The Overberg is a region
in South Africa to the east of Cape Town beyond the Hottentots Holland
mountains. It lies along the Cape Province's south coast between the Cape
Peninsula and the region known as the Garden Route in the east. The boundaries
of the Overberg are the Hottentots Holland mountains in the West; the Riviersonderend
Mountains, part of the Cape Fold Belt, in the North; the Atlantic and Indian
Oceans in the South and the Breede River in the East. The area has
always been considered as the breadbasket of the Cape and is largely given
to grain farming — mainly wheat. The wheat fields are a major breeding
ground for South Africa's national bird, the Blue Crane. Another important
food farmed in the Overberg is fruit with the Elgin Valley being the second
largest supplier of fruit in South Africa.
Nestled in the Overberg,
one can find the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (recognised and registered
with UNESCO) populated with a large diversity of flowering plants not found
anywhere else in the fynbos biome. The major towns are Hermanus,
Caledon and Swellendam and the region includes Cape Agulhas, the southermost
point of Africa. The landscape is dominated by gently to moderately undulating
hills enclosed by mountains and the ocean. The name means "over the
mountain" and is a reference to the regions location relative to Cape Town.
Buchu
Bushcamp, Bredasdorp, De Hoop Nature Reserve Situated
about 70km east of Cape Agulhas, the southern- most tip of Africa &
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 Lodge, CALEDON Come and relish the natural
splendours of this exclusive self-catering mountain lodge surrounded by
beautiful fynbos, prolific birdlife and crisp fresh air.
Cornwallis
Lodge, CAPE AGULHAS Situated
at the Southern most tip of Africa in Cape Agulhas with panoramic views
of the Azure blue ocean. This magnificent estate epitomises understated
elegance, comfort and luxury. The Lodge has six exquisitely appointed
en suite rooms and provides a distinctive venue for discerning patrons.
This exclusivity ensures personalised attention and an unique experience
for guests. As soon as one enters the tranquil world of Cornwallis
Lodge, the cares of the world dissipate. The abundant Aquatic life, hikes
along the coast, fishing facilities and beautiful garden create an idyllic
space to restore the soul. The sparkling plunge pool is inviting and the
Lapa and Outdoor Bar is at your service whilst catching up on your suntan
or just enjoying a good book. Our restaurant, "Santiago's" will treat
you to a culinary delight....
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.
B&B
Die Stroom, GANSBAAI Ans (your host) welcomes
you to their guesthouse near Gansbaai, known as the "Big 2 Capital", with
an unspoiled view of Walkerbay, Whale viewing from our pooldeck or leisurely
along the coastal Duiwelsgat hikingtrail. You can help yourself to tea
and coffee, or relax in the lounge with a drink from our self-help bar.
Relax at the pool.
Gordon's Bay is a
harbour town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, close to Strand.
It is situated on the northeastern corner of False Bay about 50 km from
Cape Town. Gordon's Bay is the smallest of three towns in the Helderberg
region, so named after the Helderberg Mountain which is part of the Hottentots
Holland Mountains which dwarf the locality on two sides. The third side
being the Cape Peninsula's False Bay. Gordon's Bay originally named "Fish
Hoek", many years before the town of the same name, located on the western
arm of False Bay, was founded. Evidence of this can be seen on the outside
wall of the local Post Office.
The town, still considered
a village by many residents, is located opposite the "Sleeping Giant" of
Table Mountain 60km from Cape Town which can be reached via the N2 freeway.
Gordon's Bay also has the benefit of being only a 10 minute drive from
the start of the Stellenbosch Wine Route - a must for any visitor to the
area.
Whale
Watchers Gallery Apartment, GORDON'S BAY The
Whale Watchers Gallery Apartment is a tranquil and secluded holiday apartment,
set amongst an indigenous Protea Garden with a variety of birdlife and
our guests can photograph the whales, dolphins and seals from 100m away!
2 double bedrooms - sleeps 4.
Hermanus (originally
called Hermanuspietersfontein) is a town (population 48,346) on the southern
coast of South Africa and is famous as a place from which to watch whales
during the southern winter and spring. It forms part of the Western Cape
and is a popular retirement town. The whales can be seen from the cliffs
in the town centre from as early as June. They were once hunted locally,
but are now protected. The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibitions
which explain the whaling history of Hermanus.
Hermanus lies about 115km
southeast of Cape Town and is connected to the Mother City by the R43 highway
(or coastal R44 scenic route) and N2 motorway. The R43 continues to Cape
Agulhas, the most southerly point of Africa. Hermanus is 40km from Gansbaai,
a famous spot where one can dive amongst Great White Sharks. It is also
notable that Hermanus still boasts a historic railway station building
although eventually no tracks were laid to connect the town to the national
network.
