The Apple Region
The Grabouw/Elgin district in the Western Cape produces 60 percent of South Africa's total apple export crop. The valley is also renowned for cultivating fresh chrysanthemums, roses and proteas.
The Elgin Apple Museum is one of only two apple museums in the world. Organised fruit and flower tours are also offered. Houwhoek Pass is a beautiful mountain pass and the Elgin Valley road-side farm stalls are famous for their fresh produce. Sir Lowry's Pass offers spectacular views of False Bay from Hangklip to Cape Point.
Hangklip-Kleinmond Area
Hermanus Activities
Situated about an hour's drive from Cape Town is Hermanus, famous for the fantastic sightings of Southern Right whales from June until the end of October. It's not even necessary to go out on a boat, as these huge mammals are clearly visible from the cliff-top walk. A pair of binoculars is always useful but even without, keen watchers can get a pretty good view of the whales as they frolic in the bay. As fascinating as the whales are, there is more to Hermanus.
The diving is good, there is a small, dedicated sea kayaking operation, and the local golf course, that is not a links course, is particularly scenic with lovely views of the sea. The tiny but prolific Kogelberg Nature Reserve is botanically rich and diverse, with over 1 600 species of plants, about 150 of which are endemic, in an area of only 18 000 ha. The Walker Bay wine region has some of the most southerly vineyards in the world and a tasting trip is well worthwhile.
De Kelders and Gansbaai
De Kelders is the only freshwater cave on the African coast, and has been converted into a swimming pool with mineral-rich water. Spectacular views of Southern Right whales can be enjoyed from the cliffs at De Kelders and along the coast to Pearly Beach.
Gansbaai is known for its excellent rock and boat angling, and also popular are great white shark diving and tours, and fishing trips and whale-watching. The Danger Point Lighthouse can be visited, named as such because of the ships that have been wrecked and lives that have been lost on this dangerous coast.
Museums in Overberg
The Agricultural Museum at Bredasdorp houses a collection of old farming equipment, as well as the biggest collection of bottles in the Southern hemisphere. The Shipwreck Museum displays material salvaged from ships wrecked off this treacherous coast. A wool-route tour to some local farms can be arranged between April and October. There are also tours to stud farms.
The lighthouse at Agulhas is the country's second oldest lighthouse, and it celebrated its 150th anniversary in March 1999. It is being used as a lighthouse once again after being restored. It houses a tearoom and a museum. About 1 km from the lighthouse is the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas. Struisbaai has the longest white coastline in the Southern hemisphere.
Swellendam Surroundings
The De Hoop Nature Reserve on the road to Swellendam includes an internationally renowned wetland and bird sanctuary. The marine reserve is a winter retreat for the Southern Right whale and the Western Cape's only Cape griffon vulture colony. There is a mountain-bike trail and an environmental education centre.
The red Bredasdorp lily and many species of protea and erica are found in the Heuningberg Nature Reserve. Caledon is famous for its natural mineral waters, hot springs and wild flower shows.
The Southern Associated Maltsters is the only malt producer for the South African lager beer industry and is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Swellendam is famous for, among other things, its youngberries and eclectic architecture. The Drostdy Museum consists of a group of buildings containing a huge selection of period furniture.
The Bontebok National Park, 7 km from Swellendam, gives sanctuary to, among others, the threatened bontebok. Activities include canoeing, 4x4 trails, mountain biking, river rafting, hiking, abseiling, horse-riding and bungee jumping.
Barrydale is reputed to be one of the best bird-watching spots in the country. The Warmwaterberg (hot water mountains) is home to hot mineral springs.
Many of the hikes in the Overberg area are coastal walks, though there are also numerous nature reserves where short rambles are in order. I...
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...