Brief history to Greyton

Greyton was established in 1854 by Herbert Vigne and still has a strong “old village” feel today.

Before the village was established, the area was home to the Hassequas Khoikhoi, with kraals near the Gobos River.

Greyton sits in a fertile valley at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains, surrounded by fruit and dairy farms.

The village is known for its wide streets, oak trees, and historic water furrows – Lei channels – still in use today.

Greyton combines rich history with a strong community spirit and an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Just outside town is the Greyton Nature Reserve, set on the mountain slopes with classic fynbos and a network of footpaths.

One of the area’s signature hikes is the Boesmanskloof trail, a popular route between Greyton and McGregor (often done as a full day).

Greyton is also known for its Saturday market, typically running 09.30–12:00 (delicious food and local arts and crafts). A percentage of all sales go to the Greyton Conservation Society to support our essential mountain rangers and baboon monitors.

Greyton is closely linked with nearby Genadendal, a nationally significant heritage village with a superb museum and Moravian church. It was also the home of South Africa's first Teachers Training College.

Greyton’s first post office operated in the building associated with what’s known as “The Post House” today. A beautiful red and white building with an intimate bar and accommodation on the left as you drive into town.

Trails & the Local MTB Network

Greyton’s trail network of over 100km which is proudly community-built and maintained by Greyton MTB and Gravel club, with permit fees reinvested directly into trail upkeep, signage, and repairs. Takunda Jackson is the full time trail builder, under the guidance of Shaun Lourens.

Trails range from flowing singletrack to technical mountain routes. Additionally, a beautiful forest section, perfect for the whole family.

Ongoing maintenance and recent signage upgrades ensure safe navigation.

Portions of the network form part of the Epic stage through Greyton, this year.

The trails suffered significant damage during the recent fires but single track has been restored and signage upgraded.

Plans underway for an extended black route—around 60 km with 1,500 m of elevation

Please purchase your day (R75) or weekend (R120) permit using the snapscan QR code

Trail maps are downloadable using the QR code at local venues: Pure Cafe and on this website

The trails are well used by a growing local and visiting trail running community too.

Greyton MTB Juniors

Under the umbrella of the Greyton MTB and Gravel club, is the Juniors programme where approximately 60 young local children are mentored, upskilled and taken on local rides in and around Greyton twice a week. A ride in summer is often followed by a river dip and then sandwiches and juice. Kit, bikes and spares are generously donated by locals and visitors alike. Two talented young men who have come through the ranks of the Juniors program, are headed to W2W this year!

An incredible local gravel event, The Canola Roller, which is part of the 100 miler W Cape gravel circuit, is the main fund raiser which keeps this programme running, along with dedicated and passionate ride leaders, most of whom are volunteers.

A new local MTB event, the Greyt Onion, is debuting in April of this year, on Middelplaas Farm.

In the village and surrounding roads/trails, you will see free-roaming horses, cows, donkeys and the occasional pig!

Please drive slowly and stay alert—especially at night.

Watch for horses and cattle near or on the road when visibility is low.

Please do not feed or touch the animals, stroking a foal can result in a swift kick from the mare and feeding can cause a mini stampede!

Greyton Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) — local animal welfare support (pets and community animal care) in Greyton/Genadendal and surrounds.

“Rooted in our valley’s six villages, we serve the local pet community through a range of essential services.

We facilitate dog and cat adoptions, run sterilisation programmes (in partnership with the National Sterilisation Project), and offer clinics and veterinary support. Our humane education initiatives promote kindness and responsible pet care. We also manage Equine Outreach for Greyton’s roaming horses and operate the GAWS Charity Shop, raising funds through quality second-hand goods.”

EARS Donkey Sanctuary (Greyton) — rescue/rehabilitation for donkeys and horses; registered NPO

Visit our EARS donkey Sanctuary

Located on the Villiersdorp/Middelplaas Road 10km from the centre of town, EARS Donkey Sanctuary. There is no entry fee and visitors are welcomed 7 days a week but by appointment only. To book your visit WhatsApp Penny on 082 660 6714.

Local charity stores

Keep your eyes open for great pre-loved items for sale and all in Main Road.

Greyton Red Cross (Greyton branch) — local Red Cross branch providing community support to the ill, aged and run an aftercare facility for school children.

Greyton Animal Welfare Society (GAWS)

Equine Animal Rescue society (EARS)

Directory (will be excel table)

Restaurants

Galleries

Shops

Community organisations

Important phone numbers