Voorkamerfest is a three-day arts festival made up of 21 theatres set up in the local community’s homes. Consisting of seven routes, featuring 60 professional performers, this is an artistic experience like no other, drawing on the culture of the region to showcase its warmth and uniqueness.But, of course, there is so much to do in the area, from wine and beer tasting to Evita se Perron, so make sure you take advantage of the local sights and sounds with this three-day itinerary.
Day 1 - Friday 6 September
Experience: Darling Olives
The Basson family takes great pride in welcoming you to Darling Olives, a family-run business located on Alexanderfontein Estate just 3km outside of Darling. Their location offers the perfect balance of cool, refreshing air from the Atlantic and hot, dry summers – resulting in delicious olives that you simply have to experience. At Darling Olives, they not only produce great-tasting olives, but also offer a great tasting experience so you can discover their range of delicious products right on the farm.
Eat: Evita se Perron
You can’t visit Darling without stopping by at Evita se Perron where satirist, Pieter Dirk Uys, turned the old Darling station into a theatrical experience. The restaurant, exhibition hall, garden displays and theatre is home to Uys’ alter ego, Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout.
Day 2 – Saturday, 7 September
Experience: Groote Post Wine Tasting and Farm Drive
Groote Post is home to 2000 hectares of conservation-worthy natural vegetation, including the highly threatened Swartland Granite Renosterveld, Swartland Shale Renosterveld and Atlantis Sand Fynbos. Groote Post has a 2000 hectare game camp, shared with neighbouring farmer Henry Louw, that is home to indigenous species such as kudu, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, bontebok, springbok, quaggas, eland and gemsbok. Take a drive around the farm after enjoying some wine-tasting.
Eat: Chicory Cheese Café
Located just off the Main Road, Darling’s much-loved neighbourhood café offers guests a relaxing home feel. Perfect for lazy breakfasts and leisurely lunches, this charming venue is very casual with just a dollop of sophistication. Make sure you stop by and soak up the atmosphere while tucking into some of our delicious food.
Day 3 – Sunday, 8 September
Experience: West Coast National Park
The West Coast National Park, which stretches from Yzerfontein to Langebaan, is a pristine nature reserve which offers an array of activities such as bird watching, game sighting, biking and whale spotting. Do the Geelbek short day walk or view the kaleidoscope of flowers, just some of the outdoor activities to enjoy at West Coast National Park.
www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast
Eat: Darling Brew
The Tasteroom at Darling Brew offers a locally sourced smoke house menu where the concept of slow beer and slow food truly come together. The menu can be enjoyed indoors overlooking the brewery or outside in the garden. The popular kids’ play-area makes the Darling Brew experience one the whole family can enjoy.
Recommended accommodation in Darling
The Granary Petite Hotel
Darling Lodge Guesthouse
The Old Pastorie
Disa Lodge
Jacaranda House
Bee’s Knees Bed & Breakfast
