There is no better way to experience a destination than by immersing yourself completely in its beauty, its experiences and its people.
Our latest series of blogs aim to help you to fully experience Cape Town and the Western Cape by wholly embracing it with all your senses in all six regions of our incredible province. This week, we showcase the Cape Overberg. Made up of coastal towns like Kleinmond, Hermanus, Gansbaasi and Arniston and inland favourites such as Botsrivier, Caledon and more, the region is mix of sensory experiences to enjoy!
How to TASTE the Cape Overberg
Peregrine Farm Stall in Elgin is the perfect stop for your road trip through the Cape Overberg. Established in the sixties, Peregrine has been serving generations of travelers locally sourced artisanal goods and wholesome, responsibly farmed, fresh produce in their stall, bakery and cafe.
For a more sit-down sea-side cafe, visit Oskars in Hermanus, it’s the ultimate day-time hang-out to read a book, or recharge with a home-cooked meal. Or start off your day with a brunch at Betty Blue Bistroin Hermanus, which offers delicious options for all dietary restrictions and requirements. Her Harvest in Elgin truly caters for those that enjoy local produce with a completely plant-based menu — the amazing dishes might even convert a carnivore!
Looking for a more hearty lunch? Visit Garbiëlskloof Restaurant in Botrivier. Their variety of dishes and seating arrangements cater for foodies and families. Alternatively, the laidback village of Stanford allows for the long lingering lunches with loved ones, with both Cafe Stanford and Egret & the Owl Book Cafe allowing for intimate gatherings bonded over good food and wine.
If you’re celebrating something special, or wanting a unique food adventure, the following places should satisfy your craving: Char’din Hermanus is ideal for any meat lover; the table candles of rendered fat become the dip for your freshly made bread, followed by an array of hearty dishes. Forage at Wildekrans in Botrivier is best for ‘making an impression’; each dish is colorful and curated through a full performance. The Manor House Restaurantoffers beauty beyond just their plates, with the fine views a perfect accompaniment for the wine, this is a wonderful way to appreciate the senses. Creation Tasting Rooms in Hermanus also offers an immersive food experience. With their 6-course menu, along with the breath-taking views of mountains, vineyards and fynbos gardens, Creation is a full sensory experience on its own.
How to SEE the Cape Overberg
One of the most incredible and unique sightings in the Western Cape is buried in the continent’s most southern point. Cape Agulhas is the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans (no, it’s not Cape Point).
The Wine Route, along the R320, boasts more than just its vast array of wine farms. It is also famous for its uninterrupted views of the valley. You can also enjoy a different perspective on horse-back at Cloud's End.
To see history and snapshots of the past, head over to the Kilpgat cave near De Kelders, Gansbaai. The spectacular limestone rock formations, artfully sculptured by nature into window-like openings led to the name Klipgat (stone with a hole). It offers incredible views over the Walker Bay coastline and Die Plaat.
How to HEAR the Cape Overberg
While your coastal journey may be filled with the sounds of seagull squawks, the Overberg is filled with a variety of natural life and all its sounds. A visit to Stoney Point in Betty’s Bay is a must. This is a breeding colony to the Jackass Penguin where you can take a stroll and watch them going about their daily business.
Hermanus has become renowned for their whales and marine life. Normally, every September hosts a celebration of the return of the southern right whales to the coastal waters of Southern Africa. The annual festival raises awareness about marine life conservation and protection of whales. However, you can go whale-spotting along Walker Bay anytime between June and December.
How to SMELL the Cape Overberg
Although the Overberg is blessed with sea-side towns, the in-land nature reserves offers alternative smells of nature. With over 1600 identified species of indigenous Fynbos, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus is an absolute must! TheCaledon wild flower garden is also world-renowned and has annual show every September to display the abundant array of indigenous wild flowers.
How to FEEL the Cape Overberg
You’ve now spent a lot of time sitting, eating and watching all this incredible region has to offer, it’s time for a nice change to your itinerary with some actual activity and movement. To feel the burn of the Overberg, be sure to visit the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, offering 1-2 day hike trails. Alternatively, the Palmiet River walk, starts 100m on the Betty’s Bay side of the bridge, is a good introduction. The walk is an easy three hours up the river, but permits are required and can be purchased at the offices at the start of the trail. For a Sunday stroll, Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, just outside Pringle Bay, allows for lovely short walks for young and old. Disakloof, in particular, is a gentle walk for when the wind is blowing! If you are insistent on a chilled holiday, there is always the option of a ‘nice long walk along the beach’ in any of the coastal towns (although, the only burn felt here would be from the sun, so remember to wear a hat and some sunscreen).
Alternatively, to completely lose feeling in your body, take a dip into the deep blue waters of Gansbaai with some shark-cage diving. This suggestion is for the adventure lovers and adrenaline junkies as ‘Shark Alley’ is home to the densest population of Great White sharks in the world!
How to get in touch with your 6th SENSE in the Cape Overberg
To treat the soul and body, visit one of the many spas and retreats that bless the Cape Overberg region. The Marine Hermanus is a hotel located on the cliffs with breathtaking views of the sea. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in Gansbaai is a 5 star private game lodge that showcases its surrounding dramatic landscapes. As their names would suggest, the Arniston Spa Hotel and Arabella Hotel Spaalso offer a great getaway with pampering.
Described as a ‘sancuary for the spirit’, Bodhi Khaya in Gansbaai offers a more personalized stay to replenish your soul.
There is so much more to do in the Cape Overberg!
For more information, visit: https://www.wesgro.co.za/trave...
