The first backpackers to come to this area were the nomadic
Khoi-san and then the Trek-Boers of the 1800's. Backpacker
Travellers of the 20th Century have come here for the wonderful
whale watching and more recently the exhilaration of shark
diving. The Hermanus, Cape Agulhas and Swellendam backpacker
hostels are of a high standard and can help you make the
most of your time in this area.
Overberg simply means 'over the mountains'. It’s
rugged coastline attracts two oceans, whales and sharks.
Inland, rich farmlands run along the idyllic Breede River.
What to see and do
Whale watching |
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Cape Agulhas |
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Shark Alley |
| 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. |
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The Southernmost tip of Africa and
the official meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian
Oceans. Rugged and stormbeaten, shipwrecks are common. |
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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.
The Bontebok National Park |
The smallest national park. Home of the bontebok
and other rare animals. |
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Cape Floral Kingdom |
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| Smallest, most botanically diverse
region on earth. 'Fynbos' is tough and fine-leaved.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus is centre of
the region. |
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Where to stay
Betty's Bay
Betty's Bay with its perfect sandy beaches, tranquil lagoons and quiet trails through fynbos, is home to the Stony Point African Penguin colony and Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens.
Hermanus
A beautiful coastal town with a stunning mountain backdrop.
Famous for seasonal whale watching. It has coastal and mountain
trails and an established wine industry in the Hemel and
Aarde Valley.
Cape Agulhas
The old fishing village of Struisbaai neighbours Cape Agulhas.
It has a 14km beach and is a popular watersports destination.
Climb the tower of the lighthouse, the lights of which have
a range of 60km.
Swellendam
A charming town and a good stop-over between Cape Town
and the Garden Route. Surrounded by fertile pastures though
which the Breede River runs, Swellendam is protected by
the moody Langeberg mountains.
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