Today my African Chick and I found ourselves unexpectedly exploring Riversdale, a small Western Cape town in the Hessequa region of the Garden Route we usually breeze past on our road trips between home and Cape Town. Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Riversdale has always been one of those places I’ve stopped to stretch my legs or fill up the tank, but never really paused to appreciate. That changed today.
After saying goodbye to a distant family member who spent her final years here, we decided to spend the rest of the Saturday walking around town – and what we found truly surprised us.
First Impressions of Riversdale
It was the end of the month, and the streets were buzzing. Long queues curled in front of every ATM, vendors loudly advertised fresh produce and handmade goods, and kids – barefoot and grinning – used the old steam train near the central taxi rank as their jungle gym.
We noticed right away how wide the streets are, especially around Hoofstraat and Kerkstraat, where most of the local action seems to happen. The whole place felt unpretentious, down-to-earth, and welcoming – the kind of town where people know each other’s names.
A Bit of Riversdale’s History
Named after Harry Rivers, a civil commissioner from nearby Swellendam, Riversdale was officially founded in the early 1800s. The first plots were sold in 1838, and that same year, the Barry family built what would become one of the town’s most important structures: The Old Jail (Die Ou Tronk).
Originally a trading post, the building later served as the town’s jail, courthouse, police station, and even had a “hanging room”. It’s strange how such a grim-sounding place now feels more like a quirky little corner of the Mediterranean – or maybe even a medieval European village.
Exploring The Old Jail (Die Ou Tronk)
These days, the Old Jail is far more welcoming than its name suggests. Inside, you’ll find antique treasures, Africana art, and charming home décor items across its old stone-walled rooms and former cells. The hanging room is still… the hanging room. But outside, the little courtyard is full of life. There’s shade from the old avocado trees, and we had a delicious slice of carrot cake with our coffee – possibly one of the most unexpected cafe settings we’ve ever experienced.
📍 Open Monday – Friday: 08h00 – 17h00 | Saturday: 08h00 – 13h00
📞 Contact: Louise Malherbe | +27 (0)28 713 4300 | louise.malherbe@outlook.com
The Julius Gordon Africana Centre: A Cultural Gem
Just a few blocks from the jail, we walked over to the Julius Gordon Africana Centre, housed in the Versfeld House—another lovingly preserved piece of Riversdale’s history. The house belonged to Theodore Versfeld, a local lawyer who never married but left his family home to the town. Julius Gordon, another Riversdale-born bachelor, left his stunning collection of paintings, Africana books, and antique furniture.
Though we got there just as it was closing (we’ll be back!), even a quick walkthrough revealed just how rich in heritage this little town is.
📍 Open Monday – Friday: 10h00 – 15h00 | Saturday: 10h00 – 12h00
📞 Contact: +27 (0)28 713 7939
Tips and Things to do in Riversdale Garden Route
- While Riversdale doesn’t have an official tourism information centre, both the Old Jail and the Africana Centre had local maps and brochures with other attractions.
- There are plenty of heritage buildings, gardens, and day-hike options around town and in the nearby Langeberg foothills.
- If you’re into photography, look out for old churches, stone houses, and charming street scenes.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Pitstop
We went into Riversdale expecting a quick stop – and came out already planning to return. Between the buzz of everyday life, the rich local history, and the small but thoughtful cultural offerings, this Garden Route town offers more than most would guess from the main road.
So, the next time you’re passing through Hessequa, maybe slow down in Riversdale, and give it a morning or afternoon. You might just find, like we did, that this town has more to offer than you’d ever imagined.
💬 Have you visited Riversdale?
Tell us in the comments below or message us what you discovered!
