Darling, Darling

Darling at a glance

Darling is a vibrant town situated on the Cape West Coast and falls within the Swartland Municipality. Darling boasts a thriving farming community that concentrates on dairy, wheat, grapes, peas, and potatoes.

Darling’s natural beauty and cultural richness offers a diversity of attractions — including its famous wildflower exhibitions (which have been drawing interested visitors in since 1917) and the impresario, Pieter Dirk Uys with his hilarious satires about his character “Evita Bezuidenhout”.

Darling’s quaint charm, coupled with the beauty of its surrounding farmland, has ensured the town’s ongoing stability and growth over the past decades.

Based on 2016 statistics, Darling has an estimated population of 12 370 residents, while the area size is 9,288 km².

Lifestyle:

Darling offers a taste of quiet village life. Characterized by picturesque gardens and Victorian houses, the town attracts permanents residents seeking tranquillity and a connection with nature.

It is both far away and close to Cape Town. Once primarily a weekend getaway destination, the town is now witnessing a shift, with families choosing to put down roots here. This is due to its proximity to Cape Town, allowing for an easy commute for many residents.

History of Darling:

Darling resides in a region formerly known as De Groene Kloof (the Green Valley). This area, encompassing the farms Modderrivier, Klawervlei, Groote Post, Waterkloof and Contreberg, was initially settled by the Dutch East India Company. They used the land for grazing livestock, cultivating fresh produce for passing ships, and harvesting salt, considered the purest in the Colony at the time.  Recognizing the fertile soil and abundant water sources, a small farming community of 29 farmers established themselves here during the early 18th century.

By 1853, the area boasted numerous farms. The town itself was founded by the Darling Village Board of Trustees around the Dutch Reformed congregation on the farm Langefontein (now Ormonde). Named after Sir Charles Henry Darling, who arrived at the Cape in 1851 as Lieutenant Governor, the town's economy soon found its backbone in agriculture, particularly wheat farming. The establishment of a railway line in the late 19th century further enhanced Darling’s connectivity and facilitated the transportation of goods to Cape Town and surrounding areas.

Darling is famous for its wildflowers and since 1917, the annual Darling Wildflower show has been held by the Darling Wildflower Society, founded in 1915 by Mrs. Suzanne Malan and Mr. Frederick Duckitt of Waylands.

Interestingly, the Darling Creamery, established in 1899 by Swedish settlers Nils Georg Moller and G. Threnstrom, operated until 1950.

World War II also touched Darling. During the peak of German U-boat activity off the South African coast, 23 Squadron, the first South African Air Force flying unit, arrived at the Darling airfield in early 1943. From here, their Ventura aircraft patrolled the western sea approaches to Cape Town, playing a crucial role in countering the submarine threat.

Darling achieved municipal status in 1955.

Location – Accessibility:

Darling is a small town nestled in a farming area on the west coast region of the Western Cape. Located about 43 km from Melkbosstrand (Cape Town) along the R27 / R315, it offers easy access to Cape Town’s city amenities. The closest beach lies in Yzerfontein, just 24 km (or a quick 18-minute drive) away.

Cape Town International Airport is 80 km away and the future Cape Winelands Airport, planned to open in 2027, will be even closer at 68 km away, offering a convenient 56-minute commute.

Climate:

Sitting at an elevation of 116.79 meters above sea level, the Darling district enjoys a yearly average temperature of 19.4ºC, which is -1.82% lower than South African average.

Darling typically receives about 393 mm of precipitation annually spread over 69.35 rainy days (roughly 19.0% of the year). Most of the rain fall between April and August, with June being the wettest month (averaging 73 mm) and January the driest (averaging 10 mm).

The mean temperature in Darling, during the summer, is 24 ºC. February is the hottest month with an average temperature of 29,7 ºC. Conversely, July experiences the coolest temperature, averaging 13,95 ºC with lows reaching around 5 ºC.

January offers the most daylight in Darling, averaging 14 hours of sunshine per day, and July the shortest, with 8.45 hours sunshine per day.

Schools in the area:

Darling offers a stellar education experience with the likes of Darling Pre-Primary, Laerskool Darling Primary, Vooruitsig Primary School.

