Whale
The Cape Overberg is an area that is literally just over the berg “mountain”. This might need a bit more clarification because the Western Cape has an abundance of mountain ranges. If you drive from Cape Town, through Somerset West and over Sir Lowry’s Pass you will have driven over the Hottentots-Holland Mountain range (or berg in Afrikaans) and you will find yourself in the Elgin Valley, a beautiful forested region that is well known for its apple groves. However, this is just the beginning of the Cape Overberg. It is a relatively large area that has a lot to offer in the way of tourist attractions.
The inland areas of the Overberg, like the Elgin Apple Valley, are mostly made up of small farming villages that are pleasantly welcoming to travelers with a long drive ahead of them. These little villages are filled with little treasures waiting to be found. There are quad biking tracks throughout the various farms, a casino in the town of Caledon, Swellendam has the Drostdy Museusm as well as many other national monuments and the little town of Greyton has an annual rose festival.
If you move towards the Overberg coast things only get better. Then are plenty of little villages, some not so little anymore, that are perfect for tourists hoping to get away from the rush of city life and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Southern Right and Bryde’s whales that visit this region annually. Some of the Overberg coastal towns are more modernized than others, places like Kleinmond have their very own golf course, but if you’re looking for some good old rest and relaxation you’ll not find anywhere better than the towns of Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay or Hermanus.
Hermanus, Western Cape
Hermanus is a particularly well known attraction in South Africa. It is recognized as the best place to watch the annual whale visits without having to leave land. Hermanus is a visitor’s dream come true. Everything you could hope to get out of a coastal town can be found here. Good food, close encounters with nature, plenty of hikes and trails, a modern day shopping centre, a world class golf course and, of course, fantastic wines.
