The Cape Overberg Region is a special part of South Africa’s Western Cape province. Here, unspoilt beaches, rich birdlife, rolling farmlands and impressive mountains reign supreme.
With diverse, beautiful landscapes (home to some of South Africa’s most unique, rare flora and fauna), wonderful accommodation and eateries and plenty of indoor and outdoor fun for all ages, the Cape Overberg Region is one of the best parts of South Africa to explore.
Whether you love getting out in nature or visiting cosy town markets, this special region has something fun for all.
Here are are the top ten things to do in the Cape Overberg Region:
#1 Explore De Hoop Nature Reserve
Arguably one of the most incredible attractions in the Overberg Region is the De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is also home to the famous Whale Trail hike.
De Hoop is one of the largest natural areas in South Africa. This gorgeous reserve is situated some three hours’ away from Cape Town and is a favourite among hikers, cyclists, bird- and whale-watchers and nature lovers alike.
With the neighbouring marine reserve, which extends 5km out to sea, De Hoop Nature Reserve is a freeing, beautiful part of our country.
It is also home to one of the best hiking trails in the Whale Trail. This five-day trail, which offers lovely, self-catering accommodation for each of the five nights, is one of the best coastal and mountain hikes in the world.
If you are not brave enough to tackle the 55-km Whale Trail hike, then why not enjoy wildlife or seasonal whale watching, swimming, MTB trails and other day hikes in this spectacular reserve?
For entrance fees and opening times, please see here.
Contact: +27 (087) 087 8250, (bookings) reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Website: www.capenature.co.za/reserves/de-hoop-nature-reserve
Address: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Go for a Gansbaai Horse Ride
With Pearly Beach Horse Trails in Gansbaai, you can check your dream of riding a horse in nature off your bucket list! This popular tour company offers a range of incredible trails – everything from the mountain fynbos trail to sunset and full moon trails – for riders to enjoy.
The trails are suitable for all levels of riders, so novices and experienced riders alike are welcome.
At R900 per person, this 2.5-3-hour riding experience is good value for money and provides you with a memorable experience, which includes photo/drone/GoPro video package (when possible) as well as light refreshments.
For more information on trails and bookings, please see here.
Contact: +27 (083) 427 5674, info@pbhorsetrails.co.za
Website: pbhorsetrails.co.za
Address: Pearly Beach Horse Trails, Portion 1, Farm 321, Kleyn Hagel Kraal, Gansbaai, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Enjoy (Seasonal) Whale Watching
While Hermanus is certainly considered the whale watching capital of South Africa and offers arguably the best whale watching opportunities around – there are many other places throughout the Overberg Region where you can chance to see whales during the whale season (usually June – November).
De Hoop Nature Reserve is another fine place for enjoying whale watching but most coastal-lying places, including De Kelders, Pearly Beach, Kleinmond and Gansbaai also allow you to spot these majestic mammals.
Contact: +27 (028) 313 8038/5022, capewhalecoast@overstrand.gov.za
Website: whalecoast.info/whale-watching-cape-whale-coast
Address: Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Visit a Local Town Market
Many Overberg towns – including Greyton, Stanford and Hermanus – have popular markets you can visit and enjoy.
There is also the innovative Elgin Railway Market, a steam-punk-inspired market that is popular among a variety of travellers and great for all ages.
Each of these markets offers their own unique offerings, experiences and fun for all ages. Whether you stock up on take-home goodies, browse the varied stalls or feast on foodie finds, these Cape Overberg markets are sure to delight.
For more information on Cape Overberg Markets, please see here.
Website: capemarkets.co.za
Address: Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Tackle Incredible MTB Trails
From Elgin to verdant Swellendam, the Cape Overberg Region offers some of the best MTB trails you will find anywhere in South Africa – and indeed, the world!
Almost each Overberg town, from Greyton to Hermanus, has some excellent MTB trails or facilities for riders to enjoy.
