In the early days of the
European occupation of the Cape, very few people ventured far from the
foot of Table Mountain. The vast Cape Flats to the east of the fledgling
city were a treacherous stretch of shifting sands, wetlands and - of course
- wild animals. And at the eastern extreme of that huge, sandy plain was
a formidable mountain range, which is now - a couple of hundred years later
- easily traversed by virtue of the scenic Sir Lowry's and Houwhoek Passes
on the N2. But in those days, these mountains presented a serious barrier
to movement and the land beyond them, which was visited only by the very
adventurous and became known as the 'Overberg' - the land over the
mountains.
The Overberg extends from
the high-lying apple orchards of the area between the two passes in the
west, to just past the lovely historical town of Swellendam in the east
and - to the south - as far as you can go. Cape Agulhas is the most southerly
point of the African continent and - officially - the place where the Atlantic
and Indian Oceans meet. The interior is dominated by grain farms interspersed
with cute country towns, and the coast is a series of beautiful bays, beaches,
wetland and dramatic headlands. Walker Bay, which lies between the towns
of Hermanus and Gansbaai, has two claims to fame.
It is reputed to be the best
land-based whale watching in the world, as the huge southern right whales
swim close in shore and there is a beautiful and convenient, fragrant,
flower-rich cliff-top walk that offers an excellent vantage point to observe
these, South Africa's biggest tourists.
They turn up here in late
winter to escape the harsh Antarctic, give birth, nurse their calves and
- while they're in a nice romantic honeymoon destination - work on the
next crop of baby whales.
The second claim to fame
is as the most southerly vineyards in Africa - and it's well worth doing
a tasting. This is not just a gimmick.
The other big attraction
of this area is the great white shark. Dyer and Geyser Islands, off the
small fishing village of Gansbaai offer probably the best shark cage diving
in the world. A number of boats operate in the area - chumming to attract
the sharks' attention and vying with each other for the best position.
Do it soon, as there is increasing resistance to a practice that many people
consider to be morally indefensible, ecologically destructive and dangerous.
There's loads more to do.
There are three great nature reserves. Kogelberg in the west, which is
a major hotspot of botanical diversity, offers fantastic hiking and an
exciting white water rafting day trip. De Hoop, in the east, has some small
game, great easy mountain bike trails, an escorted, portaged hiking trail,
fun snorkelling, wonderful beaches and some awesome land-based whale watching.
Slightly further east, the Bontebok National Park was proclaimed to protect
the last few remaining bontebok - a beautiful antelope that is found only
in the Western Cape. The Breede River, in the eastern part of the Overberg,
has some quite fun rafting and canoeing trips and the only remaining hand-operated
ferry in the country and fantastic fishing.
There is great paragliding
and fun canoeing and sea kayaking near Hermanus, a gliding club in Swellendam,
a good horse trail, great hiking and some fabulous mountain biking trails.
There are fun boat trips and a long and exciting foefie slide (flying fox)
on the Buffelsjag Dam, near Swellendam.
For the more culturally inclined,
the mission villages of Genadendal and, particularly, Elim, hark back to
a much quieter era. Interesting museums include the Drostdy Museum in Swellendam,
the Old Harbour Museum in Hermanus, which has exhibits relating to fishing
and whaling, and the small but fascinating Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp.
This area is, in fact, littered with historic wrecks. A noble tradition
was born when the troopship Birkenhead went down near Gansbaai in 1852.
For the first time in recorded history, the troops and sailors lined up
on the deck in disciplined ranks while the women and children passengers
got into the lifeboats and were ferried to shore. The men then took their
chances with the icy water and the legions of sharks. Another historic
wreck nearby was the Arniston, which gave its name to the town that has
officially been called Waenhuiskrans - which means wagon house cave, and
refers to an enormous sea cave big enough to house an ox wagon (although
you'd struggle to get a bicycle to the spot, never mind an ox wagon). But
everyone knows the place as Arniston - a great beach destination.
Cape
Agulhas Guest House, AGULHAS Located
in the Town of L'Agulhas, which is at the most Southern tip of Africa.
