Overberg Region, Cape Town

The Overberg is the most southerly region in Africa and is framed by mountains and sea. The coastal area stretches from Hangklip to the mouth of the Breede River and encompasses a host of seaside towns including Betty's Bay, Hermanus, Gansbaai, Cape Agulhas and Arniston. Further inland, the towering mountains ease into indigenous vegetation of orchids and the red disa, into fertile valleys and fruit orchards and then into rolling fields of wheat and grazing sheep. The inland towns include Elgin and Grabouw, Villiersdorp, Caledon and Swellendam.

Hermanus - 90 minutes drive from Cape Town

Hermanus is the heart of the Whale Route - and offers some of the best land based whale watching in the world. This is where the enormous Southern Right Whale comes to calve and whale watching is best between the months of September and November. In addition, Hermanus offers a host of outdoor activities for nature lovers in the surrounding mountains and Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Long stretches of white sandy beahces are ideal for long walks and a favourite with famalies. Once a small fishing village, Hermanus has now become a bustling seaside resort and is extremely popular with holidaymakers in the summer season. There is excellent accommodation available, as well as many quaint shops, coffee shops and restaurants and a weekly outdoor craft market.

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Grabouw & Elgin - 45/60 minutes drive from Cape Town

The town of Grabouw lies in the beautiful and fertile Elgin Valley. This is apple country, and the region produces more than half of South Africa's export apples. The valley is also well known for its cultivation of flowers - particularly Proteas. The valley is popular with outdoor enthusiasts offering hiking and mountain biking trails in the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve. For mouthwatering home-baked confectionary, teas and lunches, stop at one of the roadside farm-stalls

Swellendam - 2 1/2 hours drive from Cape Town

The third oldest settlement in South Africa, Swellendam is situated at the foot of the Langeberg mountains and is half-way between Cape Town and George. Whitewashed homesteads and a mix of architecture add to its charm and the nearby mountains and Breede River offer a host of outdoor activities. Walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseriding as well as river rafting and canoeing on the Breede River can all be enjoyed.The nearby Bontebok National Park is a sanctuary for herds of antelope and Cape Mountain Zebra and the Marloth Nature Reserve offers hiking trails and an adundance of flora.

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Villiersdorp - 90 minutes drive from Cape Town

 
Known as the 'sleeping beauty of the Overberg', Villiersdorp is a small town surrounded by rich farmlands and the nearby Theewaterskloof Dam - one of the largest in South Africa. Enjoy watersports, fishing or golf at the Theewaterskloof Country Club's 9-hole course. Enjoy the hiking trails in the Villiersdorp Nature Reserve or visit the Wild Flower Garden and Nature Reserve for a spectacular array of fynbos, proteas and birdlife.

Arniston - 2 1/2 - 3 hours drive from Cape Town

Also known as Waenhuiskrans, after its large seacave which is said to be able to house several oxen wagons, Arniston is a picturesque fishing village where  local fishermen have fished for over 200 years. Its thatched, whitewashed cottages have inspired many artists and the fisherman's village is now a national monument. Perfect for a real escape - enjoy walking, swimming and fishing. Visit the nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve and Bredasdorp which houses the Shipwreck Museum.

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