Visit Wellington

Halfway between the bright lights of Cape Town and the statuesque mountains of the Western Cape, lies the hidden valley of Wellington, full of surprises and variety, heart and soul.

The Berg river flows along the western border with two smaller streams, the Spruit and Kromme and the mighty Hawequas stands guard on the eastern side. The Bainskloof Pass, built by the famous Scot, Andrew Geddes Bain was (before Du Toitskloof Pass) the only gateway to the north.

More French people settled here than anywhere else in the Cape and the valley was initially called Val du Charron – valley of the wagon-makers, the last outpost before travellers, pioneers and adventurers attempted the arduous journey into the hinterland with their oxen and their wagons.

There were two attempts to name Wellington but it was only when Sir George Napier suggested that the town should be named after ’England’s greatest soldier’ that in 1840 the town of Wellington was proclaimed after the Duke who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo – somewhat ironic considering the town’s forebears.