This guest house an affordable holiday with double bedrooms, each with
en-suite showers. 5 of the bedrooms have beautiful sea views and
the other 4 have mountain views. Some of our rooms have satellite TV and
there is a TV with satellite in the lounge. We have a restaurant
with a seating capacity for 20 guests and provide other meals on request.
We also have a fully licensed bar on the premises. We are walking
distance of the famous Agulhas Lighthouse and only 2 km from the most Southern
Tip in Africa.
Tip
of Africa Guest House, AGULHAS Cape L’Agulhas is surely
the ultimate destination in visiting one of the most significant geographical
points on our continent! This is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet
- according to the International Hydrographical Organisation. A historic
and cultural legacy has been left by the Khoi beach nomads who lived along
the Agulhas coast. Fish traps and shell mittens are still part of the valuable
heritage of these forgotten people. The Tip of Africa Guest House
is conveniently located in close proximity of the above and during the
winter months whales can be watched from the balcony! The Guest House
has eight (8) stylish double rooms with quality linen in a relaxed and
safe environment.
Villa
Cape Agulhas, Guest House, AGULHAS Villa
Cape Agulhas is situated at the Southernmost Tip of Africa where the Atlantic
and Indian Oceans meet. A Paradise of natural wealth, bordered by
blue mountain ranges and the Agulhas National park. The Rooms are appointed
for magnificent sea views, with frequent sightings of migrating whales
in season. Rooms all have colour TV's, tea trays and fridge facilities.
Offering a jacuzzi with ocean view. Non-smoking establishment. Only 200m
from the Guesthouse you will see the lighthouse, and when quiet, the wildlife
comes to within sighting distance. The most beautiful time in the Cape
is the beginning of August when the canola fields are nearly ready to be
harvested which, along with green valleys make for a very pleasurable time.
Buchu
Bushcamp, Bredasdorp, De Hoop Nature Reserve Comfortable
Rustic best describes the African Experience that is Buchu Bushcamp. Away
from it all but not without essential home comforts and traditional South
African hospitality. Midway between Cape Town and the Garden Route and
right next door to the De Hoop Nature Reserve renowned for its excellent
birding and land-based whale watching. Buchu Bushcamp is situated about
70km east of Cape Agulhas, the southern-most tip of Africa and a mere 1km
from the main gate of the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Situated 35km off the
N2 highway between Cape Town and the Garden Route, Buchu Bushcamp is comfortably
under three hours drive from both Cape Town and George.
Black
Eagle Lodges, CALEDON Tucked away in the Overberg
Mountains outside Caledon, Black Eagle Lodge and Villa offer a tranquil
farm-style retreat just 90 minutes from Cape Town. Revive your soul, surrounded
by nature, from the privacy of these beautiful self-catering lodges, spaced
nearly a kilometer apart, on the mountain slopes of a working farm, hidden
halfway between Caledon and Botriver. Awake to the call of the sugarbird
and unwind on an expansive verandah, overlooking a spring-water dam and
rolling wheat fields. Take the edge off hot summer days in pools of cool
spring water and warm up winter nights beside a blazing log fire. Count
the stars with the children and teach them to fly-fish, collect frogs or
spot a black eagle.
Gansbaai - The Southern
right whale can be seen in large numbers, especially from the rocky shores
of De Kelders on Walker Bay. This is also the spot of the old whaling station.
The look-out platform and the steps down to are still standing. Today whales
are protected in South Afric and the descendants of the whalers are now
the skippers on the boats that take tourists out for boat-based whale watching.
The hinterland is known for its vast natural and mountaineous landscapes
covered with unspoilt vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom ('fynbos").
As the smallest of the 6 world's floral kingdoms, the Cape Floral Kingdom
is - with 9000 different species - the richest.
Bodhi
Khaya Retreat, Farm Accommodation/Retreat, GANSBAAI Bodhi Khaya Retreat is set
on a 217 hectare farm, tucked between hills, a short distance from Stanford,
Western Cape. This Retreat offers individuals and groups an opportunity
to get away to tranquillity, pastoral landscapes and events that inspire
and renew. Housed in the historic main complex is a beautiful venue
for small conferences, seminars, family celebrations and weddings. Accommodation
includes a comfortably appointed Cape cottage and private rooms with optional
self-catering. Nearby attractions include: the best whale watching in South
Africa, long pristine beaches, spectacular birding, the southernmost tip
of Africa, stunning nature walks, river cruises, horse riding, ancient
caves, fabulous restaurants, and much much more!
