Overberg region

In order to advance further east from South Africa's first settlements on the Cape, one had to go "over the mountain", a fact that gave the Overberg region its name. It includes the section known as the Whale Coast from Bettys Bay via Hermanus and Cape Agulhas to the De Hoop Nature Reserve, but also the very fertile hinterland with many wheat fields, fruit plantations and vineyards, which is bordered by mighty mountain ranges. One night should be spent in this region, in the whale season from June to November even two nights can be useful.

Bettys Bay to Hermanus

Like the famous Boulders Beach near Cape Town, a colony of spectacled penguins has settled on the rocky coast at Bettys Bay, but it is nowhere near as crowded with visitors. The small snow-white beach nearby is reminiscent of the Caribbean. The entire coast of the Overberg region is perfect for whale watching from June to November. Hermanus is the "whale capital" of the country, and the paths along the cliffs offer first-class views of the marine mammals. Whale-watching boat trips also depart from here, which are allowed to get as close as 50 meters to the animals. The Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers long, snow-white beaches and the Klipgat Caves, which are well worth seeing. Other nature reserves such as Kogelberg or Fernkloof offer unique hiking opportunities through the native fynbos vegetation.

Cape Agulhas to De Hoop

The eastern coastal section of the Overberg region is much less populated. There are usually very few tourists here. Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point in Africa, the memorial plaque and the striking lighthouse are popular photo opportunities. Things are much quieter here than at the rather overcrowded Cape of Good Hope. In the De Mond Nature Reserve, you usually have nature and the snow-white beach to yourself. The small fishing village of Arniston with its famous Waenhuiskrans cave offers beautiful snow-white sand dunes and bright blue sea. The highlight is the De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is quite remote. A visit here is almost only possible if you have a whole day available with two overnight stays. Visitors are rewarded with unique fynbos vegetation, snow-white beaches, smaller wild animals such as ostriches and antelopes and, from June to November, whales in the ocean. A real curiosity is one of South Africa's last man-pulled floating pontoons across the Breede River at Malgas.

The hinterland

Overberg's hinterland is the breadbasket of South Africa. Endless wheat fields, orchards and vineyards are only bordered by the mighty Hottentots Holland Mountains in the west and Riviersonderend Mountains in the north. Swellendam, the third oldest town in the country, is located here. Some historic buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style have been converted into a museum complex. The two small towns of Genadendal and Greyton are also exciting. Genadendal was a German mission station, the church and the adjoining residential and farm buildings are listed buildings and can be visited as a museum. Greyton is a small artists' and drop-out village with nice cafés and boutiques. The region also offers hikers smaller nature reserves with typical fynbos vegetation.