Grabouw

Province

The town of Grabouw located in the municipality Theewaterskloof, district Overberg, Western Cape Province in South Africa at an altitude of 264 meters above the sea level. It has 30,337 inhabitants ( 2011). and is on the road R321.

History

The beginnings of the town date back to a post station, which was built here at a ford on the Palmiet River on January 1, 1846. 1856 bought by the German -born merchant and painter Wilhelm Lang Schmidt a farm that was near the ford, and founded the present town. However, Grabouw received the city status in 1956.

Grabouw is named after Grabow, the German birthplace of the city's founder. He had 23 children.

Economy

The city is located in the Elgin Valley. Here, around 60 percent of the South African apple exports are generated. The valley is also known for the large-scale cultivation of chrysanthemums, roses and proteas. Here also the soft drink Appletiser was invented in 1966, consisting of pure apple juice that is carbonated.

Attractions

In the Grabouw Hottentots Holland Trail Hiking Trail, which ends at Franschhoek starts. Nearby is the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a sanctuary for the diverse fynbos vegetation with more than 1,600 plant species, 150 of them endemic.