Genadendal Mission Station

Top choice in Western Cape

LoginSave

Some 6km west of Greyton is Genadendal, the oldest mission station in South Africa, founded in 1738 and for a brief time the largest settlement in the colony after Cape Town. It now has a population of around 5000. The Moravian Church is a handsome, simply decorated building. The village’s fascinating history is documented in the excellent Mission Museum.

The village has a 'living museum' feel. As you wander you'll find one of the oldest printing presses in the country, a pottery workshop and a watermill among the many restored historical buildings. In 1995 Nelson Mandela renamed his official residence in Cape Town after this mission station. To get to the cluster of national monuments from Rte 406, keep driving through the rather scruffy outskirts until you arrive at Church Sq.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Wine farm in Franschhoek, Western Cape South Africa - Image of La Motte wine estate with young grape vines, roses and lavender plants

    La Motte

    29.7 MILES

    There’s enough to keep you occupied for a full day at this vast estate just west of Franschhoek. As well as tastings of the superb shiraz range, wine…

  • Stanford Hills

    Stanford Hills

    25.89 MILES

    Taste the Jacksons pinotage here – a fine example of South Africa’s home-grown grape variety. There’s also charming self-catering accommodation available …

  • Viljoensdrift

    Viljoensdrift

    27.14 MILES

    One of Robertson’s most popular places to sip, especially on weekends. Put together a picnic from the deli, buy a bottle from the cellar door and taste on…

  • A zip line in Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve in South Africa.

    Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve

    28.56 MILES

    This mountainous and forested reserve stretches from Jonkershoek in the west to Villiersdorp in the east, skirting the Theewaterskloof Dam. There are day…

  • Sign board outside Excelsior winery.

    Excelsior

    28.62 MILES

    Tastings take place on a wooden deck overlooking a reservoir – it's a delightful spot. The real draw, though, is the 'blend your own' experience, where…

  • Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

    Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

    29.44 MILES

    Showcasing the array of succulents and desert plants found in the Karoo, this garden is well worth a stop if you're travelling along the N1. Only a small…

  • Leopard's Leap

    Leopard's Leap

    29.26 MILES

    The bright, modern, barn-like tasting room has comfy couches strewn around – you can either take your tasters to enjoy at leisure or sit at the bar for a…

  • Chamonix

    Chamonix

    26.31 MILES

    The tasting room at this small winery is in a converted blacksmith’s; there’s also a range of grappa to sample. Game drives to see wildebeest, zebras and…

View more attractions

Nearby Western Cape attractions

1. Mission Museum

0.04 MILES

Genadendal’s fascinating history is documented in the Mission Museum, situated in what was South Africa’s first teacher-training college.

2. Bemind

16.71 MILES

This tiny cellar is the epitome of the garagiste (garage) winery. Set back from the main road in the centre of town, there are just two tables – one…

3. Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary

19.21 MILES

This long-running donkey sanctuary is a peaceful spot with a couple of dams offering good birdwatching, a tearoom serving homemade goodies and, of course,…

4. Tanagra Private Cellar

19.52 MILES

Tanagra is a family-run farm offering tastings of its range of reds as well as the grappa distilled on-site. There's self-catering accommodation (two…

5. Graham Beck

21.1 MILES

Taste the world-class bubblies in a striking modern building with huge plate-glass windows. The winery comes as a breath of fresh air after all those Cape…

6. Creation

24.4 MILES

Best known for its various wine-pairing options, which include a superb brunch pairing (R495) as well as tea pairings (R435) and even a juice pairing for…

7. Springfield

24.64 MILES

Some of the wines here are unfiltered – try the uncrushed Whole Berry for something different. Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the peaceful grounds,…

8. Haute Cabrière

25.57 MILES

Best known for Méthode Cap Classique (MCC; wine made in the Champagne method), there is also an excellent range of white and red wines, plus a brandy. The…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-africa/greyton/attractions/genadendal-mission-station/a/poi-sig/1202737/1315305",
  "destination": "Western-Cape",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "country": "South-Africa",
  "region": "Western-Cape",
  "position": "superzone"
}