Lying between the Cape Peninsula and the Garden Route, the Cape Overberg is known as the ‘breadbasket’ of the Cape, because of its wheat fields and large harvest of fruits.
This is a place that boasts great diversity with coastal towns such as Hermanus, known as the jewel of the Cape Whale Coast for its abundance of marine wildlife, the beautiful Elgin Valley, an under-appreciated wine region, and Swellendam, a jaw-dropping beautiful natural wonderland, combing to create a region unlike any other. The region, of course, continues to grow and in 2020, there are some awesome new and unique experiences to enjoy, which you can explore below.
Ficks Hermanus
An awesome addition to the local restaurant scene in Hermanus. Ficks is an outdoor eatery right on the sea, with wrap-around decks overlooking the sparkling tidal pool of the same name. The eatery and wine bar has brought new life to the 1930s tidal pool, inviting guests to unwind and soak up the serene ocean scenery. Conceptualised by Netherlands trio Joke, Just and Daan Gonggrijp, who own Dutchies Restaurant on nearby Grotto Beach, Ficks has quickly become a staple for locals and visitors alike.
Website: http://www.ficks.co.za
Glamtrails
Glamtrails offers walking tours amongst the fabulous vineyards of the verdant Hemel & Aarde, designed to stimulate, refresh, entertain, and inform. Trails are interwoven with historical narratives, fabulous food and wine tastings and incredible vistas that equally inspire excellent conversation or quiet contemplation.
The routes can be completed in a matter of hours, some a short stroll, others an uphill hike, each offering a unique experience.
Take a meander through valleys and vineyards, up hills and mountain tracks, along farm roads and through incredible fauna and flora unique to the Western Cape. Picnic in vineyards, have a post-hike meal at a world-class restaurant, or just sit back and relax with a glass of award-winning wine.
Website: https://www.glamtrails.co.za
Honey Rock Cottages
Honeyrock Cottages and Venues are situated outside Kleinmond, with the Kogelberg Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean framing the view. A wedding, events and conference venue or just a country breakaway, this is the perfect venue for it all.
Website: https://honeyrockcottages.co.za/
Overlandy Tours in Gansbaai
A fun-filled off-road outdoor excursion in Walker Bay Nature Reserve in Gansbaai. Enter Walker Bay Nature Reserve as a first stop is the beautiful and fascinating Klipgat caves. These caves offer a glimpse into the life of early man and the wild cliffs and rock formations make for great photography.
The real fun begins from the caves as you make your way down a sandy, twisty off road trail through the fynbos to the edge of the magnificent white sand dunes. You will have some time to enjoy the beauty of the late afternoon on the sand dunes before before heading down towards the point where the rugged, rocky limestone cliff faces and ever changing beaches off the Atlantic Ocean meet.
The 4x4 trail follows a series of rocky outcroppings separated by beautiful secluded beaches. Along this trail your guide will show you a few of his favourite beaches and hidden spots for spectacular photo opportunities worthy of any Insta profile... This is where your guide will set up your optional "Local is Lekker" platter for you to enjoy surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Website: https://overlandy.co.za/
New Mountain Bike Trails
There are a number of new routes to ride in Kleinmond, with the Kleinmond bicycle club having secured permission to cycle through privately-owned land between Arabella and Kleinmond. Only members of the club or valid permit-holders can use these routes, so please contact the club for more information. The new routes in the area are:
Black Route 34.2km with 474m elevation
Red Route 23.16km with 227m elevation
Green Route 13.13km with 109m elevation
Contact: christine@njrfarm.co.za for more details.
Summer Concerts at the Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre
One of the most unique settings in the Western Cape, the Paul Cluver Amphitheatre is a 600-seater arena, surrounded by a towering Eucalyptus forest. Intimate and feeding off the natural beauty of the Cape Overberg, the amphitheatre provides an incredible setting for a series of open air concerts throughout the summer. Featuring prominent local acts like Elvis Blue and Watershed, it’s a great experience for the entire family.
Website: https://www.cluver.com/calendar/
Tri Active tours
Tri Active has been a driving force behind the Elgin Valley revival with their knowledge of the area and collaboration with a range of experiences providing visitors with truly amazing and unique experiences. This year they have put together some seriously amazing tours for visitors to book.
Tastes of Elgin Valley
Spend the day on tasting your way through this splendid valley. Experience authentic and personalized interactions with property owners, wine makers, chefs and activity owners. Highlights include tea tasting, beer and cider tasting, wine & nougat tasting, country style lunch platters and much more.
Insiders View to Elgin
Travel is so much more exciting when you get to feel like a local and Elgin Valley an Insider’s View does exactly that. Explore some of the real gems in the area, meet the locals and get to experience some hands-on experiences. Highlights include a brandy tour and tasting, the Elgin Railway Market, make your own apple pie, stroll through a vineyard maze and enjoy locally produced wines.
Elgin Valley Adventure
The Elgin Valley is quickly becoming home to some seriously cool adventure activities and this tour is a showcase of this and more. Highlights include a 4x4 experience in the mountains (with lunch), clay pigeon shooting, and a leisurely walk through the orchards before enjoying a food and wine pairing
Website: https://triactive.co.za
This is just a sample of some of the incredible experiences to enjoy in the Cape Overberg, A place of great diversity, there is so much more on offer. Just an hour from Cape Town, it is a region ripe for exploration.
