Culture and Heritage | Cape Overberg

The Cape Overberg region lies just over the Hottentots Holland Mountains, between the Cape Peninsula and the Garden Route. Boasting magnificent mountain ranges, fynbos (Cape Flora), rolling wheat and canola fields, and charming coastal towns, the region is also famous for whale-watching and a rich architectural heritage.

The major towns are Hermanus, Caledon, Bredasdorp, Grabouw and Swellendam and the region includes Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa.

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve | Cape Overberg

The reserve (recognised and registered with UNESCO) is populated with over 1,800 different plant species, including a large diversity of flowering plants not found anywhere else in the fynbos biome.

Website: www.kbrc.org.za

Agulhas Lighthouse | L'Agulhas

Cape L’Agulhas (which means the Cape of Needles) is the southernmost town in Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans officially meet. The historic red and white lighthouse is the icon of this region, as well as the oldest working lighthouse in South Africa.

The Shipwreck Museum | Bredasdorp

The Bredasdorp Museum’s primary theme is "Shipwrecks along the dangerous Southern Cape coast and their influence on the development of the Strandveld". With approximately 130 shipwrecks off the Southern Cape coast since 1673, his dangerous section of coast has earned its title as "Graveyard of the ships". The museum also documents the rich history of the area.

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za 

Abalone Tour | Hermanus

Learn more about abalone, also known locally as “perlemoen,” on a tour of a working abalone farm in the heart of the South African abalone industry.

Website: www.heartofabalone.co.za 

Overberg Wine Route | Cape Overberg

Experience five wine routes within the Cape Overberg, each reflective of the different terroir present within the region.

Website: overbergwine.com 

Greyton Saturday Morning Market | Greyton

This market is renowned for fresh, wholesome, and delicious fare, a buzzing book stall, and an eclectic range of arts and crafts. All the food on sale is sourced within or close to Greyton, so it’s low on carbon-footprint, but big on freshness and taste.

Website: www.greytontourism.com   

Stanford Heritage Area | Stanford

The original layout of Stanford dates back to 1857 when De Kleine Rivier Valley Farm was subdivided into a typical rural village layout. The layout still remains today, with the historic core as the proclaimed Heritage Area. The town’s architectural styles range from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. Stanford is regarded by Heritage Western Cape as the third best preserved village in the Western Cape – after Montague and certain areas of Greyton.

Website: www.stanfordconservationtrust.org.za 

Kassiesbaai Fishing Village | Arniston

Kassiesbaai is a 200-year-old fishing village, and a national heritage site, characterised by white thatch cottages. Experience the customs of locals, many of who still make a living from the sea in South Africa’s last authentic fishing village. While you’re in the area, why not visit the famous Waenhuiskrans Cave nearby.

Genadendal Historic Village and Museum | Genadendal

Genadendal ('Valley of Grace') was established in 1738 by missionary George Schmidt, who was sent by the German Moravian Church to convert the Khoi people. Today, the centre of town is a community project run by locals who make available a museum, the water mill, a printing museum, a bookshop and country-style accommodation to visitors. One of the oldest mission printing presses in South Africa could be found in the Old Print Shop.

Website: www.greytontourism.com 

Houw Hoek Hotel

Built in 1779, Houw Hoek Hotel is the oldest licensed hotel in South Africa.

Website: houwhoekhotel.com 

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop | Cape Overberg

One of two Western Cape experiences named in Time Magazine’s World Greatest Places for 2019, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop Nature Reserve. The two-night summer camp experience, which was launched in April 2019, boasts seven luxurious beachfront bedrooms – accommodating up to 16 guests – in a loge-like atmosphere, including communal meals made with local ingredients. Enjoy hiking, whale watching and exploring the area while ‘camping’ on a beautiful private beach.

Website: naturalselection.travel