In 1998 the first private school opened its doors in the Swartland area, Darling College, which is close to the entrance of the town on the Malmesbury side – it also offers a Pre-School.

The first high school in Darling is planned to open for grades 8 and 9 in 2025. A total of 600 learners will be taken in the first phase and the school’s capacity will be increased to 1120 learners.

For tertiary education and universities, you can look further afield to Langebaan, Cape Town, and its surrounds.

Healthcare Availability:

Darling has a clinic which is open Mondays to Fridays: 7:30am to 4:30pm. Local Medical General Practitioners in Darling include i.a. Dr Anine Vermaak (36 Voortrekker Street), Dr Marsha Hermanus at the Antioch Medical Centre (9 van Riebeeck Street), Dr Dilen Naidoo (Main Road) and Dr J van der Merwe (17 Main Road)

Darling has 2 veterinary practices:

• TAH Darling (The Animal Hospital and Vetshop) at 17 Main Road, provides full veterinary care for both pets and farm animals. Dr Gordon Adam and his team also offer full a retail offering tailor-made for the customers they serve.

• The Village Vet Clinic in Darling is at 11 Voortrekker Street. The clinic’s services include a full surgical theatre with gas anaesthetic, X-ray facilities, in house biochemistry, haematology and other diagnostic lab tests, an isolation ward, kennels for hospitalisation of in-patients and an outdoor grass area for fresh air and exercise. They also have a grooming parlour and stock a comprehensive range of premium pet foods, tick and flea control remedies, deworming products, and a selection of pet accessories.

Atlantic Medical Response is always on hand to transport those in need to facilities such as the closest private hospitals in Langebaan (Prime Cure Day Hospital) and in Vredenburg (Life West Coast). The closest state hospitals are the Vredenburg Provincial Hospital, Wesfleur Hospital in Atlantis, and Swartland Hospital.

Shopping Convenience:

The SPAR Darling is well-stocked and provides a good range of groceries and household essentials.

The closest regional shopping centres are De Zwartland Werf (Malmesbury – 37 km / 28 min), Table Bay Mall (Sunningdale / Cape Town – 53km / 43 min), Laguna Mall (Langebaan – 62km / 40 min) and Century City (Cape Town – 70 km / 55 min).

Other Darling speciality stores:

• The Darling Wine Shop is a family-owned business with a wide variety of wines, not only from Darling, but also sourced from other regions.  They also offer fresh West Coast seafood, including oysters and mussels delivered every Friday morning right after they’re picked.

• Heart of Darling has a diverse selection of gifts, jewellery and fashion accessories. It’s also home to DML Classics, which features an extensive collection of pre-owned, opera & musicals CD’s.

• Duckitt Nurseries is one of the largest orchid nurseries in the Southern Hemisphere, located on the farm Oudepost, just outside of Darling (opposite the Malmesbury turnoff). They open their doors to the public on the first Saturday of each month, from May to November, from 09h00-12h00.

• Storar’s Treasures: Located on Church Street in Darling, Storar's Treasures is a haven for pre-loved clothes and bric-a-brac.

• Udderly Delicious:  This shop is your go-to spot for a selection of handcrafted cheeses. You can either indulge inside or take your purchases from the deli and enjoy a picnic at the outside tables.

Restaurants, Coffee Shops & Distillery

Darling’s culinary scene is a fusion traditional and contemporary flavours and the town and area have a variety of eateries, coffee shops, restaurants and even farm stalls to tempt your taste buds.

The Marmalade Cat Café: This eclectic spot is a one-stop shop, offering homeware, gifts, clothing, and a delectable restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, pizzas, and baked goods.

Chicory Cheese Café: Savor farm-fresh cuisine at Chicory Cheese Cafe. They use seasonal vegetables and herbs grown in their own garden, provided by local farmers, and only source Fair Trade, Single Origin Coffee.

The Flying Pig: Calling all bacon and pork lovers! The Flying Pig uses free-range pigs from a neighboring farm to create authentic Italian charcuterie, some taking up to 43 months to mature. Located in the Mantis Mall since September 2015, they also offer treats from Darling Sweet, Udderly Delicious cheese, and Darling Olives.

