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The Cape Overberg, discovered early in South Africa’s history by pioneering farmers, who had to haul ox wagons over the Hottentot Mountains, is today a firm favourite with visitors. Luckily, the stunning Sir Lowry’s and Franschhoek Passes, allow for easy access over the mountains into this beautiful diverse Overberg region. The N2, headed for the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth by an incredible drive, divides the Overberg into two distinct but equally compelling areas.
The first region, mainly along the N2, incorporates the Hottentots Nature Reserve with excellent hikes and kloofing; the fertile Elgin Valley with its apple orchards, fruit trees and vineyards; the commercial centre of Grabouw; Bot River, with the famous Arabella Golf Course and Hotel; the rolling hills of wheat and canola around Caledon, the capital of the Overberg, with its casino and spa, best visited in September when the 214ha wild flower garden is a riot of blooms, and Swellendam, a charming historic town. Swellendam is close to the Bontebok National Park and the Marloth Nature Reserve, both worth a visit.
The Elgin Valley is renowned for its apple farms in particular, and is home to “Appletiser”, the famous South African apple drink. More recently, this area has diversified into cool climate wines, leading to the establishment of many award-winning cellars and an interesting wine route. A day trip from Cape Town through the towns of Elgin, Grabouw, Botrivier, Franschoek and Stellenbosch, takes one over the scenic passes of the region, past the Theewaterskloof Dam, and through the beautiful Overberg landscape.
A small detour off the N2, from Caledon on the R406, will take you to historic Genadendal, a missionary village lost in time, and to Greyton village, one of the most popular weekend getaways in the Cape.
To reach the coastal region of the Overberg, known as the Whale Coast, take the amazing Clarence Drive Route along the R44 from Gordon’s Bay. The coastal region stretches from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai, with its endless pristine white beaches, swimming, surfing and wealth of marine life.
The meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans is at Cape Agulhas, a popular tourist stop. The coastline here is excellent for fishing with many excellent spots, some even accessible by 4×4 trails. Kleinmond is a hot spot for the snoek run in June and for crayfish in the summer season. The Rooisand Nature Reserve at the Bot River Lagoon offers a wide range of water birds.
This area is home to the Kogelberg Biosphere, accessed from Betty’s Bay, a world heritage reserve, protecting over 1600 species of fynbos plants, with some excellent hikes in a pristine wilderness. Also close to Betty’s Bay are the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, the little Kirstenbosch, and the Stony Point Penguin Colony.
This coastal strip is whale territory. From June to December, the southern right whales come here to mate and calve. Hermanus boasts the best land based whale watching along its cliff path as well as the popular whale crier; De Kelders is also a firm favourite for land-based whale watching as well as kayaking close to the whales, whilst Gansbaai is famous for the Great White shark.
Hermanus is also home to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Wine Route, a top wine-producing region with many award-winning vineyards.
It is easy to move between the N2 and the coast, as there are many connecting roads, some tar and some gravel, all offering beautiful scenery though vineyards and farmlands. In this area between the coast and mountains is Stanford, a beautiful historic town, ideal for a laid-back getaway, situated on the banks of the Klein River. Stanford’s surrounding valleys feature numerous vineyards, an award-winning cheese maker and a microbrewery. Stanford is also close to the pristine Salmonsdam Nature Reserve, with its beautiful waterfalls – ideal for hiking.
Close by are Wolwegat, where the famous South African artists, Wim and Tina de Roubaix have their gallery, and Baardskeerdersbos, which has a developing art route, which opens the homes of the local art community on selected weekends.
For a detailed guide on the Western Cape, visit ShowMe Western Cape.
The Western Cape Brandy Route, South Africa
Within an hour’s drive of Cape Town, some of the world’s best award winning brandies are beckoning. Take in the stunning scenery
Hook Line and Sinker Restaurant, Pringle Bay
The ambiance, location and the famous, fresh, food all contribute to the popularity of this restaurant. Remember to book in ...
Day trip round the Whale Coast
This really interesting 263km self drive circular route, offers scenery, vineyards, marine life, beaches, walks, birds, historic
Day trip through the Whale Coast Region
This really interesting 263km self drive circular route, offers scenery, vineyards, marine life, beaches, walks, birds, historic
De Roubaix Gallery, Wolvengat, Overberg
The beautiful little Overberg village of Wolvengat, is home to well-known South African artists Wim and Tina de Roubaix.
