ACTIVITIES
MOUNTAIN BIKES & HIKING TRAILS
MOUNTAIN BIKES & HIKING TRAILS
Are you travelling without your bikes, new to mountain biking or just want to try something different? At Zia Cottage you will be able to rent one of our four MTBs to discover the area on two wheels. Whether a placid trek on the farm roads, a small challenge on hilly terrain, or a more demanding cross-hill tour, our fleet of great rental bikes will help you get out on the trails. In addition to our bikes, helmets are included to keep you safe on your ride.Book in advance to make sure the bikes are prepared and ready upon your arrival. Our current routes include sixteen kilometres of trails with a variety of difficulty levels and are available on our website. All start directly from Zia Cottage to allow easy access on and off the trail network.
FISHING
FISHING (Catch & Release)
Bring your fishing gear and enjoy catch and release fishing at any one of two matured ponds nearby. Both are within a five-minute walk of Zia Cottage.
HORSEBACK RIDING
HORSEBACK RIDING (Trails and Adventures )
Tulbagh Horse Trails offer magnificent horse trails and equestrian activities just 15 minutes from Zia Cottage. The trails take you through vineyards and farm lands to reach the base of the majestic Witzenberg Mountains where you can enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Just sit back and enjoy the ride on a trained horse, accompanied by an experienced guide as these horse trails are suitable for all levels and ages of riders.
FYNBOS ANIMAL SACTUARY
FYNBOS ANIMAL SACTUARY
Next to the Zia Cottage property at the R46 is an animal sanctuary where a home to various rescued or rehomed animals in need has been given. An up-close encounter with zebra, llamas, alpacas, horses, ostriches and springbok, and a whole lot of other interesting furry and feathered friends, it’s a wonderful family outing. The sanctuary is self-funded and visitors are welcome to bring along apples, carrots, bread, and lettuce to feed the animals, or purchase feed items for a nominal fee from the sanctuary shop. Day visitors should call first, especially during the week.
BIRDWATCHING
BIRD WATCHING
This is an especially stunning experience for keen bird-watchers, as there is such an abundance of species to be seen at and around the cottage. With over 50 varieties of common avifauna present in the area, there is no shortage of birds to view. At Zia Cottage we maintain wild bird feeders to attract the ‘locals’ for easy patio viewing. We also have resident pea fowl that are regular visitors to the cottage. Be sure to use our complimentary feeed when they come to greet you and your guests.
WINE TASTING
WINE TASTING
Zia Cottage visitors can enjoy a wide range of wines from the 14 estates and private cellars that dot the area, a few of which offer organic wine selections. These range from intimate homey cellars to boutique estates known for their award-winning labels. And due to the valley’s climate, there are also olive groves and fruit orchards to complement the vineyard's palate sensations.
RIDE THE RAILS
RIDE THE RAILS
A unique way to discover the beauty of the area is to take an outing with the Ceres Rail Company. These steam locomotive trips start in Cape town and end at the Ceres Golf Estate. The vistas include breath-taking views of the valley from the elevated Michell’s Pass. This pass is also known for its incredible rock formations and during the winter months (June to August), the pass is often blanketed by snow, which makes the trip all the more magical.
ZIPLINING
ZIPLINING
Ceres Zipline Adventures, 15 minutes from Zia Cottage, offers visitors eight separate zip line slides, with a total length of 1.4 kilometres. They all run over the Koekedouw River, with its breath-taking rock formations, and through the mountains that surround the scenic Ceres Valley.
RESTAURANTS TULBAGH
RESTAURANTS TULBAGH
Indulge your taste buds in this charming town, known for its culinary delights and warm hospitality. From fine dining establishments to cozy bistros, Tulbagh offers a range of culinary experiences that will satisfy every palate. Explore our curated selection of restaurants, each with its unique ambiance and delectable cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for contemporary South African dishes, Mediterranean-inspired flavors, or a fusion of international tastes, Tulbagh has something to offer. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors, stunning views, and exceptional dining experiences that await you in Tulbagh, Cape Town