Crayfish
Lodge Sea & Country Guest House, GANSBAAI This
elegant modern sea front guest house is designed to let you marvel at the
sound of the whales, to let you discover this pristine coastal area and
to let you simply relax. Here you will certainly be enjoying some of the
finest sea and mountain views in South Africa. Two spacious Panorama
Suites upstairs, offering generous bath areas with spa bath and –shower,
open onto large balconies. Three stylish airy Atlantic Garden Rooms of
excellent quality offer direct access to the heated pool and sandy beach.
De
Kelders PRIVATE house, De Kelders, GANSBAAI Travellers
to the De Kelders private house, are well looked after. Guest rooms have
high ceilings, ample light and ventilation and offer complete privacy.
The house is a gem for the magazine, movie, book and music fundi. The large
and spacious garden is a ten year creation of Overberg flora, planted with
privacy being the keyword. The salt water pool a welcome escape from the
summer heat, the open terrace is secluded and offers the perfect hideaway
for reading, drinks and a South African braai, the ocean is 200 steps away.
At the beach you can meander on trails and watch the spectacular sunsets
over Walker Bay and talk with the whales ..
This lovely town, on the
coastal area of the Overberg, is most well known for its awesome land based
whale watching. Most of Hermanus’ shoreline is rocky cliff, quite
high above Walker Bay so it offers fantastic viewpoints from which to observe
the huge southern right whales as they come into the bay to mate, calve
and just hang out in the (relatively) warm water. (It’s warmer than Antarctica.)
A whale crier blows a horn made from kelp and informs locals and tourists
alike where the whales are to be found at any given time. The whales usually
arrive in late winter – towards the end of June or beginning of July –
and stay until autumn, with the last stragglers heading back down south
in November, or even December. The town holds a whale festival every year
from the end of September to the beginning of October.
There is a lovely path, most
of which is wheelchair-friendly, along the cliff top. As well as the lovely
sea views and sightings of whales, there are many pretty and fragrant flowers.
It
is a wonderful path and it’s generally safe but use your common sense and
don’t walk alone on it when there are hardly any other people about. There
is also a boat based whale watching operator based in the New Harbour.
Other attractions in this
lovely town include a wine tasting cellar, a museum, in which you can see
many exhibits pertaining to whaling and fishing, and a golf course.
The nearby Hermanus Lagoon
is a great place to sail or paddle, and the paragliding is excellent. The
diving is great and Hermanus is a popular beach destination, even though
there is only one beach. For nature lovers a visit to the Fernkloof Nature
Reserve is a great way to get up close to the dainty montane coastal fynbos
which attracts scores of jewel bright sunbirds and elegant sugarbirds which
flit about the proteas. There are loads of marked trails for strolls or
long walks taking in the extensive views of Walker Bay.
Hermanus is just bursting
at the seams with good restaurants, lovely guest houses and characterful
hotels.
Canterbury
Lodge, Luxury Self-Catering Villa, HERMANUS Canterbury
Lodge is situated in the picturesque town of Hermanus, on the Western Cape
coast. This cozy holiday retreat is the perfect place in which to unwind
and enjoy a stress free getaway. Take a dip in the swimming pool or relax
in the shade of the patio. Dine indoors or barbecue out in the garden.
Here, optimal privacy and freedom of movement are yours. Mere minutes away
from beaches, shops, restaurants, pubs and bars, Canterbury Lodge offers
the best in convenience and accessibility. The front door is a short walk
away from the magnificent seaside cliff path with its panoramic views of
the both the ocean and the surrounding mountains. And who knows…while you’re
out there you might just spot a whale or two.