The Wandelpad Walk, Stanford
The 3km stroll along the Klein River, called the Wandelpad is one of the ‘must do’s’, when in Stanford. The beautiful path winds
Vaalvlei Farm for flyfishing, near Stanford, Overberg
The Vaalvlei working farm,close to Stanford, is set in the Klein River Mountains, with awesome views and excellent fly fishing ...
Mariana’s Restaurant and Deli, Stanford
There are not many restaurants at which booking is REALLY essential. They have to be extra special, like Marianas in Stanford ...
Sir Robert Stanford Estate, Stanford, Overberg
Hand crafted grappa and fruit spirits are distilled on the Sir Robert Stanford farm, under the watchful eye of Johan de Villiers.
Madre’s Kitchen, Stanford, Overberg
Madre's Kitchen is set on the Sir Robert Stanford Wine Estate, with a scenic vista over Stanford. This country styled restaurant..
Eco Quads, Stanford, Overberg
Quad Biking is the ideal way for those with energy to burn to experience the sights of the beautiful outdoors in Stanford.
Chadoka Art Studio, Pringle Bay
Takura Chadoka was born in Zimbabwe where he developed his love of art. His paintings are in a unique African style, depicting ...
Short Hiking Trails around Pringle Bay, Overberg
Besides the more difficult hiking trails in the Kogelberg Reserve, there are some easier trails for those who would like to take
Betty’s Bay, Sandboarding on Blesberg Dune
If you are an adrenalin junkie, sandboarding the Blesberg Dune above Silversands Beach in Betty’s Bay, is a must. The rush is ...
Salmonsdam Nature Reserve, Stanford
Salmonsdam Nature Reserve is renowned for its mountainous landscape twittering with birdlife. The fynbos covered slopes, waterfall
Raka Wines, Stanford, Overberg
Raka Wines, on the farm Remhoogte, in the Kleinrivier valley near Stanford, has a range of wines, blended from the varietals ...
Birkenhead Breweries and Wines, Stanford
Birkenhead Breweries, just outside Stanford, has a magnificent setting on a country estate in the shadow of the Klein River ...
Klein River Cheese Farm, Stanford, Overberg
Spend some wonderful relaxing hours at the Klein River cheese farm, only 7km outside Stanford. Set along the Klein River, this ...
Palmiet River Rafting, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Kleinmond
Palmiet River Rafting, near Kleinmond, offers white water in winter and tubing excursions in summer. From adrenalin to calm ...
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve and Boosmansbos Wilderness
The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, between Swellendam and Heidelberg, is a magnificent 250ha indigenous forest, and 14 000ha ..
Boosmansbos Wilderness Hiking Trails, Heidelberg
Boosmansbos Wilderness at the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve has magnificent hikes through indigenous forest, fynbos, great birds
Birding at Grootvadersbos Nature Reserve, Heidelberg
Grootvadersbosh Nature Reserve, a unique Afromontaine forest, is a birder's paradise - particularly for its forest species and ...
Fishing Spots from Pringle Bay to Kleinmond, Overberg
This area has much to offer the keen angler. There are many spots, rock and surf, close to each other, so a fishing getaway ...
Sandown Blues Café,Restaurant, Bar, Main Beach, Kleinmond
Sandown Blues has views for miles over the blue flag main beach of Kleinmond. Fresh seafood is a speciality, as is rib steaks.
Kroonland 4×4 Trail, Villiersdorp
The Kroonland 4x4 trail on the Kaaimansgat farm offers pristine fynbos with brilliant views over the valley, especially from ...
Theewaterskloof Country Estate Golf Club, Villiersdorp
Theewaterskloof Golf Club on the Theewaterskloof Country Estate is home to a 9-hole golf course, rated one of the top 20 nine-hole
Theewaterskloof Dam and Theewater Sports Club, Villiersdorp
The Theewaterskloof Dam is beautifully set, between Franschhoek and Villiersdorp, surrounded by farmlands, majestic mountains ...
Kelkiewyn Farm Stall, Villiersdorp
The Kelkiewyn Farm Stall in Villiersdorp is beautifully set alongside the Elands River with al fresco seating on the river bank ..
Segway Tours, Grabouw, Overberg Things To Do
Riding on a Segway is an unique experience. If you are in the beautiful region of Grabouw and the Elgin Valley, this is real ...
Kamazoo Quad Bike Tours, Grabouw
Kamazoo Quad Bike trails offer tours that will be remembered, long after the fun stops. Anyone can drive through the beautiful ...
Self Drive Day Trip to Elgin, Grabouw and Bot River Overberg
This scenic self-drive route through fruit orchards, winelands, and stunning passes offers wine tasting, gourmet food, farm stalls
Peregrine Farm Stall, Grabouw, Western Cape
Peregrine is renowned for its huge range of locally produced wines at very competitive prices. Biltong is also a firm favourite ..
