The Overberg area has many beautiful, scenic towns that have an abundance of attractions on offer. Places of interest in the region include plentiful nature reserves, historic towns, coastal getaways and rich cultural diversity. You can venture from one town to the next or stopover to view the splendid mountains, ocean and nature as you make your way across the country.
Coastal Towns
As you make your way along the Overberg coastline, heading towards the Eastern Cape, you will be spoiled with choice: it boasts with plenty picturesque beach towns and scenic nature reserves.
Betty’s Bay is the perfect beach hideaway, offering fantastic coastal views and scenery. It is situated next to the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, which is nestled between mountain and sea. It is renowned for its lovely gardens, waterfalls and amber pools.
Gansbaai is situated in the centre of a number of small bays with miles of unspoiled beaches, making it the perfect spot for a break away from busy urban life. It is a great whale watching and great white shark viewing destination.
Arniston is a perfect fisherman’s village with splendid coastal views and local charm.
Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa and it is the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its tidal pools and impressive lighthouse.
Witsand is a holiday seaside resort with unspoilt beaches and a small harbour situated at the mouth of the Breede River. The town has a high concentration of southern right whales, and is an important breeding ground for blue cranes, a critically endangered species in South Africa. You can do some spectacular bird watching along the Breede River as well.
Inland Spots
The Overberg towns that are more inland are usually important agricultural hubs, where many of South Africa’s crops and livestock are produced. The towns offer lots of charms and spectacular views of mountain ranges.
Bredasdorp is mainly a center for the wheat and sheep farmers in the area, and boasts with a shipwreck museum, an agricultural museum and Cape Gothic style architecture.
Grabouw is situated in the Elgin Valley and is known as the home of SA’s apple industry. Nearby attractions include the Steenbras Dam, Four Passes Fruite Route and the Palmiet Hiking Trail.
The Riviersonderend Mountain Range has beautiful small towns tucked away in its folds, including Greyton, an arts and crafts paradise. Outdoor activities in the area includes hiking, bird watching, cycling and horse riding.
Swellendam is known as the administrative center for the valley of the Breede River, and is situated at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain range. Founded in 1747, it is a historically rich town with many Cape Dutch style homesteads. Villiersdorp provides for the wine and fruit farms in the area, and the nearby Theewaterskloof Dam is a favourite spot for water sports such as windsurfing, sailing and water-skiing.
When headed to the Overberg, you’ll find a graveyard of ships and floral riches beyond compare along a coastline patrolled by great white ...