Here are some of the most notable trail networks for keen riders to enjoy:
- Klipspringer MTB (Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy)
- Grabouw Forest Trail Network
- Greyton MTB Trails
- Hermanus (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley) Trails
- Oak Valley Estate and Elgin Valley
- Swellendam Trails (various)Website: www.trailforks.com/region/overberg-district; www.visitswellendam.co.za/mountain-bike
Address: Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Enjoy a Waterfall Hike in Swellendam’s Marloth Nature Reserve
Hidden in the beautiful Marloth Nature Reserve in Swellendam is the scenic Duiwelsbos hiking trail, which leads to a special waterfall.
This 2-km hike takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete and is generally suitable for children and adults to enjoy together.
The waterfall and pool that lies below it are wonderful to discover and reward you with pure natural beauty after your sweat-inducing hike.
Along the way, you can enjoy the rich beauty of Marloth, with its many trees, mossy rocks and crystal streams.
Note: A Cape Nature hiking permit is required for this hike. This can be purchased from the Marloth office. For more info, see here.
Contact: +27 (028) 514 1410; (accommodation and permits) +27 (087) 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Website: www.capenature.co.za/duiwelsbos-devilishly-delightful-hike
Address: Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Ride the Sand Dunes in Gansbaai
With Fatbike Tours, young (ages 8 and up) and old can enjoy riding the sand dunes of De Kelders, near Gansbaai.
There is the Sand Dunes Trail (which takes you from Grootbos Nature Reserve down the mountain to the sand dunes) or the Dunes Sunset Tour, which rewards you with special sunset memories.
These fun tours offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride sand dunes on comfy, durable Fatbikes.
Tours include basic necessities, such as the Fatbike, transport to the dunes, high quality photos, light refreshments and reserve fees etc.
For more info or to book a tour, please see here.
Contact: +27 (082) 466 4519, info@fatbiketours.co.za
Website: www.fatbiketours.co.za/fatbike-trails
Address: Fatbike Tours, 63 Ingang Street, De Kelders, Gansbaai, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 Explore Local Wineries: From Elgin to Hermanus and Beyond
Another thing the Cape Overberg Region offers is incredible wineries. These span from Elgin to Hermanus and beyond.
There are a variety of different wine routes to enjoy in the Cape Overberg Region. These include the following:
- Elgin (famed for its cool climate wines)
- Stanford
- Bot River
- Hermanus
- Theewaterskloof
- Elim/Agulhas/Malgas
Each of these unique wine routes offers a lovely array of wine farms, with different activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Many of the wine farms also offer on-site restaurants, accommodation and beautiful gardens for exploring too.
Contact: +27 (060) 395 6565, hanlie@thewineguides.co.za
Website: overbergwine.com/wine-routes
Address: Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Enjoy a Private Visit to Klein River Cheese
Another excellent Overberg attraction is Klein River Cheese. Here, on this peaceful farm, you can enjoy quality time in the countryside with your friends and family.
This popular farmstead can be visited by appointment only so no walk-in visitors and picnics are permitted. (Note: Their retail space now calls Walker Bay Estate and Birkenhead Brewery home.)
The farm kindly hosts seasonal and exclusive events so keep an eye on their social feeds for these exciting offerings.
Contact: +27 (028) 341 0693, info@kleinrivercheese.co.za
Website: kleinrivercheese.co.za
Address: Klein River Cheese Farmstead, Route 326, Stanford, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Go Shark Cage Diving
Last but far from least we have the try-it-if-you-dare shark cage diving opportunities that one can enjoy in the Cape Overberg Region.
Gansbaai is known as the Great White Capital of the World so it is no surprise to learn that shark cage diving is an adventurous activity that thrives in and around this area.
There are a variety of tour operators who offer adrenaline-inducing tours (not for the faint-hearted…), including Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai, Marine Dynamics and White Shark Cage Diving to name a few.
If you are brave enough to get in the waters (albeit in a cage) with these Great White Sharks, then you will probably love this unique experience.
Tour pricing and offerings vary, so please contact the tour operator of your choice for more information and pricing.
Address: Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.