H
& A Guest Houses, Self-Catering Guest Houses, HERMANUS Situated
in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde valley, the H & A Guest Houses offers
accommodation in 2 new architecturally designed double-storey houses within
this beautiful security estate. The houses each sleep 6 people comfortably,
have 3 bedrooms (main en-suite), 2 bathrooms Tastefully furnished
with all the mod cons necessary to make your holiday as enjoyable and hassle
free as possible and a large enclosed patio ideal for al-fresco
dining during the long warm summer months. Surrounded by magnificent mountains
and breathtaking views...
Hermanus
Lodge on the Green, HERMANUS Hermanus
Lodge on the Green is a Luxury Guest House overlooking the 25th green of
Hermanus Golf Course, with the Fernkloof Nature Reserve leading off from
our back garden. The north facing pool area bathed in sunshine. Seven
beautifully appointed rooms with en-suite bathrooms and wrap-around verandahs.
Five star attention to detail.Two wonderful golf-courses, Hermanus on our
doorstep and Arabella just 20 minutes away. Or walk the beautiful Fernkloof
Nature Reserve which starts at our back garden. Whale watching is the speciality
in Hermanus and it's just a two minute drive to the cliff paths.
Milkwood
Lodge, Guest Lodge/B&B Hermanus Within walking distance
of the popular Voëlklip and Grotto beaches and only 6 minutes from
the village centre, spacious en suite double or twin bedrooms and a self-catering
cottage with magnificent sea or mountain views. Milkwood Lodge
is only 5 minutes from the Hermanus Golf Course and 30 minutes from the
recently completed Arabella Golf Estate. We offer full English and
Continental breakfast and cater for Vegetarian, Halaal and any other dietary
requirements can be requested.
Mitchell
Street Village Guest House, HERMANUS Mitchell
Street Village Guest House is a luxury guesthouse which offers exceptional,
value for money accommodation in Hermanus, and is only 1 hour and 15 minutes
drive from Cape Town. Immerse yourself in the unique accommodation of our
country house bed and breakfast retreat and relax in the beautiful Walker
Bay surrounds. Hermanus, nestled on the sea cliffs in the Western
Cape, is world famous for its land based whale watching. Its natural beauty
will leave you wanting to come back for more. Our 27 hole golf course is
a stone's throw away from the guest house, and the numerous cliff path
walks and nature reserve trails are sure to impress even the most well
travelled.
Windsor
Hotel, HERMANUS The
three-star Windsor Hotel offers 70 comfortable en-suite bedrooms (most
of which are sea facing) in one of the Cape's most glorious settings.
On the very edge of sparkling Walker Bay, the Windsor Hotel combines the
best of traditional hospitality with all the comforts you expect of stylish
waterfront living - right in the village of Hermanus. Hermanus is long
admired for its invigorating "champagne air" and breathtaking scenery that
unfolds along miles of cliff and mountain paths. It remains essentially
unspoiled in spite of all the sophisticated amenities it now has to offer;
there is so much to experience that you will want to stay forever.
Kleinmond
is a small coastal town in the Overberg region of the Western Cape province,
South Africa. It is situated inside a UNESCO-declared Biosphere about 90
km east of Cape Town between Betty's Bay and Hermanus. From June to November,
Southern Right Whales can be seen from the coastline, where they come to
mate and calf.
Of
special interest are the wild horses, roaming free in the marshlands at
the Bot River lagoon area, next to Rooisands Nature Reserve. They are believed
to be South Africa's only herd of wild horses in a wetland habitat.
Elephant
Rock Guesthouse, KLEINMOND Elephant
Rock is unique, being the old Police station and older than 60 years. It
has 5 spacious, beautifully furnished rooms adjacent to a secure and safe
courtyard. All the rooms are en suite with each one its own atmosphere.
A Honeymoon suite, Bachelors room, Beach room, a Cottage room and Mountain
View room are available to choose from.Boasting a bluevlag status, Kleinmond
has a beautiful beach and lagoon surrounded by the awesome Kogelberg Mountain
range. This makes it ideal for walking and cycling.