Other close by choices for more culinary adventures include the Wright’s Gin Distillery & Tasting Room and Weskus Padstal.

Strandkombuis, nestled into the dunes of Yzerfontein’s 16 Mile Beach, offers a unique beach dining experience.

!Khwa ttu Restaurant: Enjoy breakfast and lunch at !Khwa ttu, open seven days a week. Call 022 492 2998 for reservations.

 Things To Do – Darling Attractions:

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes hugged by wildflowers and vineyards, you’ll find the sleepy town of Darling to be a place offering a blend of culture and gastronomy, with ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.

1. Hiking : Explore the Darling Hills on foot (or bike) along one of the many scenic trails that wind through the countryside. Darling provides a gorgeous landscape for nature lovers looking to breathe in some fresh air. Darling also has multi-day slackpacking trails. Spend the day exploring the scenic landscape and the breathtaking Cape West Coast Biosphere as you walk a range of trails.

1.1  The Darling Stagger is a 25kms, 2 and half day slack packing trail that takes you through the Cape West Coast Biosphere, through wine and olive farms by cycling, hiking, and walking.

1.2  Eve’s Trail in the West Coast Park: Trace back time with this wonderfully scenic two-and-a-half-day hiking trail that follows in the footprints of Eve – unmistakable human footfalls in rock (formerly sea sand) that are said to have belonged to a young woman who lived 117 000 years ago. The trail covers 30km of the park’s beautiful terrain, starting from Duinepos and ending at Seeberg – the park’s highest point.

2. Cycling: The Wheels of Time Trail is one of five trails in the Cape West Coast Biosphere and offers glorious views of the West Coast which takes you from Mamre to Darling. The 100 km route is the perfect trail for recreational cyclists. It follows existing gravel roads and tracks and is made up of three legs connected through a series of cultural heritage experiences and short transfers.

There are a variety of mountain biking trails in Darling. The Ride & Run Darling is a 40 km MTB route which takes you from Wolwefontein and its surrounding farms to !Khwattu.

3. Wildflowers & Spring: Spring is a special time on the Cape West Coast where countless fields are blooming with wildflowers. Darling is the perfect destination to celebrate the fauna and flora that the Western Cape is renowned for.

The annual Darling Wildflower Show in September celebrates the species of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom – a colourful tapestry of wildflowers that blanket the landscape with more than 1200 different species can be found. The Darling Wildflower Society, dedicated to preserving the region’s floral heritage, organizes the show and offers guided walks through nearby nature reserves, providing an immersive experience for nature lovers and a freeride on a tractor-drawn wagon to see the Oude Post Pristine wetland (that is not accessible to the public and can only be seen during the show).

If you want to experience nature (especially during flower season) you can head to the Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve - an uncommercialised, unpretentious, beautiful little 20 ha gem, located on the R315 between Darling and Yzerfontein. It has an extensive network of paths to explore, leading visitors into its Swartland Granite Renosterveld and associated seasonal wetlands. It is home to a spectacular array of different bulb species with a flowering season peaking during August and September.

4. Evita Se Perron: It is located at the old Darling Station which was converted in 1996 into an incredible theatrical experience by satirist, Pieter Dirk Uys and his alter ego Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout. The shows usually take place on a Saturday or Sunday from 12. It sometimes features Uys, sometimes Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout, and sometimes special guests. Check the website for schedules.

It is also a licensed restaurant, serving South African cuisine, and a bar.

Prepare to embark on a hilarious journey through South Africa’s political history, cleverly illuminated through the lens of humour and wit. It is really a monument to several things – kitsch, the colourful history of our nation and to the man himself. The place is packed with apartheid era memorabilia, such as HF Verwoerd lamps and Europeans Only signs, volk paintings depicting historic moments in Afrikaner history and the like, and a plethora of Evita Bezuidenhout paintings.

5. West Coast National Park:  This lovely nature reserve’s southern gate on the R27 is 26 km (18 minutes’ drive) from Darling. It offers a variety of activities from hiking, and birding, to whale watching. It is home to over 250 bird species (a quarter of South Arica’s total), reptiles and mammals and it is seasonally visited between August and October by pods of whales along the Tsaarbank section of the park. Nature-loving families will be in their element, spotting all the different fauna.