Orchard Farm Stall & Coffee Shop, Grabouw
Orchards Farm Stall, near Grabouw has a coffee shop, filled with treats from the on-site bakery. Breakfast, light lunches, art ...
Klein Paradys Equestrian Centre, Bot River, Overberg
Bot River is home to the Klein Paradys Equestrian centre, where the owners, Sue and Manfred, have 17 years experience riding out.
Grabouw Mashie Golf Course, Overberg
Set in the beautiful Elgin Valley is a scenic Mashie Golf course that lends itself to family fun in the great outdoors.
The Lady and the Fig Bistro, Grabouw, Overberg
The Lady and Fig Bistro in Grabouw has an Elgin Valley view to compliment the chic décor and innovative modern cuisine.
Wine Routes in Elgin, Grabouw and Bot River Western Cape
The wine farms in the Elgin ward, have one thing in common - a choice of vine sites that have all the key components to produce ..
Kloofing Suicide Gorge, Hottentots Holland, Overberg
If you are a real adrenalin junkie, then kloofing Suicide Gorge in the scenic Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve may just be for ..
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve Hiking Trails, Overberg
The Hottentots Holland reserve in the Western Cape is best known for its hikes and kloofing, in a beautiful landscape, with rugged
Oak Valley Mountain Bike Trails, Grabouw, Western Cape
The Oak Valley winemaker, a keen mountain biker himself, established the Oak Valley Mountain Bike Trail near Grabouw ...
Green Mountain Slackpacking Trail, Elgin area, Overberg
The Green Mountain Slackpacking trail takes place over 60km and four days, through mountain fynbos, fruit farms and vineyards ...
The Elgin Apple Museum, Overberg
The Elgin Apple Museum depicts the history of the apple industry in South Africa. See the progress from the earliest basic ...
The Shuntin Shed Restaurant, Bot River
The original railway shunting shed in Bot River has been beautifully restored to a restaurant known for pizzas, Sunday lunch, 60's
Oude Molen Brandy Distillery, Grabouw
The Oude Molen Brandy Distillery in Grabouw, just an hour from Cape Town, is not only a window into the fascinating process of ...
The Wine Bus, Elgin Winelands, Overberg
If you would enjoy travelling through hand-picked vineyards in style, with everything pre-arranged for a wonderful time, then the
Iona Wine Estate, Elgin, Overberg
The Iona Wine Estate vineyards are on a mountain plateau 420 metres high, and here in South Africa, these cool sites are scarce.
Paul Cluver Wine Estate, Elgin, Overberg
The Cluver family were the founding fathers of the Elgin wine ward. Established in 1896, as an apple farm, the family went on to
Thandi Wine Estate, Elgin, Overberg
Thandi Wine Estate was South Africa’s first agricultural Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) project. Thandi Wines became the first
Goedvertrouw Wine Estate, Bot River
Owner Elreda Pillman runs Goedvertrouw Wine Estate, on the Van der Stel Pass between Botrivier and Villiersdorp. The historic farm
Elgin Vintners, Elgin Valley, Overberg
When six of Elgin’s eco-conscious, grape, apple and pear farmers formed a partnership to plant and harvest grapes, the wines offer
Oak Valley Wines, Grabouw
Oak Valley Wine Estate, Grabouw, presently has a highly acclaimed Platter 4 ½ Star Sauvignon Blanc on the market together with ...
Shannon Vineyards and Wines, Elgin
Shannon Vineyards, situated on the Palmiet River in the Elgin Valley, have put together a winning team of owners, Kevin Watt and
South Hill Vineyards, Elgin, Overberg
South Hills is a boutique wine estate, with and excellent restaurant, wedding venue and accommodation. The unique terroir reflects
The Venue, South Hills Vineyards, Elgin Valley
The Venue’s setting on spectacular wine farm in Elgin is not only attractive to birds and wildlife, but to bridal couples and ...
Beaumont Winery Bot River, Overberg, Western Cape
Situated on a heritage farm, dating back to the 1700s, in the quaint village Bot River, Beaumont Wines is a family run winery ...
Ciro’s Seafood and Grill Restaurant, Gansbaai
This historic limestone fisherman’s cottage in Gansbaai has been home to a popular restaurant for over 14 years. Enjoy superb ...
Umnenge Boat based Fishing Charters, Gansbaai
The fully licensed boat has everything you need for fishing and more importantly, the skipper knows all the good fishing spots.