Herd's
Cove, Bed & Breakfast, KLEINMOND Bordering
on the coastal Nature Reserve in the Kogelberg Biosphere, Herd’s Cove offers
superb sea and mountain views. Relax in luxury accommodation in this haven
of peace and tranquility.There are two large bedrooms with all the requisite
amenities and even more. These rooms share a very comfortable private lounge
as well as a sea-facing deck. This is the ideal situatiion to watch the
Southern Right whales, or enjoy the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. There
are numerous hiking trails including the path along the shore from the
Palmiet River Mouth to the Kleinmond Beach. Within easy walking distance
is the quaint harbour with a variety of tourist attractions. For those
who play golf there are both the Kleinmond and Arabella Golf Courses.
Kleinmond
Self-Catering Accommodation, KLEINMOND Kleinmond
Self-Catering Accommodation offers two well equipped self-catering units
close to the sea. Both kitchens are fully equipped, with stove, microwave,
toaster, kettle and fridge/freezer. In addition to the normal items, we
also supply all linen and towels. Unfortunately we do not have a garden,
and therefore we do not take pets. The building consists of three accommodation
units. We live in one unit, and we rent out the other two units. Ideally
situated, only a short walk to the beach, shops, banks and post office.
We are close (2 blocks) to the main beach of Kleinmond, and even closer
to the rocky coastal walkway. Walk along this path and appreciate many
species of Fynbos.
Moments
Guest House, KLEINMOND Only
an hour's drive away from the Cape Town International Airport is a little
town surrounded by the most beautiful mountains and seas. Kleinmond is
still unspoilt and a secret to many. It is a dream location for people
who love the sea, playing golf, watching whales and enjoying nature. Therefore
MOMENTS in Kleinmond celebrates life! The magnificent mountains and seas
have been the inspiration when the eight rooms and living areas have recently
been re-decorated. Here one can easily unwind and relax in summer around
the pool or in winter in the lounge around the fire place. MOMENTS is about
having good times with loved ones, family and friends! Let these 'moments'
becomes some of your greatest memories!
Malgas
- a small, historic and scenic town on the Breede River just 35 km inland
from Witsand and close to Swellendam. Famous for the only remaining
hand-drawn pontoon in South Africa, which takes you across the Breede River.
Malagas
Hotel & Conference Centre, MALGAS The
inviting Malagas Hotel on the banks of the Breede River at Malgas combines
traditional Cape hospitality with modern comforts. The 45 warmly decorated
en-suite bedrooms feature reed ceilings. A wide wrap-around verandah offers
spectacular views of the broad expanse of the Breede River. Sip your
favourite beverage in Moxie's Pub and enjoy a leisurely home-cooked dinner
in the pleasant restaurant. The well appointed conference venue in
the Hotel seats 128 delegates. The Hotel's position on the Breede River
is ideal for water-based team-building activities. Whale watching
and game parks are in the vicinity.
PORT
BEAUFORT ACCOMMODATION - OVERBERG - OVERBERG WHALE ROUTE, WESTERN CAPE
Breede
River Lodge, Port Beaufort/Witsand The Breede River Lodge is
situated on the Garden Route midway between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay.
The area is a mariners dream both on the river and the sea. Angling features
as the number one attraction with many record breaking catches over the
years - as will be seen on the Breede River Lodge Wall of Fame. Enjoy
a multitude of sports at the Breede River Lodge! From relaxing water taxi's,
deep sea fishing charters, skippered boat hire, spear fishing, horse rides,
hiking, bird watching, walks and kayaking, to the more energetic quad biking
on a nearby farm.
Stanford is a quaint village
120 km from Cape Town, 20 km from Hermanus and only 20 km from Gansbaai.
Among the activities in this
lovely village are historic places to visit, peaceful scenic cruising,
shopping, laidback pubs, local food and wine, country strolls, lifestyle
markets, hiking trails.
Bellavista
Country Place, Country Guest House, STANFORD BELLAVISTA is located on
a 300ha private Fynbos property, offering 2 luxurious and elegant SEA VIEW
SUITES, one JUNIOR SUITE, one SEA VIEW ROOM with adjacent 2-bed room (4
beds in total), one 4-bed MOUNTAIN COTTAGE and one small, one-room MOUNTAIN
CABIN. Heated swimming pool overflowing into a kid's pool. Easy walking
trails for bird watching. Close to several Golf Courses, shark diving and
whale watching, many wine farms for wine tasting and with restaurants,
and much more. Our PANORAMA Restaurant serves Cosmopolitan Cuisine
and is fully licensed (open from September to April every year, breakfast
served in the rooms).