Grotto Beach is the largest
beach in Hermanus and has also been proclaimed a "Blue Flag" beach which
ensures its preservation as a world heritage site. Other beaches include
Voelklip, Nannies and Langbaai. Hermanus hosts an annual whale festival
at the end of September, when the Southern Right whales come into the local
bay during the mating season. Prior to this main whale festival a "Kalfiefees"
(or "Calf Festival") is held, to welcome the first whales (usually in August).
Both festivals are characterized by food and craft stalls and also attract
South African drama productions to the town. The hinterland beyond the
town is largely wild and mountainous and there are many remote areas of
hills and wild ravines. The rising thermals rising around the rugged heights
of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve attract paragliders from all over the world.
138
Marine Beachfront Guest House, HERMANUS 138Marine
is a luxurious, upmarket guest house with spectacular sea front views.
It is an enchanting base from which to explore one of the world’s most
magnificent eco-destinations and an hour’s drive from Cape Town International
Airport. The guest house is only five minutes from the Hermanus town
centre, renowned for the best shore-based whale watching experience anywhere
on the globe. It is one of the few guest houses in the area which
is situated right at the beachfront. A scrumptious English breakfast
is served, either adjacent to the open-plan kitchen or on the mountain
terrace, weather permitting. There are four double rooms and one
family room, each individually decorated and luxuriously fitted, meeting
international standards.
Bradclin
Beach Hermanus, 2 bedroom Self-Catering Apartment, HERMANUS Bradclin
Beach, Hermanus is a 2 bed-roomed holiday flat in a secure complex with
many facilities for the holiday maker. This flat sleeps 4 and is tastefully
furnished. Within easy reach of all that Hermanus has to offer, the
complex also boasts swimming pools, tennis courts, putt-putt, pub and shop.
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.
Carmen
- House in Hermanus, Self-Catering Home, HERMANUS Self-catering house with
5 bedrooms (2 en suite), family bathroom with shower and bath, living room
with sliding doors to balcony, fully equipped kitchen, dining room leading
to outdoor barbeque, 4 minute walk to Blue Flag beach.
Eastbury
Cottage Self-Catering & B&B, HERMANUS Enjoy the peaceful surroundings
and bird life of this lovely treed area of Hermanus. Choose from
3 comfortable and tastefully decorated units with private entrances and
outdoor areas. Walking distance to seafront cliff paths for whale
watching, shops and restaurants, a minute away from the golf course and
a 30 minutes' drive from shark cage diving.
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, the estate is less than 3 km outside of Hermanus
which offers a wide range of restaurants, wine estates as well as one of
the best land based whale watching sites in the world.
Milkwood
Lodge, Guest Lodge/B&B Hermanus (1½
hours from Cape Town) and within walking distance of the popular Voelklip
and Grotto beaches, 6 minutes from the village centre, spacious en suite
double or twin bedrooms & a self catering cottage with magnificent
sea/whale or mountain views.
The
Beach House on Sandown Bay, Kleinmond An
hour's drive from Cape Town through apple country, or along a rugged and
scenic coastal road, overlooking Sandown Bay, view the Whales!
TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE DUE TO A FIRE
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.
Tides
River Lodge, Self-Catering Lodge, near MALGAS Tides
River Lodge is a privately owned Lodge on the banks of the Breede River
near Malgas - a scenic two and a half hours drive from Cape Town and half
an hour from Swellendam. We are centrally situated for exploring
the unique Overberg Region - De Hoop Nature Reserve, Cape Infanta, Witsand
(San Sebastian Bay). A fishermen and birdwatchers haven as well as
an ideal base for watersport enthusiasts. We have four beautifully designed
thatched units on the waters edge, rolling green lawns down to the river,
private jetty and slipway and orchard. Tides offers a selection of accommodation
from cosy two sleepers to luxury lodges that sleep eight. Right on
the banks of the river are Zebra Lodge, Cob Cottage, Heron House and The
Boathouse. All have river views, verandahs, braai areas and DSTV....
Breede
River Lodge, Port Beaufort 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.
Bezuidenhout
House, Guest House/Bed & Breakfast, STANFORD Bezuidenhout
House offers gracious hospitality to the discerning traveller. It is nestled
at the foot of the Kleinriviersberg in the historic village of Stanford,
20 minutes from Hermanus and 100 minutes from Cape Town. One suite
and two en-suite rooms are stylishly decorated. The atmosphere is
relaxed; the service considerate and our desire is to accommodate all our
guests requests without encroaching on their privacy.
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.
Whale
Watchers Inn, Witsand Whale
Watchers Inn is situated in one of South Africa's most beautiful and unspoiled
seaside resorts, Witsand. The Inn is situated ±100 metres from the
beach & is within walking distance of the mouth of the Breede River.
