food stalls, a dedicated kiddies area, live music, wine offerings from the Tulbagh Valley and a full bar at Essere Lodge itself. Tickets for this exciting event are only R100 (including entrance and one duck), R50 per additional duck and kids under 8 years old enter for free. Remember, the more ducks you have the better your chances of walking away with the grand prize! Oh and did I mention there will be some delicious Lemberg wines at the finishing line? Don’t miss out on this awesome event.
www.webtickets.co.za | Facebook: Day At The Duck Race
Other Things to do in Tulbagh
Saronsberg Wine Estate
Where contemporary art and award-winning wines come together; Saronsberg is an absolute delight to visit. Appreciate at the upstairs gallery and then make your way downstairs for a wine tasting under the watchful eye of the Lady of the Lake. Make sure you don’t leave without a bottle of their Shiraz – the hallways aren’t lined with all those accolades for nothing! It’s therefore easy to see why a visit to Saronsberg is one of the most popular things to do in Tulbagh.
Waveren Road Tulbagh | +27 23 230 0707
M.I.T – Made in Tulbagh
Made in Tulbagh is a recently opened curated retail space to showcase the talents of the people in the Tulbagh Valley. M.I.T was founded by locals Arthur and Gail and their purpose is simple: support local. Locally sourced design, craft and fresh organic produce is what you can look forward to browsing at this eclectic space. Rose bistro at M.I.T is the micro kitchen, deli, cheese and wine store headed up by Peter Rose serving delicious homemade dishes.
19 Van der Stel Street, Tulbagh | madeintulbagh@gmail.com
Diggers Home
A true hidden gem; Diggers Home is a small winery that offers wine tastings, a restaurant and they also cater for pop-up events. Passionate winemaker Albert Brink produces some amazing Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The property has a tranquil setting and one could easily spend quite a few lazy hours here while indulging in good food and wine – no harm in that!
Diggers Home Farm | +27 82 564 2677
Krone MCC
The popular home of bubbly in the Tulbagh Wine Valley! Krone Méthode Cap Classique is produced on Twee Jonge Gezellen wine estate and their much loved MCC is the reason people flock to the estate for their tastings. On a beautiful clear day, the terrace is the best seat in the house for amazing views of the vineyards and Saronsberg Mountains. Reservations are highly recommended by if you’re just popping in, you’re more than welcome to purchase a bottle of MCC to simply enjoy on the picturesque estate.
Twee Jonge Gezellen Estate Road, Tulbagh | +27 23 230 0680
Makers Mark
A modern multi-functional venue situated in a historical Cape Dutch building; Makers Mark offers a gallery, deli, South African design concept store, recently added accommodation and soon to be opened gin bar! The garden setting is ideal for long summer days and the artwork displaying faces of local residents perfectly sets the tone for this modern establishment.
42 Church Street Tulbagh | +27 23 230 0048
CHAIN Boland
Community Helping Animals in Need (CHAIN) is a pro-life animal shelter situated in Wolseley. Their ultimate aim is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home neglected animals in the area. The facility services the Witzenberg Valley and is run entirely by volunteers who all have their own full-time jobs as well. You can support CHAIN by adding them to your list of places to visit in Wolseley and purchasing a packet of their homemade cookies while you’re there. As mentioned above, all proceeds of the Day at the Duck Race will go to the CHAIN organisation to assist them with realising their goal of sterilising 100 animals.
www.chainboland.co.za | 39-18 Mill Street, Wolseley | +27 72 609 1165
Where to Stay – Tulbagh Accommodation
Essere Lodge
A guest lodge comprising of garden suites and newly added self-catering log cabins with their own Jacuzzis, Essere Lodge is truly a place ‘to be’. Each suite has its own private patio, heater, electric blanket, coffee making facilities and bar fridge. The log cabins have an open plan living area with a fully equipped kitchen and braai. You’re welcome to prearrange for breakfast at The Barn at an additional rate. With tranquil gardens and a swimming pool, the lodge also caters for weddings and events.
Essere Lodge are also the hosts of the inaugural Day at the Duck Race that will be held on Saturday, 14 September 2019.
www.esserelodge.com | stay@esserelodge.com
**We were hosted at Essere Lodge for a 2-day media educational about the Day At The Duck Race.
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