Known as the gateway to the Cederberg, the village of Citrusdal lies just 2 hours from Cape Town on the N7, nestled between the Koue Bokkeveld and the Swartberg Mountains. Citrusdal, synonymous with citrus farming, is set amongst green citrus orchards and fields of rooibos tea, buchu and wild flowers. Goue Vallei wines are produced from locally grown grapes.

The Cederberg was proclaimed a wilderness area in 1973 and stretches from the Middlelberg Pass at Citrusdal to the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam, including about 71 000 ha of rugged, mountainous terrain. The conservancy - custodians of the Clanwilliam Cedar tree and home to the rare Cape Leopard - runs as a voluntary agreement between local landowners.

The Citrusdal valley is one of the most beautiful and popular amongst hikers, mountain bikers and bird watchers alike. The oldest orange tree in the country, said to be more than 250 years old and declared a national monument, stands on the farm Hexrivier in the Citrusdal valley.