Paarl is brimming with amazing things to do, see, taste and explore. We are not only appreciated for our wine and fine food but also admired for our natural beauty and fabulous eco-friendly trips in our outdoors. Visitors can enjoy awesome views and beautiful, natural scenic beauty.
Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Enjoy the picturesque landscape of Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve’s fynbos vegetation dominated by massive, rounded granite rock formations set among wild olives, rock candlewoods and wagon trees. Take a vigorous hike, or climb Bretagne Rock, follow one of the many hiking trails, visit Mill water Wildflower Garden where numerous species of Proteas may be viewed, catch a bass at Nantes dam or enjoy mountain biking, picnics and panoramic views of the Drakenstein valley.
Garden at Babylonstoren
The mostly edible garden of Babylonstoren in the pear of the Cape Winelands, Paarl, has become a must-see for all visitors to our region. Not simply because it is beautiful, but because it offers a mesmerising range of experiences to both the day tripper and hotel guest, encompassing history, insight into the workings of a productive farm and food garden, and how the land can be cultivated along diversified yet integrated principles.
There are over three kilometres of paths through the garden, which provide hours of walking pleasure, or join the daily guided garden tour led by one of the gardeners.
Arboretum
Paarl Arboretum boasts 4500 trees (750 species) from 6 continents on 32 hectares of land along the Berg River. The Berg River that flows through the Arboretum allows you to hear, see and feel the water. Visitors can compare the leaves of the different trees and plants and note the detail. Walking, running, and cycling are welcome on the walkways in the arboretum.
Salem Biblical Garden
Salem Biblical Garden was established in 2011 on a farm on the slopes of the Paarl mountain in the Agter Paarl region. The natural fynbos, 300-hundred-year-old wild olive trees and granite rocks closely resemble parts of Israel. A path has been cut along the mountain where a number of artefacts and depictions of Bible patriarchs has been built for visitors to view. The garden also serves as a place to retreat to for silence and meditation.
Alpaca Loom
For a family friendly option head to Paarl’s furry celebrities at The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop & Weaving Studio. Interact with the alpacas in the petting zoo and have the kids use up all that pent-up energy on the jungle gym. Watch their weavers at their ancient craft and on the Alpaca Barn Tour meet their resident alpaca herd including their youngest crias and learn more about the alpaca and its fiber.
Cascade Manor Hiking Trail and Waterfall
Mountain walks and mountain biking experiences are just some of the activities visitors can enjoy at the beautiful Cascade Country Manor. Venture through buchu fields and fynbos where you canl discover and enjoy local fauna and flora. Bookings are advisable.
Ashia
Ashia is a conservation destination that is worth a visit. Situated at the foot of Drakenstein Mountains, Ashia (the name means “life and hope”) was founded to prevent the further decline of the cheetah population through its efforts to release captive-bred animals back into the wild.
It also offers the opportunity to contribute to these conservation initiatives via volunteer programmes, working holidays and research/internship programmes.
A one-hour Sanctuary Tour gives you a first-hand peek into the program. Your tour guide will provide you with multiple interesting facts about the resident animals and the latest updates from their Wilding- and Release Program.