Lavenders
Blue, Self-Catering, STANFORD Lavenders
Blue A romantic thatched self-catering cottage situated in the Victorian
village of Stanford, near Hermanus. There are glorious views of the mountains,
and it is a short walk away to the banks of the Klein River and the river
meander. It is close to all village amenities, excellent local restaurants,
and antique shops. The spacious double volume cottage consists of a downstairs
bedroom with a Queen-size bed and antique furniture. The outdoor shower
area allows for a quick rinse off after a swim in the river. The upstairs
loft room has a king size bed (or two singles) plus an additional single
bed. The upstairs bathroom has a shower. The bed linen is 100% percale
cotton, with woolen duvets, and luxurious bath towels. Own swimming towels
should be provided.
Swellendam,
One Of South Africa's Best Kept Secrets by Hetty Beekhoven Swellendam, South Africa's
third oldest town is nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and
has much to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature, outdoor
activities and art. Swellendam is ideally situated halfway between Cape
Town and George and is therefore an ideal stop over for tourists. In these
two hours from Cape Town to Swellendam, you will pass through unspoilt
villages and towns. Take a trip back in time and stay in some of the historic
homesteads and country houses in the area, which offer bed and breakfast.
Rainfall is spread over the year and there is little wind and temperatures
are moderate all year round .. read
more
Aan
de Oever Guesthouse, SWELLENDAM All 6 bedrooms have private
entrances, full bathroom with seperate showers. Experience a traditional
South African dinner in the warm ambience of our dining room. Riaan, your
host is a registered tourist guide, qualified to take you country wide.
Lovely views over the mountains and our parklike gardens on banks of small
river or enjoy a sundowner in our cosy lounge.
Aanhuizen
Guest House, SWELLENDAM Allow
Aanhuizen be a retreat for you from the hustle and bustle of your rushed
life. Situated away from the noise of the main road yet still within walking
distance of the tourist centres and excellent restaurants. Swellendam is
the perfect stopover on your way to the Garden Route, we are approx 15km
from the beautiful Tradouw's Pass that will take you on to the Route 62,
Barrydale and Oudtshoorn. Only 2 hours from Cape Town, come relax
and spend a weekend recharging your batteries next to the Langeberg mountains,
sleep late and enjoy a full English breakfast next to our sparkling pool.
Braeside
Guesthouse, SWELLENDAM Experience traditional South
African hospitality at this historical Cape Edwardian home. Braeside offers
you breathtaking views of the Marloth Nature Reserve and Langeberg mountains.
Tranquillity is found in the large grounds, complete with koi pond and
abundant birdlife. Our world-renowned breakfast is an unforgettable experience,
served on the verandah.
Guesthouse
LaRachelle, SWELLENDAM Stylish,
cosy and comfortable, ideally situated en-route to the Garden Route, LaRachelle
offers smoke free en-suite bedrooms with separate entrances opening on
to an secure and private enclosed patio with a sparkling pool. A
private lounge provide the setting for intimate conversations. Walk to
restaurants and places of interest. Experience warm and good old
fashioned country hospitality from your hosts Marius and Rachelle.
Master and Visa credit cards accepted. TGCSA 4-star Guesthouse.
Breede
River Lodge, Port Beaufort/Witsand The Breede River Lodge is
situated on the Garden Route midway between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay.
The area is a mariners dream both on the river and the sea. Angling features
as the number one attraction with many record breaking catches over the
years - as will be seen on the Breede River Lodge Wall of Fame. Enjoy
a multitude of sports at the Breede River Lodge! From relaxing water taxi's,
deep sea fishing charters, skippered boat hire, spear fishing, horse rides,
hiking, bird watching, walks and kayaking, to the more energetic quad biking
on a nearby farm.
