Day Trip or Weekend – Cape Town to Greyton on the N2

Cape- Town – Somerset West – Sir Lowry’s Pass – Caledon – Genadendal – Greyton – Franschhoek – Cape Town

N2 – Vergelegen Wine Estate – Sir Lowry’s Pass – Houw Hoek Farm Stall – Paul Clever Wine Estate – The Overberg – Elgin Valley

The Overberg - on the way to Greyton from Cape Town on the N2

From winter to early summer the rolling wheat and canola fields, with the enfolding mountain backdrop of the Overberg Region, are a sight to behold.

So why not set out for a day to experience nature’s bounty or even better, make this a leisurely weekend and overnight at Greyton. (290 kms return).

The Overberg is famous for its rolling golden fields back-dropped by magnificent mountain ranges. The fynbos and wild flowers are simply stunning too.

Detailed Route Information

Vergelegen Wine Estate in the Cape Helderberg

Drive from Cape Town to Somerset West on the N2

Somerset West

Somerset West boasts the Vergelegen historic wine estate, where you can lunch or enjoy tea, al fresco, looking onto the magnificent gardens centered on the oldest camphor trees in South Africa. The gardens, with the mountain backdrop, are well known, and make the perfect setting for the historic homestead. The wine cellars are certainly worth a visit!

The nearby Helderberg Reserve Bird Sanctuary has won many awards for the best bird sanctuary in a reserve and is home to many Cape “specials”.

Directions: Turn left off the N2 in Somerset West at Victoria Street, drive up to the T-junction with Main Street, and turn right a few blocks up, into Lourensford Rd.

The Helderberg Reserve Bird Sanctuary is left off Lourensford Road into Landroskop Drive, and left again into Verster Ave.

Vergelegen Wine Estate is just further on in Lourensford Road, on your right. For bookings: +27(0)21 847 1334/1346 (Restaurant/Picnic) +27(0)21 847 1337 Wine tasting/Cellar tours

Continue on the N2 to:

Sir Lowry’s Pass, Grabouw & the Elgin region

Houw Hoek Farm Stall

Drive over the dramatic Sir Lowry’s Pass, (there’s a spectacular viewpoint on the right near the top of the pass) and then through the Grabouw/Elgin apple-growing region. In spring the fruit trees are all in bloom.

“Pull over for a cup of tea or some local deli treats at one of the interesting farm stalls”

Stop for a wine tasting (if you have a designated driver, that is!) at the Paul Cluver Wine Estate or the empowerment project Thandi Wine Estate – both are signposted on the N2.

Choose from the Orchard, Dassiesfontein Farm, Peregrine and Houw Hoek farm stalls (the Houw Hoek is oldest licensed hotel in SA) – all along the N2.

In November, don’t miss the superb annual Rose and Garden Festival – with more than 10 000 blooms on display at the Elgin Country Club with plenty of entertainment. For more information, call them on +27(0)21 859 5012.

Continue on the N2 to:

Rolling Canola fields and Blue Cranes - S. Africa's National Bird.

Enjoy the sweeping rural views: rivers, wild flowers and wide plains. Spot the endangered Blue Crane in the wheat fields along the N2.

Just before Caledon, turn left onto the R406 to Greyton & Genadendal.

Greyton & Genadendal

The Moravian Mission Town of Genadendal

The first Moravian Mission Station in South Africa is in Genadendal. It was built in 1737 and the Mission Museum is interesting to visit to get a feel for the crafts practiced in the valley for more than 250 years.

Quaint and Pretty Greyton

Then carry on just a little further to the small picturesque village of Greyton. It is a delightful little place and popular destination for quiet weekends away from Cape Town. Explore the galleries, have a meal and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

To return to Cape Town drive back to the N2 on the R406 and head back to Cape Town. If you have the time, why not return via Franschoek?