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Overberg

Overberg

Overberg

Overberg simply means ‘over the mountains’. The Overberg has rugged mountain ranges and splendid coastal landscapes. If driving southeast on the N2 from Cape Town, then you will go up the Hottentots Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry’s Pass.  Modern inventions, such as a well-built highway and motor cars, give today’s traveler a little advantage over the early settlers who struggled over the mountain with oxen and wagons. On the other side of the mountain, you find many roads into the Overberg; a region that stretches along coasts with beautiful beaches, and over mountain ranges. The roads will take you through valleys with quaint vineyards and orchards. The Overberg welcomes sport enthusiasts and eco-adventurers alike,  4x4 trails, horse rides, whale watchers or shark cage diving.  If you prefer leisure, then wine, book and cheese are your friends indeed.

What to see and do

  • Whale watching

    Hermanus, Witsand and Gansbaai are famous for having the best land-based whale watching between June and November. The most common whale sighted is the Southern Right.

  • Cape Agulhas

    The Southernmost tip of Africa and the official meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Rugged and stormbeaten, shipwrecks are common.

  • Shark Alley

    A shallow, narrow channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock where sharks prowl between April and December. They are either attracted by the colony of Cape Fur Seals on Geyser Rock or by their favourite fish.

  • Cape Floral Kingdom

    Smallest, most botanically diverse region on earth. 'Fynbos' is tough and fine-leaved. Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus is centre of the region.

  • The Bontebok National Park

    The smallest national park. Home of the bontebok and other rare animals.



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    Betty's Bay

    Betty's Bay

    Betty’s bay is along the scenic Clarence Drive Route, it is a sleepy seaside town only 100 km from  Cape Town and 65 km from the airport.  Nature trails start from Harold Botanical Gardens, which is also a must see. The African penguins at stoney point and their happy feet are always ready for visitors. It is also a good place to learn about fynbos, a type of vegetation found in most of the Cape, these plants are tough with fine leaves and include the Protea, which is the South African national flower. The Harold Porter national Botanical Garden is a good place to visit and learn about them. For something a bit more adventurous you could always go sand boarding.

    Backpacker hostels in Betty's Bay
     
    Cape Agulhas

    Cape Agulhas

    The southernmost tip of Africa and the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Shipwrecks are common on this rugged, storm-beaten shore. The old fishing village Struisbaai, where the light house to guide ships in safely was built, neibours the Cape Agulhas. The lights of this light house have a range of 60 km. There is also a 14 km beach and it is a good water sports destination.

    Backpacker hostels in Cape Agulhas
     
    Fisherhaven

    Fisherhaven

    Fisherhaven is a seaside village 12km west of Hermanus on the banks of the Bot River lagoon. Fisherhaven also offers excellent whale watching.

    Backpacker hostels in Fisherhaven
     
    Hermanus

    Hermanus

    Hermanus is a beautiful coastal town with a stunning mountain backdrop. It is mostly famous with travelers and photographers for its seasonal whale watching, it has coastal mountain trails, an established wine industry in the Hemel and Aarde district valley and it is close to the shark diving action located in Gansbaai. It has numerous sea side restaurants and a number of good markets.

    Backpacker hostels in Hermanus
     
    Napier

    Napier, with its narrow streets and pretty houses exudes old world charm. Surrounded by rolling wheat and barley fields, it is the perfect gateway to Agulhas and De Hoop Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes for flocks of the endangered blue crane birds.

    Backpackers Accommodation in Napier
     
    Swellendam

    Swellendam

    This is a charming town and a good stopover between Cape Town and the Garden Route. Surrounded by fertile pastures through which the Breede River flows, Swellendam is protected by the Langeberg Mountains. It is the perfect get away from the busy city life of the nearest, exciting and interesting but at times tiring cities.

    Backpacker hostels in Swellendam
     


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