Ratelgat is a historical Griqua farm on the Knersvlakte situated about 20km north of Vanrhynsdorp. Griqua presence at Ratelgat dates back to 1920 when the paramount Chief, Die Kneg, A.A.S. le Fleur I (1867 – 1941) led his people to escape English Colonialism and to foster their Griqua culture at Ratelgat . The Griqua’s are direct descendants of the Khoi and San with their first leader being Adam Kok I.
There is an annual pilgrimage to Ratelgat undertaken by Griqua people in May, ending with the celebration of Ratelgat Day.
Ratelgat is the first heritage site on the West Coast to bear the new Heritage Western Cape emblem.