If you are driving the N7 — to the Cederberg, Namaqualand, or all the way to Namibia — Citrusdal is the stop worth making. Fuel, farm-stall food at Kardoesie and De Tol, local pies, and a bed if you need one — a quiet, close-to-nature pause before the mountains close in. This is how to make the most of it.
Why stop at Citrusdal
| Where | On the N7, about 176 km north of Cape Town |
|---|---|
| Drive time | Roughly 2 hours from Cape Town, just past the Piekenierskloof Pass |
| Fuel | Yes — fill up before the Cederberg, which has none |
| Farm stalls | Kardoesie Padstal (est. 1997) and De Tol at Carmién tea farm |
| Local food | Braai pies, piesangbrood, rooibos and fresh citrus |
| Overnight | Guest rooms, B&Bs, guest farms and camping |
Distances and timings are approximate — see getting here for the full route.
The padstals worth pulling off for
Kardoesie Padstal has been a fixture since 1997 — the classic N7 farm-stall stop for food, local produce and a proper stretch of the legs.
De Tol, at the Carmién tea farm, is the other must-stop: farm-stall food, rooibos, and a relaxed place for lunch or a coffee. Between the two, you can eat well and stock up on things to take home. Where to eat ›
Braai pies at Agrimark, piesangbrood at Spar, and the farm-stall food at Kardoesie and De Tol. Rooibos and fresh citrus are the things to take home. The local list ›
Fuel and essentials
Citrusdal has fuel stations on and near the N7. This matters more than it sounds: once you head into the Cederberg there is no fuel, so fill up in town before you leave the valley.
There are also shops, a pharmacy and everything you need for a road trip — worth knowing if you are heading into the mountains or the desert. The local list ›
If you need a bed
Citrusdal is a natural overnight on a longer N7 trip. There are guest rooms, B&Bs, guest farms and camping in and around town, from a quick stop to a longer stay. If you have time, the hot spring at The Baths is a memorable way to end a long driving day. Where to stay ›
Soak at The Baths ›N7 stop — quick questions
Is Citrusdal worth stopping at?
Yes. It is the natural halfway point with fuel, two excellent farm stalls and a proper break from the road.
How long should I stop?
Half an hour for fuel and a padstal, or an hour for lunch. Add an overnight if you want to soak at The Baths.
Is there fuel in the Cederberg?
No. Fill up in Citrusdal before you head into the mountains.
Last updated August 2026 · opening hours vary — confirm with each business before you travel