Vacation rentals in Robertson

Located in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, the winemaking town of Robertson sits in a river valley between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountain ranges. The area is dominated by vast vineyards, where clusters of green and purple-red fruit drip from rows of vines and fragrant heirloom roses grow in manicured estates. The wines produced here are respected worldwide, and plenty of local wineries offer the chance to sample the region’s fruit-driven shiraz and chardonnay.

Robertson is on the main route east from Cape Town, drawing visitors into the countryside for adventures on the Breede River, scenic hikes, rounds of golf on picturesque links, or a relaxing horseback ride. If you’re packing a picnic for a road trip into the city or south to Hermanus for some whale-watching, you can browse the biweekly farmers’ market for artisan bread, buy goat cheese at a local farm, and even pick lavender straight from the field.

The climate in this part of Western Cape Province is temperate, with pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and moderate rainfall all year. The warmest season to visit Robertson is during the summer months of December, January, and February, when it can get quite hot, seeing temperatures in the triple digits Fahrenheit. The heat abates gradually as fall approaches. The winter months of June through August are the coolest time of year as well as the wettest. It’s best to layer up, as the daily lows can descend below the freezing point. By October, warm days begin to return.

Dassieshoek Nature Reserve

Less than 20 minutes north of Robertson is the 1,900-acre Dassieshoek Nature Reserve. Here you’ll find a variety of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, from easy strolls to secluded gorges with waterfalls to multi-day treks up some of the area’s high peaks, which offer spectacular views of Robertson and Koo Valleys. You’ll pass by native fynbos bushes and rock pools where you can stop to cool off with a quick swim.

Montagu

Montagu is a town 30 minutes east of Robertson best known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and underground hot springs. Rock climbers come here for the layered, knotty stone formations on the Badskloof Trail, which can be hiked in an hour. If you take the four-to-six-hour Cogmanskloof Hiking Trail, you’ll reach a summit with a sweeping view of Montagu’s ravines and mountains.

Cape Town

Less than two hours from Robertson, the sprawling metropolis of Cape Town sits under the majestic summit of Table Mountain. You can get your bearings with a trip on the Aerial Cableway for awe-inspiring views from the top, cafe-hop on buzzing Bree Street, and stop off at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa before dinner in the marina at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.