South Africa isn’t just a land of rugged mountains, golden coastlines, and wild horizons — it’s also a place where some of the world’s most distinctive teas are grown, blended, and brewed. From the rooibos-covered slopes of the Cederberg to the fragrant honeybush hills of the Eastern Cape, every region tells a story — of the soil, the sun, and the people who coax magic from the land.
And with your Lekker Passport™, those stories become part of your own journey — one of discovery, connection, and flavour.
The Magic of Indigenous Teas
Few countries can claim teas as uniquely their own as South Africa. Here, two naturally caffeine-free herbal teas — rooibos and honeybush — grow nowhere else on earth.
- Rooibos thrives only in the rugged Cederberg mountains of the Western Cape, where red earth and mountain mist create its signature caramel sweetness.
- Honeybush, with its soft floral notes, grows wild along the mountain slopes of the Western and Eastern Cape — its name as poetic as its taste.
Beyond these homegrown icons, you’ll also find Camellia sinensis — the same plant behind black and green tea — thriving on misty plantations in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, where local growers are redefining South African tea for a new generation.
The Cederberg: Heart of Rooibos
If tea had a capital in South Africa, it would be Clanwilliam — the beating heart of the Rooibos Route. Here, the red soil runs deep with tradition.
A few must-stop experiences:
- Skimmelberg Farm — Wander through rooibos and buchu fields, learn about organic farming, and sip tea infused with the scent of fynbos.
- The Rooibos Tea House — Taste over 100 rooibos blends, from spiced chai to citrus and berry infusions.
- Wupperthal — Visit this historic mission village where small-scale farmers have been hand-harvesting rooibos for generations.
- Nancy’s Tea Room — Indulge in rooibos cheesecake and local hospitality in the heart of Clanwilliam.
A rooibos adventure here is more than a tasting — it’s a journey into heritage, biodiversity, and the resilience of a plant that grows nowhere else on the planet.
Planning Your Tea Road Trip
The Rooibos Route offers endless directions to wander:
- North: Start in Clanwilliam, then stop at Klawer Wine Cellar for a surprising rooibos-infused vermouth.
- South: Visit Carmién Tea in Citrusdal to explore the journey from field to cup — and end with a rooibos-and-chocolate pairing.
- West: Saddle up with Lucky Horse for a horseback ride through rooibos fields.
- East: Wind your way to Wupperthal and experience organic rooibos farming at its roots.
No matter which direction you choose, rooibos is the golden thread weaving together the people, landscapes, and flavours of the Cederberg.
A Taste of South African Heritage
Every sip of rooibos or honeybush tells a story — of wild landscapes, patient cultivation, and communities deeply rooted in the land.
With your Lekker Passport™, you’re not just tasting tea — you’re meeting the Local Legends who’ve made these flavours part of South Africa’s soul.
Ready to plan your tea journey?
Start in the Cederberg — and let rooibos guide the way.