A visit to Kraalbaai with its turquoise stretch of water in the Langebaan Lagoon is highly recommended. Here you can enjoy everything from kitesurfing and waterskiing to fishing, kayaking, snorkelling, SUPing, boating – and, of course, swimming in an amazingly still, crystal-clear waters.

Visit Postberg between August and September – when this prime flower- and game-viewing location is at its colourful best with a dazzling patchwork of vibrant, varied daisies and sporries.

6. Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve: a 1600 ha family-owned nature reserve which is home to some of Africa’s greats such as Lion, Buffalo, White Rhino, and Giraffe. Visitors can enjoy an unforgettable guided safari game drive, a delicious meal, a good night’s rest, or a team building/conference that will keep everyone talking for years to come.

7. Darling Brew craft beer brewery has won numerous awards, including being recognised as Africa’s first carbon-neutral brewery. In true Darling spirit, it developed the unique concept of Slow Beer where the slow fermentation process goes together with the area’s peaceful lifestyle. The microbrewery offers a delightful range of beers named after endangered nature and animals that the owners support through conservation initiatives. Take a tour of the brewery to learn about the brewing process and the sustainable practices they employ, such as using solar power and repurposing water.

Darling Brew also offer a variety of events – such as music and beer festivals – including Stout Brew Winterfests, as well as trail running events.

8. Groote Post Wine Estate

8.1  Country Market (Free entry): The terrace in front of the award-winning Hilda’s Kitchen brims with child-friendly market stalls showcasing delicious and beautiful country offerings including artisan foods, arts, and crafts, homeware, clothing, décor, and gifts. The kids will also be kept busy with a wide variety of kiddies’ activities: tractor rides, guided horse rides, the popular playground and more. After browsing through the market, visitors will be relaxing under the trees while tucking into their delicious eats from the market.

8.2  Groote Post Wine Estate offers quad biking through the vineyards, or you can embark on a thrilling game drive. The estate also offers picnics and outdoor concerts during the summer months.

9. !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre: This venue gives you an insight into the San, the first people to inhabit Southern Africa. The San themselves will take you on a journey into their history, traditional knowledge, skills, languages, customs, and current affairs.

Whether you are looking for a solitary retreat, or a hiking/mountain-biking weekend with friends or your family, a visit to !Khwa ttu will be profoundly affecting. The Khwa ttu’s mountain bike trail includes two well-marked routes suitable for all levels of experience, from casual leisure rider to experienced adrenaline junkie. They have mountain bikes for hire.

10. Visit Yzerfontein beach: Yzerfontein boasts the longest uninterrupted sandy beach (The 16 Mile Beach) on the coastline of South Africa which stretches north to the West Coast National Park – a mere 23 km from Darling (19 min drive). It is a popular place for swimming, skiing, sailing, and angling. The Atlantic's powerful westerly swells roll into Yzerfontein, making it a prime surfing spot. Take a leisurely stroll to rejuvenate your weary soles. The beach is also great for giving your dogs a run without having to worry about seeing another person for hours on a quiet day.

11. West Coast Horse Trails: Explore the near endless 16 Mile beach of Yzerfontein on horseback. The starting point is the gorgeous Blombosch guest and game farm, situated on the R315 between Darling and Yzerfontein. You have two options either the beach/safari ride or the horseback safari. A horse ride & picnic can also be arranged.

12. Darling Wine Route:

5 Wine estates form part of the Darling Wine Route which sit on the rolling hills that surround Darling. The proximity to the Atlantic coast with its cooling afternoon winds and early morning mist, as well as the moderately dry climate, is well-suited to the production of unique, cool-climate style wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz amongst others. Growers in Darling have adapted to poor-quality soils and low rainfall by planting bush vines which are more resistant to drought and grow deeper root systems.

Wines of Darling have garnered international acclaim in the past 10 years, particularly the intense and unusual styles made from bush-vine Sauvignon Blanc. Groenekloof, as a part of the larger Darling district, was separated from Swartland in the Wine of Origin scheme in 2003, after a consensus that the wines produced here were distinctive enough to merit acknowledgment.