Klipgat Trail, Gansbaai to De Kelders, Overberg
There is a beautiful trail which meanders for 7km from the Gansbaai harbour along the shoreline to the Klipgat Cave, in the Walker
Coffee on the Rocks Restaurant, De Kelders
View the whales from the verandah of the Coffee on the Rocks Restaurant, in De Kelders. This is a must stop eating experience.
African Horse Company, Horse Trails, Gansbaai
The Whale Coast beaches and mountains of the Cape Overberg are perfect for those who love to explore nature on a horse trail ...
Farm 215, Nature Reserve, Gansbaai
Farm 215 Nature Reserve, Gansbaai, offers award winning accommodation with panoramic views, tranquillity and fine dining close to
Platbos – Africa’s Southernmost Forest, Gansbaai
The ancient 30ha Platbos forest has trees that are over 1000 years old and is Africa’s most southerly indigenous forest. The walk
Quad Explore, Quad Bike Trail, Gansbaai
Take a wonderful 2 hour trip through beautiful fynbos, old growth forest to a stunning mountain top view over Walker Bay and ...
Thobeka’s Township Tours, Gansbaai
Feel the spirit of the African culture as Thobeka takes you on a guided walking tour of Masakhane Township in Gansbaai.
Kayak Junkies Trips, Gansbaai, Cape Overberg
There is no better way to experience the beauty of the sea and possibly see the marine life up-close than to go on a kayak trip ..
Grootbos Nature Reserve, Gansbaai, Cape Overberg
Grootbos Nature Reserve offers award winning 5-star accommodation, set in magnificent scenery above Walker Bay. The stylish ...
Shark Diving Unlimited, Kleinbaai near Gansbaai
Shark Diving Unlimited in Gansbaai is a fully licenced shark cage operator, with permits from Marine and Coastal Management ...
Ivanhoe Sea Safaris – Whale Watching Gansbaai, De Kelders
Our boat-based whale watching safaris take place in Walker Bay, which is renowned for the best viewing of Southern Right Whales ..
Walker Bay Nature Reserve, Cape Overberg
The Walker Bay Nature Reserve is managed by Cape Nature and stretches for almost 25km from the scenic Klein River Estuary ...
Walker Bay 4×4 Fishing Trail, Cape Overberg
There are not many places where one can legally drive to an excellent fishing spot. The Walker Bay 4x4 Fishing Trail is located ..
Birding the Bot River Lagoon, Rooisand Nature Reserve
The beautiful Bot River Lagoon is a prime bird watching spot in the Overberg. It is incorporated into the Rooisands Nature Reserve
Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate, Botrivier, Cape Overberg
The Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate is a quality vineyard that is dedicated to perfection, in their wine making, the restaurant, and ...
Wildekrans Wine Estate, Botrivier, Cape Overberg
Wildekrans Estate is a boutique winery situated near Bot River in the Southern Cape. Taste award winning wines on this beautiful
Rivendell Wine Estate, Botrivier, Cape Overberg
Rivendell is a boutique wine farm in Bot River, nearby Arabella, offering excellent breakfast and lunch with amazing views ...
Birding at Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
With over 96 fynbos and forest species recorded at Harold Porter, some specials include Verreaux’s Eagle, Orange-breasted Sunbird
Hiking Trails Betty’s Bay, Kogelberg, Kleinmond
The hiking trails in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve area offers pristine fynbos, clear rivers, waterfalls, forest, rock pools and ..
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Kleinmond, Overberg
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve, just west of Kleinemond, and close to Betty’s Bay, is the pristine heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Von Geusau Chocolates, Greyton, Cape Overberg
The success of Von Geusau Chocolates in Greyton must inspire many who are doing a job that they do not enjoy. When Richard von ...
Boesmanskloof (Greyton – McGregor) Hiking Trail
If you are in Greyton or McGregor in the Western Cape, you can do one of the extremely popular Boesmanskloof Greyton to McGregor
Caledon Casino and Spa, Cape Overberg
The Caledon Casino and Spa is ideally situated to take a well deserved weekend break or a stop en-route to refresh body and soul.
Dassiefontein Farm Stall, Caledon, Overberg
Dassiesfontein Farm Stall lies between Botrivier and Caledon on the N2 and offers the traveller on their way to the Garden Route
Hermanus Wine Route, Overberg, Western Cape
Hermanus is best known for its spectacular land-based whale-watching but there is actually much more to this area ...
Creation Wines, Hermanus Wine Route, Western Cape
Creation Wine Estates is situated in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven-and-Earth) Valley near Hermanus in the Western Cape ...
