Malmesbury

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General Information

Malmesbury, a tranquil town with a rural atmosphere situated in the West Coast region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Malmesbury is about 70km North of Cape Town and with its Mediterranean climate is ideally suited for the growing of grain. Jan van Riebeeck, the first to use the Dutch name “Het Zwarte Land” for this region, was referring to the black colour of the original vegetation found in this region, and not the soil. Originally inhabited by Khoi San people, the town sprang from a few settlements erected around a sulphur spring in the 1700s.

There are several beautiful old historic buildings, including the old Jewish Synagogue, now the Malmesbury Museum, and Ant Sienie se Huisie on the banks of the Dieprivier.

Accommodation in the area includes bed and breakfasts, self-catering facilities, lodges and budget travel. A brand-new 18-hole competition golf course and country estate, has been established, while nearby private farms and nature reserves offer a variety of activities, from 4X4 and mountain-biking trails to clay-pigeon shooting, hiking and tractor rides.

Visit the Swartland Santam Wine Route for an authentic wine tourism experience in the countryside. Situated within easy reach of Cape Town the route has 20 members – including big wine companies, private cellars and wine merchants. The region stretches from Paardeberg in the south to the Berg River in the north and encompasses the beautiful Riebeek Valley and the towns of Malmesbury, Piketberg and Porterville.

There are many restaurants on offer to suit every visitors budget. There is a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and pubs to choose from! Malmesbury has a thriving business community and provides a wide range of goods and services to its residents as well as surrounding communities.

See our business directory for a list of businesses in Malmesbury, or add your own free business listing.