12.1      Darling Cellars: The cool climate of the West Coast provides wines that have a lighter body, and higher acidity and offer a spicier taste. Having 99% of all vineyards dry land and roughly the same percentage bush vine (i.e. not trellised), this is as close to what nature intended for grapes to be as one can get.

12.2      Groote Post: Groote Post is an historic 18th century farm where winemaking traditions have been revived by the Pentz family. Other activities on the farm include farm drives through hectares of aromatic fynbos, with the added bonus of possible quagga sightings and other indigenous species along the way.

12.3      Ormonde Private Cellar: Chocolate and wine pairing presentations daily at 11h00 and 14h00 and a small menu with cheese and charcuterie platters, gourmet bagels and home baked toasties are also on offer at Ormonde. The tasting room is in Darling at the top of Mount Pleasant Street where you can discover an impressive collection of 30+ award-winning wines.

12.4      Cloof Wine Estate: Tasting room open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. It is located on the R315 between Darling & Malmesbury.

12.5      Contreberg Darling: Contreberg was established in the early 1800’s by the Dutch East India Company to support passing trade with fresh meat and produce. The farm has been in the Pretorius Versfeld family for most of the last century and currently stretches 352 ha. Wine grape production was started at the end of the decade, in the 90’s, when the first Sauvignon Blanc Bush vines were planted on the farm.

Tukulu Wines (Papkuilsfontein): Tukulu is jointly-owned by Distell, a group of black entrepreneurs and a community trust representing the farm workers and local Mamre community. Grapes are sources from Papkuilsfontein in Darling. The ten hectares of Chardonnay has been farmed organically since 2001. Tukulu is one of the first wines to display the Ethical seal.

Other things of interest in Darling:

• Darling Museum: The museum was founded in 1978 as a butter museum by the local Women’s Agriculture Associations. It is housed in the old Town Hall (built in 1899) and has different displays showcasing Victorian clothing and furniture, as well as information on Darling Butter’s past and Darling Creamery’s history. The Museum has grown to encompass all aspects of village and district life from the 18th century until the present – providing a detailed yesteryear glimpse of what houses looked like as well as different areas of the town like the post office, church and bar 

The museum is located on the corner of Hill and Pastorie Street and is open 7 days a week. The Museum also offer the Darling Mystery Trail, which will make your stroll around town more interesting, by providing you with a map and riddles along the way.

• Darling Music Experience: In 2006, Darling launched the Darling Music Experience with the aim to organise small concerts in the West Coast for both classical and more popular music. The festival offers chamber music, popular choir works and jazz. A young local composer is commissioned every year to write a piece for the festival.

• Darling Music & Art Festivals: Darling is the home to two renowned cultural events, namely of the Voorkamer Fest arts festival, a unique house-to-house theatrical extravaganza and the eco-themed Rocking the Daisies music festival in springtime which was founded in 2005, inspired by the natural phenomenon of the Daisies blooming in Darling. 19 Years and hundreds of artists later, it is undoubtably one of the most anticipated festivals in South Africa. 

• Darling Sweet: All sweet tooths need to pay Darling Sweet a visit for delicious creamy old-fashioned handmade toffees and to witness traditional toffee-making, cutting, and packing methods - using flavours unique to Darling and surrounds. Darling Sweet is in Long Street in Darling’s original General Dealer Store (aka ‘Retief se Winkel’) built in 1900.

• Darling Olives: Darling Olives is located just 3 km out of darling towards Yzerfontein, nestled amidst vineyards, grazing cattle & olive groves. It’s the perfect location for an olive & wine tasting.

• Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse birdlife in the area, and several bird hides such as the one at the Groote Post Winery’s dam, provide perfect vantage points for observation.

Residential Property Market – Darling

Darling offers a true village experience to families, retirees, remote working professionals and holidaymakers. The Darling residential property market includes a diverse range of properties for sale, from charming cottages to modern luxury homes, each offering its unique charm.

There are 2 741 residential properties in Darling – 2 724 on title property and only 17 sectional title units.

Contact us today to view our properties and homes for sale in Darling and get acquainted with the exceptional quality of life Darling offers.