If you’re interested in keeping busy in Riviersonderend then this quiet Overberg town has some surprises in store for you.

The Riviersonderend Conservation Area that surrounds Riviersonderend is made up of 69,000 hectares of land. The conservation is a combination of state land and privately-owned property that together has been declared a mountain catchment area that supplies the Greater Cape Town Metropolitan area with water. This setting is the perfect place for outdoor adventures and the countryside lends itself to hiking, horse riding, MTB, kayaking and 4x4 routes, trails and tracks. 

If getting your hands a little dirty is something that appeals to you, then you might find it difficult to choose which activity to do first. By heading towards the mountain, travellers can follow one of the many hiking trails, leading to a spectacular overview of the town. Here, they can also find several of the old signal cannons, which were used to call men into military service from 1795 to 1806. 

However, if you prefer a more rugged experience, by prior arrangement you can also rent a canoe or tube for going down the river, or drive on one of the 4x4 routes. 

For a more relaxed outdoor setting, Riviersonderend also has a dedicated golf course and bowls club, each set beneath the beautiful view of the Sonderend Mountains. The mountainous landscape forms part of the Overberg Birding Route so remember to pack your binoculars and bird identification guide.

By prior arrangement, travellers interested in agriculture can visit one of the neighbouring farms for a first-hand encounter with production and harvesting.   

Alternatively, if you prefer being indoors, there are a few other activities that might appeal to you, such as antique and bargain hunting.