Discover Overberg’s treasures

The Overberg, loosely translated to “over the mountains” in Afrikaans, is one of the 6 regions in the Western Cape. It's also the southernmost region of South Africa.

Here you can witness the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian oceans at Cape Agulhas, at the southernmost tip of the African continent. The Overberg stretches along coasts with beautiful beaches and over mountains ranges with interesting geological formations. It boasts an abundant birdlife and is rich in fynbos, offering many walking and hiking experiences.

You can watch whales from Hermanus to San Sebastian Bay at Witsand. Explore the rich history, which is depicted in museums and discover the mission stations, ship wrecks and old architectural treasures.

Midway between Hermanus and Gansbaai is Stanford, situated on the banks of the Klein River. Stanford's surrounding valleys feature numerous vineyards, an award-winning cheese maker and a micro-brewery.

The region has 4 local municipalities:

• Cape Agulhas

The southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas has become a holiday destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are not many places in the world where you can stand with each foot in a different ocean! Visit the lighthouse, tidal pools or enjoy long beach hikes. Towns in this municipality are Bredasdorp, Napier, Arniston, Struisbaai, L’Agulhas, Suiderstrand, Elim and the rural settlements of Protem and Klipdale. 

• Overstrand

Watch the giants of the deep at Hermanus or enjoy a shark-cage-diving experience at Gansbaai. If you prefer to explore nature, admire the diverse floral fynbos kingdom while hiking or biking. In Overstrand you can choose between abseiling, treetop tours, a wine route or art route. The municipal area of Overstrand stretches from the Kogelberg Mountains in the east to the Agulhas Plain in the west.  Towns in this municipality are Hermanus, Gansbaai, Kleinmond and Stanford. 

• Swellendam

Founded by the Dutch East India Company in 1747 as an administrative centre for the valley of the Breede River, Swellendam is rich in history. Visit the Drostdy Museum, horse ride through the forests at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and view and buy locally made pottery and crafts in the area. Towns in this municipality includes Barrydale, Suurbraak,  Buffeljagsrivier, and the rural areas of Malgas and Infanta.

• Theewaterskloof  

Theewaterskloof extends over the area between the Riversonderend Mountains to the North and surrounds the Theewaterskloof Dam. Established in 1978, the dam now forms a major component of the Western Cape water supply system. However, it’s not only a major water source to the Western Cape, it also provides endless entertainment for water sports enthusiasts and its large surface area accommodates sailing. It’s also a great place for fishing and you can camp on the eastern side of the dam in one of the 7 camping sites, each with access to electricity. Botrivier, Caledon, Elgin, Genadendal, Grabouw, Greyton, Middleton, Riviersonderend and Villiersdorp are the towns situated in this municipality.

We’ve put together a list of some of the top things to experience when visiting the Overberg.

Food

From gourmet wine tours to traditional African dishes, the Overberg has a lot to offer.

• Wine tours, restaurants and bakeries
• Catch the Stanford Market, the last Friday of the month and Swellendam’s Under the Oaks Market the last Saturday of every month from 9am until 1pm.

Family Fun 

Spend time with your loved ones doing fun activities together 

• Visit one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. Hermanus whale festival is happening from the 28^th of September to the 30^th of September 2018.
• Enjoy a berry smoothie, taste jams, pick berries, try the berry maze or simply relax at the Berry Guest Farm in Swellendam.
• Explore the outdoors at Khomeesdrif camping site, which is 7km from Riviersonderend.

Adventure

Explore the outdoors and connect with nature.

• Gear up the whole family for the most adventurous zipline experience at the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve in Elgin
• Hike to your heart’s content at the Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Budget idea

Collect all your bottle caps and bread tags and help the “Kom Blaas Doppies” project thrive. A team in Betty’s Bay and Gansbaai started this initiative to help with medical costs for children born with hare lip or cleft palate. For every 8000 bottle caps collected, R5000 is donated towards the procedures. The next time you visit, you can drop these off at the rates office in Gansbaai or at the Betty’s Bay library.