Enter from Houw Hoek
As you enter the Overberg from Houw Hoek, you will be driving along a line of mountains that emerge from the Hottentots Holland and run, unbroken, into the east.
The first part of this wall of stone is called the Riviersonderend (River Without End) Mountains, and the undulating farmlands of the Overberg stretch out from its foothills, south towards the sea. The first town of any consequence is Caledon, complete with hot springs and casino.
At this point, the old Cape Wagon Road used to turn north towards the mission station of Genadendal, and then descended gently to Swellendam. The N2 has corrected this kink in the road’s alignment, but you can still take the detour up to Genadendal by following the tarred R406. It’s about 30 km each way.
Enter from Genadendal
From Genadendal, you can continue following the old coach road on gravel (still marked R406) down to the town of Riviersonderend. This quiet back road leads through numerous farms and valleys, and it is a nice change from the hectic pace of the N2.
Various gravel tributaries also lead off this part of the road, back to the N2, if you wish to cut the detour short. If you aren’t keen on a gravel excursion, turn around at Genadendal and follow the tar back to the N2 at Caledon.
Langeberg Mountain Range
Riviersonderend is a quiet town which has been rudely cut in two by the national road. It looks like a typical dorp with a butchery, tyre fitment centre and café. But, as is often the case with these transit towns, the real quality of the place is found on the side roads leading off from the main thoroughfare. Neat houses and nicely tended gardens look out at the picturesque mountains, and the local NG Kerk is very attractive in the soft light of sunset.
Beyond the town of Riviersonderend, the mountains change. The Riviersonderend range drops away, only to be immediately replaced by the line of the Langeberg, which sweep down from the north. For the next few hundred km, the Langeberg will be your constant companion while driving along the N2.
Genadendal and Greyton
A few kilometres before you reach the town of Caledon, there is the opportunity for a detour to the lovely mission station of Genadendal and the perfect little village of Greyton. If you choose to take the detour, follow the R406 (tarred) which leads through rolling farmlands, towards the face of the mountains.
The Fynbos Route is situated in the Overberg region of the Western Cape province of South Africa. This route takes you into the hidden corne...