Sumaridge Wine Estate, Hermanus Wine Route, Western Cape
Sumaridge Wine Estate lies in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near the seaside town of Hermanus in the Western Cape ...
Newton Johnson Wine Estate, Hermanus Wine Route, Cape
Newton Johnson Wine Estate is situated about an hour and a half from Cape Town in the wine growing Hemel-en-Aarde Valley ...
Bouchard Finlayson Winery, Hermanus Wine Route, Western Cape
Bouchard and Finlayson is a boutique winery situated in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley ...
Kunste Huijs Art Gallery, Swellendam, Cape Overberg
Kunste Huijs fine art gallery sources and displays the original work of more than 60 South African artists. The owner, Grady ...
Swellendam Drostdy Museum Complex and Historic Buildings
The historical areas of Voortrek Street, Van Oudtshoorn Street and Swellengrebel Street all lead to the Cape Dutch Drostdy Museum.
Stormsvlei Farm Stall & Restaurant
The Stormsvlei Farm Stall & Restaurant are idyllically situated next to Stormsvlei Country Flowers, the legendary dried flowers ..
Houw Hoek Farm Stall, Elgin, Cape Overberg
Houw Hoek Farm Stall offers homemade pies, quiches, biscuits and cakes; freshly baked bread, preserves, pastas, cheeses, local ..
Bontebok National Park, Swellendam
Bontebok National Park is a place of simplistic beauty and peaceful charm. The majestic Langeberg Mountains provide a ...
Sulina Faerie Sanctuary
Minky had made a promise as a child to her fairy and angel friends to make a place where all peace loving beings could feel safe
Marloth Nature Reserve, Swellendam
The Marloth Nature Reserve lies within the rugged and scenic southern Langeberg mountain range near Swellendam.
Winelands of the Western Cape
The first vineyards in South Africa were established in the early 1650s in the beautiful fertile valleys surrounding Cape Town ...
Harold Porter Botanical Garden, Betty’s Bay, Cape Overberg
The Harold Porter Botanical Garden is situated on the lower mountain slopes of the dramatic Kogelberg range and is reached by ...
Stony Point Penguin Colony, Betty’s Bay, Cape Overberg
Stony Point Penguin Colony is one of only two mainland colonies of African Penguin and is reached by the most beautiful coastal ..
Sir Lowry’s Pass Birding, Cape Overberg, Western Cape
This scenic pass crosses the Hottentots Holland Range and is home to two fynbos endemics, Cape Victorin’s Scrub-Warbler as ...
Hermanus Golf Course, Cape Overberg, Western Cape
Hermanus Golf Course, located only 120 Km from Cape Town, is a perfect golfing venue ...
Arabella Golf Club, Bot River, Western Cape
Arabella Golf Course is situated in the Western Cape, close to Hermanus. Voted among the top 5 golf courses in South Africa ...
Greyton’s Better Nature
Date: 19/05/2013
It’s an easy and beautiful drive through the Overberg countryside to Greyton Nature Reserve, the third-largest reserve in the ...
Take the Plunge
Date: 17/03/2013
If you have a sense of adventure, bum-sliding, rock-hopping and swimming through a kloof will give you an adrenalin kick.
Whines and Wails
Date: 03/03/2013
On the mountain above Somerset West is an old wagon trail. Back in the 1860s, 4500 ox wagon's climbed it every year. In 2012,...
Going Large with Little People
Date: 03/02/2013
Sarah Borchert grabs the opportunity to share boat-based whale watching with her family. Mom?' My five-year-old daughter's sea-..
Precious piece of The Cape
Date: 02/12/2012
Just an hour-and-a-half's drive southeast of Cape Town is the mountainous Kogelberg Nature Reserve, a place that rivals the ...
Hiking the Perlemoen Trail
Date: 21/07/2012
A superb 'no pack drill' saunter on the Overberg coast with several options, many points of interest and tasty seafood treats.
The Western Cape Brandy Route
Date: 06/05/2012
Within an hour's drive of the Mother City some of the world's best award winning brandies wait to be discovered.
Berg and beach
Date: 02/04/2012
Walker Bay and hermanus are probably best known for the Southern Right Whales that visit during their annual migration.
Hermanus Wine Route Re-Launched
Date: 09/01/2012
Hermanus has a Wine Route it can be proud of, and the area offers many attractions to complement the R320 Hemel en Aarde Route
Green Mountain Trail, Elgin
Date: 14/11/2011
An Overberg slackpack hike that's just made for lovers of fine food and wine, as well as the great outdoors.