“The greatest part of a road trip is not arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens in between.”
– Emma Chase
Day 1: Elgin Valley
Just over an hour from Cape Town, the Elgin Valley is an underrated gem - an adventure traveller’s dream with wine thrown in for good measure.
TRY the Cape Canopy Zip lining
Start your day with high adventure – and we mean ‘high’. The Cape Canopy zipline in the Hottentot’s Holland Nature Reserve is high-flying fun as you make your way down a total of 11 slides, the longest being 320m, taking in the beauty of your surroundings from an aerial vantage point. Open to ages 5-75, this is something the whole family can enjoy.
RIDE by Quad Biking Waterfall Trail
There are a number of quad biking options on offer in the valley, but this three-to-four hour waterfall trail is undoubtedly the most popular one. The 30km tour takes you to the Old Gantouw Pass Wagon Trail, which was used by the Dutch and British settlers as a wagon for over 150 years.
EAT at Hickory Shack
In the tradition of Texas-BBQ cooking, Hickory Shack has created a smokehouse in Elgin Valley, where wood-fires and blue smoke set the perfect moment for the pit-masters craft. Electric smokers are never used here, only local wood and organic chips with a frim belief that only time will serve the cut. A popular stopover for weekend warriors making use of the valley, Hickory Shack is quickly becoming the place to be in Elgin.
WINE at Almenkerk Wine Estate
Art @ Almenkerk is an experience based sculpture garden and gallery that finds its home at the award winning Almenkerk wine estate. Overlooking the picturesque Elgin Valley, here you will experience the perfect combination of art and wine at its best.
STAY at Trails End Bike Hotel
Trail’s End is the perfect base to relax and have fun exploring the delights of the Overberg with family and friends or to use as a training ground for your next race! Set up with cyclists, runners and triathletes in mind, this funky hotel has everything you could ask for and more.
Day 2: Greyton & Genadendal
EXPLORE Greyton on Retro Rides
Hire a retro bicycle and explore the town of Greyotn on theseon stylish bicycles. Park your ride and enjoy lunch at the quaint Brewers Bistro Restaurant, at The Old Potters Inn.
PITSTOP
Genadendal Historic Village and Museum is a mere 6km from Greyton. To visit Genadendal’s church square, Die Werf, is to journey back in time. It boasts both a watermill in working condition and a fascinating museum that gives visitors insight into life in Genadendal centuries ago.
STAY at The Old Potters Inn
Nestled among the oaks, this charming 1830 heritage building - once a pottery - now offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation.
Day 3: Hermanus
EXPLORE with Hermanus Wine Hoppers
Hop-on Hop-off safari-style and discover the boutique wineries of the beautiful Hemel & Aarde Valley in a truly unforgettable way.
DINE at Creation Wines
The story of Creation Wines is as old as the hills - dating back to when Mother Nature created South Africa's beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde. Enjoy carefully crafted cuisine with some of the best wines, while taking in the gorgeous surroundings.
DRINK at Verona’s
Depart for Zwelihle and stop at Verona’s for umqombothi (a local beer which is made from maize, maize malt, sorghum malt, yeast and water).
LEARN with Heart of Abalone
Drive through New Harbour and stop at Heart of Abalone. Here you will learn more about the South African abalone and why Abalone Farms are necessary. Tastings can be arranged on request.
EAT at Stanford Manor
Enjoy contemporary country cooking prepared by the talented Manor House kitchen team at this popular Overberg restaurant. The food can be best described as wholesome and traditional.
STAY at Stanford Hotel
Built in 1920 and situated in the heart of the village, the Stanford Hotel has remained true to its original era both in decor and furniture. It is the oldest existing business in Stanford.
Day 4: Stanford & Gansbaai
TASTE at Klein River Cheese
All cheese is made using age-old artisanal methods on the Klein River Farmstead in Stanford. They only use locally sourced, pasture-fed cow’s milk that is pasteurized according to legislation, enjoy a cheese tasting or picnic while kids have fun on the rolling lawn and kid play area.
EAT at Sir Robert Stanford Estate
Situated on the southern slopes of the Klein River Mountains and overlooking the peaceful village of Stanford, this historic estate is immersed in Cape Overberg history. An environmentally friendly approach to farming includes a Biodiversity and Wine Initiative Championship Award.
EXPLORE De Kelders Freshwater Drip Cave
The cliffs of De Kelders are a geological wonder and home to a number of ancient limestone caves. The Drip Cave or 'druipkelder' (as it is called by locals) is located under a natural spring and large amounts of fresh water percolate through its limestone floor to form crystal clear, natural pools.
STAY at Saxon Lodge
You can unwind and feel at home in one of their spacious, individually decorated en-suite suites or rooms, all with private entrances, some with their own verandas.
Day 5: Gansbaai & Elim
RIDE with Fat Bike Tours
This is the ultimate ride! Starting in the Grootbos nature reserve down the mountain to the top of the Sand Dunes, it’s basically all downhill and loads of fun! The trail to the dunes is special, running on a narrow sandy horse trail through the Fynbos, with epic views and big downhills to keep you on your toes.
EAT at Coffee on the Rocks
Relax and enjoy delicious coffee, freshly baked goods and wholesome cuisine at the coffee shop and bistro with the best view on earth. This is the go-to spot for land-based whale watching and you’re virtually guaranteed a sighting.
LEARN with Nuwerjaars Guided Tour
Nuwerjaars Guided Tour gives you the opportunity to view game that has been reintroduced to the Agulhas Plain after 100 year absence. The trip takes two hours and showcases buffalo and other fauna and flora.
STAY at Black Oystercatcher
The four Black Oystercatcher Cottages are beautifully furnished with king-size beds or two single beds and private bathrooms. In the chilly winter months two cottages feature an inside fireplace in the lounge area.
