Bookings are open for a new, one-day, 12-km guided hike.

The first hike takes place on Saturday 15 March and is thereafter offered twice a month, weather permitting.

Hikers will enjoy access to areas of the 3000-hectare property not usually open to the public, where they can discover the estate’s diverse flora and fauna.

The route, set against a spectacular backdrop of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland mountain ranges, traverses:

• Manor house and gardens: Vergelegen is a provincial heritage site, and the route starts in the historic precinct for hikers to admire the lush gardens and beautiful homestead.
• Lourens River and orchards: The trail leads to the Lourens River, where a section of land is a Protected Natural Environment, then passes through orchards.
• Nguni cattle grazing areas: The route continues into the grazing area of the docile Nguni cattle herd – numbering about 400 indigenous cattle with spectacular multi-coloured hides – and resident bontebok.
• Fynbos biome: Vergelegen is home to the largest privately funded alien vegetation clearing project in South Africa. Find out more about this visionary conservation initiative, and view fynbos, wetlands and renosterbos.
• Game camp: Hike alongside the fenced game camp, with possible sightings of wildlife such as eland, rare Rau quagga, black wildebeest and small antelope.
• Champagne tree: This marks the end of the hiking trail where, weather permitting, hikers are treated to a glass of Vergelegen Cap Classique and wine tasting while enjoying views of the surrounding mountain ranges and over False Bay.
• Vineyards and wine cellar: Hikers are taken by game vehicle to the nearby hilltop wine cellar for a cellar tour.

Finish off with a three-course, a la carte lunch at the Stables bistro-style restaurant, with wine. The full cost of R2900/person also includes a branded cap and water bottle, plus a bottle of Florence rosé wine to take home.

Tours are led by Frank Dwyer, an experienced hiking guide and tourism expert with a deep-rooted passion for showcasing South Africa’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Dwyer was born and raised in Somerset West, where his father farmed in the 1960s and 1970s, and he developed an early appreciation of the region’s landscape, history, wine and culture.

While the route is not difficult there are some strenuous uphill sections and descents where hikers need to take care on loose gravel. Hikers are advised to wear appropriate footwear or hiking boots.

Host your special celebration at The Royal Hotel - Riebeek Kasteel.

From intimate family gatherings to milestone birthdays, our team brings warmth and care to every occasion. Our historic spaces, attentive service and memorable dining create the perfect setting for those moments worth celebrating.

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The Royal Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. Our venue provides an exquisite backdrop for the quintessential African wedding. Picture your event in a unique space that transcends the traditional concept of indoors and outdoors. Our central courtyard offers the flexibility to plan the wedding of your dreams. An abundance of natural light provides a lively yet gentle environment in which to celebrate. Our professional and experienced staff is committed to your every need before, during and after.

We know how to turn your vision into a reality. You dictate, we facilitate. The sky’s the limit.

The Royal Hotel offers an excellent meeting venue for small meetings, seminars and functions. Pleasant and affordable alternatives are offered and no meeting is too small and no request is too difficult. You will be assured of personalised and professional service from start to finish for your conference, meeting, seminar or function. You can expect to receive our undivided attention regardless of whether your need is for an intimate boardroom meeting or a conference for 100 delegates.

With the Royal Hotel, you can rest assured that we have the solution. 

Explore our late afternoon mezze menu, featuring manakish and a vibrant array of dishes infused with the Middle Eastern flavours.

Mezze is served from 16h30 - 18h30 (Tuesday to Sunday).

Join us at Café Gannet for our Seafood Sunday!

Available every Sunday. Treat yourself to an unforgettable seafood feast!

For menu details or inquiries, feel free to message us.

fun isn’t only reserved for weekends. we know you need some weekday pleasure and we’re here to deliver!

we’ve got happy hour:

5 - 7 pm tue - thu
4 - 7 pm fri - sat
all day on sundays

grab a drink and a bite to eat, it’s sure to turn a dull day into a memorable one!

Explore your sense of curiosity and let our staff guide you through our Mason Road Sip & Dip Pairing in our Tasting Room.

Four of our Mason Road Wines are expertly paired with a delicious dip which you can enjoy as it is paired, or you can mix and match if you prefer!

Sip & Dip Pairing

• Mason Road Chenin Blanc & Hummus
• Mason Road Serendipity Rosé & Olive Tapenade
• Mason Road Syrah & Mushroom and Sunflower Seed Pâté
• Mason Road GSM & Baba Ghanoush

R320 for two | bistro@brookdale-estate.com I 087 183 3919

Photo: Catherine van Rees

The new Vergelegen Trail offers a captivating full-day guided 13km hike across the estate. Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore the farm’s rich history, discover its diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas. This immersive experience grants access to hidden gems of the property that are typically closed to the public, making it a must-do for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Hosted by experienced guide, Frank Dwyer, the hike starts in the historic precinct of the farm and takes guests on meandering jeep tracks over the property concluding with a VIP wine tasting in a secret location. A 3-course wine lunch will end off a fantastic day. Guests will also be treated to a Vergelegen Trail 'essentials' kit on arrival and will receive a bottle of Florence Rosé to take home.

Available Dates: 15 & 29 March; 12 & 26 April; 10 & 24 May
Cost: R2900pp | Only 8 people per date can be accommodated, so book now to avoid disappointment.