Bulshoek dam Holiday Resort: CLANWILLIAM

The first people settled in Clanwilliam around 1725. It was first known as Jan Disselsvallei, but was changed to Clanwilliam in 1814 by Sir John Cradock who named the town after his father-in-law, the Earl of Clanwilliam. The town is one of the ten oldest in South Africa.

Clanwilliam falls in the world renowned "fynbos" biome which is recognised as one of the six floral kingdoms in the world. In excess of 6000 species of fynbos is found nowhere else on the planet.

Intensive farming is practised in the area, mainly rooibos tea and oranges. Various other crops such as wheat, potatoes, pumpkin and grapes are also harvested. A significant number of farmers keep cattle, sheep and goats. On account of the good winter precipitation in the surrounding Cedar mountains, the district is fairly well watered by perennial streams. The Olifants river is the principal stream, dammed for irrigation purposes at Clanwilliam and Bulshoek.

TEMPERATURE and RAINFALL:

MONTH	TEMPERATURE (Celcius)				AVERAGE RAINFALL (mm)
	AVERAGE		ABSOLUTE		DAILY	MONTHLY
	MAX	MIN	MAX	MIN	DAILY	MONTHLY
January	29.7	14.8	43.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
February	30.2	15.1	43.0	9.0	0.0	0.0
March	29.2	13.8	42.2	1.5	0.2	6.0
April	26.1	11.4	40.0	3.0	0.4	12.0
May	23.8	9.3	37.5	3.0	0.5	15.0
June	20.3	7.2	32.0	-0.3	0.7	21.0
July	20.2	6.5	33.0	-1.4	0.6	18.0
August	21.0	7.2	36.0	0.0	0.6	18.0
September	22.9	8.9	39.2	0.5	0.4	12.0
October	24.5	10.4	42.0	2.0	0.3	9.0
November	27.2	12.2	45.2	1.9	0.1	3.0
December	28.0	13.8	43.1	8.8	0.2	6.0

PLACES OF INTEREST:

CEDERBERG NATURE RESERVE:

The Cedarberg nature reserve is a mountainous world-heritage site encompassing 85000 hectares. Sneeuberg (Snow mountain) at 2063 metres is the highest peak. In early spring, lowlands and valleys present a magnificent spectacle of wild flowers, especially in the Biedouw valley. The endangered Clanwilliam cedar (Widdringtonia Juniperiodes) grows higher up in the mountains. Indiscriminate felling of this tree for it's highly prized wood, especially in the late 19th century nearly caused this remarkable tree to become extinct.

Also see the Maltese cross (rock formation), Stadsaal caves and ancient San rock paintings.

CLANWILLIAM DAM:

Bulshoek dam was completed in 1924 and has a total capacity of approximately 6.55 million m³. Just a few years later, growing irrigation demands required the building of Clanwilliam dam, about 24 kilometres upstream on the Olifants river. Since initial completion in 1935, the wall has been raised several times, increasing the total capacity to approximately 128 million m³. Unlike Bulshoek dam, which is kept at a fairly constant level (being fed from Clanwilliam dam), water levels often drop down to 15% of total capacity towards the end of summer.

Clanwilliam dam is a popular water-sports destination and also offers some of the finest smallmouth bass fishing in the country.

CLANWILLIAM WILDFLOWER SHOW:

This show, held each year for ten days in September, proudly displays the spectacular flora of Namaqualand. Contact the Clanwilliam tourism board at cederberg@lando.co.za for specific dates.

CLANWILLIAM MUSEUM:

The museum, or "Old Goal", holds the history of the 7th eldest town, Clanwilliam. It is open from Monday to Friday (08h00 to 12h30). Closed over weekends and public holidays.

CLANWILLIAM LIVING LANDSCAPE PROJECT:

The Clanwilliam Living Landscape project is run by the University of Cape Town. Their arts and crafts shop is open Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 16h00. They also offer guided rock art tours, for which bookings are essential. Contact them on telephone 027-482-1911.

CLANWILLIAM AGRICULTURAL SHOW:

The Clanwilliam agricultural show is held annually over a period of 3 days in mid-April at the showgrounds.

Besides the livestock on show, there are numerous stalls, beer/tea garden and live music performances. A highlight is the display and procession of veteran tractors, cars and other farming machinery. For more informtion, please contact us, or the Clanwilliam tourism bureau.

STRASSBERGER'S SHOE FACTORY:

Strassbergers has been in existence since 1954 - visitors can walk through the factory and purchase from the selection of "velskoene" made here. Visiting hours are Monday to Thursday (07h30 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 17h30), Fridays (07h30 to 15h00) and on Saturdays (08h00 to 11h00). Contact them on telephone 027-482-1461 or 027-482-1439.

"DIE KUNSHUIS" ART GALLERY:

The gallery displays paintings by well-known artists from all over the country, but also pottery, artistic needlework, and greeting cards. Open from Monday to Friday (08h00 to 13h00 and 14h00 to 17h00) and on Saturdays (08h00 to 13h00).

LOUIS LEIPOLDT'S GRAVE:

Approximately 17 kilometers outside Clanwilliam, on the way to Wupperthal the road passes by the grave of Louis Leipoldt, well-known paediatrician, botanist, cook, and, above all, poet. Along this route is the rock formation named "Soldaatkop" (Soldier's Head).

ROOIBOS TEA FACTORY:

The "rooibos" plant, from which the popular tea is made, occurs naturally in the Cedarberg and Clanwilliam area. For a cup of tea, informative video and an opportunity to view other products made from the plant, contact the factory on telephone 027-482-2155.

If you have any other interesting places or activities you would like to share with other visitors, please let us know via email at bulshoekdamresort@gmail.com.